vinovampire
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For the past few weeks, I've been thinking about camping out on the eve of the Winter Solstice. I noticed that the solstice would be on a Sunday this year and it would be a new moon, which seemed like perfect timing for this trip. As the date approached, things seemed ideal. We've had a good amount of snow this year and the weather forecast for the weekend was looking ideal--clear sky, 20 degrees F, and very little wind.
On Saturday, I headed out to the location that I had picked to visit on this trip. As I approached the area, it looked magical. I just had to pull the car over at a turn-off and snap a quick picture.
Approach for the Trip, December 2014
When I got to the trailhead it was clear that nobody had been on the trail for several weeks. The snow on the trail was completely unbroken and all of the trees were heavily laden with snow.
Unbroken Trail, December 2014
I hiked for a bit and took in all of the views. The snow was deep and varied quite a bit as I walked along--some was powdery, some was wet and heavy, some was crusty. Just as I expected, it was slow going, breaking trail.
Findings Views along the Trail, December 2014
Finally, as evening approached, I started looking for a good campsite. The branches of the trees were so heavy with snow that it took a little while to find a good site. Eventually I found the perfect spot. It was nicely tucked away in a sheltered, protected spot with an amazing, open view of the sky.
Campsite in the Woods, December 2014
Sunset at Camp, December 2014
Campsite in the Woods during the Long, Long Night, December 2014
Morning View of the Sky from the Campsite, December 2014
View in the Morning on the Hike Out from Camp, December 2014
The sun set at 4:15 PM and didn't rise until 7:23 AM, so it was a long, long dark night, but really beautiful. Overnight I had an incredible view of the night sky!
There was no moon, no wind, and a perfectly clear sky for most of the night. The temperature held steady all night at a pleasant 16 degrees F. I slept with the tent door completely open so I could see the thousands of stars. It was magical!!!
I stayed up for quite a while drinking hot chocolate, watching the stars, and meditating. There was no sound. The heavy snow dampened any noises. It was interesting to not hear anything besides the sounds of my own breath. I was overwhelmed with happiness.
In the morning a layer of clouds started to drift into the area, which was great. As the sun rose there was a crazy light show of purples overhead. I made a delicious breakfast, messed around for a few hours, and then took a leisurely hike back to my car.
Overall, everything went perfectly. It couldn't have been a better way to welcome in the first day of winter. I'm looking forward to a great, cold, snowy season full of adventure. I hope all of you enjoyed this trip report, and that you get a chance to head outdoors and enjoy this winter season. Best wishes!
On Saturday, I headed out to the location that I had picked to visit on this trip. As I approached the area, it looked magical. I just had to pull the car over at a turn-off and snap a quick picture.
Approach for the Trip, December 2014
When I got to the trailhead it was clear that nobody had been on the trail for several weeks. The snow on the trail was completely unbroken and all of the trees were heavily laden with snow.
Unbroken Trail, December 2014
I hiked for a bit and took in all of the views. The snow was deep and varied quite a bit as I walked along--some was powdery, some was wet and heavy, some was crusty. Just as I expected, it was slow going, breaking trail.
Findings Views along the Trail, December 2014
Finally, as evening approached, I started looking for a good campsite. The branches of the trees were so heavy with snow that it took a little while to find a good site. Eventually I found the perfect spot. It was nicely tucked away in a sheltered, protected spot with an amazing, open view of the sky.
Campsite in the Woods, December 2014
Sunset at Camp, December 2014
Campsite in the Woods during the Long, Long Night, December 2014
Morning View of the Sky from the Campsite, December 2014
View in the Morning on the Hike Out from Camp, December 2014
The sun set at 4:15 PM and didn't rise until 7:23 AM, so it was a long, long dark night, but really beautiful. Overnight I had an incredible view of the night sky!
There was no moon, no wind, and a perfectly clear sky for most of the night. The temperature held steady all night at a pleasant 16 degrees F. I slept with the tent door completely open so I could see the thousands of stars. It was magical!!!I stayed up for quite a while drinking hot chocolate, watching the stars, and meditating. There was no sound. The heavy snow dampened any noises. It was interesting to not hear anything besides the sounds of my own breath. I was overwhelmed with happiness.
In the morning a layer of clouds started to drift into the area, which was great. As the sun rose there was a crazy light show of purples overhead. I made a delicious breakfast, messed around for a few hours, and then took a leisurely hike back to my car.
Overall, everything went perfectly. It couldn't have been a better way to welcome in the first day of winter. I'm looking forward to a great, cold, snowy season full of adventure. I hope all of you enjoyed this trip report, and that you get a chance to head outdoors and enjoy this winter season. Best wishes!
