Hang out in South Carolina

**Dameon** · 12-02-2008, 21:22

Hey,

Me and a friend of mine are gonna go hang for a night at Congaree Swamp, gonna get there probably around noon on saturday and come home sunday, we just wanna test out our colder weather capabilities, I have yet to even attempt a hang in anything remotely cold. Gonna be in the low 30's, just figured I'd see if anyone else might want to come hang out, would like to meet some more hangers and maybe even get some more tips and tricks, anyways just thought I'd put it out there, let me know if you are interested

Dameon

**slowhike** · 12-02-2008, 21:32

I've wanted for a long time to camp in a swamp, & winter seams like it would be the best time because of mosquitoes.
But unfortunately, I just can't get away right now. I hope it works out for you.

**NCPatrick** · 12-02-2008, 21:35

Sounds great, and I'm not too far away! Unfortunately the schedule is full here before Christmas.

I'll have to keep this place in mind. I had been planning to go to Merchants Millpond State Park, NC this Spring, and camp in the swamp. I figured cool/cold weather would be the best time to go (no snakes or bugs, much).

Congaree sure fits the bill for Swamp camping though, so maybe I'll head South this spring instead.

**Schneiderlein** · 12-02-2008, 22:13

Are you talking about this weekend Dec. 6/7? I might be up for that if my wife will let me go. I could be there about 4pm.

Is the spot you are thinking about fairly close to a parking lot? I am recovering from a knee injury and wouldn't want to hike more than 3-4 miles, maybe 5 at most, and that at a slow pace.

Any advice on how to sugar-coat: Hey Honey, I want to go spend the night out in the freezing cold in a creepy swamp with a couple of guys I know from an online forum?

**Dameon** · 12-02-2008, 22:20

Yeah, sorry, I meant to put the date so that there would be no confusion lol, but yeah saturdy the 6th and come home sunday the 7th, and yeah, I figure since it is my first time in the cold we'd camp in the after hours parking lot campground, you park right on the edge of a field and the spot I like to camp is just on the other side of the field, close enough to see it if there is nothing in the way. That way if my setup is less than desireable and I end up way too cold, I'll go get in the car and try again later lol.

And just invite the wife along, she won't come cause it's too cold, but she'll think it was so nice of you to invite here the she will be happy to let you go alone lol

**Schneiderlein** · 12-02-2008, 23:27

You don't know my wife. If she were a hiker, her trail name would be "where's-the-hilton?". Got to find another strategy, but it's not going to be easy since I have been out of town so much with my job...

What do you plan on using to fight the bitter cold South Carolina winter? I have some spare gear I could bring along.

Do you plan on a camp fire/cook out?

**Dameon** · 12-03-2008, 07:56

Yeah, figure we'd probably walk the trails some during the day, then settle in around a fire for a while, maybe have a beer or two, and bring all the gear you want, I am always interested in finding better possibly less expensive ways to stay warm and cozy, I'm gonna do what I can to stay warm with just my pad some warm clothes and I have a few sleeping bags, I'm gonna decide which one I want to use. And I have a coleman stove that I use when car camping, if your coming let me know and we'll all bring something to cook or we can just bring our own food, but if you wanna bring some burgers or maybe dogs or something, I have breakfast covered, bacon and eggs if that cool with you, but just let me know, we'll figure something out, and anyone else is welcome too, the more the merrier!!

**Schneiderlein** · 12-03-2008, 12:00

Dameon, this sounds great. I will let you know tomorrow. Can you post a google maps link or something so I can get an idea how to get to the place?

I have a very crude DIY SPE type thing that would work with a 20" wide pad. I used it last year on the foothills trail with a 3/4 length Prolite-4 and Walmart CCF wings in the high 20s. If you want it, it's yours. Even if I cannot make it this weekend, we can probably find a way to get it to you.

**Dameon** · 12-03-2008, 15:42

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sadd...9,0.30899&z=12

That's cool man, There is a map from columbia, not sure where your coming from but it is very easy to find, I just go up I 77 to the bluff road exit (Exit 5 maybe????) turn right and follow the signs, it is about 10 miles from I 77 off bluff road.

And when you turn into the park, on state park road or whatever, you will got a mile or two and come to a stop sign where there is a gate, the after hours parking lot is right there on the left, it is a gravel lot, pull in there and park on the left side of the lot, my favorite site is on the left side all the way in the back corner.