Planning Trek One for 2014

The weather has been colder than normal, and we have gotten about 61 inches of snow this season. That's about five times what we got last year and better than double a normal year.

The snow is creeping up to my dormer window. Cabin fever has set in. So what to do?

Planning the Next Trek

That's what we are doing. Questions to be answered include:

• Where to go.
• When to go. 
• How to get there.

For the present, we are hunkered down here in the Midwest. Last year we had about 12 inches of snow. In a typical year we get about 26 inches. This year we have 60 inches and counting. What a bounty! It seems I'd have to drive about 1,000 miles to get to good weather, and on the route I'd pass through more snow and ice. 

A few weeks ago, returning from a business trip to California, the temperature when I got off the plane and stepped out of O'hare Airport was 80F colder. Shazam! Now that will wake one up. 

I've been in Wyoming in the winter, experienced -65F wind chills in Iowa and so I can't say this is all that arduous a winter. Here in the Midwest, we get to experience this from time to time. No Biggie! Of course, for Tom Skilling this is an even bigger bounty. Here's my formula. Take whatever Mr. Skilling says and pick the low number. Over time that will be closer to reality. For example, 2 to 6 inches of snow "predicted?" Then use 2 inches and look outside in the morning. 

However, I must admit that it is somewhat daunting to plan a trek in the warm sunshine under these conditions. Yet, Spring is only 36 days away. What I am experiencing each day is temporary and fleeting. I'm of the opinion that when we get to 30 days, that will mark the commencement of the "downhill run." Yes, I know, the arrival of Spring, as marked by March 20 does not mean the arrival of good weather. That is not news. When I was a small child we would sing nursery rhymes and other ditties. I recall "April showers bring May flowers." When I was a child I thought everyone was insane; we didn't see flowers in any abundance until June. Then there was that song from "Easter Parade." It spoke of parades, clover and bonnets. We were hunkered down and walking around in boots.  To wear one's spring best for Easter was an invitation to jack frost to chill your bones and for cold and soggy socks. 

       Easter Parade
       In your easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it,
       You’ll be the grandest lady in the easter parade.
       I’ll be all in clover and when they look you over, I’ll be the proudest fellow in the easter parade.
       On the avenue, fifth avenue, the photographers will snap us,
       And you’ll find that you’re in the rotogravure.
       Oh, I could write a sonnet about your easter bonnet,
       And of the girl I’m taking to the easter parade.

Nevertheless, I am building my "to do" list and planning for that first trek.

Sprinter Camper Van - What Did We Learn?

In October, we rented a 19 ft. Sprinter camper van. This was our inauguration into campervanning! This post is the follow-up to that trek. It includes our personal assessments of the trip after numerous discussions and as a consequence of our planning for 2014 treks.

The questions we were striving to answer is this "Is a Camper Van in our future?" and "What amenities and features are essential in order for us to achieve our stated goals?"

At the completion of our trek into Utah with the 19 ft. Sprinter, the spouse and I made a list of positives and negatives. This was an appraisal of what worked, and what didn't. It included our personal opinions based on our individual perspectives about our wants, needs and desires. Obviously, some of this was the consequence of our preparation and also a reflection on our expectations, fulfilled or not. However, it's important to emphasize that the trip was a resounding success. We both enjoyed the camper van, the National Parks and the entire trek.

What Did We Learn?
Here are a few observations. A link to the detailed post about that trek is to the right.

First, about general information:

1. Our trek commenced about one week after the re-opening of the National Parks because of the government shutdown. As a consequence, the traffic was abnormal. Some businesses which serve tourists such as ourselves had already given up for the year and were closed. Our experience was not a normal one for that time of year. 
2. Weather in southwest Utah can vary substantially in the fall. Add altitude changes and temperatures will swing throughout the day.  If sunny, it was generally in the 30s at night with a daytime high in the 60s. The peak temperature was about 1:00 PM and decreased quickly after 4:00 PM. 
3. Bryce Canyon National Park was the coldest and had experienced snowfall prior to our arrival. Mid-October snow is not unusual. There was a tangible cold breeze coming across the wall and on our backs. 
4. Arches National Park was in the 40's at 8:00 AM but warmed quickly if sunshine was present. It felt downright "hot" by noon after hiking for several hours. . 
5. Arches National Park may well be the "Disneyland" of the area. Traffic can be a problem. Landscape Arch is best visited early in the morning. Later in the morning extreme driving caution is warranted in the vicinity of Delicate Arch. 
6. Canyonlands National Park was warm in the afternoon when we visited. It is by far the least visited of the national parks on our itinerary.. 
7. Clothing. Obviously, layering is essential because of the variation in daylight temperatures. Non-slip, comfortable hiking shoes are helpful/ One can expect to encounter sand, gravel, stone, possible mud and various trip hazards. 
8. We were dressed appropriately with hat, gloves, jeans, good socks, fall jacket, hoody, Polar Tec vest, both shortsleeve and longsleeve shirts available, and sun glasses. Sun screen was in our kit.  
9. Sleeping in Fall season temperatures. Either a sleeping bag, or a comforter are essential at night. 
10. Having slip-ons to avoid cold toes is helpful. I brought a pair of those hospital socks with non-slip bottoms. I used them in the evening and at night while in the camper van. 
11. We used micro-fiber towels. Definitely a plus. We also had a spare set of the cotton variety. Great for stepping on after a shower, if nothing else!
12. Use of a cooler as a staples organizer was helpful.
13. I bought various straps. Essential!
14. I also brought a light cord 1/8" x 25' and a few clips. Helpful. 
15. Having a variety of plastic bags and plastic ware for the refrigerator is helpful. 
16. We used (2) 1 gallon containers for drinking water and refilled several 16 oz bottles for use while hiking. 
17. Having a compass and binoculars is a handy thing. 

RV comments:

1. The 19 ft. Sprinter diesel was great at speeds up to 75 MPH. We seldom achieved 80 MPH. The maximum was by choice, not necessity. 
2. A toilet is essential. A larger bath space would be nice. 
3. We never used the onboard shower. This was because 1) Temperatures were moderate; 2) We didn't want to clean it; 3) We were able to hit the showers at campgrounds in the area. 
4. We'e "foodies." We like to cook and we enjoy what we cook for each other. 1) The refrigerator was minimal for our needs and we would prefer larger; 2) The food preparation area was also minimal. We switched off the breaker above the electric hot plate and used a cutting board on it as a surface. However, the flip table which was available when the sliding door was open was really handy. 3) The electric hotplate was adequate, but we have gas at home and so we have an acquired preference for gas or propane. 4) Having two hot plates available and no other means of food preparation crimped our style.