We were a little worried about potential weather issues, but as the campout came closer, snow was looking more and more likely. The boys were eager to rise to the challenge of being out in the winter conditions and Tyler and I did several training meetings on safety and preparation for winter camping. Hours before we were to depart, I received phone calls from several of the parents who were worried about the reports of this storm becoming quite severe and dumping a lot of snow. It was going to be hard to cancel our outing since this was to be our best turnout yet with 4 of the boys able to go, but we always want be safe. We decided in the end that we would head up the trail and go forward with our campout with the understanding that if the conditions become too bad, we would return immediately. This would turn out to be proving experience for the boys... in a good way.
We drove up to the trail head and one boy's dads hiked up the trail with us so he could know where we were making camp just in case anything happened. Once we got up on top of the switchbacks, we stayed on the trail to the right which took us towards the bottom of the canyon. We were fighting daylight and the imminent storm so we moved quickly. We found a nice spot on the trail about 15 minutes hike (downhill) from the truck that had open area for our tents, but plenty of tree cover as well. It was perfect! We went to work immediately setting up our tents and getting our gear covered as darkness came and snow began to fall.
After we got our tents set up, the next step was fire. The boys did a great job of gathering wood quickly and stashing it underneath tree limbs to keep it dry. In no time, we had a fire burning cheerfully as the flakes began to fall faster. We were a little worried at this point if we would be able to stay.
The snow began to collect on the tents as we fixed our meals and ate dinner. Thankfully, it began to slow down after we'd filled our bellies. The boys were awesome about keeping the fire going and working together to make sure everyone was fed and taken care of. The snow that was falling was very wet and with the coolness of the night air, they decided to head for the tent around 7:30 so they could do whatever boys do and be out of the weather. I stayed up and kept the fire going for an hour longer, making sure the storm didn't decide to snow any harder. The rate it was coming down was steady, but slow. We would definitely wake up to white ground in the morning, but we could easily make it through the night.
I checked on the boys just before turning in and they were all very warm and dry and doing well. As you've already read, these boys like to burn the midnight oil and are always awake talking, laughing, and carrying on at all hours of the night. Not this trip. I woke up around midnight and heard silence from their tent. Same thing at 2, and again at 5 when I rolled over and listened to hear any signs of life. For the first time ever on our camping adventures, all the boys slept throughout the night. They all stayed warm and didn't even notice the wet tent around them from the snow. They rocked it hardcore!
When I emerged from my tent in the morning, this is what I looked at...
Yep, we had about 4 inches of fresh and it was a bit brisk out, but we were crispy. The boys got up and felt chilled for the first time since deciding to head for the tent the night before. All of them slept great and I couldn't have been more proud of them. With the snow, we decided to scrap the hike to the waterfall this time.
We ate breakfast, packed up our gear, and headed back down the mountain. There were several runners braving the cold and snow that morning and I'm not sure who received the more surprised look as we passed each other. Haha. The sun finally came out as we walked and we had a short, but great morning hike back to the truck.
As we drove back home, I told the boys how great they did. They should be very proud of themselves for braving the elements and having a great time doing it. That's what Scouts is all about, putting your skills to the test, being brave, and learning from nature. Winter camping is always tough, but it can be very rewarding and fun when you're prepared. We had a great time!
P.S. Turns out this was also the first trip without any creepy guy showing up as well! Maybe it was the snow... The curse is lifted people! (I hope...)
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