Had a day off today after a hectic week of driving folks around in the Landy at work, no chance of staying off even though the car and house were all snowed in. So the daughter and I have had a full on day playing in the snow, all for her benefit of course
So after loads of sledging and a few snowballs, I set to making something that is a real treat to be able to do.. a quinzy. I last helped make one on my dream trip to Arctic Norway in 2006, and when I left there, I knew it would be a long time before I returned to that type of environment and level of snow due to one thing and another. Stepping out the back door and making a full size snow shelter (albeit without the sleeping platform) with our new type of proper winter is great and I can involve the family without spending a fortune.
The tracking, firecraft, driving, and trying out the warm clothing has been fun too.
It took 2.5 hrs to make including hollowing out, as the snow is so sticky due to the warmer temp overnight that it sticks to its self very well, and a tap with the shovel firms it up nicely for working straight away.
Started to curve the walls around the entrance for extra protection, I'll finish that off some more.
Full length of body with sit up headroom for getting in and out the bivi easily and kit space to the side.
Yours truly, a tad damp as its trying to thaw here but going to sleep out in it tomorrow night when its either had a night to freeze up stronger or melted, if so I'll turn it into a snow trench.
Just needs a vent in the roof, and a long burn candle setting up, then I'll throw in the sleeping gear and get my head down, cant wait. That's if The kids don't destroy it in the day!
Cheers, Addo
So after loads of sledging and a few snowballs, I set to making something that is a real treat to be able to do.. a quinzy. I last helped make one on my dream trip to Arctic Norway in 2006, and when I left there, I knew it would be a long time before I returned to that type of environment and level of snow due to one thing and another. Stepping out the back door and making a full size snow shelter (albeit without the sleeping platform) with our new type of proper winter is great and I can involve the family without spending a fortune.
The tracking, firecraft, driving, and trying out the warm clothing has been fun too.
It took 2.5 hrs to make including hollowing out, as the snow is so sticky due to the warmer temp overnight that it sticks to its self very well, and a tap with the shovel firms it up nicely for working straight away.
Started to curve the walls around the entrance for extra protection, I'll finish that off some more.
Full length of body with sit up headroom for getting in and out the bivi easily and kit space to the side.
Yours truly, a tad damp as its trying to thaw here but going to sleep out in it tomorrow night when its either had a night to freeze up stronger or melted, if so I'll turn it into a snow trench.
Just needs a vent in the roof, and a long burn candle setting up, then I'll throw in the sleeping gear and get my head down, cant wait. That's if The kids don't destroy it in the day!
Cheers, Addo