Trail Tales

5 Simple Preparation Lessons I've Learned About  Hiking

1) Comfort. This may seem like it should rank low in importance, especially if you fancy yourself a no frills adventurer who can overcome obstacles with teeth gritting.  Unfortunately, that little strap rubbing against your shoulder and that tiny pebble in your shoe are enough to bring down Paul Bunyan himself after a couple of hours.  Quadruple the degree of discomfort you feel when you start off on a hike and you'll have an idea of what it's going to feel like further down the trail.  When you stop for your first break you will be surprised how small discomforts have suddenly morphed into handicapping pain.  Before you begin, it's a good idea to have everything adjusted.  Even if it means holding up your companions, spending time getting everything adjusted at the outset always pays off by not getting held up making repeated gear adjustments further down the trail.  Make sure your socks don't have an annoying wrinkle in them, tighten up your laces and double knot them, perfectly adjust your backpack, and eliminate anything that may cause blisters and chafing.

2) Less is more.  Bringing that massive beach cooler seems like a great idea when you picture yourself living the good life at your camping/resting spot, but the mental and physical battle endured getting it there can quickly outweigh any benefits.  A heavy pack is never worth a twisted ankle which can turn things into a survival situation in a hurry.  When you pack for your excursion, always start with the most important items and work your way down (Water >Food >Warmth>...Bottle of wine).  Every ounce counts when it comes to hiking, so even the smallest item that you really don't need should be left behind.

3) Layers.  It doesn't matter what season it is, layering is extremely important.  Knowing the basic fundamentals of layering is essential, and must be considered for every part of your body.  Being soaked with sweat is always your enemy, and being too hot or too cold can be life threatening.  The same basics apply to each body part. The base layer should be thin, light and moisture wicking, followed by a thicker insulating layer such as wool, and topped by a wind breaking/water repelling shell layer  (choosing light colours for your outer layers can help you identify and remove dark coloured ticks). The reason layering is so important is because it allows you to adjust to your changing body temperature and environmental conditions by dawning or shedding layers as you go. Whatever the conditions are when you start out, it's no guarantee that they will stay that way.  Dense forest can shield the wind, rain and sun, so that when you get to a more open area you are exposed to a massive change in conditions.  Coastal versus inland areas can also cause dramatic condition changes.  Temperatures can rise and fall one season's worth depending on your activity level.  Stopping can make summer feel like winter, and going at a good pace can make winter feel like summer. If you aren't careful to adjust your layers accordingly, you can quickly encounter dangerous hypothermia or hyperthermia situations.

4) One foot at a time.  The most important part of your body in the outdoors is your feet.  Taking proper care of your feet should be your #1 priority.  If your feet hurt, you can't move, and if you can't move you're in trouble.  Most important of all is having dry feet. Wearing a sock liner is a good way of keeping your feet dry and blister free.  Make sure your footwear is comfortable and will not cause any blisters or other discomforts which can hobble you after a few hours of hiking. Waterproof and breathable are two key words in looking for footwear or almost every other type of clothing for hiking. Top things off with a set of gaiters, and you can have lightweight protection for your shins, while keeping water out of your feet.  Warmth is really only a concern in winter.  Thick wool socks over top of your sock liner, combined with insulated waterproof boots are usually enough to do the job.  During other seasons you don't want to insulate too much.  Foot sweating and wetness is more often a problem than warmth is.

5) Anticipate to hydrate.  You can survive weeks without food but only a couple of days or hours without water.  You should never overlook bringing water even on a short outing.  Water is always #1 on my packing list for any excursion.  Many hiking backpacks now have built space for a hydration pack which is often the most convenient way of carrying water.  On longer trips where bringing a large supply of heavy cumbersome water jugs just isn't practical,  consider water filtration devices, purifying tablets, or good old fashioned boiling to make use of available water sources.  You should also be attuned to recognizing the symptoms of dehydration and try not to reach even the earliest stages.

    A polar bear swim isn't the only new years hangover-curing outdoor experience.  Check out these suggestions of places to help you recover from the sins of last night/year.

