Eagle Creek Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Idaho

For the last few years we've managed to get our backpacking season started in early February and this year was no different. We were at Eagle Creek in North Idaho and going in for an overnight trip. For these early season trips we don't hike nearly as far as we will later in the season. We were only going in a couple miles but we'd need the extra time to set up and gather enough firewood to last us through the night and into the morning. We had a few new quilts that we were trying out this year and while it wasn't as cold as I hoped it would be I couldn't wait to try them out. As usual we were set up in no time and it was time to get some firewood. With our fire going it was time to start thinking about our dinner and as usual steaks were on the menu. As it got dark the snow started to fall and by morning we had a couple inches of fresh snow. Our new quilts were great and we stayed nice and warm while the snow fell. I wish that we could have stayed longer but there always seems to be a reason we need to get back. So we packed up camp and started to walk out. It was an easy hike out and before we knew it we were back at the truck and our trip was over. It was a great start to the season and I'm already looking forward to the next one.