Let's Make Some Whoopie [Slings]

Tinkering is one of those thing that satisfies the best parts of the human brain, or at the very least the male human brain.  For some it is much like smoking crack, except crack isn't nearly as addictive nor is it as much a burden on ones wallet.  This, I think, is why poor folk tend to do drugs instead of tinkering.  Too many times have I gone beyond my means with trying a new gadget only to be disappointed in what it couldn't do then promptly taking it apart to see if I could fix the perceived deficiency thus voiding the warranty and any chance of getting my money back.

This is why I stay poor and mostly humble.

First Flight of the Blackbird

I spent Saturday night testing my new hammock, the Warbonnet Blackbird I posted about several weeks ago.  Here is what I have to say about the experience.

It was interesting.  Being the first time I'd camped out in a hammock it took some adjustment and finagling to get comfortable.  Add to that my inability to regulate body temperature well and the lack of my CPAP machine for my sleep apnea, and it wasn't what I would call a fully restful night.  But it also wasn't horrible.

I awoke

Hanging Myself - Update

After further deliberation, and a good measure of impatience, I decided today to just purchase a hammock rig and be done with it.  I like the artsy crafty stuff, but sometimes if someone out there already does something well enough, it is better to just shell out the bucks and save oneself the headaches.

I decided on a heavy duty Warbonnet Blackbird double 1.7oz rig with the adjustable suspension system.  I would have gone for one of the lighter models, but I'm fat and need the extra material to hold my wide ass.  It will undoubtedly serve my needs, and comes highly rated by many hangers on Hammock Forums.

Warbonnet Blackbird 1.7

Fortunately I believe my Ray Jardine tarp-tent will serve my needs for the tarp part of this rig, but will know for sure once I set the whole thing up.  If not, my wonderful wife may need to break out the sewing machine again. The double hammock will also permit me to use the Thermarest Neo-air pad for added insulation until such time as I can acquire or make an underquilt.

If all of this sounds a bit confusing, yet at the same time intriguing, I would recommend you head over to the hammock forum site and educate yourself on the finer points of hammock camping.

Meanwhile, I will be impatiently awaiting my new toy.

Peace.

Thinking of Hanging Myself

While researching potential ways of making my carefully researched and chosen sleep system lighter, easier and more comfortable, I discovered a method of camping I had yet to investigate.  I am kinda beating myself up since I had already invested time and money in gear, but since it wasn't a huge investment and can be adapted to this "new" method, I am not overly annoyed.  I am, however, strongly considering hanging myself...

Appalachian Trials - A Review

(11/12/12) NOTE:  Please read the author comments and my response that follow this rant. 

Recently I finished reading a book written by a 2011 thru-hiker named Zach Davis, aka The Good Badger.  The full title of the book is Appalachian Trials: The Psychological and Emotional Guide to Successfully Thru-Hiking The Appalachian Trail.  What follows is my personal opinion of said work.