Charlies Lake Lookoff

5) Charlies Lake Trail.  New Year's redemption can be found overlooking Charlie's lake. A short, but rugged 1km hike from the parking lot at Maskwa Aquatic club, leads to a spectacular place of rejuvenation. Re-fill your lungs with certified fresh organic 2016 oxygen along the steep rocky shoreline.

4) Shubie Park.  If you're in the Dartmouth area, heading to Shubie Park is your best option for a place to be seen being "just great, thanks!" (as your grimace turns into a smile).  Sure last night was a rough one, but you're still out getting exercise and seizing the new year!  ( Check out the map to find a route length that accommodates your stomach condition).

3) Point Pleasant Park. Get off on the right foot by raising your pulse in Halifax's heart.  Give a fist bump, or subtle wink and nod to any fellow party revellers who also opted for nature over nurture for the first day of 2016.

2) Long Lake Provincial Park.  If you want to get away, but just far enough that no one will notice that you look like an extra from "The Walking Dead",  explore Long Lake Provincial Park.  You can find plenty of places off the beaten path to ponder all of the amazing things you will be accomplishing in the new year once you get your voice back.

Herring Cove Lookoff

1) Herring Cove Provincial Park. Sure it might be a little chilly and snowy, but we are in Nova Scotia and nothing rings in a fresh new year like some fresh, cool salty ocean air.   It's a rugged coastal hike, but exploring this place is just easy enough that you don't have to worry about starring in a survival story when you realize your ambition doesn't match your current physiology. Check out a 360 View Here!

Happy 2016!

Top 5 Fall Hikes In The H.R.M.

This time of year, especially after the cruel joke of a Winter we have had to endure, it's almost imperative to be enlightened by Nova Scotia's great outdoors.  It's easy to have logic outweighed by ambition so take it slow, and as Frankie MacDonald says best; be prepared! Check out some tips here first.  The Victoria Day weekend is a perfect time to kick start a new year full of outdoor adventures, so here's a top 10 list to get you started:

10) Belchers Marsh Park.  This little oasis in the heart of Clayton Park may seem very un-assuming at first, but once you walk around you'll appreciate the quaint urban setting.  This unique spot is a major gathering place for all kinds of different birds and waterfowl.  If you stick around long enough you're bound to see some kind of bird you've never seen in the city before.  Stop to read about the nature and the history of the area, with signs courtesy of the Halifax NorthWest Trails Association.  At about 1.5km, a full loop on its gravel pathway can be accomplished pretty easily, making it an ideal stroll with kids.  Video

9) Fleming Park.  What Haligonian doesn't love Fleming Park?  Saying you don't like Fleming Park is like saying you hate Point Pleasant Park, which is enough to get you deported.  Whether it's a picnic, a jog, a paddle or some good old fashioned gallivanting, this place is amazing in the Spring.  Seeing everything starting to bloom at Fleming Park, makes it no wonder why it's such a popular place for weddings.  I think every Haligonian is married to Fleming Park.  Video

8) Point Pleasant Park. Each change of season means it's time for another visit to Point Pleasant Park.  You can almost see the heart of Halifax beating here.  I sometimes think that the mood of the city is a reflection of the current climate at Point Pleasant Park.  It's ideal for Jogging, walking, catching, throwing, pondering and most other verbs. Video

7) Herring Cove Provincial Park Reserve.  It may be a little early to spend a lot of time taking in views of the chilly Atlantic coastline, but if  you're a true  Nova Scotian, there's never an unacceptable time to head to the coast.  Bring extra layers, and be cautious on the wet rocky terrain.  The area stretches for about 1.5km so its' short enough to head back if things get chilly, or if your body betrays you.  Scampering along the coast here can make anyone feel like they could have been an expert rock climber if they chose to.  Ditch your cross-fit class and get your exercise here in nature's yoga studio. Video

