I think mine is one of my very first solo trips which looking back I was kind of over optimistic and stupid, but also gave me great memories.

It was early spring in Minnesota, daytime temps a little above freezing, nighttime temps well below freezing. I packed out with just a couple of tarps for shelter but a ton of pack weight with other gear. There was still quite a bit of snow and the thawing and refreezing left a crust on top. Every step I’d have to step up onto the crust, but then it would break and I’d sink. I didn’t have snowshoes at the time, my entire walk was like doing a stairclimber.

Once I got to my site the temperature dropped and the wind picked up and it was already getting dark. It was a mad scramble to get my tarps up in a way that kept me well out of the wind. By the time I started working on my fire my fingers were cold and barely working, and all of the wood was wet and snow covered. I was able to eventually get a good fire going. Once I was settled in, protected from the wind and with a good fire, my dinner of a steak and hot chocolate was probably the most satisfying meal I’ve had in the woods. I slept great that night, with the wind howling all around.
Fond memories indeed…