newbie-old guy

[Shug]

A big Whooooo Buddy to you!
You found it here.
Shug

[Flangler]

Welcome, and congrats on the purchase and Lord Stanley. Be sure to practice with the new gear before you head out; folks here are more than happy to answer any questions to help make this trip a comfortable and memorable one for you and your'ns.

[gunner76]

welcome to the madness andd another welcome to the BB clan

[Big Joe]

I was born and raised in Southie living in New Hampshire now welcome to the forum and just so you know this fat guy loves his BB so much I sleep in it full time

[johniac7078]

Are you looking for a weekend trip? How far is too far? If you're willing to drive to southern VT, here's a low-key, nice 2-night weekend:

Start at the Stratton Pond Trail trail-head on the Arlington - West Wardsboro Rd. Hike 4 miles to Stratton Pond and camp there. You will have to pay a fee to the caretaker for camping there.

Next day hike west on the Lye Brook Trail to Bourne Pond and camp for the night. I don't remember the mileage exactly; I think it's only about 2 miles, so if you and the kids are ambitious you can make this part of the first day's hike and make it a one night outing.

Next day, hike south on the Branch Pond Trail about 4 miles to the Arlington - West Wardsboro Rd, then walk east on the road about 2 miles back to your car.

The Arlington - West Wardsboro Rd (also called the Kelly Stand Rd) is an unpaved USFS road, but is easily passable by any passenger car.

EDIT: You can make Day 2 more ambitious by going north on the AT from Stratton Pond until reaching Prospect Rock, with fine views to the west, then backtrack a bit to the intersection of the Branch Pond Trail. Follow Branch Pond Trail south to Bourne Pond. I think that makes something like a 10 mile day. Last time I was out that way, in the fall of 2008, part of the Branch Pond Trail was flooded by a beaver dam, but it was easy enough to skirt around it.

That sounds great, thanks!

[johniac7078]

A big Whooooo Buddy to you!
You found it here.
Shug

I just gotta ind me some potted meat, pig brains in gravey and me and my youngins is off to the piney woods!!!

Thanks man! First hammock hang will be the greyfox festival....

[hrairoorah]

Welcome from Wild, Wonderful West Virginia.

[SkyPainter]

Welcome to the forums, and the trees from Boston! There are a lot of great hikes here in the piney woods of New England, and a lot of other hangers, too!

you have a GREAT set-up for hanging - now to get a nice light backpack for those old knees (like mine!) .... you can look at:

ULA
Gossamer Gear
Golight

For starters. all reputable manufacturers of lightwieght but very functional packs and other gear.

Hope we get to hang together this year at some of the sure to be upcoming hangs in this area!