Hello All,
You are invited to join Redtail (Steve Doxzen) and I (Michael Quitt) at the first Mid-Atlantic Hammock Hangers Association group hang which will take place on the weekend of October 5-7 at the shelter at Crampton Gap on the AT. The shelter is only a 1/2 mile walk from Gathland State Park in Maryland. Besides the shelter, there is a nice size flat area above the shelter with plenty of trees as well as trees below the shelter to hang from. There is a spring and a porta-john there as well, but since we are so close to the park we should be able to use the bathrooms there if anyone chooses to. There is plenty of parking on the North Lot in the park which is the closest to the trail and I've been told by park officials that there is no problem leaving cars there for a couple of nights.
I'll bring burgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers that we can cook over a fire near the shelter one night. If they will deliver to the park :^) I'll try to get pizza for one of the nights as well, but I know that they won't deliver to the shelter :^).
We'll provide directions at a later date, but we wanted to let everyone know as soon as we could so that you could mark that weekend in your calendar.
Please let us know if you plan on attending.

if i can work it out i'll let yall know. would be good to meet some more of the HF group. ...tim

To late in the season and to far for me to travel so I will not be able to attend.

To late in the season and to far for me to travel so I will not be able to attend.

Sorry you can't attend. We made it later in the season because it gets too hot and humid through August and most of September in MD. In early October it still stays light longer and the heat and humidity is not as much of a problem.

Sign me up. I love the MD section of the AT.

May want to check on WB to see if the spring is flowing near the shelter, it run dry alot. Plus the bathrooms at the park are often locked (even during the height of the season) so that may not be an option for water.

I've parked my car there overnight with no problem (same goes for behind the South Mountain Inn 7 miles north on the trail.)

Sign me up. I love the MD section of the AT.

May want to check on WB to see if the spring is flowing near the shelter, it run dry alot. Plus the bathrooms at the park are often locked (even during the height of the season) so that may not be an option for water.

I've parked my car there overnight with no problem (same goes for behind the South Mountain Inn 7 miles north on the trail.)

Glad to have you on board. I have one of those large orange water barrels that you see many times on the backs of trucks. If I can get help hauling it the 1/2 mile, I'll fill it with water and ice and bring it so we'll have fresh, clean water.

hauling it the 1/2 mile

If memory serves the climb out of the parking lot feels like 1/2 miles straight up!!:eek: Of course once you get to the top you walk back down hill to the shelter.:confused:

I will definately be there. I am doing Maryland this weekend.

Peace Dutch

If memory serves the climb out of the parking lot feels like 1/2 miles straight up!!:eek: Of course once you get to the top you walk back down hill to the shelter.:confused:

Actually, this shelter is an easy walk from the lot. You must be thinking of another shelter.

I will definately be there. I am doing Maryland this weekend.

Peace Dutch

Hey Dutch,
Check out the shelter area at Crampton Gulch and let us know what you think if you are passing that way.

Actually, this shelter is an easy walk from the lot. You must be thinking of another shelter.

If memory serves the climb out of the parking lot feels like 1/2 miles straight up!!:eek: Of course once you get to the top you walk back down hill to the shelter.:confused:

You're both right :D

If you follow the AT it goes straight up the ridge. Then a blue blaze side trail cuts down hill to the shelter.

There is ALSO another blue blaze that cuts straight over to the shelter from the lot. It is pretty straight and level.

You're both right :D

If you follow the AT it goes straight up the ridge. Then a blue blaze side trail cuts down hill to the shelter.

There is ALSO another blue blaze that cuts straight over to the shelter from the lot. It is pretty straight and level.

Awww man! I did the up and down option in the dark for my pre-wedding backpack with my bestman.

Glad to hear there is another option for the hangout.

Jacks 'R' Better will be there....At least one of us wil be there.... May try to plan a hike in ... more details in the weeks to come.... And yes, we will bring all the great JRB gear to demo.

Pan

If I can work it out, I will try to make it as well.

Jacks 'R' Better will be there....At least one of us wil be there.... May try to plan a hike in ... more details in the weeks to come.... And yes, we will bring all the great JRB gear to demo.

Pan

Hi Pan,
That's great of you come!!! I know everyone will be looking forward to seeing all of the JRB gear up close and personal.
MQ

If I can work it out, I will try to make it as well.

It will be great if you can come. It will be nice to put faces to names that we see on the forum everyday.
MQ

Thanks. I'll get together with Slowhike and maybe we can carpool up there.

It's also right around my oldest daughter's birthday, so maybe she will want to come too. Any landmarks at that location that I can look up on Google maps?

Thanks. I'll get together with Slowhike and maybe we can carpool up there.

It's also right around my oldest daughter's birthday, so maybe she will want to come too. Any landmarks at that location that I can look up on Google maps?

Yes...Google Gathland State Park which is where the parking lot is. If you want an interesting little "historical" side trip, not too far from there is Washington Monument State Park where the first Washington Monument is, up near the AT. It looks nothing like the one in DC. Also, if I'm not mistaken, Gathland has some Civil War history to it. Just go online and google both of those places for more info. Tell you daughter that we'd love to have her come hang with us.

It's a little early to tell, but I may be able to make it.

It's a little early to tell, but I may be able to make it.

We'd love to have you. Just keep us posted.

Yes...Google Gathland State Park which is where the parking lot is. If you want an interesting little "historical" side trip, not too far from there is Washington Monument State Park where the first Washington Monument is, up near the AT. It looks nothing like the one in DC. Also, if I'm not mistaken, Gathland has some Civil War history to it. Just go online and google both of those places for more info. Tell you daughter that we'd love to have her come hang with us.


Thanks very much. Looks interesting! I hope everything works out between now and then. I'm looking forward to meeting you all as well.

Thanks. I'll get together with Slowhike and maybe we can carpool up there.


sounds good! we'll try to make it work.

It's a little early to tell, but I may be able to make it.
I think I'd love to come as well, if I can get the time off from work. Maybe HC and I can carpool up for it as well. I'd love to see a little piece of Maryland, haven't been there in a LONG time.

to far to drive and hang out with Yankees :p

to far to drive and hang out with Yankees :p

But, we are on the Mason-Dixon Line. Northerners call us Southerners and Southerners call us Northerners. Damned if we are and damned if we're not :^)
Besides, you'd come here to hang with "hangers"...but, I understand...it is a long drive.
MQ

I'm hoping to attend but i wont know my work schedule til closer to the date

to far to drive and hang out with Yankees :p

This location is officially in the South as the Mason Dixon line in the PA/MD border.

Ya'll come !!!!

Pan

This location is officially in the South as the Mason Dixon line in the PA/MD border.

Ya'll come !!!!

Pan

don't care where the Mason Dixon Line...Maryland is a Yankee State:D

don't care where the Mason Dixon Line...Maryland is a Yankee State:D

Fortunately! :)

Just checking in to see if everything is still a go.

Really looking forward to this event! We are in the process of buying a house this summer so we have not gotten to hang as much as would like.

Just checking in to see if everything is still a go.

Really looking forward to this event! We are in the process of buying a house this summer so we have not gotten to hang as much as would like.

Still on the JRB calendar.... We are planning on being there.

BTW, the second Annual Summer Sale is in effect six JRB quilt models under $200 one in the 150s, tarps and gear hammocks also. Check out the new Hudson River model, three season capability, Full UQ featured, TQ or ground usable also intro priced at $199.

Pan

Just checking in to see if everything is still a go.

Really looking forward to this event! We are in the process of buying a house this summer so we have not gotten to hang as much as would like.

Yes...we are still on and looking forward to meeting as many people from Hammock Forums as we can.

