grapeshot - that is indeed getting cold. I believe -18ºC is about 0ºF so that is getting down there. Its been a long time since I did the conversions in my head, I could be wrong. When it gets cold, like you, I often use pure alcohol to swab the barrel. It works great actually. I only use the 70% isopropyl but it seems to work great.

oldwun - good luck hunting with your immediate family. I agree that just hanging with the family can be a worth while time, even if you do not happen to bag game. Sounds like a beautiful place to hang out too. Did Alabama get that ice storm stuff like some of the other southern states?