1st Anniversary SHT Split Rock Loop

[Booya]

First off, I would like to say thank you to Beep for posting his Split Rock experience. With out it, I don't know if I would have been able to convince my wife into doing this for our anniversary.

We started out last Friday with just driving half way there because the split rock state park employee said that every campsite in all of the surrounding state parks would most likely be occupied. Which was fine because then we didn't have to rush. We got to Willow River campgrounds, and found us a nice secluded site.






It was a little tough falling asleep initially because when we went to buy some fire would, we found out that a correctional facility was just down the road. The town just had a creepy feeling to it too. It was a very small town. The freeway right next to us didn't help either. But, it sure does beat staying in a hotel.

Sat. morning we got up pain free, ate breakfast, had our coffee, packed our bags and headed to Split Rock.



We decided to tour the lighthouse first thing. Unfortunately, we couldn't bring our dog Sparky on the lighthouse tour. We cracked the windows and left him some water. Luckily, it was a cool morning and the fog was thick. So, it was really cool being at the lighthouse.





After looking at history for about 20min we heard faint yelping/barking. My wife and I looked at each other and knew it was Sparky. He was ready to start hiking!



We started our hike from the Split Rock State Park parking lot, and were planning on stopping at one of the Split Rock river sites along the SHT. There were a lot of great views along the way.





Can you see the lighthouse? Can you believe that we started hiking from there?





We got to our campsite around 5pm, and since the sun came out we were stinky. The rapids looked really refreshing. So, I took a dip.





After the swim, I collected fire wood. It took me about an hour. Almost everything down was birch. The bark is amazing for starting the fire. But, the wood soaks up the water like a sponge all of the way to the core. I have to remember to get out backpacking more often. I get too spoiled with the store bought wood, and my backwoods fire starting skills get rusty.



We saw a lot of shooting stars. My wife loved laying in the hammock next to me, and watching the stars.



Next morning, we got up feeling great and broke camp in less than an hour.



My wife said that she slept great the second night in the hammock. But, still would really like it if she could sleep on her stomach. I told her that I would get the BMBH for her. Does anyone sleep on their stomach in their bridge hammock? Anyways, it was a great trip, and we have decided that we will be coming back to the Superior Hiking Trail for every anniversary.

Rich's Gear:
Blackbird Hammock
DIY IX UQ, one layer
DIY Climashield TQ
DIY Blackcat w/door Tarp
Pack Weight: ~30lbs

Jess' Gear:
Pink Grand Trunk Hammock
Crowsnest UQ
Golite 20 TQ
Pack Weight: ~10lbs

Sparky's Gear:
Shared insulation and hammock with Rich
Pack Weight: ~3lbs

[dejoha]

Great photos. I sense some theatrics -- love it.

I'll have to say, there is nothing like a good trip report with great photos to make me insanely jealous and eager to get back on the trail again.

I wonder if I can get some Arizona hangers to join me in a trip in a week or two. Hmmm.

[Shug]

Great to see ya'll out ther Booya!
See you got yourself a new and light pad!!!! Gave up the marley dance floor piece huh?
Hey ...... you sure could borrow my Grizz-Bridge sometime and see if your wife likes the feel of the bridge ... it is very flat.
Just lemme know.
Shug

[beep]

It looks like you had a good trip! Nice area!

[mbiraman]

SHT looks like some nice stuff. I like the surfing shot (-:

[NCPatrick]

Nice. Thanks for that report. Looks like a good anniversary trip and even Sparky got to have some fun.

[Booya]

Great photos. I sense some theatrics -- love it.

I'll have to say, there is nothing like a good trip report with great photos to make me insanely jealous and eager to get back on the trail again.

I wonder if I can get some Arizona hangers to join me in a trip in a week or two. Hmmm.

We're goof balls when together. Thanks for the kind reply.

Great to see ya'll out ther Booya!
See you got yourself a new and light pad!!!! Gave up the marley dance floor piece huh?
Hey ...... you sure could borrow my Grizz-Bridge sometime and see if your wife likes the feel of the bridge ... it is very flat.
Just lemme know.
Shug

Yes, I now only work on my modern jazz at class. The floor stays at home Thank you guys for showing me the light.
I might take you up on borrowing the Bridge.

It looks like you had a good trip! Nice area!

We had a blast. I even think that we hung on the same trees as you guys.

SHT looks like some nice stuff. I like the surfing shot (-:

That shot was a fun one. My wife wouldn't go into the rapids so I set the camera on a rock and did the self timer.

Nice. Thanks for that report. Looks like a good anniversary trip and even Sparky got to have some fun.

Sparky is in paradise every time he comes hiking with me. He's been sleeping ever since we got back

[JayS]

Thanks for sharing. Looks like a great time with nice pack weights.

[Poppabear]

Very nice trip report and pictures thanks for sharing with us.

[fred]

love it, did Sparky sleep in the hammock too?