PA>Allegheny National Forest

**Conquering Fool** · 02-07-2016, 16:32

A few of us headed out to the ANF over the weekend. I have to say it was a great trip with great company. Thanks to all who made it.

**Pennsy Camp and Canoe** · 02-07-2016, 16:42

Made a short video of my experience, although I was barely there more than 12 hours, I mostly just hung out by the fire and spent my first night in a real hammock...

I hope no one objects to the video above, if so let me know and I'll remove it.

my story... had to work until about 1 pm, commute home, grab the tent and air mattress (Shug's videos have had me really wanting to sleep out) and some clothes and food, oh yeah and Laurie (lol). 2 hours later we reach the Laurel Mill Trail Head, now I'm actually a very shy person - started getting stomach cramps 3 miles out but I walked right up and asked if everyone sitting by the fire were the hammock guys, introductions all around (how many Jeff's were there?!?). I think the 1st question Jeff asked was if I was spending the night, I didn't want to say I brought a tent to a hang out, so I said, "well, I don't have a hammock". Before I knew it I was walking in the woods with a bunch of guys setting up a hammock with a pad and a quilt (I had my 15° bag).

Laurie went into Ridgway (she grew up there and has family she stayed with - not brave enough for the cold yet). Spent the night eating chicken and listening to great stories, finally it was time for bed, found my hammock easily, got in and situated. I slept in my mummy bag on the pad, with a quilt tucked in around me. Put my vest on my bag's footbox like I've seen Shug do, forgot to change my socks so they were plain white cotton one, pair of sweat pants, t-shirt and sweat shirt, and a balaclava.

At first I think I was too excited to sleep, just hanging there, well after the 1st ten minutes of swaying lol I thought I might not make it - seasick. But I settled down and fell asleep. Rolled on my side for a while, then the other one, then my back, just getting used to it. Woke up to go to the bathroom without a problem, but getting back in I realized my head was too low, I squirmed up and found that sweet spot. It was perfectly flat and comfy, I couldn't believe it.

Unfortunately, I had also squirmed right up off the pad, well at least my shoulders. It wasn't cold enough to keep me awake, but I could tell the difference between what was on the pad and what was off. Few hours later I had to pee again (why?) so I got up. This time in the minute or two it took I was freezing, I shivered back to the hammock and decided to re-position the pad up more. Climbed back in and it was spot on! The balaclava was bothering me (I'm bearded) so I took it off and laid it behind my head.

Slept for a few more hours, when I heard something or someone moving around, I was glad when I heard voices and went back to sleep, but I noticed it was starting to get light. About 45 minutes later (I think) I had to go again but told myself I was gonna hold it. Two things became evident, I was wide awake (getting a little more sleep than I'm used to during the week) but being warm I didn't want to move. The second thing was it was light enough out that I was going to have to run up to the out-house when I did decide to go, and if I waited too long I might not make it oh the problems of camp life

So that was my night. I got up. Didn't eat "breakfast from the hammock" but in the camp seat by the fire, which was just as good I felt.

Had a blast, I have to thank everyone present for making my night a dream come true....

Brett

**Conquering Fool** · 02-07-2016, 17:05

Brett, it was great to meet you. We will have to take a trip down the clarion when you guys get your hammocks.

**Pennsy Camp and Canoe** · 02-07-2016, 17:10

Originally Posted by Conquering Fool

Brett, it was great to meet you. We will have to take a trip down the clarion when you guys get your hammocks.

definitely! If I ever get into backpacking (which I already feel the pull) we'll have to check out some of the other local trails near by for an over nighter too

I really like this pic
158ba2c84280271e6a7e923f2d121ea4.jpg

**craig.hertzog** · 02-07-2016, 22:38

I'm in south central pa and I'm dying to get out. Being a newbie, I love hearing how much you enjoyed yourself

**Dman62** · 02-07-2016, 23:05

Neat looking rock formations there! Congrats on your first night in a hammock Brett, may you have many more.

**Pennsy Camp and Canoe** · 02-08-2016, 05:46

Originally Posted by craig.hertzog

I'm in south central pa and I'm dying to get out. Being a newbie, I love hearing how much you enjoyed yourself

I'm hoping this might become a regular thing, the southern ANF area is a great place to camp, and Wellsville is not too far away. I can also recommend joining a group hang, as you can tell I had a great time. As soon as I get my hammock I will be out there more.

**craig.hertzog** · 02-08-2016, 05:51

Maybe I'll have to meet up with you guys sometime.

**craig.hertzog** · 02-08-2016, 06:04

I've never been to the ANF. This sounds bad, I know, but I'm not even sure where it's at, I'll have to look it up

**Speedogomer** · 02-08-2016, 07:07

Originally Posted by craig.hertzog

I've never been to the ANF. This sounds bad, I know, but I'm not even sure where it's at, I'll have to look it up

It's in the northwestern part of the state. I grew up camping there every summer. We had a boat and would spend a week on the Allegheny Resivoir. My family still goes almost every year, although I didn't make it for the 2015 trip.

It's really where I learned to love camping, even though as kids we only ever stayed at army corps of engineers campgrounds (Willow bay and Kiasutha mostly).

We used to go hike places like Jakes Rocks, and Rimrock, we'd go walk across the Kinzua bridge (while it was still standing), and take tours of the Kinzua Dam.

Easily some of the best memories of my life are there. If there is another trip planned, I would love to go and hang out with everyone. This year with a significantly pregnant wife, I wasn't able to make it.