Hammocking in solitude: "What was that?!"

[RAW]

So, when you guys are out hammocking by yourself in the wilderness . . . . do you ever have moments where a noise or something startles you?

For example, camping in a state campground once, I was startled awake by something trying to get into a metal trashcan.
Afterwards, I was hyper-alert for other noises. As I was drifting off again, I heard something walking in the leaves near my site. I got up out of the hammock and went to investigate. I never did see anything (or even hear it run away for that matter). I think I was more wary because of the fact that I was in an established campground, easily accessible from the Natchez Trace Pkwy. I believe I would have preferred to be in the middle of nowhere.

How do you guys deal with moments like that? Just lay in the hammock without a care? Or get spooked and start imagining zombies?

[Arkwater]

Earplugs!!!

[RAW]

Yeah, I'm a light sleeper; so earplugs are a must anyway. I've got some custom plugs that I use while motorcycling . . . they just follow me into the hammock.

[Cannibal]

I've jumped out of the hammock a few times, but usually clearing my throat makes whatever it is run away.

[Doctari]

How do you guys deal with moments like that? Just lay in the hammock without a care? Or get spooked and start imagining zombies?

Zombies are imaginary???

Why dosn't anyone tell me this stuff?
I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS STUFF!! Come on people, stay sharp!






Sorry, I know I should resist, sometimes I just can't help myself!

My real answer is:
Ear plugs.
Site selection. I suspect this just makes me "Feel" better & dosn't really keep me safe, but it does provide enough self delusion to let me sleep.

[Shug]

I lay there very, very still and listen .... if it continues I cough or make odd sounds. In the hammock I am so comfortable I usually just go on and sleep.
Being an optimist I hope for the best.
The few times that I have heard voices I pull my knife and take cover away from my sleep site. Usually I feel foolish but people are my worry not critters.
If I am going down something or someone is coming with me .... or at least leave bleeding.
I am no bad-***, just wary.

[stormcrow]

The few times that I have heard voices I pull my knife and take cover away from my sleep site.
I am no bad-***, just wary.

That IS a little hard to picture Shug. Crouching down behind a tree with a big knife at the ready, waiting to go Rambo on someone... I CAN see you jumping out at someone with one of those guns that shoot out a flag that says "bang". LOL. No offense

Heck, for all I know you could be a MMA top contender in Minnesota!

Adam

[Shug]

That IS a little hard to picture Shug. Crouching down behind a tree with a big knife at the ready, waiting to go Rambo on someone... I CAN see you jumping out at someone with one of those guns that shoot out a flag that says "bang". LOL. No offense

Heck, for all I know you could be a MMA top contender in Minnesota!

Adam

Tis a wee lil' knife ....... The Bang Gun was too heavy .... lightweight backpacker here!

[Mrprez]

Tis a wee lil' knife ....... The Bang Gun was too heavy .... lightweight backpacker here!

Like this?

[clearskyblue]

Times like that a brown hammock is real handyJust joking. this is an interesting thread Raw.Personally I couldn't afford to ignore such noisesA pesky though harmless animal is one thing a disfunctional human(s) is an entirely different matter.Im into this hammock thing largely to get away from the ills of society that I sadly find myself in.

For this reasson I would guess most hammockers feel happier more secure in the wild as opposed to parklands and campsites free to all.Of course the world is a big place and some here may live in near perfect areas.

You guys that go alone with your hammock get a big reward for sure. I certainly admire that element of bravery you have.