SNOWTREK.org

Headed north, out of Cle Elum, to find a spot to camp. I'd never been in the area, but had read about it and seen people post pictures of the area. It's been an area I've wanted to have a look at for quite some time. I cast out a line to my regular buddies and everyone was busy. I cast out another line to a guy I had been real good friends with growing up, but really had lost contact with. I'd text him every once in a long while, but nothing more than that. I texted him the day prior to leaving and he was in. It was me, my son, him and his oldest son. Both boys are 12 years old. I found a place on Google Maps that I thought was going to be the spot and it tanked. Drove up and there was nothing there. We had passed a few spots on the drive up, but nothing that had me interested. I was bummed. I pulled over and asked if my buddy wanted to turn around and go down to one of the sports we passed. He said we should give it another mile before turning around. I put the pickup in drive. We didn't go another 100 feet and we found a turnoff that looked suitable. We drove down it and found an amazing spot.

We set up and enjoyed the evening. I had a great time catching up with an old friend and, having never met each other, the boys had a great time too. It got into the low 20's/upper teens at night, but everyone stayed warm.

Thanks for the report! I'd like to do more winter camping. It's whole different experience, and as a bonus, you can often get normally overcrowded areas all to yourself!

Winter camping is a bit more work, but well worth it. At 2:15, dude says it perfectly. I'll take the peace and solitude over the heat, crowds and bugs of the summer all day long.