Our annual visit to Kepler Overlook was accompanied, very thoughtfully of Mother Nature, by the first really cold snap of the winter season and the delicate sprinkling of snow.
After we all met up at the Pilot gas station just off the highway, having stocked up on coffee, sandwiches, donuts and visited the porcelain for the last time, we headed up and over the ridge to Elizabeth Furnace.
All 21 youngens and 9 oldens put packs on and headed up the 3 mile, 1,100 feet-elevation-gain trail to the top of the overlook. We zigged and zagged our way at a pace that would have made a snail sigh in despair because he was having to wait for us at every turn! No real idea why we went so slowly but it certainly meant the older crowd we not struggling too hard … for which we were grateful.
Once at the top the boys chose the rockier and lumpier of the sites on offer to set up camp (lord only knows why). Because of the record pace up the hill we only had about 30 minutes of light left to pitch tents, gather fire wood and layer up. It was definitely chilly and the beautiful view from the top was blanketed by a thick bed of fog.
Miraculously a beautiful and much needed fire was soon roaring away and various foods were being rehydrated. Mr. Forrer and the boys had come up with a new way to hang bear bags and this was done by patrol. I would imagine from the length of time it took that more practice was needed but has the potential to work way better than the previous one set-up for all.
After everyone was fed and watered we retired to the much needed warm of our tents. Once snuggled most had a pleasant nights sleep. The morning brought fresh challenges. Not only was it really cold, but the wind had picked up (thanks again Mother N’.) which dropped the overall temperature to quite a bit below chilly. One or two of the boys had decided not to put their boots in their tents and suffered. Boot Rockitus is an unpleasant condition for those who have to put the boots on, for those watching it’s actually quite funny. Fingers also suffered as gloves had been left on the ground overnight and Rockitus had spread. The only remedy was to show some giddy up, pack up and get moving. Always much harder done than said or typed!
We eventually left camp, having marveled at a beautiful sunrise, and headed down. After about 10 minutes all parts of the body were back to acceptable temperatures and smiles reappeared on faces.
All had survived and hopefully some of the guys learned the importance of looking after your gear, keeping it dry and safe and just how awful frozen boots can be.
Enjoy the pix over here.