So the trip, it was quite hard to get to Den Haag, because of the snowfall. People were driving 50km on the highway. But when we arrived in Den Haag it almost stopped snowing. So we parked the car and packed our back. In the car we where debating if we should take the snow shovel or not. I taught it was quite funny so I strapped it on my pack. But it proofed quite useful.
So we walked to Scheveningen and started our hike at the pier of Scheveningen.
After a small section on the beach we continue our way through the dunes.
In the dunes hiking became more difficultbecause of the snow drifts witch made you sink in the snow knee deep. But some other walkers and skiers (langlauf) had made a compact path.
A fen that has not been frozen
The bar is open!
After we had opened the bar, we pitched our tents and we noticed the difference between the carbon fibre tent pole and the aluminium pole. The Aluminium drained all warmth from your hands. After we pitched the tent we cooked our dinner, noting special just boil in the bag dinners. Here again we noticed the difference between two products. Plain Coleman gas and Power gas from Primus. I put my Coleman gas canister it briefly in my pants to heat the gas, it was a new experience, not worth repeating. The Primus gas worked so much faster.
After the dinner we walked back to Katwijk for drinks. When we returned from the bar it began to snow.
When we waked up the next morning my friends tents looked a whole lot smaller. Normal size can be found here
My shelter was also a bit smaller but thank to its shape the snow glide of it. Some random pics:
So after breakfast we packed our gear and headed back to Scheveningen.
After a couple hours we did see the pier again.
So what did I learn?
My sleeping bag is to warm, I used it more like a quilt. Slept under it wearing only my boxer short.
I need some more insulation under my Neo Air. After one night I did melt all the snow under my shelter and I felt sometimes the cold rasing. A thicker EVA mattress will do.
A snow shovel isn't only funny but convenient for clearing your camp spot and digging your friend out.
Bring two pair of liner gloves.
If you are using open trail runners your feet will get wet but stay warm as long as you walking. Better is wearing waterproof socks. My sealskinz socks are worth their weight in gold.
Frozen shoes aren't the best way to start your day.
Discipline is very important! Discipline is very important! Discipline is very important! Put the things away after you used them and don't let them laying around.
Things will get wet and it is very hard to get them dry again.
And probably much more...
Sounds like a great trip, the cold and snow brings its own set of challenges.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenAgree about the frozen shoes, it always pays to plan to have the laces completely loose to ensure that you can get your feet in in the morning. Sealskinz socks and gloves are ideal in my view. I used Power gas on my last trip and agree I would rather use it in winter, its improved heating over normal gas (70:30) is confirmed by figures from BPL. com
nice piks, its good to have a well stocked bar!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenwe don't use blow up mats, but have used foil emergency blankets to push the insulation in the floor of the tent to great effect, they weigh little and are a good thing to have in the pack for winter anyhoo.
@ Nielsen Brown: It was a great trip and I enjoyed ever second of it even the frozen shoes. Normaly I allways use powergas but I had this canister laying around and I didn't think about it.
BeantwoordenVerwijderen@ David Lintern: Thanks for the advice and I'll try it next time.
Great trip! Were there any campsites open or did you wild camp?
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWe stayed on a campsite. There a quite a lot campsites near the sea and we just called one to check if they where open. But there weren't too much other campers. Strange I know.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWild camping isn't allowed in the Netherlands and the fine is €90.