Little River State Park Woodsmoke Overnight Preps

We are less than two weeks away from our Woodsmoke overnight at Little River State Park. Shirli and I drove up Sunday to do a little scouting and to simply enjoy the natural surroundings. A nice doe pleasantly graced our sight as we drove in. She is accustomed to seeing people and though still wild was not real skittish.

LRSP provides us with an ideal natural setting as a gradual first step with the guys we are mentoring in woodscraft skills. It will provide them with an opportunity to practice the skills they have been learning and spend a night “on the ground” in a somewhat controlled atmosphere as a first step in readying them for our early and late winter extended trips.

This is a great time to be outdoors and we are really looking forward to getting out there with the guys!

Here are a few things to keep in mind and prepare for accordingly.

KIT – It is important that your kit contain the prescribed items we have been working with in our classes and that all items are in good working order.

What if it rains?

A little rain in the forecast will not alter our plans. I am of the opinion that a little rain on this picnic would only serve to add to the value of this outing as a training exercise. A fierce weekend deluge with a lot of hot lightning will cause us to reschedule. We will play that by ear though.

SAFETY is ALWAYS our first priority. BRING some form of rain gear … a poncho, rain suit, or 55 gallon drum liner.

FOOD – Bring a few supplemental snacks or trail foods of your preference. Don’t overdo it. Remember that we are not packing for a long haul but for a simple overnight.

An open-fire supper and breakfast will be provided for the enrolled class members.

FISHING GEAR – Bring something to fish with but keep it bare minimum simple. I will use only a throw line that is part of my kit and set a few overnight bank lines for cats. A fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older.

CLOTHING – Be attentive to the forecast temperatures.

Wear appropriate clothing. Pack a complete change of clothes in a dry bag (13 gal. garbage bag with drawstring works well) in the event you get wet. REMEMBER that hypothermia can be a real issue when the air is cool and the breeze is blowing. Even if it does not rain you may still slip and get wet in the lake or creek.

SLEEP SYSTEM – A bedroll or light sleeping bag and some type of pad to provide insulation from the ground. Insulation from the ground temperature is not as critical in October as it will be on our winter outings. That thin layer of padding also makes for a better night of sleep.

An inexpensive exercise pad will work as a pad. Walmart or Coleman carries closed cell Camping Pads that are waterproof for around $15.00.

HEAD GEAR – A hat is not mere head dressing. It is protective gear. It helps regulate body temperature, protects us from the summer sun during the day, and helps minimize heat loss in the winter. With the cooler temperatures at night it is advisable to carry a stocking cap in your kit. It is especially valuable to wear when you sleep.

STAKES – Either purchase or prepare the stakes you will need for your tarp and bring these as part of your kit.

Harvesting material for stakes is not a problem here in our classroom areas. For the sake of respecting public resources at the park we do not want to damage any growing plants, trees, or wildlife.

We’ll meet here at 0900 on Saturday morning the 18th, do a quick equipment survey, convoy to our destination, and be spiking camp before noon.