Howdy from NC Highcountry

**Heelbilly** · 12-04-2013, 10:08

First, I just want to say how much I enjoy visiting this forum. Drawing from your knowledge and experience has been and continues to be educational and entertaining! I see a lot of folks from nearby and hope to hook up with some of you for some backcountry companionship and new friendships.

I did quite a bit of backpacking prior to the turn of the century. I even dabbled into the hammock world with Hennessey and Speer. Then I ventured off into the world of triathlon, mainly the Ironman distance. It is a consuming lifestyle and I finally had my fill this year.

I still have a passion for fitness and nature. So, I've been selling off my old heavy ground dwelling stuff, building stoves and gearing up for the trees in a lighter more enjoyable traveling style, including some adventure motorcycling.

After lurking here for a while, well quite a while, I picked up a barely used Warbonnet BB and Edge tarp a few months ago. Then came Black Friday and my total loss of control in conjunction with newly available resources from my triathlon retirement. I placed orders with Gossamer Gear, Hammock Gear, Warbonnet, Dutchware Gear, 2QZQ and ZPacks. Oh, and then another order with Hammock Gear, OMG! Nothing quite like easing into it.

Hope to make the Mt. Rogers group hang for a proper introduction. Grayson Highlands is only about 45min from my house here in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

**wncsar** · 12-04-2013, 10:15

Hello from the NC Foothills

**Grits** · 12-04-2013, 11:21

Welcome to the madness from just across the ridge.

**Pipsissewa** · 12-04-2013, 11:30

Howdy from Burnsville, just down the road from you!

It would be great if you could go to the Roan High Knob hang too. See planning thread HERE

**TallPaul** · 12-04-2013, 11:54

Welcome from Charlotte.
I'm jealous of your location.
Sounds like you are all set for great, at least for a couple months :-D

**Klaussinator** · 12-04-2013, 12:59

WELCOME! from way up here in Danville VA

-Klauss

**kwchannell89** · 12-04-2013, 13:11

Linville Gorge is a wonderful place to hang! Welcome aboard.

**Heelbilly** · 12-04-2013, 19:04

Thanks for greetings everyone.

When my new gear arrives I need to do some test hangs to validate my system. First up is my unheated sunroom (already rigged for hanging), then out in the front yard with tarp, then down on the creek below my house (usually a little colder down there) and finally up on the mountain top behind my house where the wind always blows (all within safe distance of a warm fire).

Hopefully, I'll be ready for the Grayson and Roan hangs. I probably need to do a better inventory of my clothing and footwear before venturing too far into the winter wilderness.

Grits, I'm actually in Fleetwood so it may be another ridge or two over from you.

Kwchannell89, I just ready today that the Linville Gorge fire is 100% contained. I've hiked the gorge before and it is truly spectacular, from the top and the bottom.