Moonlit Adventure on Mt Hood
Posted By admin on March 1, 2009
Moonlight Adventures on Mt Hood
Starlight, star bright,
let’s go in the forest tonight!
After walking your favorite Mount Hood trails by daylight with sunshine and flowers, try visiting the same trails by moonlight. Hiking in the moonlit snow is an entirely different experience when you are surrounded by darkness with the night stars above. The forest offers you such a peaceful state of mind, as long as you are aware, prepared, and over any childhood fear of the dark!
Whether you are on cross country skis or snowshoes, there are miles and miles of evening trails to explore in the Mt. Hood National Forest. From an easy mile roundtrip to extended snow camping, there is an opportunity for every skill level.
I am the type of person who carries a complete pack with my 10 essentials, and I always have my snowshoes with me whether I am cross country skiing, snowmobiling, taking people around the trails of Mt Hood, or out on my own in the snow. You never know when you are going to have to walk out after you are miles in! Your 10 essentials list varies a little depending on your activity and what literature you are studying. Here are some of the most valuable things I carry:
• Emergency shelter
• Extra water
• Extra food
• Extra clothing
• Fire starter
• First aid kit
• Knife
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Sun protection
• Map, compass and a whistle
Getting Ready for Adventure
Your trip preparation should include leaving directions and itinerary of what you have planned for your trip with one or two people so that if anything too exciting happens, you can expect help.
Always explore with a buddy — it is nice to share memories with someone, and it is much, much safer. It’s perfectly natural to have a trepidation about heading out into the moonlight. Just make sure you are prepared and aware of your surroundings while you are out there.
My Moonlight Madness
When the full moon calls me into the night — I tend to I grow fangs and a lot of hair. I don’t really howl, but I definitely feel like it! I have walked around with the full moon giving me enough light to see everything. The light reflecting off the snow gives your sight the ability to see deep into the forest with amazing detail. The shadows are dramatic an more defined. I remember one particular night when the smaller trees were completely wrapped in snow and hanging over — reminding me of the trees from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. It was unbelievable that I could see clearly as though it was day, and my surroundings could never be seen the same way again! snowshoe hare tracks bounce around every tree well, with an occasional owl telling me whoo I am.
If the moonlight is not leading the way, then having a good headlamp is indispensable. Being out at night can sometimes make it hard to see trail markers, landmarks, and sometimes your own hand in front of your face. Getting out to that wide-open meadow, turning off your light source, and star gazing into the Mount Hood sky will keep you dreaming for weeks. When your dreams need recharging, all you have to do is visit the inspirational darkness in Mt Hood forest again.
By Greg Moreno
Looks like your question thing at the end of the post worked. Also not having to sign in is nice too. Good job. Nice list. Thanks.