Nothing like preparing for a winter camp out / canoe trip. I go out to the garage, and try to sort out and find all my equipment, and it just gets to cold, so I bring it in the house. One bag at a time, hoping that there are not to many leaves and dead things wrapped up in it to get all over the carpet. Pack and repack, and think, do I really need this? Don’t leave home without it! Lucky there was no dirt or debris to fall all over the carpet.
I run through my head, the activities I will be doing and what do I need for that function. Sleep (most important), Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, wood blankets, check. Clothes. Two day trip, take 5 days worth of clothes. Two days, 6 pairs of wool socks. Two days, 6 pair of long underwear bottoms. Two days, 6, insulated polyester shirts. There seems to be a pattern here. Hats, mittens, wool gloves, NO COTTON. All of this double waterproofed in drybags inside of dry bags.
Coffee! YES! the most important thing truly of any camping trip. I can make it without food, but without coffee, we would be calling the rangers to pick us up on the river. Menu will be very basic, dehydrated stuff so I don’t have to worry about it freezing. No Kokosing River Mud on this trip!
Two days on the Manistee River in Central Michigan are in store for me on December 3 and 4. I look forward to paddling with Stephen Fleming and anyone else that comes. It will be fun digging in the snow to make space to put up a tent. I made a little snow shovel for the boat out of a cheap one I picked up at ReStore for 3 bucks.
I have to admit, I have some apprehension about the cold, but I have done it before, I can do it again and I don’t want to miss a chance to see how beautiful Michigan is in the Winter time. So wish us well. and yes I know I should not be out without a wet or dry suit, I know all this. Gonna do it anyway. My apprehension is not to much seeing as how I am packed two weeks early.
A Good Paddling At 66! 