I like this state park. It is less than an hour from Minneapolis. In the winter when the park is almost empty of people it seems much bigger.
I drove out on Friday evening and was back within 24 hours. I like the idea of getting out there as soon as possible after work, being on the trails before anyone else on Saturday morning, getting in a full day of hiking, and then being home in time for a good night’s sleep in my own bed.
The apocalyptic snowstorm that was looming throughout the week never materialized. However, the low was about 16 degF, so I knew I had to prepare. I went in full wuss mode: I was 20 feet from my car. I doubled up on sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and pretty much everything else. I even stopped to grab a sandwich on the way there. I was aiming for enjoyment throughout. I wanted no tight moments.
Some things that helped me: peanut butter and honey English muffins. My synthetic balaclava. My thick Gordini mittens. My new sleeping bag liner.
Things that were difficult: getting my small campfire going. Flooded trails near the river. Very uncomfortable night-time erections (next time I will not sleep in my thermal underwear).
Here are my frugal calculations:
$7.70 for gasoline
$7 for a sandwich to eat by the campfire
$25.50 for the site
$5.40 for firewood
Total: $45.60.
There are way lamer things to spend $46 on.
pseudoisaac 