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November 3, 2005
Camping in the Snow!
I don't know what I've done in previous lifetimes or so far in this one to deserve the life that I'm currently living. But, I'm very greatful. At the moment, I'm curled up in a chair, eating warm chili and sipping hot apple cider, perched next to the warm wood stove, watching the snow fly outside. Could it get any better? Yes, it gets better because I was just out there playing in the snow.
I went camping in the Gallatin National Forest, specifically up a road into Mill Creek Canyon. There's a forest service campground up there called Snowbank Campground, but it was closed for the season. So we explored the road and found a nice little flat spot off the road and next to Mill Creek. It was a beautiful spot, though tucked into the black spruce and juniper trees a little too much to see most of the view. However, by climbing up the hillside from camp, we saw that we were surrounded on all sides by fantastic mountains.
We spent yesterday afternoon exploring the area. We did a short hike to what said "springs" on the map, and it turned out to be some mostly dormant springs. It appeared as if previously these were hot springs, but they weren't much more than bubbling muck now. Then we hiked up and down the Mill Creek Canyon Road, a windy, dirt forest service road. We were a bit intimidated to do any trail hikes in the forest because it's hunting season right now, and there were a lot of hunters up there. The highlight of our hike, though, was seeing a Great Horned Owl sleeping in a tree. It was facing away from us, but our presence woke it up and it turned it's head 180 degrees to look at us. We watched it curl its ear feathers up to listen to us and we saw its big yellow eyes watching us. I attempted to take a picture of it with a flash since it was almost dark out, and the owl flew away then. I felt really bad, and worse because the picture didn't turn out!
After that, we went to a place called Chico Hot Springs for dinner and to soak in the hot springs. We had perused the website beforehand, but we were surprised by how developed the place was. On the plus side, their restaurant was excellent and they have an amazing wine list. On the down side, the hot springs consists of a hot pool and a hotter pool, both very much like swimming pools. The hot water felt excellent. You had the choice of sitting under a roof or in the open air, and sitting in hot water while snow (well, it was kind of sleety) fell was just awesome. The other cool thing was that you could drink while you were in the pool, so we drank a couple beers as we soaked. This place would make a great spot to stay at if you wanted a little luxury and pampering after a big camping trip to Yellowstone National Park. And, now that I've visited, I know I'll be back to to soak in the hot water when it's cold this winter.
After that, we went back to our campsite, uphill, and into the snow. When we went to bed, we realized that it was going to be pretty snowy in the morning.
And right we were! It was c-c-c-old and snowy, and I loved it. The tent was covered in a layer of snow, and everything was blanketed and white. I was sort of scared that I was going to be cold, but I was bundled up good. Since my move from Texas, I've been slowly acquiring warm clothes. This morning, I was wearing: a hat, thermal shirt, polypro shirt, fleece jacket, soft shell jacket, hard shell jacket, gloves, thermal pants, thick jeans, liner socks, thick socks, and boots. Whew! And I think it was only about 28 or 30 degrees out.
But, we built a campfire and stood around it for a while, walked around and took some pictures of the snow and mountains, and built a miniature snowperson. Then we packed up all of our gear and headed back to the park.
Here at home, the snow is still flying. I'm in dire need of the Yaktrax that several people use and/or have recommended to run today. The good news is that I ordered them and they are on their way. The bad news is that I'm going to have prance around delicately on the snow this afternoon to run. Yesterday I ran 4 miles around my neighborhood before we went out camping. I should have brought running clothes to run up in the national forest, but, in thinking about it, I'm not sure if I would have gone since I was so cold. Now that I'm home and warmed up, I'll be able to bundle up and go back out to run. And, I'll get to return to a warm shower afterwards. On tap for today: 5 miles easy (all my miles are easy right now) and core exercises. Not too much working out. I may spin on the bike trainer later this evening, but I'm not holding myself to it!
Posted by Meghan at November 3, 2005 1:34 PM
Comments
Oh WOW. In my envir. health class today the prof said there is this theory (that i can't remember the name of) that humans crave nature for some reason. I crave it right now SOOO badly.
Posted by: Audrey at November 3, 2005 7:34 PM
I love reading your blog, Meghan! It's like taking a little vacation every time.
Glad you're back!
The Other Megan ;)
Posted by: Megan at November 4, 2005 7:25 AM
wow...sounds breathtaking! isn't is awesome how warm you can stay in a tent when it's snowing out? they're like little igloos!
Posted by: jeff at November 4, 2005 11:40 AM