First Hang - Cedarville State Forest
The emails started around mid-morning. We had planned our trip about a month ago, but they were calling for rain all night. We decided to go for it.
I left Baltimore around 3:00, and spent the next ninety minutes getting home (normally a half-hour drive). I quickly loaded the car, and got back on the road by 5:00. It took me more than another two hours to get down to Cedarville State Forest (normally a one hour drive).
So it was that I arrived to our soaking wet campsite, in the dark, grumpy, and more than a little hungry. But, we persevered, hung our tarp, got a fire stated, and I hung my hammock for the first time (a gathered end DIY, since you're wondering).
Wow! I've never been so comfortable camping. I had a little trouble getting in at first, so I put some more sag in it. I woke up early to go to the bathroom, and added some more - I think I've got it about right now. It's pretty warm this weekend, but after dealing with a sleeping bag for even a little bit, I definitely see the advantages of using a top quilt instead; I'll have to save up. Finally, I definitely need a mosquito net. Ouch!
I've got quite a lot to figure out still, but I think I can safely be called a convert.
