Hammock Camping in Piney Creek Wilderness, February 2024

Some things will remain a mystery. Like why I had the foot end of the hammock set so much higher than the head end — the general wisdom is to set the foot of a hammock around six-inches higher than the head. Whatevs, I cannot say I noticed it until I got home and looked at this picture.

The first night was chilly — 33 degrees. And I guessed wrong on the forecast, tonight it is now likely to be 24 degrees. That’s a lot lower than my quilts are rated, and to make it worse there is more wind forecast (it’s been very windy today), and rain too.

I realized I’d packed the wrong tarp when I started setting up camp. Because of the low temps and wind in the forecast, I meant to pack my winter tarp, which has ‘doors’ on it. If the wind shifts round to the northwest, like it is supposed to, I’ll be more broadside on to it. If not, the cold air is going to blow straight through! I’ll snug down the tarp as best I can, put on all the clothes I have, and set the blue sleeping bag liner — airing out on my chair — underneath me. Worst comes to the worst; it will be a chilly and uncomfortable night, no real problem.

There are also high winds and temps in the low forties predicted for tomorrow, with a predicted wind chill starting at 15 degrees, which may make the hike back to the trailhead a little uncomfortable too. It is what it is.

Copyright © 2024 Gary Allman, all rights reserved.