Owen County Winter 2025 Almanac By Josh Rodamer

Battery-powered Christmas lights combat the shortened winter days as the buzz of a propane heater takes the edge off the cold inside my home away from home. Each season has so much to offer in the woods, and winter is no different. As deer season closes, rabbit, squirrel and duck hunting provide something to chase as the winter months rob us of precious light.

The winter camp — whether a hot tent with a stove or my more modern setup with a propane tank and heater — proves to be a worthwhile endeavor, bringing calm and reflection to an otherwise busy schedule. There’s something about watching a flame dance that slows down time as the heat of the coals melts the worries of life into thin air.

’Tis the season, and my mind begins to ponder the hustle and bustle of the holidays. I think

about Christmas, the birth of Jesus, and how busy he became in his ministry. Jesus himself

spent time in the wilderness — once to be tempted, but then often to withdraw to desolate

places to pray and spend time with God. In a world of growing distractions, even Jesus found value in solitude.

Since this isn’t the Middle East but the Kentucky Bluegrass, here are a few helpful tips to make sure your winter adventure is enjoyable and safe. As with all our basic needs, we must attend to food, shelter and clothing. If you’re new to outdoor adventures — or especially to winter outings — planning ahead will bring comfort and keep you from serious injury or worse. Frostbite and hypothermia are very real dangers if you’re unprepared for the temperatures or run into an unexpected problem.

Food and Water

Food and water require special attention when planning your winter adventure. If you’re

camping in below-freezing temperatures, you must have a way to melt snow or keep your water from freezing. It often surprises people to learn that dehydration is a concern in the winter. When we breathe in cold, dry air, our bodies warm and moisten that air through our mucous membranes and airways. This uses up our body’s water supply. Be sure to bring enough water or have a plan to procure more during your trip.

Shelter

Shelter keeps you dry and out of the wind. As I write this, I’m sitting in a thin nylon tipi warmed by a propane heater. It’s been raining most of the day, with temperatures in the 40s. Without the heater, I’d be in a sleeping bag designed to pull moisture away from my body.

When considering sleeping gear, also think about sleeping pads or another layer between you and the ground. Your body loses a great deal of heat through contact with the ground by conduction. Sleeping pads, cots or insulated mats help prevent that heat loss. Finally, your shelter should protect you from the wind. When setting up camp, look carefully for dead trees and limbs that could fall. Every year, people are seriously injured or killed by falling trees or branches.

Clothing

Clothing is perhaps the most important consideration. There are a few key rules for dressing in winter. First, cotton kills. Wet cotton won’t keep you warm and speeds heat loss. Instead,

choose wool or synthetic materials designed to keep your body dry and insulated.

Wool has stood the test of time, keeping people warm even when wet. Today, merino wool

is a popular base layer that wicks moisture away from the skin. Over the base layer, add a mid-layer of insulation — down or a synthetic alternative that traps warm air. Finally, wear an outer shell that blocks wind and moisture.

If you’re active, shed layers to prevent overheating and sweating; when you cool down, add

layers back. Your clothing can also supplement your sleeping system if your bag or pad proves inadequate — those base and mid-layers can make all the difference.

Safety and Preparation

Before any winter outing, make a plan and share it with someone who isn’t going with you. If

you don’t return on time, they can alert rescue teams to your location. If you fall into cold water, call for help immediately, get out of wet clothes and into dry ones, and seek warmth indoors or in a heated vehicle as soon as possible. Remember: cold and wet is a dangerous combination.

When you’re properly equipped and prepared, the winter months can be a time of peace and solitude in the outdoors. Take time to be safe — and enjoy roaming the woods and waters of Owen County.