Going to try and swing this with my boys.

Going to try and swing this with my boys.

We'd love to have you. I'll post directions as we get closer to the date. Don't know how old your boys are, but there are some interesting Civil War historical sites in several parks fairly close by.

6 and 8, well by then it will be 7 and 8.

I have to make a new hammock for my 8 year old and maybe underquilts for both of them but I have plenty of time. Now, if I can just find my wifes sewing machine that she hid on me... :mad:

Is this near the ALDHA Gathering in Gettysburg the same weekend? I would like to do one of these. Which would you suggest for a relatively new hiker and relatively new hanger?

They are less than an hour apart if you decide you'd like to visit both.

Directions from Gettysburg College to Gathland (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=Gettysburg+college&daddr=Gathland+State+Park,+900+Arnoldstown+Rd,+Uni nc+Frederick+County,+MD&sll=39.585445,-77.435245&sspn=0.727086,1.252441&ie=UTF8&ll=39.587699,-77.43576&spn=0.727063,1.252441&z=10&om=1)

-Steve

Just bumping this up again, since other hangouts are also being planned around this time.

Hello All,
I'm repeating the announcement that Steve and I posted some time ago since we are only about six weeks away from the first MAHHA hang. Many of you have notified us as to your plans to attend, but I thought that those of you who are new, have forgotten or missed the first post might benefit from seeing it again.
BTW, if we have rainy weather during the day(s) that weekend, there is a large pavilion in the park near the parking lot where we can gather and be out of the elements. As we get closer to the date, I'll ask again who thinks they will be attending so that I'll know how many burgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers to bring.

You are invited to join Redtail (Steve Doxzen) and I (Michael Quitt) at the first Mid-Atlantic Hammock Hangers Association group hang which will take place on the weekend of October 5-7 at the shelter at Crampton Gap on the AT. The shelter is only a 1/2 mile walk from Gathland State Park in Maryland. Besides the shelter, there is a nice size flat area above the shelter with plenty of trees as well as trees below the shelter to hang from. There is a spring and a porta-john there as well, but since we are so close to the park we should be able to use the bathrooms there if anyone chooses to. There is plenty of parking on the North Lot in the park which is the closest to the trail and I've been told by park officials that there is no problem leaving cars there for a couple of nights.
I'll bring burgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers that we can cook over a fire near the shelter one night. If they will deliver to the park :^) I'll try to get pizza for one of the nights as well, but I know that they won't deliver to the shelter :^).
We'll provide directions at a later date, but we wanted to let everyone know as soon as we could so that you could mark that weekend in your calendar.
Please let us know if you plan on attending.

Hello All,
I'm repeating the announcement that Steve and I posted some time ago since we are only about six weeks away from the first MAHHA hang. Many of you have notified us as to your plans to attend, but I thought that those of you who are new, have forgotten or missed the first post might benefit from seeing it again.
BTW, if we have rainy weather during the day(s) that weekend, there is a large pavilion in the park near the parking lot where we can gather and be out of the elements. As we get closer to the date, I'll ask again who thinks they will be attending so that I'll know how many burgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers to bring.

You are invited to join Redtail (Steve Doxzen) and I (Michael Quitt) at the first Mid-Atlantic Hammock Hangers Association group hang which will take place on the weekend of October 5-7 at the shelter at Crampton Gap on the AT. The shelter is only a 1/2 mile walk from Gathland State Park in Maryland. Besides the shelter, there is a nice size flat area above the shelter with plenty of trees as well as trees below the shelter to hang from. There is a spring and a porta-john there as well, but since we are so close to the park we should be able to use the bathrooms there if anyone chooses to. There is plenty of parking on the North Lot in the park which is the closest to the trail and I've been told by park officials that there is no problem leaving cars there for a couple of nights.
I'll bring burgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers that we can cook over a fire near the shelter one night. If they will deliver to the park :^) I'll try to get pizza for one of the nights as well, but I know that they won't deliver to the shelter :^).
We'll provide directions at a later date, but we wanted to let everyone know as soon as we could so that you could mark that weekend in your calendar.
Please let us know if you plan on attending.

qpens, et al,

Jacks 'R" Better will be there.... Will bring lots of quilts gear to demo. If any of you want us to bring items for purchase please send us your wish list by PM so we can load, it as space will probably be limited.

Pan

qpens, et al,

Jacks 'R" Better will be there.... Will bring lots of quilts gear to demo. If any of you want us to bring items for purchase please send us your wish list by PM so we can load, it as space will probably be limited.

Pan

Pan

Thanks, Pan...looking forward to meeting you.
MQ

I'm planning the trip. Experienced at tent camping, but new to hammocks. Can't wait to actually see different techniques and equipment. Have lots to learn.

I'm planning the trip. Experienced at tent camping, but new to hammocks. Can't wait to actually see different techniques and equipment. Have lots to learn.

Looking forward to you coming and learning along with you :^)

i'm not sure yet, but i would like to make that camp out if i can. ...tim

Here is a Google Maps link you can use to generate directions to Gathland State Park from your location:

MAHAA Directions (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Gathland+State+Park,+900+Arnoldstown+Rd,+Un inc+Frederick+County,+Frederick,+Maryland,+United+ States&ie=UTF8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&hl=en&cd=3&geocode=0,39.406180,-77.638930&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=47.483365,79.892578&z=16&iwloc=addr&om=1)

In the Address bubble next to "Get Directions:" click To here and enter your address.

There are two parking lots. The lot closest to the shelter is in the north end of the park, on Arnoldstown Road, pretty much right where the arrow is pointing on the Google map.

Hope to see you there,
-Steve

I am thinking about making it up to this. I would really like to go, but I am unsure if I will have the time at this point. Three hour drive is not too bad.

I've made plans to attend the Gathering which will be my first. I'll try to make it to this Hang too for at least a day. Looking forward to October!

I am thinking about making it up to this. I would really like to go, but I am unsure if I will have the time at this point. Three hour drive is not too bad.

Hope you can make it lvleph, where in VA are you?

I've made plans to attend the Gathering which will be my first. I'll try to make it to this Hang too for at least a day. Looking forward to October!

Hope you can make it by lyleb. it's not too far from the ALDHA Gathering.
BTW, there's a link to directions in post #37 in this thread.

Location: RVA

RVA=Richmond

Ok Ok...I think I might ACTUALLY be able to make this one!! YIPPY!! And (drum roll) I'll be bringing a brand new hanger with me too, and she'll be breaking in her hammock for the first time! Really excited to see familiar (on-line) people coming...and to the "Jacks" really looking forward to chatting with you again after meeting you both at Trail Days!

Ok Ok...I think I might ACTUALLY be able to make this one!! YIPPY!! And (drum roll) I'll be bringing a brand new hanger with me too, and she'll be breaking in her hammock for the first time! Really excited to see familiar (on-line) people coming...and to the "Jacks" really looking forward to chatting with you again after meeting you both at Trail Days!


Michele,

We look forwart to catching up with you as well..... Always nice to get performance results from those that give our gear a true multi night/ long distance test.

Alcon,

We have another trip to the factory set this month....We should have some proto type 2 models, If lucky the trial run production may be available by then, of the upcoming JRB Bear Mountain Bridge Hammock..... Also we should be bringing the latest prototypes of the actual JRB Hammock Tents due out later in the fall....

Let's make this a great fall hang out...

Pan

Just a reminder that the first Mid-Atlantic Hammock Hangers Association hang will take place in about a month...October 5-7. Redtail has posted a link to Google Maps on an earlier post so that you can get directions. It will take place at the Crampton Gap Shelter on the AT, an easy 1/2 mile hike from the parking lot at Gathland State Park in Maryland.

