- Estimated Cost: $20
If you enjoy camping in the summer, I invite you to try it out in a gentle but cooler setting. I can promise that there will be no mosquitoes, no bears, and great sleeping weather. You will also have a chance to experience the quiet beauty of the Superior Hiking Trail in winter.
On Fri, Jan 24 we will carpool to the Onion River Trailhead near Tofte, Mn where, after parking cars, we will hike about ½ mile to the Onion River Campsite on the SHT. For this short hike you can carry your gear in a sled (see the equipment locker) and you can leave extra gear in the car in case you need it later. On Sat we will hike up Leveaux Mtn and then on Sun hike up Oberg Mtn before returning. If you need more of a workout you could go further along the SHT and there is also cross country skiing nearby the campsite.
You will of course need clothing appropriate to the expected temperatures along with a suitable sleeping bag, pad, and tent. One can nest bags and stack pads if it looks to be very cold. To help you, the Rover equipment locker has tents, sleeping bags, mats, and stoves. Let me know if you have questions about gear.
Bring snowshoes (see the equipment locker) so that you can tamp down (sinter) the snow that will be under your tent. Self supporting tents are easiest; we can tie them down to dead-man anchors. The snowshoes will also be useful to walk the trail. If the snow on the trail is packed down you will want cleats.
You need to provide your own meals and snacks. We will demonstrate how to use alcohol stoves, jet boil type stoves, and liquid-fueled whisperlites. We will boil water from the river or melt snow. I expect there will be several types of shelters, including a hot tent and a hammock insulated for cold weather.
Great fun!
Send an email if you will join me and/or have questions.
Cost will cover gasoline and perhaps wood.