Shades State Park Back Pack Trail with the Amok Dramur 2.0

**FatherRob** · 06-04-2016, 13:13

My full trip report for this neat overnighter is up on my blog. After having to halt the Tecumseh Trail hike, I knew I needed to get back out there...

http://hikingpadre.blogspot.com/2016...back-pack.html

I am trying to upload a YouTube video to accompany it... so keep your eyes peeled.

Rob+

**FatherRob** · 06-05-2016, 06:48

And a video to accompany the written
https://youtu.be/olgBXN7pkB4

**dkurfiss** · 06-05-2016, 07:30

Nice write up. If it would me, I would consider carrying a quilt of some sort even in the summer months. Of course, I get cold at about 68F and reach for my summer weight quilts

**PappyAmos** · 06-05-2016, 08:54

+1 on Deb's recommendation. If only to keep your feet warm early. Late at night I often want a light quilt in the 60s or lower.

**FatherRob** · 06-05-2016, 12:43

At home, I usually sleep with shorts and a fan on, and a light sheet - even in winter. Ironically, my feet were warm, it was my core that was freezing. I was wearing shorts and a Nike sta-dry t-shirt. During the night I put on my rain shell, and it still didn't really help.

I am looking at a Costco down throw (mother in law is a member) for later n the season, but wondering what I can DIY that would be less bulky than a lightweight sleeping bag for summer camping.

**dkurfiss** · 06-05-2016, 12:50

I have a Poncho liner top and bottom quilt that I put together. Here is the link to the how to for the UQ http://theultimatehang.com/2013/01/d...ew-and-no-sew/

For hot/humid VA summers I often find it is enough.

**Oms** · 06-06-2016, 04:31

I stopped at Shades a few years back while on my way to visit my daughter in school. I thought it was just a little park to walk around in. Never did figure out where the camping was. It doesn't appear the sites are too heavily used. Are they all walk-in sites? Most walk-in sites seem to be less used. People don't care much for the inconvenience

. Nice TR Rob and a interesting hammock as well.

**FatherRob** · 06-06-2016, 10:37

There are three campgrounds, a traditional camp that you drive into, the back pack camp that you walk to, and a paddle-in camp by the creek for canoeists (essentially the a large clearing with a pit toilet uphill, and water further up the hill at the back pack camp, perhaps 1/8 to 1/4 a mile away). Other than the guy who was lost, and the couple when I got on the wrong trail, the only other encounter I had was with a trail runner who had come out to the back pack camp and was heading back. Even the DNR security guy who came out to check on me and sell me firewood confirmed I was the only guest that night. It is a small park, but it was a great trip after my disaster on Monday.

**OneClick** · 06-06-2016, 11:44

I'm glad it worked out! I always wondered about that backpack camp not taking reservations. I would hate to get out there and find it all filled up after driving almost 3 hours. I guess at that point it would be stealth mode, which I would not enjoy at all always looking over my shoulder.