While the idea of driving in snow may
make some nervous, it is all about keeping
the speed down.
While snow may be fun, it is the dreaded
black ice that has most of us grippingour steering wheels in fear. Black ice often
forms in the low-lying valleys where a
frozen layer blends in to the road surface.
While you may think you are an offroad
guru no amount of Evel Knievel smarts willsee you able to control your vehicle.
If driving during icy conditions, especially
early in the morning, keep your speed
down and if you do become a runaway
ice skater, get off the brakes, accelerator
and sharp steering and hope that you do
a Steve Bradbury, safely making it to the
other side.The real secret of an enjoyable winter
trip is layer, layer, layer.
Staying warm involves putting some
thought into your wardrobe with a woollen
base layer, eece or goose jacket mid layer,
and an outer wind and waterproof shell.
Gloves and a beanie are your best
friends. While your other half may say you
don’t use your head often, it is where you
lose most of your body heat. The trick is to
remain cool and dry.
You don’t want to be sweating, as this
creates moisture, and you don’t want to
get wet. Don’t forget t this means your legs
as well. Those well-worn jeans will leave
you quivering like a wet dog after a bath.- LAYERS.
Due to winter having short days it pays
to arrive at camp early.
There is nothing worse than rushing
to set up camp in the dark, which will
guarantee your frostbitten hands will get
caught on something, making you howl
like a dingo with a thorn in its foot.
While the braver may head up abovethe snowline, don’t be fooled into thinking
it is any warmer in the valleys. As the cool
air sinks, the morning will see a winter ice
layer cover everything.
Don’t throw warm water on your wind-
screen to clear any frost or you will be calling
the repairman when you get back. A cheap
ice scraper will see you clear.Whether you are braving it in a swag,
or luxing it in a camper, prepare for the
worst. Weather conditions can change
dramatically so have everything tied down
and extra covers.
If that winter front blasts through during the
night and you get wet you will be spending
the rest of your trip somewhere between
hypothermia and a hospital.
HITTING THE ROAD.
LEAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP CAMP.
LAYERS.
HITTING THE ROAD.
LEAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP CAMP.
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