So this Friday I'm heading up to Grandfather Mtn. to do an overnight. This will be my first winter overnight. I've done a couple of trips this time of year but at lower elevations so it was more like shoulder season camping. On top of Grandfather this won't be the case. They are calling for 3 to 6 inches of snow Wed. and Thursday and temps to be in the upper teens to low 20's Friday night. I've got my new microspikes and the cold weather gear packed and ready to go.
A couple of questions -
If the ground is frozen hard as a rock how do you get tent stakes in?
How do you dig a cathole in this scenario?
I only have a canister stove...what's your experience trying to cook with one in sub freezing temps?
Any other tips or tricks you learned the hard way?
Thanks