*(This is a response to email received and pertaining to said emails contents. I sent return email twice, but my email is on the frits and I was not sure it was received. Please reply here on BPL if you got it. If not then I will give you my cell number on here, but I would rather give it by email if possible(more secure). The other option would be to email me your number and then I could give you my number by phone.)*
1. As far as snowshoes are concerned, I just carry a pair of homemade rigs. They are not much, just spread out the weight so I don't sink as deep. Not as good as the real thing, but they do okay where needed and don't weigh much. As far as grip on ice goes I don't plan on carrying full crampons. I have a pair of montrail vitesse to which I have added sheet metal screw studs. Their is a crack of ice that might require front points, but apparently it can be skirted around through the trees. I may or may not carry a single bpl pole for support when needed(won't need actual ice axe). This technique me saves 1-3lbs. (Note-I assume that at no point will be roping up. While sometimes advisable on steeper spots, not really necessary here.)
2. As far as dark hiking goes it would best to do so in the early morning when colder, as opposed to warming up by day only to cool down again before making camp.
3. I also think getting there the afternoon/evening of the 5th is a good idea. It would be nice to already have some elevation out of the way and to have already put ourselves in the proper state of mind to start out next day. My schedule is also flexible and while I could go through the 9th, I too would rather be done on the 8th. I am also only 3-3.5 hours from trail. Where are you from Chris? If Philly area or north jersey then maybe carpool? My map quest goes through Jersey followed by the New York State Thru Way and could pick up if possible.
4. I could definitely use copies of maps, but if not my fat ass will follow. Do you think we should each carry our own compass/map copies or will one take point?
5. As far as shelter goes I prefer to sleep alone. No offense, just a light sleeper. When weather is this cold I usually opt for a wilderness type rig(natural material shelter). They are quick to make(half hour) even in dark if you know how and are far warmer than a thin piece of nylon. I combine with a quick fire and am toasty as mice in the walls. (Note-I always carry an emergency blanket as a backup tarp, but have never yet had to use it.) Town temps are 10 low and subtract 5 for elevation(much more if windy and it has been lately). Wilderness shelters tend to stay above freezing once your body heat has warmed them up, where as a one layer tent only adds maybe 5-10 degrees. This would require a much warmer/heavier bag(0-20 degree)(2-3lb). This technique saves me 2-4lbs(shelter weight + less insulation).
6. I also plan on eating big before and after to minimize food weight. Also I have a few extra pounds that I wouldn't mind killing off(aah holiday food).
7. I highly doubt we will see much if any running water so I plan to melt all. My fire does the evening and morning melts. I usually drink a liter before start of the day then only carry one. This lasts until lunch when I use a 32oz metal bottle over esbit. Again I down one liter and carry another. Takes 15-20 minutes give or take 5 to make both and get moving again. Thats four liters over the day that lasts until making camp where fire means I can drink all I want and rehydrate. (Note- wood stoves are nice for melting water, but don't expect it to make much of a camp fire and it takes almost as long to get it burning well with wet wood as to just make a small real fire-assuming some sort of dry tinder is packed in) This technique saves up to a 1/2 pound of fuel and cook kit weight, plus 2 pounds water weight.
8. I usually bear bag, but in winter I usually sleep with since I am by a fire. In winter I worry more about the little critters who tend to steer clear of the human fire gods. (Note-bear vaults and similar are no safer than bagging-like all animals there are dumb aggressive bears and those which are "smart than the average"-human. This technique saves me a 1/2lb.
9. As far as water purification goes, boiling kills everything and even if we find running water it would be best to warm it up. Otherwise you will waste more time and energy than boiling requires due to chilling your insides.
Other questions-
1. I assume the plan is to leave a car at either end. When we meet up who is the carpool mom to other end? Two possibilities exist. 1. Two cars will initially drive to other end in which case we will all have to carpool in one vehicle back to other two. 2. We leave two cars at one end and all carpool to start in which case only one of us will have to be dropped off at his car. The third will be able to drive straight on home.
2. If something where to go wrong does your route incorporate bail out options. Not to whine and snivel, but stuff happens.
3. Communications-cell phone, radio, etc… I assume we each have something, but will we carry three or share one in case of emergency. (Note-cell phone may or may not get a signal.)
