As part of the SDIC HALT Specialist training, they conduct a trip up to
the Sierras for a snow camp. I had completed the class training last
year but the trip was canceled due to lack of snow. So I had an entire
year to prepare my gear and clothing.
Early Saturday morning 5 of us
headed up to Rock Creek between Bishop and Mammoth. Rock Creek has one
of the few plowed roads that lead directly to snow so it is easy to get
to. At the trailhead, we unloaded and got ready to hit the trail. We
all had pulk sleds to haul gear which made it very easy. We started
snowshoeing parallel to the road in snow that was about 4' deep in most
places. After about a mile, we found a nice open area to camp in. We
all setup our tents and made dinner. The canyon was quite narrow and
steep so the sun disappeared very early. After getting too cold, I went
down to sleep.
The next morning we got up, made breakfast and
waiting anxiously for the sun to come over the ridge again. We then
started building quinzhees. It was hard work and I didn't think we
could get them done in time. After lunch, we took a hike up to Rock
Creek Lodge to check out their winter operations. It was a tough hike
and the lodge was mainly deserted even though it was open. Back in
camp, the snow caves got completed. However, I chickened out and chose
not to sleep in them which turned out to be a mistake.
The second
night seemed quite a bit colder than the first. The guys in the
shelters were cozy but I was cold at times in the tent. After a quick
breakfast, we tore down the shelters for safety reasons then hiked back
to the parking lot. It was a long trip back to San Diego.
Overall, I had a great time and can't wait to take the scouts on a snow camp in March.
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| At the trailhead |
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| Starting to get cold! |
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| Rock Creek |
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| Our tent |
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| Inside the quinzhee |
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