6) Hemlock Ravine Park.  It has a heart shaped pond.  This area has been loved since Halifax's early days.  What's not to love about old-growth forest minutes from downtown Halifax? If you love Point Pleasant Park, you'll love the sans-coastline version of it too.  The ravine itself is pretty cool, and the trails are exactly like what you see at Point Pleasant.  Ideal for strolls with loved ones.  You could become another chapter in Fleming park's amorous history by proposing marriage next to the heart shaped pond. Get married at Fleming Park, have photos taken at Point Pleasant and accomplish the Halifax relationship trifecta.  Or you could just go and appreciate the absolute jewel we have here.  Video

5) Blue Mountain hiking trail.  This one requires some navigation and hiking prowess.  The area is always in flux with logging and development, so some roads and paths may lead you in the wrong direction.  Nonetheless, making it atop Blue Mountain is spectacular.  If you've never been, you're probably unaware that Halifax has such high vantage points of the peninsula.  It can be windy up there so dress accordingly, and bring some binoculars to have a look around.  Video

4) Chain Of Lakes/ B.L.T. Trails.  If you have something that has wheels and is powered by human kinetics, go take it for a rip on this converted railway trail system.  The Chain Of Lakes Trail is paved, so possibilities abound.  The B.L.T. trail is gravel.  Have a look at the maps and plan how far you want to go.  This is quickly becoming an active transportation highway, so follow the rules of the road.  Perfect excuse to dust off that new fitness tracker you got for Christmas and never learned how to use.  Video

3) Musquodoboit Trailway.  This area is for the experienced and the fit.  If you love being challenged on your hikes, this is the place to go.  The old adage that good things come with hard work is proven here.  Another one of those spots that you'll wonder how you never knew about it if you've never been.  Bring a camera and a lunch. Video

2) Polly's Cove.  If you've spent more than an hour in Nova Scotia, it usually means you've been to Peggy's Cove.  Rightfully so. It's absolutely beautiful. If you can't take a photo that gets at least 10 "likes" there, you obviously need a new camera.  What's lesser-known is the nearby hiking trails of Polly's Cove.  If you want a different perspective on Peggy's Cove, head there.  You get all the benefits of Peggy's Cove (astounding coastal beauty) without the crowds.  Peggy's Cove looks just as cool from a distance. Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom.  You'll see the area in a way you haven't seen it before. Video

1) Kearney Lake Trails.  This area is set to become part of one of the most spectacular urban parks in North America.  Haven't been there? Go.  Here's a few reasons why: 1) If you've ever been to Kejimkujik National Park, you'll be astounded to see the same kind of setting right here in our backyard.  Pristine un-touched lakes, surrounded by old-growth forest. It's something you'd normally have to drive hours to find. 2) In the Spring, without full foliage, it's easier to navigate.  For the same reason, you have more views of the lakes.  3) Unbeatable authentic hiking experience.  If you appreciate a raw, natural hike, this place has everything you've been looking for. Video

This list could easily contain many other places, and the order is merely a formality. The important thing is to get outside and get acquainted with the assets that make Halifax such a unique city.  Don't forget to share your experiences with us on Facebook and Twitter (@halifaxtrails)

My latest excursion was to a place that I had heard good things about but never been.  With a new camera begging to be taken on a tour. I decided to check it out.

 The trail, like many throughout the province, is not marked or signed very well. Once you pull onto Duncan's Cove Road, there is no hint of where the trail is other than a small gravel parking area on the side of the road near a private access road entrance. I guessed that this was where we enter even though it looked a bit sketchy.


 Right away as you walk down the main road toward the private road you get to see a glimpse of the great views you are about to encounter. The unique community of houses are also blend of classic nova Scotia coastal communities and modern architecture. The first few hundred meters might seem as though you are trespassing but once you reach the top of the hill, the beautiful rugged coastline and the rest of the trail become visible. It is a great example of some of the hidden gems that are everywhere in the province. The coastal views are as good as it gets. For a short day hike which isn't a far drive from Halifax, you'd be hard pressed to find a better spot than this.

