digging in | Before pitching our tents we had to level the snow and dig down deep enough that we could create a snow wall to help block the wind.

the finished product | We dug out the vestibule so that we could stand upright even when the entry way of the tent is zipped shut. It makes putting on boots and getting into your pack much easier

mess hall | Our cook tent was a big cone that we anchored into the snow and then dug out benches and a cooking table on the inside.

five star restaurant | We would line the snow benches with our sleeping pads for insulation and all gather to eat in the tent.

Hot water in ten minutes | Carmen, Eric, and Juan (R to L) waiting for hot water in the cook tent.

canned food | Lessons learned: bread that comes in a can is not very good. The rest of the food was quite good.

daily business | Carmen making the trip from the bathroom to the tent. We dug a deep hole large enough to conceal a person sitting on a CMC.