Hammocks are catching on in Az

[Roadtorque]

Took a friend into Fossil Springs http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=183 for a fast 24 hr trip. I took my blackbird and set up my tarp to try and funnel any breeze into my hammock to help stay cool. Overnight lows were about 70 degrees and a dip in the spring after our hike in was a nice way to cool down.

I had not been here since our AZ group hang last winter. Besides trash and unburied toilet paper being everywhere a lot has changed. It is obvious that the enormous amount of rain we got in the spring sent a huge wall of water down that canyon. There were downed trees everywhere. No problem scouting for firewood if fires where allowed.

We arrived early afternoon and set up camp. To my surprise we were the only ones there. That would shortly change. After dinner, scout groups showed up by the dozens. To my surprise, I discovered a camp of about 10 hammocks made out of bed sheets with one tent from one scouting group.

The hike out was the same death march uphill made even more complicated by my taking of sleeping pills which had not quite worn off.

No pics this time but we had a good enjoyable time. Except for waking up to the blasting of air-horns at 0600

[babelfish5]

It's always good to hear about hammocks catching on anywhere. Especially since it's a boy scout troop. It's gives me great hope in our future generations. Sounds like that troop had some exceptionally intelligent young men in it.

[NCPatrick]

An air horn reveille? I guess it worked even through your sleeping pill... thanks for the report!

[dejoha]

My kids and I still rank that hike nag hang as one of our favorites so far. Wish we could have gone with you! I think we should set up an annual AZ hang there.

[JohnH]

I think hammocks in general are catching on in a big way. Thanks to the "Survival" TV shows pitching them as a viable shelter I have been seeing a lot of traffic on camping and survival boards asking how to make hammocks and which ones are good. Of course I keep pointing them at hammock forums!

[coltonalxndr]

Fossil Springs is a great place. It's always a popular place as every time Ive been there its had quite a crowd. The drag is the climb out for sure, especially with 100-110 degree weather none the less a great place to hang.