2 Noobs in Paradise

[KefWalker]

Well, my Claytor hammock and tarp came in yesterday and I immediately called my brother to see if he wanted to go out this weekend for a "shakedown cruise". When we were younger, we backpacked quite a bit, but for one reason or another, we haven't done that in a long while. Neither of us have ever hammock camped so this will be our maiden voyage. He just got a Hammock Bliss and is happy with it after trying it out in the backyard. I've ordered a Shamu IX UQ from MacEntyre, but until that comes in, I'll go with my old Thermarest Z-Lite pad and hope that'll keep me somewhat warm. We plan to go to the San Pedro Wilderness Area or Pecos Wilderness Area here in NM and it looks like night temps will go down to high 30's-low 40's. Anyway, I'll take some pix and give you guys a trip report next week. Without all of the instructional videos and collective knowledge on this forum, neither of us would have a clue of where to begin!

[Chattooga]

Enjoy! I am looking forward to the pix as NM is on my list of places to see someday.

[KefWalker]

Thanks. There are a lot of areas in NM unlike anywhere east of the Mississippi and there are places here that remind me of Vermont and New Hampshire--pretty varied for a high desert state.

[Poppabear]

The NM high desert is indeed a beautiful place. My work has taken me to the Alamogordo, NM area often over the last two years. I have been fortunate enough to squeeze a couple of weekend hikes / hangs in the Sacramento Mountains of Lincoln National Forest. As you drive up into the mountains from the high desert the change in vegetation, foliage and trees is dramatic and beautiful. You are correct the time I sent in the mountains did in deed remind me of the Northeastern States. I hope to get back out to NM next year. Till then I will live vicariously through your trip reports and pictures. So be sure to post your adventures.

[tiger1dd]

Enjoy- and remember to post your pics for us!

[KefWalker]

One thing I've learned from reading a lot of the posts--"No pictures? It didn't happen..." I'll make sure to post pix with the trip report (assuming I make it back, of course...;-)).

[blazin]

I've been to the Pecos area its absolutely awesome! Specially if you enjoy backpacking and trout fishing. Also recently went up in the Jemez range. That was also extremely nice. Can't wait to see the pics.

[KefWalker]

It is some really nice country. My brother goes into the Pecos when he pulls an elk license for that area and he really likes the fishing.One of my favorite places to car camp is in the Jemez mountains. Maybe next trip we'll go to the San Pedro Wilderness Area north of Jemez.