3 days/2 nights @ Thunder Swamp Trail, PA

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10-21-2010, 16:40
TrailKits

3 days/2 nights @ Thunder Swamp Trail, PA

Just got back from a 3day/2night trip on the Thunder Swamp Trail System in PA. This trip I tried out a couple new pieces of gear.

1. ULA Circuit pack - I took it on a 3 mile hike before but never overnight. I really, really like this thing. It makes a huge difference on my shoulders.

2. WhoOpie Slings - This trip is the first time I used my WhoOpie slings, toggles and new straps. I have to admit, I was a little cautious when I first got in the hammock using them because I just couldn't believe these things were going to support me. Man, what a difference. The ENO Singlenest was tight and I laid straighter than I ever have. I'm really impressed with them. One thing that threw me off for a minute was I tried to adjust them while I had all my gear in the hammock and soon learned that the weight was not allowing me to adjust the whoopies. I couldn't understand what I was doing wrong. Well, it was before my morning coffee so maybe that was my problem. A buddy of mine who was with me this trip want's me to order him a set-up after he saw them in action. Anyway, I love 'em.

Here are a few pictures from the trip...

The days were around 60 degrees and colorful. Nights were upper 30's but at at around 3am the second night it shot up to 45...

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Here is a little island we decided to use the first night...

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My hammock set-up on day 2 and a shot of the creek on the walk out...

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10-21-2010, 16:55
Pro Vagabond

Awesome pics!! Man, I gotta get back out there before the snow falls.
10-21-2010, 17:03
RKP

Great pictures. Fall is the best season for camping !
10-21-2010, 17:37
tbone

Great photos. Looks like a good place to go.
10-21-2010, 17:45
Poppabear

Wow what great pictures! I grew up in the area and looking at your pictures really makes me homesick. Thanks for sharing!
10-21-2010, 17:52
Running Feather

Thanx

Most triumphant trip :cool:

Thanks for taking us along ;)

To adjust whoopies under tension, one must relieve the tension :eek:

Great pics :boggle:

http://www.smileyarena.net/download.aspx?id=3653
10-21-2010, 18:47
TrailKits

Thanks all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RKP

Fall is the best season for camping !

I agree.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbone

Great photos. Looks like a good place to go.

It was nice, especially since it's not too far from us. Took about 2 hrs from Havertown. The trails do get pretty rocky and uneven. My calves got a workout.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Running Feather

To adjust whoopies under tension, one must relieve the tension :eek:

Yeah, I should have known. I should not try thinking before my morning coffee.
10-21-2010, 19:36
Knotty

Nice Fall colors in those pics. What part of the trail did you hike? Start at Route 402 and head east or west? Was the trail dry?

Thinking about doing a short trip there again sometime soon.
10-21-2010, 19:47
TrailKits

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotty

Nice Fall colors in those pics. What part of the trail did you hike? Start at Route 402 and head east or west? Was the trail dry?

Thinking about doing a short trip there again sometime soon.

Started at the main trailhead on 402 and went west working the trail clockwise. Trail was dry except for some pooling in areas.

We didn't see anyone on the trail for 3 days except a grouse hunter and his two dogs. We did get to see a nice sized bear about a half mile or so away near the power lines.
10-21-2010, 19:55
Can't Wait

I need to do that trail. We have some beautiful ones in Pa
10-21-2010, 21:08
islander

Thanks for bringing us along with your super nice photos! Great shots.

I need to get some hang time up North me thinks... Just gotta find those long pants... where did I put them...?
:confused:

Mother Nature is calling us outside for sure.
10-21-2010, 21:57
Rhino

WOW nice photos... def makes me wish I was there
10-21-2010, 22:18
questtrek

Great pics ... thanks for taking us along. Loved those pics! ...
10-21-2010, 22:36
JayS

See any porcupines? I saw two (my first outside a zoo) there in Spring 2009.
10-21-2010, 22:43
Old River Rat

The fall colors are beautiful. Thanks for the pictures.
10-21-2010, 22:44
TrailKits

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayS

See any porcupines? I saw two (my first outside a zoo) there in Spring 2009.

No porcupines, just a bear, two bucks and what I'm pretty sure was a grouse I scared. I heard it take flight but didn't see it. The place was really quiet.
10-21-2010, 23:20
mbiraman

Beautiful fall pics, lovely place, a privilege to hang out in. Thanks for sharing.
10-23-2010, 12:20
TrailKits

Forgot to mention...

If you're in the area and want some good food try Alaska Pete's. We hit this place after the trip on the way home. I was pretty impressed.
10-23-2010, 12:44
tbone

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrailKits

Forgot to mention...

If you're in the area and want some good food try Alaska Pete's. We hit this place after the trip on the way home. I was pretty impressed.

Better than the all you can eat breakfast buffet at Cabela`s ?:rolleyes:
10-23-2010, 15:32
TrailKits

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbone

Better than the all you can eat breakfast buffet at Cabela`s ?:rolleyes:

Ugh, I did that once. I still cover my eyes when I pass it to sit down.
07-15-2014, 16:02
hotelzulu

I know this is an older thread, I was just wondering if anyone can tell me a little more about this trail. Is it heavily used?
07-22-2014, 21:06
yooz85

I did this trail a couple of years ago in august, I would not recommend doing it that time a year the spiders and ticks were horrible. Also the trail was overgrown in a lot of areas which made things pretty difficult. I would imagine fall, winter or early spring the trail would be much better. Good luck!