First out-of-state hang, hello TN!

[joehasbeard]

Hey all! Just got back from a week-long road trip with two of my buds. We hit up 9 different states from PA through Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, and back home to PA. It was extensive. We ate a ton of great BBQ and only camped out last night in Chambersburg (but we wound up sleeping in the car because the guys didn't have enough insulation even though my hammock setup would have taken me down to 30 deg thanks to that great sale from Arrowhead a few months ago!!!)

For all of you Tennessee HF members, we camped out at Big Ridge state park and had a blast down by the lake. Here's a pic of me with my setup and then a few of what happens when guys who aren't used to the great outdoors get stuck in the mud. Enjoy!

For inquiring minds what you're seeing there is a WL Big Daddy in forest green hung on 30' of orange reflective guyline (that I bought for $10 w/ free shipping from... ah I can't remember right now but you guys probably all got the same deal) from prussiks tied with tech line purchased from diygearsupply.com which bites into the guyline really well.

The hammock is a GTUL with an AHE Jarbridge UQ, which was oh-so-toasty once I got it dialed in. It got down to the high 30s I believe and the wind was blowing STRONG but I slept like a baby.

We registered using the after-hours envelope honor system, which I had never seen before and think is a great idea. I said the same thing to the ranger on duty the next morning and he thought all parks did it. Is anyone else familiar with this? Maybe my parks just don't offer that courtesy? Either way I was happy with the park and wanted to try some of the hiking trails but my friends drug me back to the car and we drove straight up through VA and camped at Caledonia state park in Chambersburg, PA.

[dragon360]

That's some trip! Hello and Welcome to the Forums from Canada!

[Les Rust]

Sounds like you all had a blast. Glad that you enjoyed our state park. Tennessee has a great system of state parks that have quite a bit to offer. And yes, we have some of the best mud anywhere to be found. Come on back when you get the chance.

[Roche]

Half of my life was spent in the 215 area code. But how can you compare the Delaware Valley to this neck of the woods if your a camper/hanger/hiker? Plus I understand they no longer offer the 7 for a $1 at the Shamrock, so why go to the shore?

[joehasbeard]

Roche, yes, I have to drive a bit if I want to get to any good woods/hiking/hanging and yes, I haven't been happy with the shore since I was a teenager so all of my vacations these days have involved a minimum three-hour trek to get to some remote areas. But home is home y'know?

And Les, the next chance I get to return to TN I will be, I had a great time there. We ate at this little place called "Golden Girls" which was on the highway as we left the state park and I had one of, if not THE, best breakfasts I've ever had. It was also one of the most inexpensive. If I ever get back out there I'll let you guys know and we can get a TN hang going!