Camping- Why don’t we do it more?

Ok I am writing this a bit late, but the memory is still fresh. After some great expectations and some late let-me-downs we finally got on the road. We asked pony if he wanted to join us and he agreed- but did let us know that if there was a GA game on tv he wouldn’t have- nice- what a friend. We got on the road a bit later than we’d wanted to, but away none the less. We got to Chattanooga and HAD to stop at Sticky Fingers. I’d say they’re in my top 5 places, if not top 3, for barbeque/ribs I’ve ever had. After a full stomach I had planned to pick up probably the 3rd most important camping addition I’d been researching for literally months- the Eagles Nest Outfitters Single hammock. Luckily it was just about 4 miles down the same street as lunch. We got there and they had the color I wanted- the purchase was made and a full gear review will follow in the next couple days.

We met up with Seth who was in his element with his hood raised in the bi-lo parking lot talking to some yokel youths. We went in and made the necessary food purchases- which we’re perfecting I might add. The more we camp the better we prepare. Here’s the food list that serves us well:

Dinners:
Hamburgers with Montreal seasoning
Hotdogs and leftovers

Lunches:
Precooked chicken/steak in FLOUR tortillas with cheese- (we found out corn isn’t good)

Breakfasts:
Grits/oatmeal
Jimmy Dean sausage WITH sage – no compromises
Bisquick shake and pour pancakes with Aunt Jamima syrup

The hike in was great- ran into a copperhead and it wanted nothing to do with us. It was a long dark walk and my ankles actually hurt for the first time- oh well. This was the first time I used my iPod to pass the time. Since we’re all out of shape other than pony saying he was glad he played Frisbee during the week we’re usually focused on getting there and thus very little chit chat. I was listening to Harry Potter’s 6th book- the Half Blood Prince. It was a very good book- I didn’t finish it until a few days after camping but it was excellent.

We arrived after about 45 minutes to an hour. The site we kind of stumbled upon by just wondering off trail to see a view from the ridge. Most of it is very uneven but there is a great place to line the tents up that is very level.

We settled in made some dang good burgers and chilled for awhile. This was the first time I got to try out my hammock.

Man was it great- more than I could’ve asked for. I want to elaborate but again I’ll wait for the official review.

I slept like a wee babe with the creature comforts we’ve accumulated- nothing overkill but just right. The next morning I had grits and they hit the spot! If only I had my usual tall frosty glass of milk.

Essentially all we did was chill and eat. I regret not venturing down to the river- it is so beautiful down there. I really enjoy this campsite- the area is so nice- and it was just chilly enough to require a fire all day. Another plus to this particular campsite is the amazing abundance of fallen trees- easy firewood.

Stal, Seth and I cut and cut some more- Stal stacked it into a couple nice piles- and we used just about every log.

We had the best lunch ever – using the precooked steak to make some excellent quesadillas. Mine was perfect- as good as I could make at home- I just had to watch closely.

Seth burnt his bit and Stal just about destroyed one side- but that is a quick fix with another tortilla.

We played some cards and the next night was even cooler- which is great because we all have sleeping bags that are comfortable down to around 20degrees. The next morning was pancakes- YES! This is my new favorite addition to our camping meals! First of all – who doesn’t like pancakes? It only requires water, some shaking, and pouring. The safest way to make them are by making smaller or “silver dollar” pancakes. I make audible yummy noises. We packed up and hiked out- boy is it nice not having all that food on our backs.

We hit wendy’s and then had a nice drive home. Pony was quite antisocial as usual- I hate that he cant get over himself- life is too short to not enjoy yourself and the company of friends. At least Stal, Seth, and I had a great time- good memories made