Vermonter in Coastal GA
Hey all,
I was tipped off to this site through the Sintax77 YouTube channel. I grew up in Vermont, so am predisposed to outdoorsy things, but eventually found my way to Coastal GA (Savannah) where it's too hot to be alive 6 months of the year. Needless to say I have sadly become a flatlander by this point, but my life has settled down to the point where I am no longer working outdoors, and I have some time and resources that I can devote to getting back outside in a way that I choose. I've been lightly backpacking with a tent for the last year.
Further complicating matters, I discovered after a frustrating trip to the Panthertown Valley in NC last spring, that I have neuroma in both feet. Trying to deal with it in several different ways, but I don't think I'm past a 5mi/day level at this point, just because of the nerve pain in my feet. Work in progress. If anyone else here deals with Neuroma I'd love to chat!
Now, the hammock part. I have some wonderful neighbors who met through-hiking the AT. They hammock camp, and it seemed like a great think to do to take weight out of the pack, with potential to be much more comfortable than sleeping on the ground. So off I went and bought an ENO single-nest and some straps and set it up. I was pretty sure there was more comfort level to be achieved after that-- obviously I did the banana thing and had no idea you were meant to lie flat.
Searched around on YouTube and learned some basic knots, and created a structural ridgeline for my ENO Singlenest. I think I've mastered the mostly flat lay in it, but even at 5'3" I think it is a bit too narrow. I've now ordered a wider one, but this was before I was aware of dutchware or any of these other actually wide hammocks.
Intended last weekend to go on a quick trip to the Palmetto Trail in Awendaw, SC to hike in and camp with both hammock and tent, with the intent of sleeping in the hammock. Unfortunately the weather was awful to the point of danger so I was forced to postpone. Now I'm going to run into some nights close to freezing and I don't have the kit for that, unfortunately. So I'm not sure exactly when I'll get out to try and really pop the hammock cherry, as it were. Hopefully soon!
Looking forward to learning from the experts here. I have several friends I will be hiking and camping with this year, and I'm sure the knowledge here will help us be much more prepared! Thanks for staying awesome
-Alys in Savannah
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It's not always about the miles but more the journey and the fun of being outdoors. Trust me and do not push it too far which can cause you to not want to return. It's easy to over do if you aren't aware. Take your time and have fun. Let us know if you have any specific questions and check out the posts on the forums about insulation so you can get out and enjoy that hammock. Also check out Shugs videos here as this is an excellent way to learn from a veteran. 
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