Been hanging around a bit, thought I'd say hi

**Shore08** · 07-14-2010, 15:08

Hey folks, I've been hanging around the forums a bit reading a little here and there, and thought I'd use my first post to say hello.

I am 29 years old, an Eagle Scout (1997), Firefighter/EMT, married with no kids, and looking to get back into camping and other outdoor activities. College and starting my 'adult' life took too much time and I haven't been spending as much time out and about as I'd like to.

Camping to me was always 'we'll drop you guys off here, the pickup spot is 11 miles down the trail, see you Tuesday', so it was hiking and tarp camping, no tents, they were just too heavy! I have kicked around the hammock camping idea for a while, and I'm ready to take the plunge. Plus I think I stand a better chance of convincing my wife to join me if she doesn't have to sleep on the ground.

I like the idea of making my own hammock and tarp, because, well, I guess I am just cheap, but I also like to have skills and know I can rely on myself. So far I've made my own longbows, I have a fiberglass recurve bow in the works, and I have made my own knife in the past as well. Both my mother and my wife can sew, so I'm hoping to pick up enough from them to cobble together a pair of hammocks and tarps.

Anyways, sorry for the length of my post, but it seems like such a nice community here I figured better to get to know you if you know about me first

.

Thanks for all the info so far, even if you don't know you've been providing it haha.

**Poppabear** · 07-14-2010, 15:27

Welcome to the forums. Spend some time looking around and you will find loads of information about hammock hanging. Making your own gear is fun and fulfilling. When you get your feet wet and make your gear be sure to post pictures.

**CrankyOldGuy** · 07-14-2010, 15:44

"hanging around" You made a hammock joke! Now stop!

**Shore08** · 07-14-2010, 16:06

Originally Posted by CrankyOldGuy

"hanging around" You made a hammock joke! Now stop!

Actually I was impressed that I didn't see it on the first page of the intro's already

Thanks for the welcomes folks!

**Shug** · 07-14-2010, 16:18

Hey and Whoooo Buddy........
Shug

**Shore08** · 07-14-2010, 16:21

I recognize that whooooo buddy, I've seen some of your vids on YouTube. Thanks for the welcome

**Shug** · 07-14-2010, 16:28

Originally Posted by Shore08

I recognize that whooooo buddy, I've seen some of your vids on YouTube. Thanks for the welcome

You will have a terrific time making some of your own gear ..... I did!
Make ya' feel powerful.

Whoooo Shug

**bigbamaguy** · 07-14-2010, 23:38

Welcome to HF and good luck with the DIY "adventure"! There are some good vids in the DIY section that show how to make a hammock and tarp.

**swampfox** · 07-15-2010, 06:15

Welcome to the forum Shore08,
Most of us are pretty familiar with the hiking/camping possibilities in the eastern part of your fine state, with the Smokies and all. What do you have on your end? As was mentioned above, we expect pictures of your adventures.