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| Our children at the Pocono House |
Although we never camped outside in the wintertime, we would take the family to the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania seeking snow. Usually we’d leave December 27th for a short respite after the Christmas rush. We rented a small home and needed our camping skills to make it work.
Sleeping bags for the children tucked into a loft. Sharing food preparation and clean-up. Yes. It takes longer, but how else can Mom find a break. Hide and go seek with a flashlight at night. Star gazing in a crystal clear night sky. Snow gear and sleds crammed into the van, tobogganing and sledding down the local hill. Ice skating and sliding on the frozen lake. Check to see how long temperatures have been below freezing before venturing out on a lake. Also check for cracks on the ice surface.
Yes, we hiked in the wintertime, snow covering the mountainside of Hickory Run StatePark, ice coating the tree branches, icicles clinging to waterfalls. Keeping feet dry is a must when hiking in winter. Snow/ski pants, thick socks, and waterproof boots are not just for skiing. When hiking in winter use layers of clothing and wear a hat. We lose most of our heat through exposed heads. Gloves are a great idea, too.
For just a few days, we had no computers or cell phone checking. It’s a good idea to attempt this kind of break at some time. A chance to rediscover what it means to actually be a family.
Merry Christmas to everyone. May you all have a healthy and happy 2014.
Never went on a winter camping trip, but you make it sound like lots of fun:)
Thank you so much, Marie, for visiting my Camping with Kids blog. Whenever my family finds time to get away, it becomes an adventure. And yes, it is fun. Thanks again for stopping by. Merry Christmas!
Star gazing without light pollution is a fantastic sight not many city dwellers ever experience. My best night skies have been on sailing trips from the Shetland Islands to the Orkney Islands in the North Sea.
I don't think I would fancy venturing out onto a frozen lake though no matter how long temperatures had been below freezing.
Bill
http://walksintameside.co.uk
I love star gazing, Bill. The best skies we've seen as a family were in the western United States, particularly Utah and Montana. It must be awesome sailing the North Sea. Have you ever seen the Northern Lights?
We usually stay in one of the mountain developments where their swimming lake freezes in winter. It's not too deep, but we usually wait for the locals to be out on it first. I'm still lookin for pools of water, cracks, or squishyness, though.
Thank you so much, Bill, for visiting my Camping with Kids blog. Happy Holidays!
That sounds amazing! It would be great to just go away without having to worry about cell phones and electronics. Gone were the days when we didn't need them to get by in life. Hopefully this will be something I can do with my family one day.
It is important to put away the distractions in life–at least once in a while–to enjoy being with the family.
Thank you so much, Michelle, for visiting my Camping with Kids blog. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!