"SubZero" Snow Adventure, Actual Pt 1 by Nutnfancy

Tons of snow and it's below zero. Sounds to me like a recipe for adventure and a a perfect opportunity to get out and do some more gear testing. The day is striking: pristine powder of the mountains and evergreens in the Rocky Mountains, sunshine. Taking along trusty Allie the Mountain Dog and friend Cr0cket20, we hit the frigid and snowy mountains. I take along overnight gear, many blades, some hawks (not all tested in this outing, no energy/time!), and some REAL grub for the outing. It's all carried in the excellent Kelty "Eagle 7850" tactical backpack undergoing testing (see www.amronintl.com, tell them I sent ya'). Cr0cket20 carries his share of steel too in his Kelty Redwing pack. The slope is steep and the work to make it all happen is grueling (try it sometime!), especially when the temperature drops to -10ºF when the sun leaves us. Allie shivers and I zip her into my LL Bean Primaloft jacket and she warms up, camped out on the Ridgerest pad I hiked up for her. Wood prep and firemaking becomes the priority when we establish "base camp." After some more work and energy spent, we have an awesome spirit-warming, cooking fire. Bacon-wrapped chicken, Mexican corn, beans, and rice are on the menu and we're famished. Work and family obligations prevent a multi-day adventure here which actually makes the outing tougher (no tent setup to warm up in). A long hike out is done after dark by with our much-admired Fenix and 4Sevens lighting options (discussed). A great time, a great memory. ////////////////////// Music: Licensed to TNP from www.danosongs.com