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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.

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