As witnessed by Muskrat . . .
pics by RiceGravy . . . http://s1042.photobucket.com/albums/...0Group%20Hang/
pics by Dameon . . .http://s272.photobucket.com/albums/j...Island%20Hang/
The start of this hang was scheduled to begin on Friday August 13 and end on Sunday the 15th. I think the anticipation of dreaded humidity and heat got to the best of two of our participants as they decided to come a day earlier. Hanging Burrito and Running Feather on a whim decided they had nothing else better to do on Thursday so they packed up and headed south from Hendersonville, NC. I think they forgot about the drop in elevation they were getting ready to go through where the heat and humidity would intensify greatly but hey, they are troopers! Gorge Rats ! So they spend Thursday night sleeping in they lake (officially speaking as our permit began on Friday but I think a "stealth" hang was the probable outcome )
Friday, I arrived to the island with my in-laws toting my gear by boat and me on a jetski. Saw that Dameon was also on the island with his jon-boat at Campsite 1. Upon arriving by water to campsite 4 & 5, I was welcomed in by Running Feather and Hanging Burrito who were lounging in the water in an effort to stay cool and helped me out with unloading my gear. Typical camp setup was to follow. Slowly people started arriving to the island, RiceGravy, Fulminated, ChickenWing & Penny (dog & kayaking companion), LDCakes, Medicine Man, and Keith (newly named as "Hobie"). Setups were hung and evaluated but the most impressive setup had to be Hanging Burrito's who made his entire setup in less than a week . . . black hammock with dual zippers, 12x10 black tarp w/dual side pullouts, black down sewn through TQ, black down baffled UQ, and a very fancy ridgeline organizer. As not to forget, he accessorizes his setup with colored Christmas lights along the ridgeline.
Friday's events consisted of Dameon making his first attempt (I believe this is correct...) with making boiled peanuts and they were awesome. Nicely done Dameon. As the day went on, lounging in the lake with beverages seemed to occupy most of our free time. Had the water been about 10 degrees cooler it would have been perfect but we had to take what was given to us, which we did.
Saturday, we were joined by the arrivals of 4x4Dragon, Land, Dutins and Ruckus (dog and new friend of Penny's), and PG who visited with us for the day to look at our different setups and have dinner with us. A bit of kayaking in the lake and more lounging in the water accounted for most of the day as we awaited for the evening boil to commence. 5:00 pm, preparations for the boil began and LD Cakes started her preparations for the peach cobbler. 6:00 pm, the Low Country Boil, Frogmore Stew, Beaufort Stew (whichever is your preference...) hit the table. The smell of Old Bay filled our campsite as mounds of potatoes, corn, sausage, and SHRIMP piled on the table ! As Dameon put it, it took about 5 minutes for that pile to be reduced down to scraps. It was definitely good eating . Thanks to everyone for their contributions to dinner. In an effort to avoid the oncoming rains, Dameon shuttles PG back to the landing so he can make his way back to Augusta. Thanks for joining us PG and good luck with your hammock setup. BUT, that did not conclude our dining desires. After resting and moaning for about 30 minutes from the boil, LDCakes announces that the cobbler is ready . . . WOW! Spectacular and what a great way to finish off a great meal . Saturday evening closes with great conversations and laughter and rain.
Sunday morning comes and Hanging Burrito and Running Feather are the first to make their way home. HB had to be back in time for his daughter's birthday party or feel the wrath for the next 365 days... paddle quick HB ! Camp slowly is broken down, boats begin to leave the island and finally I'm the last to leave the island as Gram (mother-in-law) shows up to rescue me from the island. Timing had to be great for us as I load my last piece of gear into my jeep the heavens begin to sing with more rain.
Great trip guys and discussions for future hangs on Goat Island has taken place. October - November are possible months and the addition of an oyster roast to join with Low Country Boil seems like a marriage that can only be made in SC ! All are welcomed join us for the next occasion so keep tabs for Goat Island Hang . . . Part Deuce !
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