I recall you having problems with your hands in the past Dave.
I recall you having problems with your hands in the past Dave.
"I like grits,because they have no bones" Chet Atkins
Got time to breath, you got time for music - Brisco Darlin
this is my plan too. Friday will be the test, if I do fine and stay warm during the day/night I’ll stick it out. Otherwise I have the option to exit on Sat. I don’t have prevailing health concerns but easy to get frostbite in those temps if you can’t stay warm and out of the wind.
For those that are wondering. That's ME in picture after all of the holiday meals this year!
I don't remember you taking that shot of me but I guess that makes sense since I didn't travel into the future with you so I haven't been there yet....but...I'm in the pic so I guess I WAS there but haven't been there yet? (need to brush up on my space/time continuum theories...)
Sounds like you're hypothermic already
"I like grits,because they have no bones" Chet Atkins
Here are the pics I promised.
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The bivy section covers my head and attaches to the insulated Bridge Pod with zippers. Here it is shown with the top vent open. I tested it closed last night. The center of the bivy is pulled up to the ridge line to make entry and exit easier. It can be raised or lowered from inside, and I sleep with the white Zorb fabric just a few inches above my face.
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It's small - not for claustrophobes. To get in or out, the side of the gray Bridge Pod would be unzipped and folded back.
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When I wake up, I unzip three sides and fold the bivy back over the head end of the hammock to brush off ice or let liquid condensation evaporate. I find I can do that while still in the hammock. The white Zorb layer absorbs some condensing water and passes vapor through, so it doesn't rain or snow on my face.
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Not a whole lot of frost on the bivy this morning. Some fell off outside the hammock. One night last week the outside temp was 15° F. and it was 25° F. inside, and there was a lot of frost. The wind speed can make a big difference in heat transfer.
Many thanks to Shug for inspiration!
Bringing Ranger Holland's post back up.
She made this post on Tuesday, so the 8" of snow would have been Monday. I doubt there's been much melting.
She said, "The forecast is calling for somewhere between a dusting and 1-3" on Friday."
I'm sure GHSP will be plowing the road, but there will still be a layer of packed snow/ ice on the roads.
I'm thinking there is about 1000' elevation gain between the Ranger station and the campground so it's a considerable incline, going up and coming back down.
I have been there a number of times in years past were there was clear difference in the snow/ ice between the campground and the ranger's station. It can be dicey.
Maybe Ranger Holland can chime in with an update on road conditions in the park and Hwy 58, leading into the park.
I too will something make and joy in it's making
VDoT was able to get 58 fairly clear before the temps dropped yesterday, so getting to the park shouldn't be an issue. The park road has ice patches up to Sugarlands Overlook but between there and Massie Gap is frozen slush and we actually have the road above the office closed today. Thursday is supposed to warm up to nearly 40 and we're hoping that the salt VDoT put down will thaw some of the ice by mid day so we can start working on those areas. The good thing is that the section that still is still icy doesn't have the steep dropoffs like the hill just before Sugarlands Overlook so isn't nearly as dangerous. I'll keep posting updates as I can.
Also, the porta-jon was delivered yesterday before everything froze and Joe has been working to make sure the campground road and parking areas are clear for y'all.
Have fun but take the cold extremes serious.
Be aware of the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
Not trying to scare anyone away from a challenge, just want everyone to be smart about these temps and wind.
I too will something make and joy in it's making
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