Some people think I'm out of my mind when I tell them I'm going "winter camping." Somehow, the idea of spending an entire weekend outdoors in freezing weather doesn't strike them as anything that would remotely be considered fun.
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| Our Campsite. A hearty fire is a must during winter camping. |
Well, you don't have to be crazy, just resourceful _ and well-prepared. Dress properly (tons of layers), bring the right gear (a good sleeping bag is essential), and build a nice fire to cook some hearty, soul-warming meals.
This weekend, I went on my annual winter camping trip with a group of Boy Scouts at Elizabeth Furnace, in the George Washington National Forest near Front Royal, Virginia. We played football, hiked to the top of Massanutten Ridge, told stories and ate some great campfire food.
We also toured the actual Elizabeth Furnace, where pig iron was made in the late 1800s. All the trees for miles around were clear-cut to keep the furnace burning. One would hardly know it today. Nature has reclaimed the area, a wonderful lesson in resilience.
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| Warming up for the big "Touch Football Bowl" |
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| Our modern, high-tech scoreboard: "We" vs. "They" |
Elizabeth Furnace is one of the places we'll visit during our hiking tour of the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah this year, although we'll be taking you there in the autumn, when the leaves are turning beautiful colors.
Find out more, and
sign up now while spots are still available.
See you on the trails.
Joseph
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| Uh, the field was rather muddy. |
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| Very muddy. This is my "uniform" post-game. |
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| Afterward, we hiked to the crest of the Massanutten Ridge. |
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| Arriving at the summit. |
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| Boy, that was exhausting. |
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| As usual, downhill is easier. |
