That Time I...
Camped in a Snow Hole on Norwich Bluff




My first snow hole adventure! I had planned a regular winter camping trip on Norwich Bluff in the Ottawa National Forest, taking in the views along the scenic ridges of the Trap Hills. Everything went according to plan except I got to my destination a little quicker than I had intended. What to do with so much free time? Collect firewood or build a snow hole to survive the -2°F overnight temperatures? I chose the latter.
I found a rich seam of snow that I thickened with additional local contributions, then dug a trench and covered it with logs to create a roof. Dump more snow on top and you've got a home! Sorta. I made it a little too low so I was hunched all night. It was quite a bit warmer than the outside world though, with temperatures easily in the 20°Fs (and no wind). The next day I explored some more of the area, thoroughly enjoying the sunshine we were lucky to receive.