Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 17
  1. #1
    Senior Member NCPatrick's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Winston-Salem, NC
    Hammock
    WB Traveler
    Tarp
    Custom OES tarp
    Insulation
    JRB Down UQ/TQ
    Suspension
    Whoopie slings
    Posts
    8,797
    Images
    40

    Quick overnight at Hanging Rock State Park

    First, a few pics (iPhone camera).

    Went Saturday afternoon up to Hanging Rock State Park, NC for a quick overnight. My official purpose was to practice setting up in conditions that were not ideal, and to test out some gear in ways I had not been able to -- but really it was just a great reason to escape the hectic holiday season and get some quiet time in.

    I set up in a cold rain, that quickly turned to freezing rain. The wind was pretty strong too, so I had to hurry and get the tarp put up while my hands got colder and colder. Great experience for the field. As soon as I was set up, the snow flurries started, and there were already ice beads forming on the tarp. Took a break and made some hot chocolate and wow that was good. Drank it while watching the weather and the trees.

    Fast forward, storm passed, and the skies cleared. It took until just before dark for the ranger to check me in and allow me to buy some dry firewood. Gathering firewood is strictly forbidden in the park, because if they let you then they'd have to let every yahoo and wahoo for miles around do the same. Only a couple other campers at the campground, and so it was peaceful after they all settled down -- (there was a brief interlude where a truckload of guys drove around raiding all the empty sites of any possible firewood.) They parked right in front of my site to search.

    Got a fire going and spent a peaceful moonlit night. Temps got down to 25F. The wind died down after midnight or so.

    I didn't bring my warmest coat, but had brought enough clothing layers to compensate, still it was interesting putting things on and taking them off to keep up with my body temperature. I ended up putting on my emergency tyvek coverall (which I wanted to test anyway) and it worked great to block the wind. Worked so well that I sweated a bit, which made me cold again. Interesting how that works.

    I tested the DriDucks poncho as a half sock, worked great. Tested the tyvek coverall, but did not attempt to sleep in it. I think it would have to go closer to your skin to work the best. I have to say that putting JRB down sleeves over your feet to sleep in is really a nice way to keep them warm. I know it has been said here on HF a lot, but it is really nice. Two thumbs up.

    Had a good nights sleep, but kept waking up to windblown sounds, leaves, my gear rustling, etc. The moon was really bright and the woods were beautiful with the moon shadows and stars.


    "Civilization is the limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities."
    - Mark Twain
    “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.”
    - John Burroughs

  2. #2
    Senior Member Hawk-eye's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Oak Ridge & Linville Gorge, North Carolina
    Hammock
    HHE, 2QZQ Mod4, Jerry 5 DIY
    Tarp
    HG Cuben/SFly Camo
    Insulation
    HammockGear Prod.
    Suspension
    Use them all!
    Posts
    9,989
    Images
    3
    Sounds great ... even if in a campground. But like you said ... great test of setting up in nasty conditions!
    Not bad photos for an iPhone!

    WARNING: Will discuss Rhurbarb Strawberry Pie and Livermush at random.


    "A democracy is two wolves and a small lamb voting on what to have for dinner.
    Freedom under a constitutional republic is a well armed lamb contesting the vote." ... B.Franklin


    Home of the Gorge Rats: Linville Gorge
    My Videos YouTube Channel
    Photo collections Flickr Photostream


    Gorge Rat Productions On FaceBook

  3. #3
    Senior Member Bug-Bait's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Baltimore, MD
    Hammock
    Blackbird
    Tarp
    JRB 10X11, MacCat
    Insulation
    Snugfit, 2 JRBs
    Posts
    555
    Images
    29
    Hi Patrick...great pics and great report. Glad you were able to get out and have the kind of weather to test your gear in.

  4. #4
    Senior Member NCPatrick's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Winston-Salem, NC
    Hammock
    WB Traveler
    Tarp
    Custom OES tarp
    Insulation
    JRB Down UQ/TQ
    Suspension
    Whoopie slings
    Posts
    8,797
    Images
    40
    Thanks guys. It sure was nice getting out. I may make that a Christmas season tradition somehow. Now back to the hectic holidays.


