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  1. #1
    New Member
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    Thanks from a lurker

    A friend and I decided to go on a camping tour of Europe this summer and we just got back a few days ago after a three week trip. I saw Ray Mears using a hammock on television and thought it might be a laugh to try. My friend agreed to give it a go but I had no idea what was involved, this site made it possible to have a successful trip and although I only read and never posted I doubt we could have succeeded without the information and advice I found here.

    We bought two DD Travel Hammocks ($80) and a couple of cheap polyethylene tarps ($10) and they performed superbly - I chose camouflage patterned tarps almost on a whim but it turned out to be a fortuitous choice as we were able to camp undetected in some less than ideal places.

    I thought my Snugpak Jungle Bag would be sufficient insulation for August in Europe but the first night (Belgium) was one of the coldest experiences I've had and my friend wasn't prepared either, however we were lucky to find some heavier sleeping bags on sale at Aldi's in Germany and got a couple for $20 each. That and some cheap foam mats solved the problem even when we camped at high altitude in the Swiss Alps (Mauvoisin). I should have taken the warnings about insulation on this site more seriously. Having said that: once we got south of the Alps my Snugpak was sufficient.

    It's hard to guess how much money we saved as a result of being able to camp just about anywhere (we got into the habit of staying at a proper campsite every 3-4 days just for the showers) but I guess about $40 - $60 per night so 15 nights would be between $600 and $900.

    Anyway, we had an incredible adventure and a big thank you to those members here whose advice made it possible.

  2. #2
    Senior Member
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    Mountainside, NJ
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    Welcome to the forum! Sounds like a great trip. Any pictures of your hammocking?

  3. #3
    Senior Member sbmcghee's Avatar
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    Jul 2008
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    It's good to see Ray's teachings are still going. His ideas and teachings have continued to make an impact over here as well (at least for me and a few guys I know).

    If I could afford it, I'd be attending his classes non-stop.
    "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein

  4. #4
    Member Pawfoot's Avatar
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    Welcome!
    and you should know that we love pictures here...
    so defiantly make sure to post them,
    or take some to post next time

    ...i wanna go to Belgium...
    ...Says Pawfoot, thats who!! [ Cuz thats how I roll ]
    and Coffins ARE used for transportation...

  5. #5
    Senior Member HappyCamper's Avatar
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    Exercise, eat right, die anyway -- Country Roads bumper sticker
    Fall seven times, standup eight. -- Japanese Proverb

  6. #6
    Senior Member Mule's Avatar
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    Welcome to the forum and hanging loose. Mule
    Predictions are risky, especially when it comes to the future.

  7. #7
    New Member
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    Unfortunately I lost my camera in Greece but my friend took some pictures with his mobile phone so hopefully I'll be able to post some when he gets round to them.

    I'm a confirmed hanger now!

  8. #8
    Peter_pan's Avatar
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    Welcome to the forum....Getting a good bottom insulation plan in place is definately the key to year round hammock convience and comfort.

    Pan
    Ounces to Grams.

    www.jacksrbetter.com ... Largest supplier of camping quilts and under quilts...Home of the Original Nest Under Quilt, and Bear Mountain Bridge Hammock. 800 595 0413

  9. #9
    Member Pawfoot's Avatar
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    Lost your camera in Greece!?!

    LUCKY!!!!
    I would LOVE to lose my camera in a place like Greece!!

    ...Says Pawfoot, thats who!! [ Cuz thats how I roll ]
    and Coffins ARE used for transportation...

  10. #10
    New Member
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pawfoot View Post
    I would LOVE to lose my camera in a place like Greece!
    Not sure I agree entirely with that but I suppose if you've got to lose your camera somewhere then on the beach south of Thessalonika after a long swim in the Aegean, ain't a bad choice.

    Actually, we'd discussed going as far as Greece but weren't sure we'd make it so it was satisfying to reach.

    Just in case anybody's interested we covered 16 countries in 21 days:

    1. Belgium
    2. Germany
    3. Switzerland
    4. Italy
    5. Albania (ferry from Brindisi)
    6. Greece
    7. Macedonia
    8. Kosovo (recommend not going here)
    9. Montenegro
    10. Croatia
    11. Bosnia Herzegovinia
    12. Serbia
    13. Slovenia
    14. Austria
    15. Netherlands
    16. hmm . . . missed one somewhere

    Came back knackered!

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