At My Limit
My personal rule of thumb for cold weather radio is I'll do a hike in POTA or a SOTA if the temps are above 20 degrees F. Now other factors way in, such as sun, wind, etc. however when the temps are above 20, operating outside is an option. This one was at my limit.
The hike was easy, and I had no concerns during setup. But once I was about a third of the way through the activation the winds picked up, dropping the windchill to close to 0 degrees F.
The Hike
The hike was along a section of the Ice Age Trail that I frequent regularly. Trailhead is along state highway 87 on the north edge of the village of St. Croix Falls. It gets a lot of use, so the trail was packed down nicely with no need for snow shoes or cleats.
The trail wonders out of the river valley, offering some decent elevation gain for a flatlander trail. With the trees free of foliage, the open views this time of year are enjoyable. So are the lack of bugs and people.
Nearly a mile from the truck to the bench, so I got the steps in required for Pack Mule in without having to hike past my planned location of operation, like my first Pack Mule activation.
No video for the activation was recorded. I didn't want to fuss with setting up the GoPro in the cold. I promise more effort will be taken next time!
