Sorry people, but I think life is too sheltered these days. When it's cold we hide inside with our heaters on. In the heat we hide inside with the cooling on. It has to be the perfect, average, middle of the range day for anyone to get out in it.
There's nothing like getting out in the weather to feel like you're really part of this world.
Here's how we make camping in the cold not just bearable, but enjoyable:
A large campfire - a separate one was used for much of the cooking so that we could keep this one big and hot for warmth.
Layers. I slept in a -5 rated sleeping bag, tucked inside a -2 rated sleeping bag, topped with a blanket, while wearing two pairs of socks, pyjama pants, a t-shirt, a long Merino wool top, a jumper, a beanie, the hood from my jumper and the hood from the two sleeping bags. All the while cuddling a hot water bottle. (See? Not so hard to stay warm in below zero temperatures all night!)
Meanwhile, our little girl took a disliking to her (new) sleeping bag and slept in just her singlet and pyjamas. She had a few big moments during the night where she loudly objected to wearing socks or a blanket, too. The kid's made TOUGH! I had to wait until she fell asleep to sneak blankets onto her. And then bribed her the second night to make her sleep in her sleeping bag.
A quick set-up. This is the latest addition to our camping gear: an Oz Tent, known for being set up in 30 seconds. Which means that there's less time setting up and more time sitting by the campfire.
A quick set-up. This is the latest addition to our camping gear: an Oz Tent, known for being set up in 30 seconds. Which means that there's less time setting up and more time sitting by the campfire.
Great food. When we camp we don't eat typical camping food - oh no, the menu planning is the biggest fun in the lead-up to a trip. This time we ate slow cooked lamb shanks in a tomato chilli sauce, with roast venison and roast lamb the following night. Lunch was freshly made flat bread with homemade dips, cheeses, salamis and seared salt and pepper calamari. Not to mention the chocolate self-saucing pudding and apple crumble with custard. Oh yes.
You almost make me want to go camping. I particularly like the sound of that 30 second tent.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right about our aversion to anything but average weather. In those Nordic countries they do outdoor preschools year round no matter the weather.
Michelle
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ReplyDeletewe prefer camping in winter to camping in summer - although we're looking at investing in fans for the tent at nights in summer, and camping near water to keep the heat down.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds bloody fantastic! I need to be brave and go camping ANY TIME, let alone in Winter. I don't mind the cold. The wet kills me, but the cold I can do no probs. x
ReplyDeleteI admit I am too chicken to go camping in winter. The cold makes me ache and my knees swell.
ReplyDeleteBut I admit I have come to love planning out meals to cook while camping. It's such an unexpected pleasure for me!
I love camping - but your menu puts me to shame!!
ReplyDelete:-) xx
I see how you kept yourself warm and well fed, but ummmm, still not sure about the fun bit of freezing.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind crazy heat, but the cold I just can't do.
My partner and I have a tent like that. It literally pops!
ReplyDeleteYou make camping sound so easy! I must say I'm a wimp when it comes to cold and/or camping. I once camped in -0 degrees on a rainy wintry Canberra night. I've been traumatised ever since. We didn't have your awesome looking fire though!
ReplyDeleteThis looks so beautiful and peaceful. I'm not great in tents (claustrophobic!) but I LOVE watching the steam rise form a hot cup of tea on a freezing morning in the bush. I'm a little jealous!
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