Hemlock Forest Hike

Discussion in 'Bushcraft' started by Brokor, Aug 29, 2010.


  1. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    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.
    DSCF1344. DSCF1347. DSCF1350. DSCF1359. DSCF1365. DSCF1366. DSCF1380. DSCF1385. DSCF1391. DSCF1395. DSCF1402. DSCF1409. DSCF1413.
    DSCF1400_Fake.
     
    Last edited: Sep 8, 2015
  2. bnmb

    bnmb On Hiatus Banned

    Very beautiful nature!
     
  3. sticks65

    sticks65 Monkey++

    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.
     
    Brokor likes this.
  4. Bear

    Bear Monkey+++ Founding Member Iron Monkey

    Nice pics... looks like a nice time... except for the cold...
    Is that a Kelly kettle I see... :0)
     
  5. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    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.
     
  6. Byte

    Byte Monkey+++

    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
     
  7. Seacowboys

    Seacowboys Senior Member Founding Member

    Very cool, Bro
     
  8. Tracy

    Tracy Insatiably Curious Moderator Founding Member

    Beautiful area. Thanks for sharing.
     
  9. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    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)
     
  10. sticks65

    sticks65 Monkey++

    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.[aiw]

    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.[nono]:oops:o_O
     
  11. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    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.
     
  12. sticks65

    sticks65 Monkey++

    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.
    [​IMG]

    Ground dwelling.
    [​IMG]
     
    Brokor likes this.
  13. sticks65

    sticks65 Monkey++

    Enjoyed the video Bro.

    Those Kelly kettles look good.

    Just going to watch part two now.
     
  14. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    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.
     
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