Jacks R Better will be represented and will bring some of their products for a show and tell. Thanks, Pan!!

Gathland is located close to a number of Civil War historical sites as well as the first Washington Monument, which is located in Washington Monument State Park, also close to the AT.

This hang will be a family friendly venue... one with at least three kids attending, that I know of. In case of inclement weather, there is a covered pavilion with a lot of picnic tables/benches in the park, close to the parking lot, where we can congregate, if need be.

This will be a great opportunity for both new and experienced hangers to see what other hangers are doing to be more comfortable and stay warm and weather protected. It will also be fun to meet and put faces to names that appear on Hammock Forums.

Please contact Redtail or I if you have any questions or if we can be of help.
Michael
qpens

We have another trip to the factory set this month....We should have some proto type 2 models, If lucky the trial run production may be available by then, of the upcoming JRB Bear Mountain Bridge Hammock..... Also we should be bringing the latest prototypes of the actual JRB Hammock Tents due out later in the fall.... Pan

Will there be any possibility of purchasing any of the trial run Bear Mountain Bridge hammocks while we're there?

I am still hoping to make it up there, but I am unsure if I have class that Monday, and I am unsure if I will have a car anymore. I did get myself an under quilt, so that won't hold me back.

I can't wait for my first hangout in Oct. If any one wants to hike in there from maybe Harpers Ferry or any place south (I only hike north) I would be game and can help with shuttles. I also have some vacation left so I could take offa coulple days before. I also wanted to keep this post alive so as many people as possible come.

I would love to hang and learn from everyone. It sounds great. (Living in Manhattan, I don't have a car) If I can figure out how to get there, I might come.

Also, in October in Maryland, will we need bug netting?

NYC hiker, If you take a train or bus to Lancaster PA I will gladly take you the rest of the way and back. As far as bug netting goes, there will still be some bugs, but Bug spray on your face should be fine since the rest of you will be covered IMO.

Will there be any possibility of purchasing any of the trial run Bear Mountain Bridge hammocks while we're there?

If we have them....

Pan

Hey Dutch,

That's very generous I might just do that. I will have to get my first hammock rig ready. I am pondering a ULTRALITE BACKPACKER A-SYM or the EXPLORER ULTRALITE A-SYM. I am 6'1" and about 170, I wonder if the Ultralite is too small for me? I would like to lay as flat as possible. Another thought is the the ENO DOubleNest, the sale price is so good.

Anyway, it sounds like a lot of fun.

Hey Dutch,

That's very generous I might just do that. I will have to get my first hammock rig ready. I am pondering a ULTRALITE BACKPACKER A-SYM or the EXPLORER ULTRALITE A-SYM. I am 6'1" and about 170, I wonder if the Ultralite is too small for me? I would like to lay as flat as possible. Another thought is the the ENO DOubleNest, the sale price is so good.

Anyway, it sounds like a lot of fun.

At your height, I'd definetely get the Explorer Ultralight over the Ultralight Backpacker. You will be more comfy with little weight penalty. The ENO Doublenest would work well also seeing as though bug season is nearing an end. I recently bought a Treklight Double and am happy with it. A Sportmans Guide 9x9 would go well with it or an upgrade to the Explorer Ultralight tarp. And yet another option is to call/e-mail Hennessy and ask if you can order a Explorer Ultralight without the stock tarp. I've heard they'll let you do this. Take the savings and get a bigger, better tarp such as the SG 9x9, etc.

Dutch,

How long is that trip to the hang from Harper's Ferry? What type of miles do you put in per day? I might be interested in hiking into the hang.

Dutch,

How long is that trip to the hang from Harper's Ferry?

Hello, if I remember correctly it is about 10 miles from Harper's Ferry to Gathland. Starting with about 3 miles along the C&O canal followed by a decent climb out of the river valley. After the climb I think it was mostly a ridge walk with a gradual descent down to Gathland.

Dutch,

How long is that trip to the hang from Harper's Ferry? What type of miles do you put in per day? I might be interested in hiking into the hang.
DGRAV is correct when he said it is 10 miles. I can hike anything though. and I prefer to hike about 15 to 17 miles in a full day, but have no problem doing 20 to 22 but after that and I get whiney. Other road crossings are at;
Keys Gap --16 miles
Snickers Gap --- 30 miles
I can also go straight to Gathland State park and do some dayhikes Thursday and Friday.
Gathland is about 2 1/2 hours from Lancaster PA

I am psyched for this campout! Since we just bought our first house our camping/hiking time has been drastically reduced the past couple of months.

My wife and I are taking Friday off so we can get down there early, still trying to decide if we will head down Thursday night or Friday morning.

I hope the temps workout to where I can use my Stealth quilt since I have only used it a handful of times since I got it!

What ARE the normal temps around there that time of year? Just looking for an approximation...

I am psyched for this campout! Since we just bought our first house our camping/hiking time has been drastically reduced the past couple of months.

My wife and I are taking Friday off so we can get down there early, still trying to decide if we will head down Thursday night or Friday morning.

I hope the temps workout to where I can use my Stealth quilt since I have only used it a handful of times since I got it!

I probably won't get to the hang until Friday afternoon. I'm taking half a day off from work. Redtail won't get there until after work, he tells me. Wonder what other people's plans are? BTW, if you do get there early, there are some neat historical sites that you can visit in the area...mostly Civil War...and the first Washington Monument.
Michael
qpens

What ARE the normal temps around there that time of year? Just looking for an approximation...

Usually it doesn't get "too" cold at that time of year. I'll watch the weather reports and post on the board so that everyone will have a heads up as we get really close.

I met up with Redtail this weekend and we did a short hike to the Rocky Run Shelter and hung overnight. It got down to the low 40's which is an aberration for this time of year. In fact, maybe I'll post a new thread about this trip.

Thanks, NCPatrick for the idea for posting the weather report as we get close. I'll post two days before so everyone will know what to bring for insulation.

What ARE the normal temps around there that time of year? Just looking for an approximation...

I would guess normal is around the fifties at night here but be prepared for colder. Qpens and I were camping up near there Saturday night and it got down to 42. On the other hand it was only in the sixties Friday night.

I think the best bet would be to check the weather the day before to give us a good idea what to expect. Closest town is Burkittsville, MD 21718.

WeatherBug (http://weather.weatherbug.com/MD/Burkittsville-weather.html)
WeatherChannel (http://www.weather.com/weather/local/21718?lswe=21718&lwsa=WeatherLocalUndeclared&from=whatwhere)

Sounds good. Thanks for the info re: Burkittsville.

Back in mid October 2003 I was camping about seven miles north in the Dahlgren campsite and it only got down to the high 70's at night! Plus it was the brightest full moon I have ever seen.

You never now what kind of temps you'll get on a ridge line in the mid-Atlantic during the fall.

FYI: Burkittsville is where the movie The Blair Witch took place.

I just started making DD1's new hammock, an HC4U/Hennessy-inspired thing, to be ready by the MAHHA campout.

She picked purple ripstop, (but it's a good purple), and that's better than the pink ripstop to work with. So we'll see how it turns out between now and then... :p.

Hi
I hope to make it down . That's if I get my hammock and quilt done. Will let you know for sure the Monday before.
Want to add..if I get it done this week, I will post again and if anyone from the north would like to share a ride, that would be great. I live in the Albany , NY area.

Angel

As fate would have it this is the weekend my Mother decided to get married. I checked and you are still obligated to go even when it's her 4th. So I will have to leave Saturday afternoon. But I will still be there Friday afternoon with at least one guest. I will save some trees for the rest of ya.

