Winter is an excellent time of year to explore cemeteries. Many of the troublesome plants are dormant, snakes are not very active, and headstones can be much easier to see. Walking through wooded areas is easier with so many vines and grasses dying down in the cold. It’s even better when there had been a snow event! The snow can reveal oddities in the landscape not seen in the summer. Spring is a little messier with frequent rains, but many flowers planted with graves are beginning to bloom in the early spring. It’s exciting to come across a bunch of daffodils in the forest to also find a hidden headstone.

Living in a southern state means an unpredictable winter season. One week it’s 80F and the next it’s 10F. We can also get some serious storms that seem to come out of nowhere. Flexible planning is important in all seasons, but in winter it can feel like plans are constantly pushed aside. Don’t get discouraged! There are some great ways to prepare for and overcome these delays.

Clothing and Gear

Dressing for the season will make everything a lot easier. When I have the right clothes and gear. Having a range of outfits is ideal, but gets cumbersome and expensive. I would recommend 2-3 cold weather outfits that range in ideal temperature use, even better if the layers work together. For my coldest days, I wear 3 layers. My first layer is the same as what I would wear for a chilly day (45-60F). This layer consists of long sleeve athletic wear, a pullover, regular socks, sneakers, and leg warmers. The athletic wear fits very close to my skin and leaves lots of room for layering. Each outfit includes a well-made sports bra and comfortable underpants. Stopping to make adjustments to my undergarments is so frustrating The pullover and legwarmers are a nice touch but can be removed quickly if the weather warms up.

When it is colder (30-45F) I’ll add jeans or sweatpants, a layer of long socks, thin gloves, a hat, and swap my sneakers for boots. This adds extra insulation without being bulky. I can move well through wooded areas without getting stuck on anything. The layers are easy to remove if I start to get too warm.

This past year I bought myself something very nice for when it gets even colder, insulated overalls (https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/ariat-womens-rebar-duracanvas-stretch-insulated-work-bib). These replace the jean layer for the really cold days. I’ll put on my athletic pants, long socks, leg warmers, and overalls. For my top, I’ll wear the long sleeve shirt and pull over under the overalls. On top of all of that, I might add a winter coat, hat, scarf, and gloves. The coat and bibs have the added benefit of big pockets to store snacks! The bibs are my favorite purchase of the year. They are so warm and cozy! I feel wonderful in them. There have not been any mobility issues with them.

Footwear needs to fit and work with the environment. I prefer to wear hiking boots, but in wet cold weather I switch to snow boots. They are warmer and usually water resistant. Stepping into an ice cold puddle can put a stop to the excitement in not time. Wet, cold feet have actually brought me to tears on a bad day. Consider packing extra shoes and socks.

If you are going to be heading out a long distance from where you are parking consider a backpack. Most dayhike packs are great for this. You’ll want to be able to hold any water, snacks, small medical kits, and anything else you might need. I’ll be writing another blog post on the subject of what to pack, so look out for that.

Getting to your locations

In winter and spring we get so much rain. Flash floods and thunderstorms are common and can be dangerous. If you are not familiar with the area and it looks a bit too mucky do not take the chance of getting stuck or hurt. Just turn around and make new plans. Take time to look at topographical maps, satalite imagaes, and weather reports. Many cemeteries are located near water. And even if it has not rained in the immedieat area the water could be high from rains upstream. Part of my county is inaccessible in bad weather because the road can be 4-6 inches under water. Even if the roads are clear, walking trails can be washed away long before the roads become dangerous. If you are walking off trail the terrain can change so dramatically in bad weather that it become difficult to find your way back.

Cold weather can turn for the worst with little warning. I was born and raised in a northern state, and I can often predict the cold, I usually know if the day will get warmer or colder. Most days get warmer as time passes, which is great. But on the days where it gets colder and colder a person can get caught in a bad situation. Always check the weather. Check more than one station or website. Listen to the locals if someone warns you. No one needs to loose an extremity over this.

Prepair your vehicle. I have an all wheel drive vehicle with an extra feature for gravel and dirt road driving. In all weather I do safety checks with my car before leaving. In cold weather I pack extra and do a little more work. My windsheild wiper fluid has antifreeze in it, this helps in case of a snow storm so I can maintain visibility. I pack blankets, towels, and extra clothes just in case. I wish I still had my heated car blanket, but things go missing everytime I move. I have several, large thermoses that I will fill with warm drinks (mostly just hot water). I like to include hand warmers in this kit as well.

Happy Hunting

I want everyone going out to be safe and warm! Have a good time, but prepare yourself first.