 It was late august and the blueberry bushes which saturate the coastal Barrens were in full bloom. A few seconds of foraging bore a handful of delicious Huckleberries. My sister in law later visited here with my nephews and I received some fantastic arctic blueberry jam! (Recommended reading: "Field Guide to Edible Plants in Eastern and Central North America")

 There are a couple of world war one era lookouts which mark roughly the mid point and end point of the trail. When I reached the first lookout which only took about 30 minutes I felt like there was no need to go any further, as the views here were spectacular. My stop here probably added 20 minutes to the trip but I would advise others to do the same. I'm sure that spotting whales from here can be achieved with the proper amount of dedication and daydreaming.

 The second leg of the journey includes some really great rock climbing opportunities and great spots to watch the powerful surf up close (caution strongly advised). The trail gets more rugged toward the end and there is potential for a catastrophic fall in a couple of places if you aren't paying attention. These dangers are to be considered if you bring kids along but otherwise add to the character of the trail.

 The second lookout marks the end of the trail and again the views are spectacular. Green rocky barrens stretch as far as the eye can see to the west, blue skies and ocean as far as you can see to the east. Another great example of modern architecture lies further down the coast on what has to be one of the nicest dwellings in the province. I'm not sure which aspect of this place is the most impressive: the house, the pool, the property, or the immense rock wall surrounding the property.




 After this point the trail ends and you must turn back around and head back the same way you came. Usually I'm not a big fan of linear pathways and prefer looped trails but in this case there is so much scenery to take in, that doubling back isn't a chore.

 All in all this was another unexpectedly spectacular day trip even to someone who was born and raised in Halifax but had never been.  I recommend it to anyone who wants to see one of Nova Scotia's greatest coastal landscapes. You can snap some great photos, get back to your childhood rock climbing days, breathe in some fresh ocean air while getting top quality exercise....and end up with some fresh blueberry jam! 


For more detailed info on Duncan's Cove, visit my website.

Today (May11) I headed out to Long Lake Provincial Park, a place I’ve been quite a few times before.  My main purpose for the trip was to get some material to compile a video for the website.
My first visit to Long Lake came many moons ago when I was a young high school student, with a new bike and a keen interest in shit disturbing.  After getting kicked out of Point Pleasant Park more than a couple of times for doing some nature ravaging off-road stunts, I needed to broaden my range.  I had heard that there were some good off-road trails off of St. Margaret’s Bay Road so I phoned up a partner in crime and we headed out.  When we arrived, we were surprised to see a small parking lot and what looked to be a park that we had never seen before, yet was 15 minutes from our house.  The discovery changed everything.  No longer were parks purely for hordes of us to converge on after dusk with backpacks full of bad news.  Now we had found a place that was more fun than most illegal activities.  The trails were perfect for some serious off-road biking, and the park was so large that each excursion took us on a different adventure. 
The park has changed considerably since then.  Today it is a well known spot, popular with all sorts of people.  It’s not uncommon to see the parking lot full, and the trail head packed with people walking their dogs.  It has a Point Pleasant Park type feel when you arrive, but you can quickly escape the main area and set out into the unknown (thanks to our Province being too cheap to mark or maintain any official trails).  The spring time is typically not a good time to visit this park. As my friend pointed out a couple of weeks ago, with the snow melted, a winter’s worth of dog crap doesn’t make for a pleasant atmosphere.  I can remember the same problem with Point Pleasant, jogging in 30 degree heat, with the smell of frying dog crap greeting you, Joe Camel himself waiting for you at the finish line, and a group of “The Fast and The Furious” extras idling their cars in the parking lot as you try to catch your breath.  This place does suffer from the same dog crap stench greeting you and bidding you adue with each visit, but if you can get past the main trail as soon as possible, it offers much more room to explore and escape the crowd.
My most recent visit was another surprise, as I got on a few trails that I didn’t remember and saw some things I’d never seen.  There are some interesting rocks and plants hidden throughout the park, and if you keep an eye out you’re bound to see something cool.  The biggest surprise this time was a tent, with extensive supplies that we came upon as we were “getting our bearings”.  This tent didn’t seem to be a vacationer’s getaway, it looked to be a lifestyle choice.  We quickly backpeddled and headed out towards the Bay Road as we did not want to encrouch on the Long Lake axe-murderer’s space.
All in all it was a good spring outing, and the park looks like it’s about ready to start blooming.  Be sure to check it out if you’ve never been. Set aside enough time to do lots of exploring and bring a compass/GPS so you don’t wander in circles.