Ok.... The Factory proto types are a go for sure.... Just returned from five day trip to work all the new items at the factory and we now physically have the Bear Mountain Bridge Hammock, the 8x8 tent, the Bird House Hex tent and the new JRB 11x10 Tarp with dual cat cuts on the 10 foot sides to bring to the MAHHO.... It will be about another three weeks after the MAHHO before we have the Trial Run Production of these items for sale....Those at the MAHHO those who want to order will have a discounted early purchase option ( no details but they will all be good deals)....if you want in on it, be at the MAHHO....

We will aso be bringing the New Rocky Mountain Sniveller.... may have a couple first run items of these for sale if any one is interested.

Again, we will bring all the current JRB items to demo.... if you know you want to Purchase something send a PM so we can bring it, as space will be limited.

FWIW, we came across a couple pairs of the old Pyton skins which are no longer sold.... "Door prizes" for some lucky attendee at the Sat Nite cook out.

So .... if you are on the fence about attending and meeting the Mid Atlantic hangers... come it will be a worthwhile hanging and a lot of fun.... Bring food, everyone likes that.

qpens , thanks for taking the lead to make this event happen.

Pan

Ok.... The Factory proto types are a go for sure.... Just returned from five day trip to work all the new items at the factory and we now physically have the Bear Mountain Bridge Hammock, the 8x8 tent, the Bird House Hex tent and the new JRB 11x10 Tarp with dual cat cuts on the 10 foot sides to bring to the MAHHO.... It will be about another three weeks after the MAHHO before we have the Trial Run Production of these items for sale....Those at the MAHHO those who want to order will have a discounted early purchase option ( no details but they will all be good deals)....if you want in on it, be at the MAHHO....

We will aso be bringing the New Rocky Mountain Sniveller.... may have a couple first run items of these for sale if any one is interested.

Again, we will bring all the current JRB items to demo.... if you know you want to Purchase something send a PM so we can bring it, as space will be limited.

FWIW, we came across a couple pairs of the old Pyton skins which are no longer sold.... "Door prizes" for some lucky attendee at the Sat Nite cook out.

So .... if you are on the fence about attending and meeting the Mid Atlantic hangers... come it will be a worthwhile hanging and a lot of fun.... Bring food, everyone likes that.

qpens , thanks for taking the lead to make this event happen.

Pan

Wow, Pan!! You are really going to make this first hang special!!! Thanks!!!

OK folks...we are two weeks away from the first MAHHA hang. See the first post for info and look at Redtail's post giving a link to Google Maps so you can find Gathland State Park. The shelter is an easy 1/2 mile walk from the parking lot. In about 10 days, I'll ask again who will be coming so I know how many burgers/veggie burgers/dogs, etc I'll need to bring.

Hope we have decent weather.

Still planning on coming with my 2 boys. Have to finish the hammocks this week so we can test them this weekend.

Just FYI, I invited a trail friend (whom I've not met face to face yet)/ground dweller, she wants to meet and check out hammocks for the first time, so BE NICE everyone! :D (as if hangers aren't always nice!) Not sure if she's camping or not, but we'll hopefully have another convert if she sticks around and sees all of us hanging in comfort.

Oh geez... now we have to be NICE...

:D

Just FYI, I invited a trail friend (whom I've not met face to face yet)/ground dweller, she wants to meet and check out hammocks for the first time, so BE NICE everyone! :D (as if hangers aren't always nice!) Not sure if she's camping or not, but we'll hopefully have another convert if she sticks around and sees all of us hanging in comfort.

We are bringing extra hammocks for demo purposes. so she can hang if she wants...

Pan

Brunswick Railroad Days (http://www.brrm.net/forum/index.php?topic=21.msg39) (6 miles away) is going on that weekend and is worth a visit. Also, Frederick MD is having it's 25th annual In The Streets (http://www.inthestreet.info/) festival. That is a bigger event and is also fun. The MARC train will be shuttling between the events on Saturday if you are interested in checking out both. For those that would rather spend their days hiking there are many interesting landmarks nearby in either direction along the A.T.

Rock and I are taking the boys to the the Gathering that weeking. Might see if we can at least pop by for a visit since we'll be so close, no promises though. :)

I told my boss I wanted that Friday off but he forgot to mark it down and a coworker took it off after me. So if I work we will be showing up sometime Saturday. My boys have that Friday off of school so I my plan was we would get a great start and get out there by like 3pm on Friday.

Anyone else starting to feel a cold coming on? *cough* *cough* ;)

I told my boss I wanted that Friday off but he forgot to mark it down and a coworker took it off after me. So if I work we will be showing up sometime Saturday. My boys have that Friday off of school so I my plan was we would get a great start and get out there by like 3pm on Friday.

Anyone else starting to feel a cold coming on? *cough* *cough* ;)

We look forward to seeing you whenever you get to the hang...(cough...cough)
lol
MQ

Rock and I are taking the boys to the the Gathering that weeking. Might see if we can at least pop by for a visit since we'll be so close, no promises though. :)

Wow, that would be great if you could come by. If you want to print directions just in case there is a link in post #37 (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showpost.php?p=24890&postcount=37).

I don't think I will be able to make it.

My wife and I are both taking off Friday so we should be down there in the early afternoon (unless we decide to head down Thursday afterwork.)

I love the Maryland section of the AT the thrus who do the tristate challenge don't know what they are missing!

DD1 and I are planning to leave here around lunch time on Friday. Should be arriving around 6pm. Please save us a few trees...

I've taken Friday off from work and will be there sometime in the afternoon. Can't wait!

Man I want to make it up there. Apparently, I am still thinking about it.

I'm deciding whether to make the 850 mile round trip. I'd love to come, but my F-350 isn't the most economical truck for that kind of distance. If I don't make it, I'll be on a 3 or 4 day hike and wishing I was there.

I'm deciding whether to make the 850 mile round trip. I'd love to come, but my F-350 isn't the most economical truck for that kind of distance. If I don't make it, I'll be on a 3 or 4 day hike and wishing I was there.
I wish I could make it up your way, but only because my GPs live in Plattsburgh.

We are bringing extra hammocks for demo purposes. so she can hang if she wants...

Pan

Knowing you all would be there, I told her there would be a very good chance for her to try one out, so I'll let her know this. Thanks Pan! Wow, sounds like lots of people are going to be there...how cool.

I was really wanting to come to this but I'm affraid I wont be able to make it. My wife's been ill this year so I've only been able to get in some local hanging.
I'll have to try to get in some other group hangs at a later date.

Wish I could make this. It sounds like fun and a great chance to meet people and see and try gear...

And only 7-8 hours drive away... :)

Wish I could make this. It sounds like fun and a great chance to meet people and see and try gear...

And only 7-8 hours drive away... :)

That 8 hour drive is the reason that we decided to organize a hang in the Mid-Atlantic area. Ed's hang "down South" was a little too far for some of us to get to easily.
Those of you farther "North" may want to organize a group hang for yourselves to accommodate those living there since it will make it easier to get to...Not that we wouldn't want to see you at MAHHA :^)\
MQ

Its actually not the drive that's the issue, per se... But more the fact that since I only have one free day that weekend its not feasible with the drive, but if I had a full weekend I'd happily make the drive.

Its actually not the drive that's the issue, per se... But more the fact that since I only have one free day that weekend its not feasible with the drive, but if I had a full weekend I'd happily make the drive.

I understand...Sorry!! We'll miss having you here. Maybe next year??
MQ

One can hope!

