by "AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
Published 12/02/2017 at 20:58
by "AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
Published 12/02/2017 at 20:58
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STARS: 2
A week before Christmas, I’ll be taking a friend to Mt. Rainier for a camping trip. In the Miata. The live webcams show snow covering every surface, no people at the park, no cars. Oh, and the plan is to skip a tent and build an igloo. We’re camping at 5200 feet where there is currently about 12ft of snow (and more falling daily!)
Should be a good way to break in the new winter tires! Speaking of which... I feel strange buying tires off of Amazon, but they had the best prices...
You guys planning any winter adventures?
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/02/2017 at 21:12, STARS: 3
It was nice knowing you.
"MM54" (mm54mk2)
12/02/2017 at 21:17, STARS: 2
Have fun!
As for winter adventures, I want to do the Lemons Retreat from Moscow rally, but am having trouble convincing anyone to come with me and it may be a stretch to take a full week off work for it.
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
12/02/2017 at 21:21, STARS: 0
Have you built an igloo before?
"Nibbles" (nibbles)
12/02/2017 at 21:27, STARS: 1
I can’t wait to get out there! 5200 ft and snow? We’re at 5280 here and not a flake
"gettingoldercarguy" (gettingoldercarguy)
12/02/2017 at 21:35, STARS: 2
Snowshoeing a lot this winter with the twins in our backs, will try to get them into camping in the next year or so.
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
12/02/2017 at 21:36, STARS: 0
Start ‘em young! That’s awesome
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
12/02/2017 at 21:38, STARS: 1
Yet you have a Subaru Outback? I don’t understand the need to do things in the Miata that are clearly out of its league.
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
12/02/2017 at 21:39, STARS: 0
The roads in the park range from about 2000 to 5500ft and it looks like after about 3000 ft they are all covered. I’m bringing binoculars in the hopes of spotting someone climbing the mountain (14,000ft!)
Are you expecting a lot of snow?
"BaconSandwich is tasty." (baconsandwich)
12/02/2017 at 21:39, STARS: 0
Don’t build an igloo, build a quinzee. Easier to make, and potentially just as warm, if not warmer.
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
12/02/2017 at 21:40, STARS: 3
Yes, although I’m not great at it by any means. Used the old school Coleman coolers to make large blocks of compacted snow, and built a half sphere with a small opening at the top for smoke.
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
12/02/2017 at 21:41, STARS: 1
Hopefully the bears don’t bother us this time...
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
12/02/2017 at 21:43, STARS: 0
I’ll look that up. The last igloo took about four hours solo and was larger than it needed to be
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
12/02/2017 at 21:50, STARS: 5
he Miata is just so much more fun for adventures. Every dirt/snow/gravel road is a rally stage, and it seems like whenever I spot jeeps or other offroad-oriented vehicles they all want to chat with the “crazy miata guy” and hang out, or show me cool spots. So it instantly makes me friends, which the Subaru doesn’t do.
Also, winter tires for the Miata were under 300 shipped, and I desperately needed tires. Winter tires for the outback would have been a lot more, and it has perfectly fine all-seasons already.
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
12/02/2017 at 21:57, STARS: 1
I’ve driven through three feet of snow in an outback with regular all season tires.
"Ash78, voting early and often" (ash78)
12/02/2017 at 22:15, STARS: 1
You’re rolling Rainier and the jealous wanna get some.
I’m not jealous.
Take a tent and a footprint. Ice gear (crampons, adze, etc). Don’t mess around. Maybe some of those slap-on chains in case the tires don’t cut it. Car extraction gear (kitty litter/sand/shovels).
Sounds like a nice adventure on two fronts.
"Ash78, voting early and often" (ash78)
12/02/2017 at 22:17, STARS: 1
Is that basically a high-end snow fort? If so, agree completely. Igloos are only good with a very particular type of snow, but a snow fort is good all the time. Not as classy, but it does the job.
"Ash78, voting early and often" (ash78)
12/02/2017 at 22:18, STARS: 0
Ah, I guess that gets you around the need to find crusty, perfectly packed snow. Cool idea.
"sony1492" (sony1492)
12/02/2017 at 22:42, STARS: 1
Buying tires online is pretty much the only way especially if it’s an odd or,”performance” size. I just got 2 265-35-18's for $150 and I know thats what the tire shop would’ve charged per tire(if not more).
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
12/02/2017 at 22:43, STARS: 0
Don’t worry. They don’t eat carrion to my knowledge.
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
12/02/2017 at 23:48, STARS: 1
I do a lot of winter backpacking and summiting, which is basically the level of gear I bring when I car camp with the Miata too! No tent, but if we absolutely have to, we’ve both made flat tarp shelters in much worse conditions. I think we’re just setting up our base about twenty feet from wherever we park, no hiking the gear this time!
Wish I had some snowshoes to play around with, but microspikes and boots are better than nothing! Car extraction kit is almost done... Packing should be interesting.
"wafflesnfalafel" (wafflesnfalafel1)
12/03/2017 at 01:47, STARS: 0
Out of Paradise? Got a buddy that does snow camping with his scout troop up there somewhere...
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
12/03/2017 at 15:30, STARS: 0
Yep. Seems like a good place to start for snow camping in Rainier. If I see him I’ll be sure to mention wafflesnfalafel
"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4)
12/03/2017 at 20:03, STARS: 1
I’d be game if it didn’t involve taking a full week off work.