On the weekend I set out to accomplish a couple of goals, and redeem myself with the Earth. I planned on doing a long hike, and not get lost and have to spend the night in the woods, and the next day to have a successful fishing trip. 50% is a pass in my books.

The hiking trail we decided on (well after noon) was Pennant Point trail, otherwise known as the Crystal Crescent trail. I had been on this trail before with my brother, nephew, and dogs. The trail I remember is a popular one with dog walkers and didn’t seem too challenging or exciting. The trail I remember turned out to be about 10% of the full trail. The actual trail is 12k and full of amazing scenery and landscapes. I added a few pictures to my all time bests on the trip (still nothing beats the old one of a big wave crashing behind me as I stand on a rock pondering the ocean, taken with a kid’s disposable camera). The first part of the trail was boardwalks and bridges, typical beachfront trail; the remaining part is un-maintained and is a lot more fun. Anyone can think themselves a rock climbing adventurer on this trail. As I scaled large boulders and hopped nimbly from rock to rock I gloated each time I successfully did not break my ankle.

The scenery here is like Peggy’s Cove for miles upon miles. The scenery almost inspired me to break out a bottle of whisky and start singing some Irish folk songs. I spotted a couple of seals and about 10 porcupines. The porcupines seem to love the area, and I’m surprised every pooch leaving the park didn’t have quills up its nose.

There is lots of sea debris to be seen here, from extremely large buoys, to DVD cases, shoes, books, and your standard oil cans and eco-friendly plastics. I did manage to snap an unexpectedly awesome picture of a washed up lobster trap, next to an old tire.

After walking for a couple of hours, the boys and I sat on some rocks, made a fire, drank some beer and cooked hot dogs. This is what you are meant to do on this hike. There is no shortage of dry wood lying around, and it was a pleasant change from our last attempt at making a fire. We could have easily spent an hour relaxing there, but our previous experience told me to check my watch and get a move on. We set out again with a limited amount of sunlight left and a hefty part of the trail yet to go.

We walked for a few kilometres through some marshy areas, where my football training came in handy as I did the “high knees” drill through a good portion of it to avoid swamp foot. After only 2 soakers, we were through the swampy stuff and came upon the yellow sign we were looking for which directed us into the woods and eventually back to the parking lot. We weren’t sure how far it was, but I was playing it safe and assuming it was a lot further than we thought. The sun was setting and would be gone in another 15 minutes, and we were just now heading into the unknown.

I snapped a quick picture of the sunset (another one of my all time best unexpected pics) and two of us started into a jog, leaving the others on their own to scold themselves for not accomplishing more on the treadmill. The trail was ideal for jogging, and as we came out of the woods we hit a field which seemed to stretch as far as we could see. The sun was now set as we reached the peak of a hill, where we were able to see that the parking lot was in the distance. We were in a good stride, the only thing keeping us from a sprint were our ankles reminding us to be cautious. A good 30 minute jog and we were now back at the car, extremely tired. The others would no doubt be a while, and the fact that it was now dark left us wondering if we were going to have to get suited up for a search and rescue mission. A few minutes later my cell phone rings, the boys have reached our booby trap (black electrical tape tied between two trees across the trail) and were now in a creek, which we never saw. They had obviously taken a wrong turn courtesy of the same guy who lost the map in the previous excursion, with an assist from the total darkness. Even though the trail was quite easy to follow, it seems they had strayed from it, and the two of us were too tired at this point to go trekking back in, so we told them to carry on. 15 minutes later I get another call. They are down walking along the main road....somehow. I’m not sure how they ended up all the way down there, but we were all glad that the excursion was over, and didn’t result in another overnight clinic on hypothermia.

