Stung Meets the Big Apple

Tips and tricks I acquired from my first time snow camping and ice climbing in Lee Vining over Spring Break. These things I learned the hard way.

Rule #1: Don’t ice climb with hiking boots.

Rule #2: If you’re going to be stupid and will try it anyway, wear a helmet.

Rule #3: Bring sunscreen.

Rule #4: USE IT.

Rule #5: Trekking poles are more awesome than you know. They save you from falling, tripping and sliding down snowy mountains for distances greater than 15 feet.

Rule #6: Gaiters are the best invention ever known to snow-loving mankind. In below-freezing temperatures, you can survive wearing nothing but gaiters and hiking boots for an entire 5 minutes!

Rule #7: Wear sunglasses for a dual purpose! Prevent snow blindness and protect your eyes from projectile shards of ice!

Rule #8: Do not make assumptions and judge people based on their uber cool hippy hairdo’s. You are holding them to extremely high standards and they may fall short of them.

Rule #9: Sleep with at least two pairs of socks on, even in a 0 degree sleeping bag. Or else you will think your toes have been frostbitten and will fall off when you next remove the offensively lackluster single pair of socks in the morning.

Rule #10: Do not accidentally kick yourself with your own snowshoes. This will hurt and you will be sad. And possibly bloody.