I know it's a little early and I know how these things can change but I can't resist tempting people . . . predicted forcast for the area:

Burkittsville, MD (21718)

Fri, Oct 5 Sunny High 77°/56° Low 10% Chance of rain
Sat, Oct 6 Sunny High 73°/56° Low 10% Chance of rain
Sun, Oct. 7 not listed yet but probably perfect

I know it's a little early and I know how these things can change but I can't resist tempting people . . . predicted forcast for the area:

Burkittsville, MD (21718)

Fri, Oct 5 Sunny High 77°/56° Low 10% Chance of rain
Sat, Oct 6 Sunny High 73°/56° Low 10% Chance of rain
Sun, Oct. 7 not listed yet but probably perfect

Happy Camper...that's great!! We're putting you in charge of great weather!! :^)

Happy Camper...that's great!! We're putting you in charge of great weather!! :^)

If the weather changes, we now have someone to blame...:D

My boys are really looking forward to this, my one son actually chose coming instead of going to a b-day party for a classmate of his. Not that he really had a choice but I asked him anyway. :rolleyes:

If the weather changes, we now have someone to blame...:D

Well, I normally don't like to brag, but like others on this forum, I too have magical powers. Yes, I CAN control the weather. So I promise a beautiful weekend, UNLESS someone pisses me off! Then you will only have yourselves to blame.

New trail name . . . "Storm!" :D

My boys are really looking forward to this, my one son actually chose coming instead of going to a b-day party for a classmate of his. Not that he really had a choice but I asked him anyway. :rolleyes:

Now that's a cool kid!

Its actually not the drive that's the issue, per se... But more the fact that since I only have one free day that weekend its not feasible with the drive, but if I had a full weekend I'd happily make the drive.

Rapt, just quit your job. That's what the rest of us are doing.

Oh its not work that's keeping me here... Its Thanksgiving up here, so family gets the nod...

For those that may be interested in some hiking Smee and I are planning a hike from Harpers Ferry back to the "hang" on saturday, Ten miles, one easy climb, rest is river valley or ridge walk.... We are also planning a hike from the PA border starting Sunday late thru tuesday, again back to the "hang"... Easy way to do MD if anyone wants to join us.

Pan

For those that may be interested in some hiking Smee and I are planning a hike from Harpers Ferry back to the "hang" on saturday, Ten miles, one easy climb, rest is river valley or ridge walk.... We are also planning a hike from the PA border starting Sunday late thru tuesday, again back to the "hang"... Easy way to do MD if anyone wants to join us.

Pan

That sounds like fun what is the shuttle plan for getting from the hang down to Harpers?

We were planing on hiking south to the overlook (we missed it on our section hike last year) and then hiking back to the "hang".

That sounds like fun what is the shuttle plan for getting from the hang down to Harpers?

We were planing on hiking south to the overlook (we missed it on our section hike last year) and then hiking back to the "hang".

Qpen or someone else will rum us down to HF.

Pan

Posted this on another thread.... am pasting it here for info of those interested/attending the MAHHA.

FF, et al,

We will be bringing two of the final prototype Bear Mountain Bridge Hammocks to The MAHHA in MD on 5 Oct.....also a HH ELR, a HH BULA, a HH Explorer UL, a Clator Mosquito, a Bayer Moskito and a Eagles Nest Single.... all will be equipped with different model UQs and tarps or the new hammock tents or new 11x10 Cat Tarp... Smee and I will sleep in out HH ELR and BULA.... The remainer are available for guests testing both Friday and Saturday nights.... Reservations recommended Micheles friend has option #1

Pan

I think we will come by Saturday night and hang out with you guys.

Man, this hang just keeps getting better and better! Thanks Qpens & Redtail for organizing this.

Posted this on another thread.... am pasting it here for info of those interested/attending the MAHHA.

FF, et al,

We will be bringing two of the final prototype Bear Mountain Bridge Hammocks to The MAHHA in MD on 5 Oct.....also a HH ELR, a HH BULA, a HH Explorer UL, a Clator Mosquito, a Bayer Moskito and a Eagles Nest Single.... all will be equipped with different model UQs and tarps or the new hammock tents or new 11x10 Cat Tarp... Smee and I will sleep in out HH ELR and BULA.... The remainer are available for guests testing both Friday and Saturday nights.... Reservations recommended Micheles friend has option #1

Pan

I have a pad idea you guys may want to look at. I'll show it to you - based on current JRB technology - just a new way to put it together.

I think we will come by Saturday night and hang out with you guys.

Rock, Dixicritter,

We want Dixi to use one of the BMBH...

Pan

Her choice :D

We are working on her pad/quilt option. We just made her a SGT Rock Pocket Pad. We should have some pictures to show here soon as we finish it up.

Took the boys out last night for a test run in the hammocks. Was a huge success, got my youngest to sleep in his and he woke up happy this morning. They are excited about this weekend, looking forward to seeing everyone.

I just finished my daughter's hammock. She likes it and is really looking forward to the trip, as am I. Looking forward to meeting everyone also.

Weather update in case anyone is still waffling . . .

Fri, Oct 5 Sunny high 84°/58° low 10% chance of rain
Sat, Oct 6 Partly Cloudy high 81°/60° low 10% chance of rain
Sun, Oct 7 Sunny high 81°/57° low 10% chance of rain

I am going to see if my wife would want to head up there for Saturday night. I got her to go on an overnighter with me this last weekend and she loved it. Even though, the dogs were being annoying. They insisted on sleeping in the hammocks with us. Then insisted that I shouldn't use my sleeping bag at 40F. I kept waking up wondering why I was cold.

Any one going have extra BPL Air Core Plus? I'm switching over to the ring buckles and don't have time to order it before I head out. (It's not the shipping time, it's the wife and my hiking budget. :p )

If someone has some, I need enough to make 2 sets using JJ's directions. (http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGearRingBuckleSupports.html) Let me know a price so I can bring the cash with me.

Looks like great weather also. :)

Count me in. I replied early on in the yahoo hammock group
but thought I'd give you a confirmation.

Any one going have extra BPL Air Core Plus? I'm switching over to the ring buckles and don't have time to order it before I head out. (It's not the shipping time, it's the wife and my hiking budget. :p )

If someone has some, I need enough to make 2 sets using JJ's directions. (http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGearRingBuckleSupports.html) Let me know a price so I can bring the cash with me.

Looks like great weather also. :)

I'm confused. Are you wanting a BPL Air Core Plus, or some descending rings?

I need the BPL Air Core Plus. I can pick the rings up at rei around here.

Oh, ok. I could have helped you with the rings, but you seem to have that part handled already.

I need the BPL Air Core Plus. I can pick the rings up at rei around here.

Just so you know, I think REI doesn't carry them anymore.
I know the two in town here don't and you can't get them online.

Yeah, I can get everything local except the Air Core Plus.

Schrochem- I saw the rings today when I was in there looking for the Air Core.

Schrochem- I saw the rings today when I was in there looking for the Air Core.

I'm pretty sure they won't be restocking them.
I had a few at mine also.
By the time I got around to actually picking them up they were gone.
Then I would stop in hoping they were going to restock.
No go....

i sure do wish i could make it up for the camp out, but i guess it's not going to happen.
but i hope you guys & gals will take lots of pictures for the rest of us. ...tim

i sure do wish i could make it up for the camp out, but i guess it's not going to happen.
but i hope you guys & gals will take lots of pictures for the rest of us. ...tim

Sorry it didn't work out Tim, they wouldn't let you off work? I'll see if I can borrow my wife's camera and get some pictures for ya.

