A group of BPL members got together last weekend for a snowshoe overnighter to Aspen Meadow near Pinecrest. The roster included me, David, Jeremy, Morgan, Jack, Kat, Josh and Ocean. We met at Dave's place in MoTown on Saturday morning and headed up to the trailhead near Dodge Ridge Ski Area.
We ate lunch at the trailhead and finally got started about noon. Our destination was 2.5 miles out along a mostly uphill snow-covered Forest Service road. While there were a few people around at the trailhead, we didn't get too far before we found ourselves all alone.
We ended up walking to a clearing just past Aspen Meadow and set up camp. This was the first time snow camping for a number of us, myself included. There is quite a bit of extra work involved (prepping a shelter spot, constantly melting snow, etc.); so we got busy!
First things first, we all set up our accommodations. As usual, there were quite a variety of shelters. Morgan had a palatial 10×10 Oware pyramid tarp, Josh brought a hammock, there were several varieties of tarptents and I had a make-shift fly-and-footprint-only REI rig.
After we set up our shelters, Jeremy suggested we build a group kitchen, so we did that too. Very cool (pardon the pun). After that, it was melting snow, eating and drinking from there on out.
In the morning, we ate breakfast and hung out for a while. Half our group decided to stay over Sunday night, so the rest of us packed up and headed out.
Snow camping was a great experience. The scenery is beautiful and there are no bugs, no people, no heat, no dust. Sure, it's a little cold, but that's manageable. I look forward to many more snow trips in the future.
I don't have any photos, anyone care to add any?
Jack successfully pitching his new tarptent
Josh's hammock and tent. It must be nice to be off the snow at night!
Josh on his snow bench car seat and countless down jackets on. He must have been warm.
Morgan and Ocean in his snow recliner, Complete with arm rests and beer holder.
I think everyone has this pic, what a great father and son trip. I really enjoyed you guys. My daughter was looking at the pics and was wondering who every body was and when I told her about Josh and Ocean. She said what a cool name, I agree, then she asked why I didn't name her that, I guess I just didn't have the cool foresight at the time any how you guys rock!! 
Hiking in 
Sunny skies 
Deciding on a spot 
The Moment has arrived 
Morgans palace 
Jeremys mini palace 
Oceans fortress 
Trader Joes thats enough food for an army, or just Josh and Ocean.
The Kat den do not enter. 
David L mini mini set up still a lot of room. 
The mysterious blue wall. 
Nope just Josh's hammock very cool. 
Ocean in his snow recliner and food sack. 
Everyone at the kitchen/dinning table and Kat making fine adjustments with a shovel. 
Josh in his HUGE snow seat surrounded by his gormet food and cooking skills. 
Morgan with the mountain man/scary red eye look this was a lot better in person thanks for the laughs. 
Headed back to the trail head. 
Well there it is. I really had a good time with everyone, wish I could make the next one, but I already made plans to go fishing in Bishop in the trout derby. Everyone be safe and untill the next hike see you there. Jack
