Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Forums · RMNP

Igloo camping trip report

Discussion

12 replies
Posted by ALEKS_MIESAK on January 27, 2009 at 7:55 PM
Hi there,

For all those who were interested in hearing about my igloo building and camping trip I posted a trip report on the NPC forum. And here is the link:

http://www.npcolorado.net/forums/showthread.php?p=4469#post4469
Posted by Erik Stensland on January 27, 2009 at 8:28 PM
I was up there today in the bitter cold and winds. Your new shelter is completely buried right now. It sounds like you had a good time with Igloo Ed.
Posted by ALEKS_MIESAK on January 27, 2009 at 8:31 PM
Yeah, we thought that would happen but it's still easier to dig it back up then build a new one. And BTW, I heard some funny prank stories about you... My kind of sense of humor :biggrin:
Posted by Erik Stensland on January 27, 2009 at 8:37 PM
Don't believe a word he said. He hasn't seen the best of them yet. :biggrin:
Posted by Stan Rose on January 27, 2009 at 9:16 PM
Cool story and photos, Aleks! Ill have to try that igloo-thing sometime!
Posted by Morris McClung on January 27, 2009 at 9:30 PM
That's a great trip report, Aleks. Loved the photos, too.
Posted by John Klotz on January 27, 2009 at 9:44 PM
Well now, thats all the inspiration I need for a snowshow! :biggrin: Great story and igloo Aleks... nice job all around! Love the shot of the iceman!
Posted by Jesse Speer on January 27, 2009 at 11:31 PM
Cool! Great report Aleks. Looks like you enjoyed some awesome snow. I camped with Ed in almost the exact same spot many years ago. (Snapshot attached.) There's really nothing like igloo camping in a place like RMNP - or with someone like Igloo Ed.
Posted by ALEKS_MIESAK on January 28, 2009 at 10:53 AM
Thanks everyone! I am really turning into a huge fan of winter. And Jesse, Ed had some great things to say about you as well. He rocks and moved up to the top of my People of the Year list and bumped Obama to the second place :wink:
Posted by Cynthia Spence on January 28, 2009 at 12:10 PM
Great commentary Aleks...glad the whole experience went well!

Cynthia
Posted by ALEKS_MIESAK on January 29, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Thanks Cynthia!
Posted by Jack Brauer on January 29, 2009 at 5:28 PM
Nice report! I build an igloo with Momo (fellow RMNPer) and his buddy last winter, using the IceBox tool. It turned out to be a fairly torturous experience... took us 8 hours to build, finishing at 10:30 at night in the bitter cold. I guess it helps to have the Pro with you.

You can check out my report here: http://www.mountainphotographer.com/the-icebox-igloo-experiment/
Posted by ALEKS_MIESAK on January 29, 2009 at 7:25 PM
Thanks Jack. It took us just as long to build it even with the Pro. I guess once we get some practice it will go faster. I read your report and it's pretty funny how you said it's a very fun experience but in a masochistic kind of way. I felt the same way. My body felt like I was in a boxing match all day but at the end when I looked at the big white dome it felt good to say "I built that" :smile:

And regarding the type of snow. Ed thought us to mix the different layers of snow. He went through the process of showing us the different "strata" of the snow and if you mix it up it hold very well. Also, you have to make sure you don't get any chunks into your mold because that creates air pockets and affects the structural integrity of the block. I guess the extensive lessons was what made the building go slower but it will prove very valuable for next time.