Trillium Lake snowshoe/ First snow camp

[jgreisel]

We headed out Saturday morning for our first time camping in the snow. We decided Trillium Lake would be a good spot, since it would be our first time carrying heavy packs and snowshoeing and with the recommendation from rainrunner as a great spot for a first time snow camper.

With the warm weather (it was about 64 degrees at the sno-park at about noon), the unshaded spots were getting slushy. It was a nice trek to the lake. We saw about 20 people on the trail (a few other campers) headed in/out on the way to the lake.
A few pics on the way in:

a snowcouple in the bushes

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We found a nice spot that was close to the lake, near the dock.

Natures T.V.

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While we were setting up camp, we saw some otters playing in and out of the water.

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After setting up camp, we went to the dock for some fine dining. We even had a guest over for our first homemade backpacking meal.

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As the sun was dipping, the temperature started to as well, so we decided to make a small fire with some slightly used wood that a previous camper left behind.

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Its got pretty cold over night, but once we put every piece of clothing on that we brought, we managed to keep warm (with the addition of hand and feet warmers and a puppy heater).

Sunday morning, we woke up to a beautiful sunrise. Ate some warm breakfast and enjoyed a little coffee. Packed up and headed out.

Hoppy Easter!!

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We got back to the sno-park at noon.

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It was a great trip and boy do I feel even more muscles that I never realized existed I think it was a great spot for a first experience. Thanks again to rainrunner for the recommendation!!

[rainrunner]

We are so happy you had a good experience and excellent weather. Isn't it just a great weekend get-away? Thanks for the report.

[xrp]

Looks like fun!

What's your gear?

[jgreisel]

Looks like fun!

What's your gear?

xrp...Here is what we use for the two of us:

-Big Agnes Cabin Creek +15 Sleeping Bag - Double
-REI Trekker 1.75 Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad - Women's(x2)
-Space All-Weather Blanket
-Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Original Camp Chair(x2)-doubles as extra insulation from the ground
-Jetboil flash
-REI Half Dome 2 Plus Tent with footprint and rain fly
-Starbucks insulated coffee cup with lid(x2)-keeps things warm for ever, even in the cold temps-worked well for re-hydrated our freezer bag meals
-snowshoes from Costco(x2)
-REI polartec midweight bottoms and tops(1 set each)
-snowpants(x2)
-REI merino wool light hiker socks(1pr each)
-wigwam skisocks(1 pr each)
-REI basecamp pillow
-Keen Targhee II Mid Hiking Boots - Women's(x2)
-fleece Balaclava(x2)
-fleece lined beanie(x2)

I think that's the bulk of it, other than the 10 essentials, and some littler odds and ends. We have some cheapo packs that I got last year, as I wasnt sure how much we would fall in love with backpacking. We will replace them as money allows with something more comfortable and lighter.

All-in-all, we were pretty comfortable.