Snowshoeing in the UP, er, Southern Indi ana

“Trip report as experienced via my hiking boots.
I had spent some time before the trip trying to put together a pulk sled. I was having a difficult time finding a sled that would work, but finally found one that I thought would do. So looking at one of the on-line sites about pulk sleds, I put it all together and loaded it in the car along with all the gear I wanted to take. Since I was going to pull a sled instead of carrying it all on my back, I thought I would add a few luxury items that I wouldn’t spend the weight on otherwise. Crash arrivals at the house, we load his stuff up and head down to Bloomington to pick up ChrisM. Chris was picking up the snowshoes we were renting from IU. Again, we loaded more stuff into the car and off we go.
We arrive to Pate Hollow Trailhead and the unloaded began. I pulled out my sled and started loading it up with my gear. Putting on the snowshoes, then getting the hip belt for the sled attached proved to be an interesting sight I’m sure. All loaded and ready to hit the trail. Somewhat surprising there had been others on the trail leaving the trail somewhat trampled down which made it easy to find, but not so easy for the snowshoes nor the sled. I found the first flaw in my sled design, the poles where a little too short. I was told that I could make them shorter than what the design called for because of snowshoes instead of skiing. It was also suggested to use aluminum poles if possible because of weight. Well I told this to my husband as he sometimes has access to such materials. He did but only up to a certain length which I thought would be fine. That’s where the too short came from. They where not so short that I couldn’t make do but the sled I picked was a different matter. There’s a reason so many on line sites talk about the type of sled to use, but I couldn’t find that type on such short notice. I made many stops trying to get thing adjusted and working on making it operational. Did I mention that the trails in Indiana aren’t really sledding friendly? After only ¾ of a mile in, I decided to call it quits. There was talk among the group as to the options. It came down to the fact that I had too much stuff to carry and decided to head back to the car. Chris offered to help and off we went. When I got to the car I had decided that I would go check out a near by campground and set up camp there. The others would continue to hike and then bushwhack there way to the camping area.
It’s amazing how empty a campground can be when it’s cold outside, which I think is a good thing. I found a place where I didn’t have to worry about getting my car stuck in the snow, had a picnic table and a pit toilet close by. What a great place to make camp. I went and got firewood and started setting up camp. It was really close to the lake so I walked out a ways to check it out. It was beautiful. There were a couple of brave souls out on the lake ice fishing. Not too long before sunset, the others made there way to camp. We had a nice campfire (at least until the wood ran out) then off to bed.
The sunrise coming up on the lake was a sight to see. Everything was white and still awaiting a new day.
We packed up and headed out for breakfast. It was a good trip where I learned much about hiking in the snow.
Thanks guys for putting up with me.
last edited: 2/01/09 9:53:02 AM”

“great pictures Chris!”

“so, when did the fight start? lol”

“FYI - IU Outdoors Gear Rental (open to the public):
http://www.imu.indiana.edu/things_to_do/iuoa/gear.shtml”

“Les Stroud is so tough...

Grizzly bears wear bells so they don't startle him

he once crossed the Canadian Rockies in a loin cloth with only a hockey stick and a long neck of Moose Head Beer

he once fashioned a bivy sack out of Bear Grylls

when he needs shelter in the mountains, he triggers an avalanche and calls it a snow cave

he wipes with poison ivy

Superman wears "Less Stroud" pajamas to bed

Leaves of three leave Les Stroud be

When he puts 8 ounces and 14 ounces into his backpack, somehow it all adds up to only 10 ounces

his bowel movement is so powerful the United States Government has declared it a terrorist organization

When he hikes uphill the mountain gets tired

When mother nature calls he doesn't call back

he was bit by a rattlesnake and they immediately airlifted the snake to the med center

etc...”

“LOL”

“les stroud is so tough, a cathole digs HIM



i made that up all by mice elf”