As a family, we are involved in our local Relay for Life, which was held this past Friday and Saturday. A great cause and always an emotional march, having lost some family members and friends to cancer.
As we were getting things together, tents, tarps and awnings, I desperartely wanted to take my hammock. But there are limited trees and most are spread apart, 30 feet or better, too long.
Well, as luck would have it, we got our site location on Thursday morning...up on the hill, next to the only clump of trees.!!!!!
As soon as we showed up, I helped set up the other shelters, sorted out all the chairs, and then the rain started . Barely enough time to scout the woods for a suitable spot.
Everyone scrambled for a dry spot, moving the excessive gear under the awnings, trying in vain, to stay dry.
I grabbed my poncho and daypack (tarp and hammock enclosed), and headed to the trees. Lots of undergrowth, but I found a suitable pair of trees and slung up my ride. Had to knock down a few dead saplings to make room for the tarp, but I was all set in a few minutes. As night fell around 9pm, the rain slowed to a drizzle. All the tents were soaked, people trying to figure where they going to sleep, most went home for the night.
The festivities ran all night long, but at Midnight, I called it, and went to my spot. Shook out my AHE long topquilt (thanks Paul), and my down uq/jacket.
The pitter-patter of rain is such a sweet lullaby!
Slept like a baby! Awoke at 7:30 and had a good laugh as folks emerged from their wet shelters, grumbling. Some folks slept in lawnchairs, in their cars etc.
Had lots of interest in the hammock and folks are waiting till next year. We are planning on a bunch of hammock stands, hammocks and tarps. And trying to get the same site, with the trees!
Hammocks Rock!!
ps. as a total for the event, we raised $126,000. amazing effort for an amazing cause!
Gargoyle
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