Not a big trip, just a last minute get-a-way. The pup and I packed up and head NOBO from Harpers Ferry. Nice little walk along the river and up some switch backs to Weverton Cliffs. Stopped by for an Epic view of the river and had a snack. Met some folks there that where out for a nice day hike.
Weather was amazing, mid 60's and clear skies. We continued further north to the Ed Garvey shelter. Ran into some youngsters on a 4 day SOBO from Pen Mar who were packing up for the last leg of their journey. We chatted about the day and they asked questions about gear. Ahh to be 17 and carrying 60 punds again....no thank you!!
Down from Ed Garvy was a water source. About .4 miles straight down we found a spring if sorts plumbed with some PvC. This gave me a oppurtunity to try out my Jason Klass style filter. Ive been using a Sawyer 3 way inline but have been curious to try the new/lighter kit. The water source was very clear so I couldnt get a good feel for it in the muck and mier. All in all it did fine. Not the fastest thing but whos in a hurry?? 30 mins for the chemical and about 15 for the filter without a prefilter attached.
We saw a cool camp site over the winter not much further past Ed Garvy. We werent on a milage test so we headed up to scope it out and perhaps stay there the night. We arrived and found some cool rock chairs and firepits from previous overflow of the near by shelter. After measuring trees and sorting out the widowmakers we found a spot where no tent had gone before and began to setup shop. I was super stoked to put my new HG4S in action. So I squeezed it and My BB in about 12' over some cool rocks. Tuned in my UQ and let her hang.
I hadnt got my new quilts yet in the mail so I brought my HG 0° UQ and 20° TQ. I have been having trouble with a few cold spots over the winter but I think Im pretty close to perfection finally. Its a different suspension but Im learning. I had to really tighten the head and foot attachment..snug the shoulders and just a small tweak to the length recoil. Maybe at MAHHA I can get someone to help a little more with checking for gaps etc.
So we went down to the pit and began checking out the scene. Scoping out firewood and relaxing in the rock chairs. Maggie patroled the area as I began dinner. Nothing like some Red Beans and Rice to end the day. We found a good mess of wood and watched the sunset as I practiced my "no lighter rule" to fire starting....(keyword practiced). To my surprise I had the flames a roaring before long and just in time for a frost warning that I was informed of by another hiker earlier in the day.
And so to bed...thankfull for having those extra warm quilts and my belly full. It got colder than a..... well cold! Saying my prayers to the dynaglide whoopie god that my 230lbs plus my frozen pup wouldnt fall to the doom below. Fast asleep we fell warm and high above the cold ground.
Morning came and we had are vittles. Got packed up and headed home. Im completely stoked that I come to discover hammocks and have an awesome community to learn and share with. Funny how one night in the trees can make a week of the city drift away.
Thank you all (HF)[IMG]
Thanks for reading.
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Originally Posted by SamyK
H.Y.O.H.
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