Heading out to Thru the AT in comfort

[BillyBob58]

One more day of work left and I'm heading out to live a dream of Thru hiking the AT!

I want to say a big thanks for all the good advice I have received here on Hammock Forums.

I'll be taking along:
HH Hyperlite w/ Zipper mod #2 and ringbuckle/strap mod
OES MacCat Deluxe in Spintex

Cold temps:
JRB Mt Washington Underquilt
Nunatak Arc Expedition Topquilt w/ Balaclava

Warmer temps:
JRB Nest Underquilt
Nunatak Arc Ghost Topquilt

I won't be keeping an online journal but will report back on the hammocking experience. My Dad is joining me on this journey and he is a ground dweller, maybe by the end he will be a convert!

All the best and happy hanging!
- Bill

All right! Go man go!

[billslade]

I ran into Bill and his dad today in the Three Ridges Wilderness. I'll second Hooch's opinion, they seem really happy. His dad ordered a Blackbird as a result of TD; I forgot to ask where and when he expected to pick it up. BTW, Cannibal, Bill says he has a good waterfall hanging photo for your project.

vitamaltz,

It was nice meeting you and talking hammocks! Hopefully Dad will have his Blackbird in a few weeks or less. He's looking forward to it.

Hammock living on the trail is wonderful. I love getting in it after a good day on the trail. Unfortunately now the bugs are back out so the netting has to be zipped up. It was real nice for the first month or so leaving it open. I loved looking up at the trees and sky.

We're staying in Waynesboro now and will be starting Shenandoah N.P. today. It's still an incredible adventure!

Moving On - Bill

[Hooch]

Bill, gret to hear you're still enjoying your hike and that your dad is back out there again. Congrats on getting him converted. It was nice to see you again at Trail Days.

[Kobear]

Update on Billslade_

Was out tending to the section of the AT I oversee in the North portion of SNP and who should come through but.. Bill and his dad. I'd read the posts here and knew of their adventure but had not heard of Bill Sr.'s conversion to the Blackbird. Bill's dad is anxiously awaiting his hammock so he can get off the ground and start living. Bill Jr. had just finished his blackberry milkshake and was already plotting a hammock overthrow to win the BB.

Bill was loving the hammock and shared lots of helpful advice with me about the insulating set up required for summer hiking in VA.

[SmokeHouse]

good luck and have a safe trip...

[Darrel]

Hey Guys,
Great thread and of much interest to me personally.
I am currently planing for a long AT section hike starting in Feb 2010.
The idea of doing this using hammocks as our primary sleep system is of particular interest.
Looking forward to reading more.
Thanks,
Darrel

[billslade]

As of a few days ago Dad is now hanging and enjoying sleeping in his new Blackbird double layer 1.1 hammock. The first night was not so great but the last few have been wonderful. Just thought I would pass on the good news.

We are now in Kent, KT and the trip is wonderful. Now off to shower... Don't want to stink up this library to bad.

[billslade]

We just arrived in Hanover, NH today. Hanging on the trail is wonderful. Dad is sleeping better than ever in his BlackBird. He would never go back to the ground now. I'm amazed at how quick he adapted.

The hike is going good. Vermont was beautiful. We'll be heading into the Whites shortly. I'll let everyone know how the hanging went there.

Sleeping great on the AT!
Cheers- Bill

[Hooch]

We just arrived in Hanover, NH today. Hanging on the trail is wonderful. Dad is sleeping better than ever in his BlackBird. He would never go back to the ground now. I'm amazed at how quick he adapted.

The hike is going good. Vermont was beautiful. We'll be heading into the Whites shortly. I'll let everyone know how the hanging went there.

Sleeping great on the AT!
Cheers- Bill

Awesome that you guys are still out there and enjoying your hike. I'm sure your Dad is enjoying it more now that he's comfortable in a hammock. Keep us posted on progress when you can and keep on movin' down the trail.

[Shug]

Hey billslade .... I concur about Vermont being beautiful ..... we are in Windsor at our favorite Mansion right now. Wish I were on the trail but it is hot today!
Have a terrific time in the Whites in glorious comfort!
Shug