    "Civilization is the limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities."
    - Mark Twain
    “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.”
    - John Burroughs

  5. #5
    Member YardDog's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Matthews, NC
    Hammock
    Warbonnet Blackbird 1.1 DL
    Tarp
    Etowah Gear
    Insulation
    Warbonnet 3S Yeti
    Suspension
    Adjustable Web
    Posts
    60
    I've not been there yet, but it's one of the places on my list! Thanks for the pictures.

  6. #6
    Senior Member HappyCamper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    WV
    Hammock
    WB Blackbird 1.1 dbl
    Tarp
    JRB11x10 Z-P cuben
    Insulation
    Yeti JRB WestMtg
    Suspension
    webbing, Dutchclip
    Posts
    3,527
    Images
    88
    Look at that comfy nest! Waaaay better than any tent, that's for sure. Thanks for the pics!
    Exercise, eat right, die anyway -- Country Roads bumper sticker
    Fall seven times, standup eight. -- Japanese Proverb

  7. #7
    slowhike's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Winston-Salem, NC
    Hammock
    DIY, gathered end , w/ spreader
    Tarp
    JRB Universal
    Insulation
    DAM/ HG Incubator
    Suspension
    Webbing and rings
    Posts
    11,677
    Images
    319
    Good stuff Patrick! Glad you were able to get out to test & relax. Good for a person!
    Nice having a park that close & near empty in the winter!!!
    I too will something make and joy in it's making

  8. #8
    Senior Member hangnout's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Monterey, TN
    Hammock
    DIY Bridge
    Tarp
    DIY Tarps
    Insulation
    Leigh's UQ's
    Posts
    1,917
    Images
    123
    Sounds like a good overnight hang. I have a few acres in Stokes county. I can see Hanging Rock from there. I have not been there for a few years now. May be a good excuse to go visit and hang sometime.

  9. #9
    Senior Member Perkolady's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    NE GA
    Hammock
    diy
    Tarp
    diy 9x11
    Insulation
    JRB No Sniveller
    Suspension
    CBs + DCs
    Posts
    1,093
    Images
    29
    Freezing rain really makes setting up the tarp and hammock challenging! It's amazing how quickly functioning hands turn into blocks of wood.

    That's one of the biggest reasons I switched to cinch buckles and webbing. When I used my HH, those knots were killers! I really love my linelocs and mini biners on my tarp now too. Moreso now that the weather is colder!

    Of course, hot cocoa definitely helps in these situations

    Thanks for the info on how your gear worked for you. Very helpful!

    Great report! I'm glad you were able to get out and do some testing.

  10. #10
    Senior Member ricegravy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Lexington, SC
    Hammock
    WarBonnet BlackBird!!!!
    Tarp
    BIG FLY (3x4m.)
    Insulation
    SnugFit & JRB HR
    Posts
    612
    Images
    118

    Candle Lantern Hook?

    What is the hook that you have your candle lantern hanging from? How safe do you think it is to hang it there? Is there any chance for wax to drip out onto your setup? I have a candle lantern also and am interested in trying the "hang from the ridge line" thing.




    -Ricegravy!
    _______________________
    "Humiliate your surroundings"

  • + New Posts
  • Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

    Similar Threads

    1. Hanging Rock State Park, NC
      By NCPatrick in forum Trip Reports
      Replies: 5
      Last Post: 06-27-2012, 20:40
    2. rock cut state park overnight hang
      By kayaknut01 in forum Hangouts, Campouts, and Trip Planning
      Replies: 0
      Last Post: 04-12-2010, 07:14
    3. Hanging Rock State Park
      By NCPatrick in forum Trip Reports
      Replies: 16
      Last Post: 07-15-2008, 09:13
    4. Hanging Rock State Park Info?...
      By jeffjenn in forum Hangouts, Campouts, and Trip Planning
      Replies: 2
      Last Post: 03-21-2008, 16:04
    5. Hanging Rock State Park
      By NCPatrick in forum Hangouts, Campouts, and Trip Planning
      Replies: 8
      Last Post: 08-06-2007, 20:58

    Tags for this Thread

    Bookmarks

    Posting Permissions

    • You may not post new threads
    • You may not post replies
    • You may not post attachments
    • You may not edit your posts
    •