Well we all survived the backpacking trip.  It got down to 1F the first night we were out there, plus my sleeping pad went flat so I was basically sleeping on the snow.  Did things different the second and third night and stayed a lot warmer.  The whole trip was a blast, but winter camping is a lot of work!  We spent a good part of each morning and evening melting snow or boiling stream water for drinking and cooking.  Two of the five of us mad it too the top of Government peak.  The second night we camped about 3 miles from the peak.  Myself and Phil got up early and made trip to the top and back before noon, we were able to make good time in the snowshoes without 50lb packs.  It was beautiful at the top, but the snow didn't allow us to see very far.  Here are some pictures!

Winter Backpacking trip

Got the gear all loaded up heading out a 4 day winter snowshoe backpacking trip.  The pack is at 45lbs right now, but will go up as I put in the last bit of food I can squeeze in.  Plan is to make it to the top of Government peak(1850ft) in the Porcupine Mountains.  Should be interesting as 3 of the 5 people going have not done much for backpacking.  I'm sure we will make some good memories on this trip. 

Once I get back, it is time to get some serious K's in on those ski's in preparation for the quickly approaching ski races(Noque, Badger state, Birkie, and maybe Bear Chase).  All of this is of course in preparation for the Wausau 24hr Duo race that I entered with my team-mate Jesse Shoemaker...

I'll have some good pictures to post after I return