When the Taliban came to the Pine Barrens 7/28-29-12

**SilvrSurfr** · 07-30-2012, 18:26

I planned on spending this weekend hiking the AT in Connecticut with my two sons and KYBob. However, on Friday the weather services started predicting extreme thunderstorms sweeping through the tri-state area, with small hail and a possible derecho coming with it. Both sons and KYBob backed out on me. No worries - I wanted to try out my new Merrell Refuge Pro Waterproof Brindle hiking shoes, along with some gaiters. So off to the Pine Barrens for a little solo overnighter!

Hiking under a severe thunderstorm warning might sound insane to some, but I've been insane my whole life, I guess. I like weather. The thunder rolled constantly on the hike to Mullica River Wilderness camp. There was a light drizzle that felt pretty good.

Some pineys on dirt bikes inadvertently dropped some trail magic - pretty funny. I got a good laugh out of it.

It's blueberry and huckleberry season, so I snacked the whole way to camp. While there was thunder, I made it to camp without getting caught in a severe thunderstorm.

As I was about to take a dip in the river, a man came hiking into camp and said, "Could you please put your shirt on? I've got Girl Scouts with me." Needless to say, I didn't put my shirt on, but held my tongue for the most part. I have little tolerance for pompous idiots who so willingly impose their morality on others. I didn't know the Taliban had infiltrated the Pine Barrens! This guy was obviously not an ultralight hiker - it must be quite a strain on the knees and back carrying around such ponderous morality, ready to dish it out to unsuspecting hikers.

The extreme thunderstorms were a no-show - 15 minutes of heavy rain then a light drizzle in the early evening.

I'll post a second video where I run more of what's in my pack. While I still carry too much stuff, I've dropped some serious pack weight in the last couple of years.

On the way out I hiked the closed section of the Mullica River trail - it's been closed for a year 'cause a bridge is out. It was a nice section with nary a human footprint.

Another great trip in the woods. The Merrells were very comfortable.

Here's the first installment.

**Black Wolf** · 07-30-2012, 19:19

Too Funny ...tent's not up and you're high and dry .. or after that ground score would that be dry and high .. I hope you put that back where you found it .. sweet looking hang spot ..

**oldgringo** · 07-30-2012, 19:19

Making the world safe for Girl Scouts, one middle-aged hiker at a time.

**Crocodile Sanders** · 07-30-2012, 19:33

Enjoyed the video, made me want to get up into that part of the country again!

**DivaB** · 07-30-2012, 19:49

Good vid, very funny!

**SilvrSurfr** · 07-30-2012, 20:12

Originally Posted by oldgringo

Making the world safe for Girl Scouts, one middle-aged hiker at a time.

While defending the free world, I spent three months in Saudi Arabia. Almost every day I swam (shirtless!) in the Persian Gulf. Not once did anyone ever tell me to put a shirt on.

**grannypat** · 07-30-2012, 20:50

Men swim shirtless in municipal pools all the time!

**SilvrSurfr** · 07-30-2012, 20:51

Part 2

Not so ultralite pack contents, and a leisurely stroll down a closed section of the Mullica River trail.

**nothermark** · 07-30-2012, 21:02

Great vid. love that country. I have canoed past that spot many times. Thanks for sharing.

**nothermark** · 07-30-2012, 21:21

Good timing. Sent my other note and when the page popped back there was video #2. The rivers in the Pine Barrens are great practice runs for white water but not the real thing. We paddled them when they were draining the cranberry bogs so they were continuous runs of narrow twisty water with a significant current. It was easy to screw up but the damage was minimal as one ended up on sand or bushes if not swimming. It's a great place to learn to read water and practice boat handling.

I don't know about you but I would not take much out of your pack. Comfort counts. ;-)