As you may have heard already, Appleseed has a new Rifleman Patch that can be earned only in real winter conditions:
http://www.appleseedinfo.org/winterseed.html
Well, we got your winter conditions right here:
Enfield, NH, Jan. 15-16, 2011 (http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=19140.0%3C/td%3E%3Ctd%3E)
And here:
Pelham, NH, Jan. 22-23, 2011 (http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=18529.0%3C/td%3E%3Ctd%3E)
AND [FANFARE] HERE:
Peterborough, NH, Feb. 19-20, 2011 -- THIS IS A SPECIAL SHOOT. SEE THE MESSAGES ABOUT IT HERE IN THIS THREAD.
(http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=20083.0%3C/td%3E%3Ctd%3E)
These shoots separate the truly heroic Appleseeders from the summer soldiers and sunshine patriots. Winterseeders who take these opportunities to test their equipment and their skills in actual winter conditions know they deserve the new patch when they get one.
Here is a good thread discussing cold weather techniques and equipment:
http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=4527.new#new
"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."
Thomas Paine, writing in 1776
An awesome scan, courtesy of Ninsho!
And two more versions--one large, one small--with a transparent background.