Hello from Eastern Iowa

[WindChill]

Been lurking around here for several months and figured it was time to speak up and say hi.

I grew up camping and spent many nights sleeping under the stars with just a ground cloth when I was a kid. Several years ago we bought a popup camper so we didnt have to sleep on the ground any more. Ironically, that was the same year my son joined Boy Scouts so now I sleep on the ground one weekend a month and two weeks a year.

About a year ago a friend and fellow Scouter bought a Clark NA and couldnt stop talking about it, especially after our most recent BWCAW trip. Last fall he let me borrow it for a weekend. The temps dipped unexpectedly low (down to the low 20s) so I was quite chilly, but otherwise was really comfortable.

I started reading around here and looking at what is available. I enjoy making gear so a couple of weeks ago I ordered a Speer kit. The hammock sewed up very nicely (havnt gotten to the bug net or tarp yet). It is hanging in the basement but I havnt had a chance to really try it out yet.

Im still playing with the end-knots to get the sides to "stand up" the way I want them. After that I want to try out some of the neat suspensions that Ive seen mentioned.

Thanks for all of the information.

WindChill

[JerryW]

Welcome to HF WindChill. It's a great place to spend some time. Where in eastern Iowa are you? I'm only about 45 min east of the river.

Jerry

[Hangin'Yankee]

Welcome, WindChill. You can learn a great deal on here. I'm in Waterloo, where are you?

Randy

[SmokeBait]

Hi and welcome WindChill. I'm south of you in eastern MO. Where do you camp in your neck of the woods? Enjoy the forum. There are lots of great folks here with a lot of knowledge.

stumo

[Shug]

A Whoooooo Buddy Welcome there WindChill!
Join us on a Northern hang sometime.
Shug

[WindChill]

Thanks for all the welcomes.

Where in eastern Iowa are you? I'm only about 45 min east of the river.

I'm in Waterloo, where are you?

Im near Vinton, about half way between Waterloo and Cedar Rapids.

I'm south of you in eastern MO. Where do you camp in your neck of the woods?

Mostly state and county parks near home. We like to get up northeast to Yellow River for a backpack when we can. Ive been down your way a few times for the big spring geocaching event (MOGA). Ive only been once each but my favorite place is the Quetico / BWCAW.

Join us on a Northern hang sometime.

Schedules are always a challenge with an active family but Id like to check one out. Anything in the works yet for spring?

[Trout]

Welcome to HF. You can learn a lot here and everyone is real nice. Glad you introduced yourself.

[opie]

Windchill, welcome to HF!!!