Sorry it didn't work out Tim, they wouldn't let you off work? I'll see if I can borrow my wife's camera and get some pictures for ya.

nope, wont let me off work. makes me feel very important... yeah right:rolleyes:
take lots of pictures. sounds like a great hang out!

Well, I'm still waiting to hear if I got the 1/2 day off Friday, so I may be going up there just for Saturday afternoon/night myself...

Any one going have extra BPL Air Core Plus? I'm switching over to the ring buckles and don't have time to order it before I head out. (It's not the shipping time, it's the wife and my hiking budget. :p )

If someone has some, I need enough to make 2 sets using JJ's directions. (http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGearRingBuckleSupports.html) Let me know a price so I can bring the cash with me.

Looks like great weather also. :)

I have BPL Air core. I will be at the hang out from about Fri late afternoon till Saturday at around noon. If you only need a yard or so it is free. I warn you though don't trust the 1100 pound test. I have found it to be only good up to 600 pounds. A lot of people hang from it though.


Edit- I am now a senior member wahoo

Whoohoo! Congrats on Senior membership Dutch. I'm sure it has its perks, just not clear on what those would be.

I just heard that I do have the 1/2 day off of work Friday. I'll be there at 6:00pm or so as originally planned, assuming I don't make a wrong turn.

OK...we are only two days away from the Mid-Atlantic Hang. Hopefully, those of you who are coming have made your plans. It sounds like we will have a great turnout and people are coming from near and far. This will be a great chance to see a lot of different hammocks and to spend time and learn from other hangers. We are lucky to have the "Jacks" coming with some of their new hammocks and accessories. Also, Sgt. Rock posted that he will be there on Saturday evening. This will also be a great time to put faces to names of many of the people who post on Hammock Forums.

Happy Camper has promised us great weather!!

In an attempt to make sure that I have enough dogs/burgers/veggie burgers for Saturday night, would everyone planning to hang with us, please respond one last time. I'll definitely get extra food for those who may arrive at the last minute. so, by all means, come at the last minute if you can. Also, if you'd prefer veggie burgers, please note that on your post so I can bring enough Boca Burgers. I'll also buy chips. If anyone wants to bring anything else, feel free to do so.

Redtail has posted a link to Google Maps on an earlier post...so, hit that link for directions.

OK...see everyone on Friday afternoon or Saturday.

Qpens (Michael Quitt)
Redtail (Steve Doxzen)

OK...we are only two days away from the Mid-Atlantic Hang. Hopefully, those of you who are coming have made their plans. It sounds like we will have a great turnout and people are coming from near and far. This will be a great chance to see a lot of different hammocks and to spend time and learn from other hangers. We are lucky to have the "Jacks" coming with some of their new hammocks and accessories. Also, Sgt. Rock posted that he will be there on Saturday evening. This will also be a great time to put faces to names of many of the people who post on Hammock Forums.

Happy Camper has promised us great weather!!

In an attempt to make sure that I have enough dogs/burgers/veggie burgers for Saturday night, would everyone planning to hang with us, please respond one last time. I'll definitely get extra food for those who may arrive at the last minute. so, by all means, come at the last minute if you can. Also, if you'd prefer veggie burgers, please note that on your post so I can bring enough Boca Burgers. I'll also buy chips. If anyone wants to bring anything else, feel free to do so.

Redtail has posted a link to Google Maps on an earlier post...so, hit that link for directions.

OK...see everyone on Friday afternoon or Saturday.

Qpens (Michael Quitt)
Redtail (Steve Doxzen)

Qpens,

Smee and I are confirmed ... will be there by 14 Friday.

Pan

I will be there with my daughter.

In an attempt to make sure that I have enough dogs/burgers/veggie burgers for Saturday night, would everyone planning to hang with us, please respond one last time.
Michael,
I added a poll to help you get a count. I should have made one earlier on but I forgot.
-Steve

Count me in, I plan on hiking in Friday afternoon- but have to hike out early Saturday afternoon. Looking forward to meeting you folks and seeing some cool new gear.

-John

I have BPL Air core. I will be at the hang out from about Fri late afternoon till Saturday at around noon. If you only need a yard or so it is free. I warn you though don't trust the 1100 pound test. I have found it to be only good up to 600 pounds. A lot of people hang from it though.


Edit- I am now a senior member wahoo

I picked up some 4mm climbing rope, 900lbs. tensile strength, doubled up for strength and it's working fine. I'll have to check out what everyone else uses when I'm there. Grats on the senior member status.


qpens, I'll be there with my 2 kids sometime Friday afternoon.

My wife and I will be there Friday afternoon.

I will be there Friday afternoon. Staying Friday, Saturday night. Leaving sometime Sunday.

I will be there Fri. and I believe J.D. will be
arriving Fri. also.

Hi hangers,

Last weather update! Still looks great! 20% chance of rain on Friday, and 10% on Sat. and Sun. Some beautiful fall clouds to keep us from baking in those middle and high 80 degree temps during the day and we've got those lovely low 60's at night. See ya soon.

Fri Oct 5 Partly Cloudy high 85°/61° low 20% chance of rain.

Sat Oct 6 AM Clouds / PM Sun high 86°/61° 10% chance of rain.

Sun Oct 7 Partly Cloudy high 88°/62° low 10% chance of rain.

I've made a small MAHHA sign with a couple of orange plastic ribbons hanging from it that I will tie on a tree at the entrance to the trail that leads to the shelter right off of the parking lot at Gathland State Park.

Please remember that this particular trail is not an AT trail but another side trail that is pretty flat (although you can take the steeper trail off of the AT to get to the site if you wish.)

I believe this side trail is a blue blazed trail, however, I'll tie orange ribbon onto a bunch of trees all the way to the shelter. That way everyone should be able to find their way there....even in the dark. Just look for the orange plastic ribbon.

I've made a small MAHHA sign with a couple of orange plastic ribbons hanging from it that I will tie on a tree at the entrance to the trail that leads to the shelter right off of the parking lot at Gathland State Park.

Please remember that this particular trail is not an AT trail but another side trail that is pretty flat (although you can take the steeper trail off of the AT to get to the site if you wish.)

I believe this side trail is a blue blazed trail, however, I'll tie orange ribbon onto a bunch of trees all the way to the shelter. That way everyone should be able to find their way there....even in the dark. Just look for the orange plastic ribbon.

Thank you very much. I appreciate that. We may well be getting there after sunset, and closer to 7 pm. Does the park have gates? (And if so, what time do they close them?)

Karen and I will be there Friday-Sunday, my friend Ann on Saturday for one nite and 2 other other potential "recruits" (not spending the nite though) on Saturday as well.

Oh, if anyone has a MacCat Deluxe tarp (or a similar larger tarp) they want to part with, Karen "might" be interested in buying it or trading her smaller MacCat tarp...just thought I'd throw that out there.

See ya'll there!!!

Thank you very much. I appreciate that. We may well be getting there after sunset, and closer to 7 pm. Does the park have gates? (And if so, what time do they close them?)

Redtail will have to answer that since he lives close by.

Thank you very much. I appreciate that. We may well be getting there after sunset, and closer to 7 pm. Does the park have gates? (And if so, what time do they close them?)

The parking lots do have gates. Officially they are closed at "dusk". I wish I could give a definitive answer to when they actually get closed, but I have been there after dark a several times and they weren't closed yet when I left. Only one time did I get locked in (south lot, there are two) but was able to just drive around the gate (you didn't hear that from me).

When you are coming up the mountain from Burkittsville to the park on top there is a lot to the left (South) and one to the right. The one to the right is the one closest to the shelter.

