My First Sipsey Trip

**treenester** · 03-16-2010, 08:42

Wow! What a time! A former classmate and now co-worker was my guide for my first (and hopefully not last) trip to the Sipsey Wilderness Area. I didn't know that much about it, but Tim had spent many trips there. However, this was his first time in a hammock.

We left after work around lunch Friday, 12th and headed for Double Springs, AL. First we went by to see Caney Creek Falls. Just as purty as in the pictures! Then we stopped along the way and viewed Kinlock Falls.

Finally we headed to the Thompson Creek trailhead where we started the hike. Tim was concerned that the original trail he had mapped would be under water, so we took plan "B". It was a rugged trail but we made it to a scenic campsite on Bee Branch just before dusk and set up camp. I had my 1.7dl WBBB with my DIY WW tarp. Tim had his DIY setup with him for his first hang in the Sipsey. He had already told me that he never had gotten a good night's sleep on the ground up there.

Well, as usual, I didn't get much sleep. I have Sleep Apnea, so when I sleep without a CPAP, I snore and it keeps me awake. I did get some sleep and stayed toasty warm all night. It rained several times during the night and my tarp did leak a little. I'll try and remedy that. Tim said his did too if the water pooled on his tarp. The good news - he said it was his best night sleep ever on the Sipsey!

Saturday we packed up and headed to the big tree. Then back around and out to several other magnificent sites along the way. Around 4pm we made it back to the trailhead and headed for some supper and back home. I'm looking forward to the next time!

There were a lot of firsts for me on this trip. The first time on Sipsey, of course. The first time I hiked that far (Sipsey miles, to boot). My first all-nighter in the Blackbird (love the shelf). Too much fun.

Here's some pics:
http://picasaweb.google.com/treenester/Sipsey#

**bigbamaguy** · 03-16-2010, 09:16

Treenester:
Congrats on the Sipsey firsts. Having been where you are/were, I understand the Sipsey Mile. It is a beautiful area and hopefully there will be another group hang there in the near future. Glad you had fun and made it through. I have learned that ear plugs help with the Apnea, it allows you plausable deniability in the morning when people ask do you know how loud you snore at night. You can say, "I snore, never heard a thing"!

**Beast 71** · 03-17-2010, 02:05

It sounds like a good trip! Here is something that I use that helps with my sleep apnea

http://puresleep.com/?adsrc=gkd+snor...FVxH5wodPEZlTQ . It's not sold as an apnea device but it keeps me from snoring and waking up gasping. Plus it's alot lighter than a cpap and a car battery

.

**treenester** · 03-17-2010, 06:33

Thanks guys for the tips. Another thing that probably didn't help was that we turned in around 7pm, which isn't my normal bedtime. I should have read or listened to my mp3 player or something until I actually got wound down and sleepy. It was still a blast, though. I can't wait till next time. I think we may be going to Cheaha next time.

**mbiraman** · 03-17-2010, 08:19

Thanks for sharing. This area does look beautiful.

**bigbamaguy** · 03-17-2010, 08:25

Nester:
Let us know when you go I would like to go back to Cheaha and do some more hiking. I had a fun time on the last trip and really want to get back to the area.

**southmark** · 03-17-2010, 09:14

treenester, just let me know when you are ready for another trip to the Sipsey or a trip to the Pinhoti. I just live down the road from you in Northport. I am probably headed to thee Pinhoti weekend oh March 26-28. You are welcome to come along.

**BillyBob58** · 03-17-2010, 12:41

WhooHoooo and whooBuddy!

**Bankheadboy** · 03-17-2010, 19:45

Hi! I'm glad you had a good time in Bankhead! Its also nice to see the word Sipsey Mile used! A Sipsey mile is rough. Lots to see in Bankhead & Sipsey Wilderness. I hope to see you soon in Bankhead! Thanks for the report! Thomas

**bigbamaguy** · 03-17-2010, 21:32

Hey Thomas (Bankheadboy):
I like the new avatar pic you are using. I know how that guy feels.........you know that wide eyed, extra pastey skin color, cooped up to long indoors, crazed look that he has on his face

. I can relate to him, this weird weather is really messing with my camping plus the long hours at work haven't helped either.