I went on a little trip to the nearby hemlock forest in Ricketts Glen and camped nearby at a camping site for the night. I started with a hike through the trails along a creek with waterfalls and paths, then ended up camping a couple miles away. I set up the DD Hammock and cooked some Mountainhouse beef stew and chai tea. And yes, that is the Llewellyn fighter blade I used to split wood. It got really cold last night, and I didn't get much sleep, but I made due with my Halo 3 sleeping bag, DD Sleeper, thermal shirt, and ultra light coat. I set up the tarp with an offset because I didn't expect rain, but there was a slight breeze occasionally, so I rigged it as a windbreak. Over all, it was a decent trip.
Looks like a place I would enjoy. It also looks like you had a good time. That water looks very clear,did you take water or collect water there ? Do you use a sleeping mat in your hammock as here In the UK you have to or else you would freeze you nuts off.
Oh yes. Love it!! I took water with me (Camelback mule) AND IT WAS HEAVY. I later hauled about 5 gallons from a water point and boiled it just in case (although it's from a well). And yes --A mat is absolutely necessary for cold nights. Unfortunately, in my infinite wisdom, I saw no need to pack one. The cold was literally freezing my backside.
Beautiful terrain there. I really like you hammock set-up. I've always been a tent camper but my Mountain Hardware Room with a View takes up a lot of space and is pretty heavy for solo hiking. I've been thinking about finding a decent hammock to try out. Byte
The folks at DDHammock are real friendly and they have awesome products. I wouldn't waste time with anything else, personally. Even the Hennesey hammocks are great, but in my opinion you get more bang for your buck with DD. Thanks for commenting! I got part one of the video uploaded to YouTube. YouTube - Hemlock Forest Hike (P1)
I try to go places that I know theres a water source so I don't have to carry to much,just a 2 quart bottle and water filter,the reason I do this is to save putting to much stress on my old wornout knees,Id rather have to keep filtering and boiling the water than carry it Bro. Yep thats how I learnt my lesson,I thought I knew better but Mother nature showed me how wrong I was with the same freezing of the backside.
Yeah, I don't plan on carrying the MULE again unless I know I will need it. That's an extra 12 lbs. I don't need on my back. I have to look for a better sleeping pad now that I think of it. I still have an old G.I. green pad, but it's a little worn. I just don't want those really big ones. I have one of those light tarps with the foil side incorporated into it, and I think this will help as well. On a cold night the backside will absolutely freeze in a hammock. The nice thing about the DDHammock I have now, is that it can be used as a tent...but I haven't tried to use it that way yet.
Im not much for hammock camping as I always feel like im going to fall out even though I know im not LOL. Ive also got the DD hammock and they are good ones to. My favourite method is ground dwelling but that not always possible where you guys live with wolves and bears,snakes and spidies. I have a light self inflating mat but want a thicker wider one for the winter. DD Hammock with MOD tarp. Ground dwelling.
Cool! Yes, I had a fun time. I am making a quick tutorial on my video editing program and I will upload it tonight. I love the kettle. No matter what setup I have, light or heavy --that baby always goes with me.
