Unexpected Hikes : Hindsight preparedness
So here we are February and the nasty snow storm hit us and we left thinking we had time on our side to return home. Not!!! First of all the truck started overheating, then found power steering failing, and whoa is me the final straw was that the temperature dropped several degrees in a short period.
Quick points about our situation Feb 18th 2025
1- We had been planning truck repairs and went to town because the parts came and we knew the weather was turning bad fast.
2- We have a bad ass truck that has never left us stranded, well until we had yuppy neighbors from that don't understand when you live on a unmaintained road that you can not drive on it 8 times a day and expect the snow not to become ice. (not my opinion its fact)
3- Coming home we made it all the way to the access hill and then halfway up there were ruts so deep that nothing could get thru, yes they apparently made another trip since we left and got stuck. So that left us stuck on the hill 1/4 mile hike to the top, let alone the mile to hour home. 14 degrees weather and no we were not prepared.
4- 2 dogs in town (thank god Enyo stays with us and Athena saw me fall and was by my side) We had purchased necessities, but no time for propane or gas with overheating truck. 4 bags of groceries in hand and off we hiked.
5- We made it back, exhausted and froze but we realized we needed to change things and everyone should pay attention - even if you live in the city most things happen within a mile of home.
Here are the items, and suggestions I want to share for you to make it safely in any severe winter situation.
Never ever leave home without a backpack with essential survival items :
Gloves and spare gloves / wet hands is not joke in any degree coldness
hat and scarf or neck overing
water ... water .... water ......
extra pants, socks and shirt .... if you fall or get stranded you will thank me being dry !
Sometimes you will be close to home to walk and others further away
consider a couple tealights with a tin can (tuna can is awesome) with a clay pot you can heat the vehicle without exhaust fumes killing you!!
Blanket of any kind : having a blanket and sheet is best so that you can cover yourself and wrap in the door and shut it to cancel breezes ( who cares about the sheet if ruined you will be alive)
Quick tip oatmeal and rice meals will absorbs water in any temp.... one rice meal uses a bottle of water 2 cups -16 oz ( it will save your life and not heavy) Oatmeal instant packs or just a mylar bag of quick oats pre measure seal and take with water ......
Also a flashlight, not just your phone light a real flashlight ( we carry head lamps) you don't have hold them and can keep hands out of elements even with gloves you will get cold .
One last tip carry rope an tarp, so you can drag things do not think that you are going to carry lol in the winter while trying to survive the hike itself....