I attached a map with nearby food/gas/supplies marked on it. It also has my cell number on the bottom, give me a call if you need any help with directions.
-Steve

Michelle I really enjoyed following your journal and I am looking forward to getting to meet you and so many other of the members. So look me up, I'm the dude in the hammock.

So look me up, I'm the dude in the hammock.

I don't know if I should laugh or groan at that line... ;)

I'll be packing my stuff tomorrow morning and Getting the kids from school at 3:30, maybe I'll pull them early, but should be out there by 5:30-6:00 pm.

Thank you very much. I appreciate that. We may well be getting there after sunset, and closer to 7 pm. Does the park have gates? (And if so, what time do they close them?)

When i parked in the lot closest to the shelter a few years back we got there around 10:30pm and if there was a gate it wasn't shut.

Ok great!

I'm leaving in a couple of hours. It's a 6 hour drive. We should be in sometime around 6:30-ish. We'll be looking for the orange ribbons.

Looking forward to meeting everyone.

The truck is loaded and we will be leaving in a few minutes. Should be there early afternoon!

Michelle I really enjoyed following your journal and I am looking forward to getting to meet you and so many other of the members. So look me up, I'm the dude in the hammock.

Oh man...it's going to be great to meet everyone. Leaving in about 2 hrs...see ya'll there!!

All Packed, just waiting on kids to get out of school. Should be there by like 6-6:30.

I really enjoyed meeting everyone, I wish I could have stayed longer. I'm free next weekend if everyone wants to do it again. That is as long as one of my fathers don't decide to get married.

Just got back. Jessi and I had a great time. It was nice to put some faces to the names.

Thanks to qpens and redtail for putting it together and to the Jack's for setting up a great display and providing some great wisdom.

So......... when are we doing it again!?!?!?!?!?!

My kids had a great time. Seeing all the different setups was great. Just wished we got in sooner Friday night but still had a blast.

Looking forward to the next one, should have a few more projects done by then.

Will post pics when I turn on my pc and stop using the Wii to surf
Iafte (Bruce), Bruce jr, Jim

sounds great! wish i could have been there.
looking forward to hearing & seeing more. ...tim

I want to thank everyone who came from near and far to attend the first MAHHA hang. Everyone who attended made this a really special event and it was great to put faces to names that I've seen on Hammock Forums.

Thanks to the Jacks for setting up such an incredible display of so many hammocks...many of which were not theirs, along with their new and older products; and, for all of the great advice that they gave. They were kind enough to lend out things that they brought and let everyone who wanted, to test drive their products. I know that a couple of people slept the night in two of their Bridge Hammocks.

I hope that NCPatrick will post a pic of his daughter, who was given the trail name "Tinker Bell" at the hang. She hiked with a toy stuffed dog hanging out of one of the outside pockets of her pack, which was really cute. She and Iafte's sons had a great time and it was fun to see those tennis shoes with little lights flashing in the dark as they ran across the field at the cookout on Saturday night.

This hang was great for me because I had a chance to see the variety of ways different people set up camp, hung their hammocks and the different things they used to stay comfortable...especially, the ultra lighters.

I screwed up and left a white trash bag with some the the Jacks supplies next to the wrong gold car in the parking lot. When they got down, it was missing. If anyone picked it up, would you please contact me so we can get their stuff back to them.

OK...more later...
qpens

Thanks qpens and Redtail for setting this up.
What a great get together, an impressive turn out,
good weather, gobs of camping space, live music around the
campfire, really nice people, it was darn near perfect.
I wish I could have stayed a week.

A big thanks to the Jacks for setting up their gear, especially
their prototypes, very interesting stuff.

I hope we do this again soon, maybe Spring????

Paul

Thanks qpens and Redtail for setting this up.
What a great get together, an impressive turn out,
good weather, gobs of camping space, live music around the
campfire, really nice people, it was darn near perfect.
I wish I could have stayed a week.

A big thanks to the Jacks for setting up their gear, especially
their prototypes, very interesting stuff.

I hope we do this again soon, maybe Spring????

Paul

My sentiments, entirely! I could have stayed a week. Great people, great area above the shelter and great camaraderie. I woke up this morning missing everyone. I'm up for Spring...if not before :^)
Michael
Qpens

I want to thank everyone who came from near and far to attend the first MAHHA hang. Everyone who attended made this a really special event and it was great to put faces to names that I've seen on Hammock Forums.

Thanks to the Jacks for setting up such an incredible display of so many hammocks...many of which were not theirs, along with their new and older products; and, for all of the great advice that they gave. They were kind enough to lend out things that they brought and let everyone who wanted, to test drive their products. I know that a couple of people slept the night in two of their Bridge Hammocks.



Well, we made it back home yesterday at 4:00pm. 6 hours of Radio Disney almost straight through. I now know more Hanna Montana and Jonas Brothers songs and just about all the songs from High School Musical 2. :eek: Birthday celebrations for Tinker Bell commenced shortly thereafter.

We both had a great time, and I want to especially thank qpens (and Redtail) for setting everything up and feeding us Saturday night at the cookout. Tink had a great time playing with Iafte's boys there. I've taken a few pictures which I will try to post tonight. Feel free to add your own comments.

Thanks to Jacks R Better for bringing their new products and letting us try them out and drool on them (not literally, I promise). I took some pictures of all of it, and will post them. I'd welcome the Jack's to describe the pictures once I post them. Also thanks for the fun raffle! :D I won the Python skins and Tink won 2 Self Tensioning lines. Pure luck, I swear.

I got to try out the much anticipated Bear Mountain Bridge Hammock, and came away impressed with the workmanship and design, although I haven't been as (shall we say) invested in bridge hammock design on hammockforums.net as some. I wouldn't be able to answer many questions on the subject in other words, except maybe the most rudimentary questions.

Highlights for me were the 8x8 tarp tent and the two-tone 10x11 cat-cut tarp in a nice muted green and also brown silnylon. One panel was green, the other panel brown. Tough to decide which color of sil was cooler. :) I liked the green (but the brown was cool too).

Aside from the JRB stuff, Oh-No's HUGE (and I'm sure hugely expensive ;) ) cuben fiber tarp was incredible, as was his cuben fiber/bamboo pack. I'll let others comment more on them, but will post the pictures later. [I]Very well done.

My kids loved it, they talked my wifes ear off while I was showing her what little pics I took. Each time I went to check out the Jack's display I left the camera with my stuff. Oh well, there is always next time.

*snip* Taken care of...

Thanks for the Jacks for the raffle, used the 'beners that night. Felt much safer than using the ones rated for 150lbs...

Well, we made it back home yesterday at 4:00pm. 6 hours of Radio Disney almost straight through.

As father of four, with lots of road miles on family vacations, I know just what you mean. Peace at any price.


I got to try out the much anticipated Bear Mountain Bridge Hammock, and came away impressed with the workmanship and design, although I haven't been as (shall we say) invested in bridge hammock design on hammockforums.net as some.

you mean obsessed, don't you :D

Hoping still to make the RRG gathering. If we're both there you can get a personal tutorial on the finer points of bridge design :eek: (just kidding, you'll find that in person, as source of conversation I am demand driven).

Looks like you all had a great time. Too bad Pennsylvania is so far away from Illinois...

Grizz

Hoping still to make the RRG gathering. If we're both there you can get a personal tutorial on the finer points of bridge design :eek: (just kidding, you'll find that in person, as source of conversation I am demand driven).

Grizz

I'll be sure to bring my SUL whiteboard and markers so you can diagram to your hearts content. We can then move on to other interesting subjects, like moving theoretical trees, mass-less rope, etc. Or we can talk about what's next for Miley Cyrus... :D

I also want to thank everyone involved this weekend. I met some great people and had a good time. I now might be more motivated to make it to other hangouts that are more than an hour drive from my house.
Brian
PS: NCPatrick I am sorry I "forgot" to get you that bag of cookies out of my car Sunday morning. Don't worry I put them to good use. Tell your wife they were delicious.