All things considered, the trip was awesome. I would recommend leaving before 3pm, bringing more beer than we did,packing some really good food and a beach towel. Bring your camera and take a lot of pictures, this place is like being paparazzi outside a nightclub in Hollywood, only you can’t sell your pics to TMZ, but you can enter them in HalifaxTrails.ca’s photo of the month contest!

My most recent outdoor excursion took place last weekend (March 21) in Enfield. Two friends and I had planned this trip for a week. The trip was to a very basic hunting camp in the middle of nowhere. The variables included in this trip were numerous and added a large element of the unknown to our adventure. The camp is located on logging land, and as such, may have joined its surrounding gifts from god in no longer existing. The hike was estimated to be about 15k, or about 3 hours, which made the prospect of our destination being a large clear cut not very appealing, but adventurous nonetheless.

We set out with basic supplies. Backpack including some extra warm clothes, food, water, fire starting gear, sleeping bag, liquor and other essentials. My pack wasn't as light as I would have liked for a 3 hour hike, but then again what I would have liked was to have a pack that defied Newton's Law, and only a couple of federal ones.

I had planned a route through the use of Google Maps, as well as conferencing with my brother who took me to the camp years ago. All was well planned, and supplemented with my extensive navigation skills which came in the form of a GPS system. With my Ziploc bag full of google maps, and the coordinates of the camp punched into my GPS, we were set.

We entered the trail head at about 2:30pm, as prior commitments by one of us dictated this departure time. This was only now just a slight concern, as daylight savings time had kicked in recently, and we had that fact tucked into our back pocket.... as well as our map. If this had been the beginning to a horror movie, organ music would have begun playing, with an appropriate camera zoom into the back pocket containing the Ziploc bag full of maps.

After a tough 5 minute climb, we opted to take a well deserved break to get our bearings. Just as I figured, we had already walked a good half kilometer of our 15. Maybe we should cut this break short, I eventually figure, and we head out. "Do you have that map" I ask. "Yep, right here" my friend says, while confidently patting his back pants pocket providing a "you can kiss this for asking" emphasis. I think to myself that maybe that isn't the best spot for it, but this thought got about as much attention as we did from one of the many 4-wheelers that almost ran us over.

After another 15 minutes of walking, we reach a fork in the road, so we call for the map. The map that is no longer in the back pocket. The map that is causing increasing amounts of concern. The map that is now lost. "Where the hell is the map?! Oh my god, don't tell me...." accompanied by other barrages, our map carrier is now the most hated man in Enfield.

After a 20 minute zig-zag search pattern jog, our map carrier returns, with no map. Decision time. Do we go on, with no map, and only GPS coordinates and my recollection of what the maps looked like? I had told the others to look at the map before we started, so we wouldn't just be relying on my interpretations. You can guess that they did not do so, and you'd be correct. So, 3 young men in unfamiliar woods, looking for a destination that may no longer exist are faced with a decision. The decision came fairly easily: keep going.

While the smart thing may have been to turn back and try again another day, the smell of adventure had begun to increase exponentially, and spurred us into the unknown. As we hiked on, our fast pace matching the setting pace of the sun, we came to a crossroads, an area that was not familiar to me from the map, and where a decision had to be made, fast, before the sun went down. I picked up my cell phone, and called my brother, as a desperate lifeline call on a million dollar "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" question. "Which way do we go?" the conversation is as quick and to the point. We decide to head to the right and follow power lines, looking for a place to cross over to the left. We walk for a half hour, with the sun already set, and the radiating beams are all that remain of our hope. We are definitely going the wrong way, and we are 2 hours into the woods. Our adventure has come to it's turning point, and as our denial of the inevitable wears off, we quickly set out to find a good spot to camp out.

