Northern Hang #2 - A little bit south

**Hangin'Yankee** · 10-15-2009, 18:55

I was all set to go on this trip when 2 of our 3 cars broke down the day before I was set to leave. We were able to get both cars fixed by Friday and I thought about heading up north. I had to get out, I already had the day off work and didn't want to waste it but decided to stay close to home as I didn't want to head up by myself and I'd just spent a bunch of $ on the cars.

I got my youngest son, Sam out of school early and we headed up to Yellow River State Forest up on the IA/WI border. Forecast was about the same as for the Northern Hang but plus 5 degrees.
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We hit the trail and headed for the Camp John Schultz backpacking site. Set up the hammocks and got a fire going. Sam was in his HH Exped with Big Agnes air core pad and Moonstone Iguana bag that I got from Turk. He was toasty warm, thanks Turk!

I was in my Blackbird with KAQ, windshield reflector between layers and my WM 20 degree bag.

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Topcovers haven't been in the budget as of yet so we came up with our own. We cannibalized Sam's old Star Wars tent for his and I used a lightweight hammock for mine. Rigged up some attachment points and they worked great. Definitely added some warmth. Had a great time around the fire both nights.
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Hiked around the park on Saturday and eventually ended up at the Brown's Hollow camp. It was a chilly 35-40 degrees but we never got any snow or rain. It was sunny all day.
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We played a little walnut baseball. Sam was knocking the shells off of the walnuts just like the Yankees ripped the Twins pitching. That's for you AC!

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We ate the taco pockets that I had ready for the Northern Hang. Man, they were tasty.
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It got pretty cold Saturday night. Official temp reading for the night was 20 degrees. We were good and toasty around the fire and in the hammocks, so it was a great night!

Woke up the next morning and had a warm breakfast and headed back to the car. Had a great time hiking with my boy and remembered how much I enjoy the cooler weather! Hit a little opossum with the car on the way home. Sam wanted a picture. Sorry PETA and animal lovers. It was an accident.

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Looking forward to the next Northern Hang, whether it's in the far north or a little bit south.

**gargoyle** · 10-15-2009, 19:07

Looks like a great hiking partner.

**JerryW** · 10-15-2009, 19:23

Thanks for the trip report. Great pics, too. I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to meet, but it looks like you still had a good weekend with your son. Priceless!

sarahgirl told me about Yellow River. Looks like a nice place for a quick weekend getaway.

Jerry

**sir_n0thing** · 10-15-2009, 19:27

Good times! Sorry you couldn't make it up to the hang. fin and a few others were talking about doing a trip to the Yellow River sometime soon!

sir_n0thing

**Walking Bear** · 10-15-2009, 20:18

Sounds like a great alternative to the MN hang. However, I bet you did not have as much food..

I hope we can do a hang there someday. will be a little shorter drive for me.

**Shug** · 10-15-2009, 21:59

Glad that you still got out and your boy will always remember another trip with good ol' Dad.
Wish you could have made it but you won out anyways......
Shug

**animalcontrol** · 10-16-2009, 09:04

missed ya Randy...you could have rubbed in the sweep proper!

good times with your boy...cherish those

**fin** · 10-16-2009, 15:59

Missed you at the NH, Randy. I have nametags and a trail patch for you (you did the first hang) - PM me with your address and I'll ship them off.

Make memories with your son while you can - he will appreciate it very much later in life.

**trigger hurt** · 10-17-2009, 10:07

Shame to see that good meat go to waste.

Possum look so much cuter when they're dead than when they're trying to break into your backporch to eat their way into the garbage bag.