Sheila writes:-

There were eight intrepid winter hikers on this trip who braved the cold night temperature of -10 or so and except for a couple of chilly noses we all did admirably. Two tents with four women in each, beautiful weather and lots of laughs.

SATURDAY: We met at my place and loaded up the 2 vehicles, and I do mean loaded up!! Rob was quite amused standing there with coffee in hand watching us pack and knowing better than to offer his opinion. Arrived at the Lone Duck campsite at Manning around 11am, set up our tents and enjoyed a nice bowl of warm soup, bread and numerous treats before heading out on spikes around Lightning Lake. There were groups of people hanging out on the lake, talking and building snowmen so I take it the lake was frozen enough. Once around the end of the lake where the trail to Mt. Frosty starts I suggested next winter we could backpack and camp at the Larch Forest just down from the peak of Frosty. It was a unanimous NO, including me. Back at the campsite we relaxed before heading to the Loon Lagoon for a dip in the hot tub and a shower, or so we thought. I have never seen so many people in the pool, hot tub and shower area so we went to the Bear’s Den Pub an hour early and had a drink before our table was ready. Back to the shelter at the campsite where we had munchies and various alcoholic beverages. So much fun to hear everyone’s stories. Bedtime around 10pm except for the two rebels who stayed up later. Hot water bottles and extra blankets kept us warm overnight.

SUNDAY: Gerd was the earliest up and had two pots of water boiling for tea, coffee and breakfast before the rest of us woke from our slumber. After breakfast we packed up and went to Cambie Creek for a 2nd snowshoe followed by lunch in the parking lot before driving home. The rain started just as we left followed by episodes of sleet.

It was a wonderful trip and thank you everyone for pitching in with set up and pack up. I would recommend this kind of car camping trip for anyone who wants to try out winter camping for the first time.

Next year a backpacking winter camp for sure!