As we find our spot, just off of a logging road, the sun is now gone, and it is getting cold. Communicating telepathically now, we all head out to gather up fire wood. We converge on a spot, and start piling it on as if it were the fireplace in our living room. We throw a match on it, and there we have it, some smoke. After the smoke dies off, we are left with a wet pile of branches and 3 men who aren't sure if the smoke is coming from the branches or their ears as their tired brains struggle to figure out how to start a fire. After a skillful application of curse words, and some emergency fire starting gear I had packed, we had a fire. Our spirits rose with the flames, and we began to think this was actually going to be pretty nice night. A quick look at the stars, and the beer and rum in our backpacks instantly renewed our spirits. As I went around collecting pine bows to place underneath our sleeping bags, the fire began to go out. The large pile of small branches did not last even a fraction as long as planned. Spirits take a dive, and we realize this fire is going to be a lot more work than the one we sit infront of at Christmas drinking eggnog. With no axe, and no energy to use one, we are limited to finding dead wood that we can snap off. Normally on my hikes, half of the wood I see is dead, and I always think to myself what a shame it is, but on this occasion, we were in the middle of the healthiest forest on the face of the earth. Every tree was young, fresh, healthy, hydrated.... everything that we were not, at the moment.

The long hike had taken its toll on all of us. No one had the energy to use our Canadian tire flashlights to go searching around the dark woods for a small amount of dead wood. One of my friends had an army issued arctic sleeping bag, and he was quickly asleep. His snoring, combined with the bitter cold, and our "Dora The Explorer" brand sleeping bags ensured that the two of us remaining would not have an enjoyable night. As I broke out the rum, and my emergency blanket, I realized my best option was to stay awake all night, gathering firewood and staying as close to the fire as possible without becoming a part of it. I turned my portable speakers and Ipod on, to help distract myself from the situation (and ward off all of the hungry wolves that were encircling us in my imagination). As I took a moment to enjoy, I laid back and took in the amazingly vibrant night sky. The other two were awake at this time, enjoying a beer, chilled naturally. We sat there, quietly, attempting to enjoy the evening, when we hear a crunching noise, the same crunching noise you make when you walk through hard packed snow, a noise we were very familiar with, as we had been making it all day. As the noise grew, we became silent, to the point of collectively holding our breath. "We're 3 hours into the woods in the middle of nowhere right?" I ask myself. I check my watch, 1 am. I do some quick calculations in my head and determine that this situation is extremely frightening. "Hello!?" one of my friends says, as I mentally prepare myself. No response, the noise continues. "Hello, who's there?" he yells again, as I reach for my knife and prepare an evacuation plan into the woods, where I will hide until we find out who this madman is. Just as I'm about to jump into the woods, the noise stops. Contrary to being a relief, this ruins my plans as I wonder where the hell this person has gone, and what the hell we should do. Then it clicks, the Ipod, the speakers, there was no music playing during this time. I whisper "rewind to the end of that song". Sure enough, it is the end of a song, an outro obviously designed as a cruel joke for people stuck in the middle of the snowy woods 1 am.

After we all breathe a sigh of relief, we continue with our roles. One quickly reverts to snoring, the other to shivering, and me to tending the fire like it is the last one I will ever see. Soon enough, the moon makes its first appearance. It peaks over the horizon in a very bright crescent. It was an interesting sight I had not seen before and is a hard one to process during a bout of hypothermia. I could tell without looking at my watch that the sun was soon to follow. As morning arrived, the sense of relief was quickly challenged by the coat of ice that now covered everything. This was the coldest point of our adventure. We built the fire to its largest point, and put some food in our tin can to cook as we thawed out our boots and laces. Once we were warmed enough to the point where movement would not risk shattering our bones, we headed back out.

The trip out seemed to take us half as long, as our pace was double that of the way in. When we reached the car, the adventure was complete. This must be what it feels like to finish a marathon in Siberia. The adventure left us with a renewed sense of accomplishment, and a large list of things not to do. Lessons learned: bring a tent, a good sleeping bag, earplugs, and do not put your map in the back of your Calvin Klein's, the woods seem to find it insulting.