Hello all,
Just thought I would let you know that I'm stupid. Over the weekend I decided to go on a hiking trip up in Northern Michigan on the North country trail. Not a lot of research was available on the area that I was hiking, so I decided to wing it and go for it. I knew there would be rain, I brought rain gear along, and I knew the general time it would be starting. I had no idea where I was going to camp, I just kind of figured I would find two nice trees and hook up the hennessy.
The hike was great, put in close to twenty miles, and 19 out of 20 went better than planned. Lots of wildlife, no other hikers, decent amount of water supply. Then the rain came at mile 19. I was tired, wet and starting to get cold (50 degrees at the time), and looking for any campsite. I came across an awesome shelter that was locked, but it had an outhouse and some great trees to hang from. I set up the hammock blew up my sleeping pad, threw both my sleeping bags inside, cooked some dinner and decided to go to bed around 6.
I had two sleeping bags, a 25 degree rated one and a REI travel sack I've had for years. I had a fleece, zip off pants, long sleeve t-shirt, a regular t-shirt, two pairs of wool socks, a wool hat and a neck warmer on, and still froze. I was shaking, cold, wet, and 20 miles from my car.
The next morning I rolled out of my hammock, ate two mountainhouses, failed at making coffee and walked almost all day to get back to my truck. It was the worst experience I've had. And that's why I'm dumb. I'm buying an underquilt, A NICE ONE TOO, once I get the money.
I hope my stupidity made you feel smarter,
Nighthawk
Bookmarks