I'll tell her, I'm glad you liked them. :)

So sorry we didn't make it down there from the Gathering Saturday night like we'd planned. I just couldn't travel another hour by car that night after trying to keep up with a walking tour of the Battle Field that morning. I basically over extended myself, so we ended up staying put at the campground there.

I was looking forward to seeing y'all too.

So sorry we didn't make it down there from the Gathering Saturday night like we'd planned. I just couldn't travel another hour by car that night after trying to keep up with a walking tour of the Battle Field that morning. I basically over extended myself, so we ended up staying put at the campground there.

I was looking forward to seeing y'all too.

Hey DixieCritter...wish I'd known you were in Gettysburg. Oh-No and I drove over to the Gathering on Saturday morning after I dropped the Jacks and Happy Camper off in Harper's Ferry for their hike back to Cramppton Gap, and sat in on some of the workshops. We could have driven you back to the hang with us.
Michael
Qpens

I too want to thank Qpens and Redtail for setting up "the hang". I had a great time meeting the folks who showed up Friday night and putting some faces with the names.
Unfortunately, my electronic leash "went off" and I had to go in to work Saturday morning-bummer.

Great campsite, great examples of others' gear and setups. I'm looking forward to hanging with you all again. The sooner the better!

Thanks also to the Jacks. As others have said their hammock displays were most excellent.

A great time!

-John

I too want to thank Qpens and Redtail for setting up "the hang". I had a great time meeting the folks who showed up Friday night and putting some faces with the names.
Unfortunately, my electronic leash "went off" and I had to go in to work Saturday morning-bummer.

Great campsite, great examples of others' gear and setups. I'm looking forward to hanging with you all again. The sooner the better!

Thanks also to the Jacks. As others have said their hammock displays were most excellent.

A great time!

-John

I want to thank Leadfoot for helping me tie the orange ribbons on trees on the way to the hang. I also want to thank him for sitting with me at the shelter for almost an hour while I worried that no one was going to show up...only to find out that half of the hangers were already set up at the top of the ridge above the shelter :^)

Good times, people. Good times! Does anyone know how many people showed up?

Hey DixieCritter...wish I'd known you were in Gettysburg. Oh-No and I drove over to the Gathering on Saturday morning after I dropped the Jacks and Happy Camper off in Harper's Ferry for their hike back to Cramppton Gap, and sat in on some of the workshops. We could have driven you back to the hang with us.
Michael
Qpens

That's really sweet of you. Rock would've driven us there, but I was too sore to ride that far in the car was the problem. I tried to keep up with Jester's tour (he was keeping a pretty fast pace around the battle field). I was just too ambitious...LOL.

AH, I wish I would have seen this sooner, I live about 30 min from that section Oh well I was happly hagging at Birch Run at little was away in PA that weekend.

Good times, people. Good times! Does anyone know how many people showed up?

We had 20 or so hangers on Friday night and 17 on Saturday night.

Here's a link to about 39 more pictures (http://picasaweb.google.com/brownpatri/MAHHACampoutOctober2007), feel free to comment.

Here's a link to about 39 more pictures (http://picasaweb.google.com/brownpatri/MAHHACampoutOctober2007), feel free to comment.

great pictures patrick. wish i were there.

Great pics. Excuse me while I go find a paper towel to wipe the drool off of my keyboards.........I'm counting down the days till my bridge hammock.:)

NCP-thanks for taking and posting the pictures. Oh-No's cuben stuff looks really interesting. I also appreciated the close-ups of the BMBH. Some really nice touches in there, the slot for the ring in the spreader bar (although how a DIY guy could do that...well come to think of it we do have metal cutters / benders / pounders in our midst who could...), and the tabs on the hammock body for attaching the underquilts. The picture of the BMBH at Trail Days had tabs on the bugnet that were used to lift it up, involved a ridgeline, but this one doesn't. I can appreciate why there isn't a ridgeline on this hammock, but I've found that raising the bugnet makes getting in, getting out, and sitting up more comfortable. Anyway, my current DIY has no ridgeline, but the bugnet has tabs on the top by which it can be lifted up by lines either to the trees or to the support line for the tarp.

Dutch-are you the guy with the guitar? Playing 12-bar blues ("it's 5 a.m. inside the Bridge and I gotta go bad Blues") mixed up with CCR, with a whiskey voice I'm thinking. Most flattop guitars look alike I suppose, but when I saw that I swore it was the same make as mine, a Washburn. Whatever is in that picture has the same pickguard shape as mine.

Grizz

I don't know about anyone else, but all I've been thinking about this week is being back in the woods "hanging out" with everyone who made the hang. I miss everyone and can't wait to do it again.

I'm with you. I can't believe it came and went so quickly. Seems like we were only there a very short time.

I'm with you. I can't believe it came and went so quickly. Seems like we were only there a very short time.

Thanks for posting the pic of Tinkerbell with Cody hanging out of a pocket on her pack. Its my favorite :^) Tell her that she's a real sweetie! You are doing a great job raising her!!

Dutch-are you the guy with the guitar? Playing 12-bar blues ("it's 5 a.m. inside the Bridge and I gotta go bad Blues") mixed up with CCR, with a whiskey voice I'm thinking. Most flattop guitars look alike I suppose, but when I saw that I swore it was the same make as mine, a Washburn. Whatever is in that picture has the same pickguard shape as mine.

Griz I wish I was talented enough to play the 'tar. That is my buddy "Loser" and I am the talentless ugly mug in the background who has gotten real good at getting in places by saying "uh I'm with the band". However maybe you should check and see if you guitar is still in it's case. J/K

I don't know about anyone else, but all I've been thinking about this week is being back in the woods "hanging out" with everyone who made the hang. I miss everyone and can't wait to do it again.

I hear you on that! I'm cursed by having several perfect hanging trees right out side my office window. I have zoned out plenty of time while on the phone thinking which of the trees would be best to hang between!

Thanks for posting the pic of Tinkerbell with Cody hanging out of a pocket on her pack. Its my favorite :^) Tell her that she's a real sweetie! You are doing a great job raising her!!

:) Thanks!

Brandon (Thunderfoot) and I had a great time Friday night, it was nice meeting everyone. The campfire concert was cool. We might camp out again Saturday depending on the weather. I am looking forward to the next big hangout. Thanks Michael for creating/organizing a very successful first group hangout!
-Steve

Hi all,

We got back late last night .... priority to family time.... Now to catch up.

First thanks to Qpens and Redtail or organizing this great hang out.... it was a great location.... nice facilities... Every one pitched in... Special thanks again to Qpen for taking care of the logistics of Sat nites cook out.... and all who contributed....Thanks Stu for serving as chef Sat nite the burgers were superb.

We/I really enjoyed meeting everyone... including our preveous friends NCP and Michele.... Nice to put the faces with the names....

It is always fun to admire new gear.... Oh-No's cuben tarp and bamboo pack frame and cuben tarp were super well done.... rumor has it his next frame up grade, in kavlar/graphite, will field disassemble and serve as BMBH spreader bars...Hmmmmm.

Smee and I got a chance to hike MD thanks to Qpens suttle service.... Thanks we need that hike BTW.... PA has nothing on the northern most 6 miles of MD for Rocks....Few dry springs.... hope the rains come soon.

Glad that everyone got a chance to check out all the different hammock models and other gear that was set up...

More later.

Pan