Thank You to Wonderful HF Members

**gray blazer** · 02-18-2013, 22:35

Hello. I am a ground dweller who has some wonderful Bear Pinata friends. There may be hope for me yet. This thread is a testimonial to some HF members who went out of their way to help a coupla old folks (my wife and I) and their canine friends. Chief Duffy invited us to Rice Creek Hilton on the FT last weekend. My wife is new to backpacking but is the best car camper. So as you can guess, she wanted to bring more stuff than was necessary. We had the idea to put the extra stuff (for us and 2 dogs) in a wagon.

To make a short story longer, the wagon broke down. My wife has issues that make it hard for her to walk long distances. Chief Duffy went back and personally carried half of our stuff to the Hilton. We had a great time with him and his wife (a wonderful human being who let my wife use her lekis and also taught her a lot about backpacking).

Another wonderful HF member, Florida Rider, carried about 60 lbs of our stuff out on Sunday and talked to my wife and I the whole way out to the parking lot. Thank you Chief and Rider. You didn't have to do any of it and yet you did it without complaining and with a wonderful spirit.

And thanks to you guys, we and our dogs had the best time (29 degrees on top of everything). You made it so my wife wants to go out again. May your hammocks never fail!

WV · 02-18-2013, 22:50

Welcome, Gray Blazer. Glad you ran into those folks. FL Rider helps people here on the forum, too. Interested in trying a hammock?

**Shug** · 02-18-2013, 22:54

Hammock Heros)))))) Whooooo Buddy and Betty.
Shug

**gray blazer** · 02-18-2013, 23:04

Originally Posted by WV

Welcome, Gray Blazer. Glad you ran into those folks. FL Rider helps people here on the forum, too. Interested in trying a hammock?

FL Rider's camping knowledge is immense and he is a good teacher. Grinder and Chief have let me try their hammocks. I may elevate my perspective one day.

**MAD777** · 02-19-2013, 07:17

Welcome Gray from South Florida. The hospitality you experienced is what we've come to expect from the good folks here in HammockForums. You will see that after spending only a little time here.

Some hold to the theory that nice people are simply drawn to hammocks, while others say that people become nice when they sleep in hammocks.

Either way, welcome to the friendliest place on the internet!

**Grinder** · 02-19-2013, 07:49

Gray Blazer is a perfect fit for the Florida hammock crowd.
I camped with him a year or so back. (I think it may have been the Hilton, the place with the screened in shelter cabin)
He carried in meatloaf and potato dinners for everyone for Saturday night.

I can see him taking to the Dutch Oven crowd like a duck to water.

Welcome to you

**old4hats** · 02-19-2013, 09:26

Gray Blazer, I don't think you can find a dud in the whole bunch of Florida hangers, they are a class act. Thee is an old saying down here, "welcome south, brother!", and this group of people give it feet and hands.

**gray blazer** · 02-19-2013, 10:25

Thanks guys. My wife is trying to get her dutch oven back from our grandson. She is the best cook when we go camping. That's why I never lose weight on a trip. Grinder and Chief and FL Rider make some good gear.

**ripcurlksm** · 02-21-2013, 16:10

Welcome to the hammock forums!

**FLRider** · 02-22-2013, 10:59

Heya, Gray Blazer! Sorry for misspelling your name in the trip report thread...wasn't sure if it was an "e" or an "a"...

It was great to meet you and the Missus over the weekend. 'Twas a great trip, and I hope that the both of you enjoy the local sites over the next few months!

Also, I found your dogs' squeak toy when I was going to get my food bag for packing on Tuesday. PM me and I'll try to get it back to you!