Well, it didn't work out for me to take the motorcycle this time. My dog sitter fell through, so I packed the pups in the jeep for an adventure :)
I still packed light, since I'm planning on camping some during my trek to the far coast on my motorcycle. And I think it was better to take the jeep... in the long run. Baby steps or something like it.
You can find a list of what I packed by clicking this link (in case you are planning your own trip!!).
Honestly, I was scared to go off camping alone. A lot of my friends and family have expressed concern for my safety, and with good reason. Being brave takes practice; I had forgotten this, if I had ever known it. I like to think of courage, willpower and other similar mental functions as a figurative muscle. A muscle that strengthens with use and exercise, like a bicep in my brain :) So, instead of just going off alone, I found family and friends with whom to spend time. And next time, hopefully, it will be just the pups and I... or, if I can swing it... motorcycle camping with a
friend!
Setting up my hammock, tarp, sleeping pad and bag took some practice! I discovered that you want the hammock as horizontal as possible to reduce the strain on the back of your legs. Also, sleeping diagonally in the hammock this will reduce said strain. If you are having trouble visualizing this
look to Derek for hammock advice. The first night I stayed at
Stuckey's Lake near Danville, GA; where my father has his hunting camp set up. There really is nothing in the world like sitting around a fire with people you love, swapping stories and sharing laughs. They cooked fried turtle... and since I only packed protein bars, fruit, and the like, I was quick to take them up on their offer of a plate. I actually enjoyed flavor of the turtle, but I found it difficult to chew (very rubbery).
I was worried about staying warm, since there was a freeze warning in effect, but I was actually quite warm in my shelter! And despite not hanging my hammock perfectly (and sharing my hammock with my dog;), I awoke rested and refreshed. In the morning, I enjoyed my coffee while watching the morning mist clear off the secluded lake, and a pair of woodpeckers hunted for grub as I packed up camp.
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| My set up at Skidaway Island State Park |
My next destination was
Skidaway Island State Park just outside of Savannah, GA. (First let me say, I was unaware that it was St. Patrick's Day weekend. Did you know that Savannah expected a million people?!?!) Needless to say, traffic to the island was a nightmare. But once I arrived at the park, it was fairly quiet. The park was full, but mostly with RVs that the owners had abandoned for downtown Savannah. While I waited for my friend to join me, I found I was glad to be in a well populated campsite. There is comfort in the presence of other humans, even strangers. I could walk up to any of the fires and find a helping hand if I needed it, just like I would help others.
Setting up my shelter, this time I tied-off one end of the hammock to a tree. The other end I attached to the frame of the jeep, creating space by pushing up the passenger seat. This way I was able to pull the hammock taut, thus reducing the amount of midsleep tossing and turning to relieve pressure. Additionally, it was out of the wind, And the night was rather warm with the pups in the floor of the jeep and the tarp protecting us from the wind.
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Katie and I packing up camp after an amazing
St. Patrick's weekend celebration |
Skidaway State Park has a great three mile hike out into the marshes with several VERY interesting historical sites along the way. The trail is well maintained, and they allow bicycles and dogs on leashes.
I was sad to head home. But I see a lot more camping with the dogs in my future. It is gonna be hard to leave them at home when I finally get the guts to try motorcycle camping.
Where are your favorite camping spots? Let me know in the comments below.
~AT
Devils fork state park, Salem, SC
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