Red Heather: Two Dads and Four Kids Go Snow Camping

Somehow, two dads and four kids, we ended up making plans to take the kids snow camping in March. It was a semi-secret goal of mine, so I was quite pleased and excited that we were finally doing it… Our friend picked us up, and we stopped at Tim Horton’s in Squamish. It was only at this point that we clued into the full extent of the plan – our friend had conscripted a few of his kid-less friends to come along! This was great since they carried some of the gear, helped to set up tents, and provided entertainment all around.

As usual, we had to put chains on to get to the upper parking lot. With such a big group, we faffed for a good while before finally setting off. Both our kids absolutely love snow. Kai was often in the front, entertaining himself by eating snow, beating snow, or munching on an icicle. Of course, there were countless short snack breaks along the way – can’t stop for too long or you get cold.

When we got to the warming hut, Neil told me that it seemed much farther this time. Although we had been there quite a few times, this was the first time he was carrying a backpack, and we moved slower than usual with the big group. We stomped out the snow to make a platform for the tents, while the kids immediately climbed on to the roof of the warming hut. We barely saw them till it was good and dark and time for dinner. They had so much fun, but by that time they had drenched their boots, socks, and gloves. Still, they were in good spirits and their excited smiles were priceless.

After we were done with dinner, Ross whipped up some french fries. Yep, he brought a big pot, oil, potatoes, and made french fries in the backcountry. They were delicious, and a definite highlight for the kids. At some point some of the fries fell into the yucky sink. Ross salvaged them by frying them again: “I figure, if boiling purifies water, then boiling oil has got to kill everything“. Words of wisdom… The kids said that the double fried fries were the best ones!

We woke up to find our tent completely covered by new snow! Neil had frozen feet and it took us a while to warm them up. We contemplated going up to the ridge for a ski, but just for a moment. The kids were very content to climb up onto the roof of the warming hut again and play there till we deemed it time to go.

The ski down was as fun as always – a fast run down the narrow but never steep track. It reminds me of a luge track – you know, those little sleds that race in the olympics. We arrived back to the car too soon! Until the next time…