Skidaway Island and Stuckey's Lake

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 :)

First time I set up my shelter,
at Stuckey's Lake Camping

  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!

Hammock help at The Ultimate Hang

  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.

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.

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

Packing for Camping Lite

A list of what I packed for my first trip(three days). Followed by my thoughts on what I needed, didn't need, etc.

Shelter:
  -6'x10' tarp
  -Eno Hammock
  -sleeping bag to 40 below
  -sleeping pad

  -50' of paracord

  -two lightweight tent stakes
  -various bungees

Food/Water:
  -6 protein bars
  -three cans of tuna
  -a dove dark chocolate bar
  -a bag of baby carrots
  -two ears of corn, seasoned and wrapped in tin foil
  -two oranges and an apple
  -a container of ground coffee and single serving filters
  -four bottles of Ensure
  -one collapsible 1L water container
  -one camelbak water bottle

Tools and Other:
  -biodegradable wet wipes
  -first aid kit with medicines
  -pocket knife
  -multiple fire creating mechanisms
  -items for personal protection*
  -tiny camp stove and fuel
  -a metal cup
  -a fork, spoon, knife, bottle opener tool
  -a screwdriver, plier, etc tool

  -a small brick of fire starter
  -clean underwear, bathing suit top, tank top and shorts.
  -a small rag, about the size of a washcloth



A few things I want to add to my gear before my next trip:
  -A 3'x2' -ish square of treated canvas that I can fold or roll to store away and will repel dirt and water. Mostly can give me a clean surface for preparing and eating food.  But I found think it will serve a variety of uses.
  -A tripod camp stool. I know its a luxury, but its a burden I am willing to carry.
  -Stronger rope and rope system with which to hang my hammock and tent. The two stakes worked well. But I need four or five lengths of stronger/better rope and a good way to store them to prevent tangling.

I was surprised how much I used that little rag. I used it to dry sh.. stuff, and to wipe shi...stuff off my hands, cleaning pocket knives, etc. It was very easy to clean; Just a little soap and rinse in the camp bathroom, and it dried overnight. It was so useful that I just kept it tucked into my back pocket.

Also clutch was the tiny stove. It saved a lot of time in the morning, not having to build/stoke a fire to have fresh coffee. A coffee, an orange, and breakfast bar will go a long way when you need to pack in a hurry. 

Looking back, I think I packed pretty well. I have some experience backpacking and camping, so I'm sure that helped me know what to leave at home and what I would actually need. I guess in the end its all about the experience anyways.

As always, let me know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
~Amanda Terranova

Tent or Hammock?

 Since its spring break, I want to take the opportunity to practice motorcycle camping. I need to know if I am going to be able to hack it if I cant find a relative's or friend's couch to sleep on. So I went down to visit the guys at Half Moon Outfitters. While the staff was very helpful, they didn't have much of a selection. (I blame myself for this because this isn't the time of year that they have much demand for camping gear.)

 I have been struggling to decide if I want to pack a tent or a hammock for the long trip.  With technology these days you can find incredibly lightweight gear. Some tents weigh as little as 2lbs. I have camped a lot, and I am familiar with setting them up. I enjoy it really.

 So I decided to buy an Eno Hammock. I want to try getting off the ground, away from the endless sand in the bottom of the tent and inevitable bugs on the ground. I stopped by the Army Surplus store and picked up a issue green sleeping pad, that I am going to trim to my size.

 My father gifted me a really nice sleeping bag a few years ago, so I have that covered already. I will try it out this week and let you know about my trip!

~Amanda Terranova