Attn: Ed Huesers about Ice Box--was Re: Winter in Yellowstone

On Sun, 30 Nov 2003 16:36:15 -0700, Ed Huesers <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

>> >doc wrote:
>> >> Rec.backcountry is tame by comparison.
>
>> Ed Huesers  <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>> > You must be itching for Yellowstone...
>
>Eugene Miya wrote:
>> Naw, he's right about it being comparatively tame.
>
>   Ack.
>   Oh, he's got a trip to Jellyrock planned for this winter season and
>I'd bet he's gettin to itchin real good.
>
>> You have not seen Curtis or Tomm of late have you?
>
>   Still catchin up after trade show.
>   Blonde TV anchor got done with winter camping scene and is asked,
>"would you like to climb the ice tower?". "Sure." Was her immediate
>reply.
>   Roped her up and showed no fear... fell twice.
>   Later I commented about showing no fear. "Oh, I used to rock climb
>when I lived in WA, Smith rock...".
>   Haven't been to a.c.a. since trip but no tom here...
>
>   Ed Huesers
>   Shameless plug: http://www.grandshelters.com

Ed,  I'm considering an Ice Box and would like some advice to help me better
picture how I could use the shelters created therewith.  I notice you offer
different size poles.  Can one just leave a certain size pole behind to
equal the weight of either individual package?
  
Mostly, I'll be soloing, but sometimes might have 2-4 total in a group.
When soloing, I picture my 6'2" self in my 0 degree, 7" loft sleeping bag,
wanting to stay about a foot away from any wall (since I tend to slide some
during the night, at least in a tent or snow cave).  It seems like an 8 foot
igloo might be too small, but I like the idea of moving less snow as a
soloist.  Maybe I could dig a small depression so I slide less.  Perhaps the
igloo walls are not as sharply angled as they are in my tent, and if so,
then 8 feet may be more practical than I envision.  I'd appreciate your
opinion.  How many 6'2" people do you estimate can comfortably fit in the
various size igloos?

How long might it take a soloist to build the 8 and 9 foot versions the
first time and then after some experience?

Although, I understand one can use a lighter bag in an igloo, I want to take
a zero degree bag in case I need to hunker down in my bivy sack (possibly
with vapor barrier liner) in below zero temps without a snow shelter.  Also,
can the igloo be ventilated enough (assuming below 0 outside temps) to avoid
overheating in a 0 or -10 degree bag?  Would leaving the door uncovered be
enough?

If I build a series of snow shelters with the plan of backtracking and using
them again, what is the etiquette about others using an empty snow shelter.
Have you ever gone back to a previous shelter and found it inhabited?  I'm
picturing a shelter in a popular place such as Yellowstone (near where the
snow coaches drop one off near the lodge that is open in winter), along the
Mt. Whitney Trail, or in Little Yosemite Valley.  I realize that hiding the
shelter may be the best solution.

Regards,
doc