Group Hangout
Just the Facts
Location: Red River Gorge Geological Area - Slade, KY
General Rules and Regulations: Overnight permits are required (available at gas stations in Slade or Gladie Visitor Center). No camping within 300' of a marked trail or road. No camping or fires within 100' of rock structures. Fires are permitted unless there s a fire ban in place - No cutting standing timber (dead or alive). Bear precautions are required.
Please see the USDA website, which is over Red River Gorge, for details on the rules.
Trip Highlights: 3 days/2 nights; temps ranged from mid 50s to low 70s; group hang of mostly fellow hammock campers; food fit for a king
Menu: Oatmeal, Beef Stroganoff, Tuna & crackers and campfire food.
Shelter: DIY gathered end hammock, Underground Quilts Top and Under Quilts (20 degree), Warbonnet Outdoors Mamajamba tarp
Wildlife: Random birds
Miscellaneous: www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dbnf/recarea/?recid=39458
www.sheltoweehammockcompany.com | www.argosonscoffee.com
Location: Red River Gorge Geological Area - Slade, KY
General Rules and Regulations: Overnight permits are required (available at gas stations in Slade or Gladie Visitor Center). No camping within 300' of a marked trail or road. No camping or fires within 100' of rock structures. Fires are permitted unless there s a fire ban in place - No cutting standing timber (dead or alive). Bear precautions are required.
Please see the USDA website, which is over Red River Gorge, for details on the rules.
Trip Highlights: 3 days/2 nights; temps ranged from mid 50s to low 70s; group hang of mostly fellow hammock campers; food fit for a king
Menu: Oatmeal, Beef Stroganoff, Tuna & crackers and campfire food.
Shelter: DIY gathered end hammock, Underground Quilts Top and Under Quilts (20 degree), Warbonnet Outdoors Mamajamba tarp
Wildlife: Random birds
Miscellaneous: www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dbnf/recarea/?recid=39458
www.sheltoweehammockcompany.com | www.argosonscoffee.com
Dutch ovens, chickens on a spit, home brew and more! I just got back from an overnight group hang at Red River Gorge. We did a group hang at The Gorge around this time last year and the temps were in the 20s all weekend. The temperature was record breaking warm this time though. With such unseasonably warm weather I went down a day early and met up with a few others for some backcountry camping.
Day 1
With the day off work I finished up a few things at home before Max and I headed eastbound & down. Traffic issues due to the interstate being closed put us a bit behind but, we got to The Gorge a little after 3:00.
The plan was just a short hike out Friday afternoon to set up camp near Star Gap Arch. So, we met up at the trail head and hiked a few miles in and set up camp not far from the arch. We made camp while we still had daylight and then started gathering firewood for a small campfire. Now, dinner time - A little beef stroganoff and Snickers bar..
After camp was set, the fire stoked and bellies full it felt late...Nope barely 6:00. For a while it seemed like we were stuck at 9:35 then time flew by and it was nearly midnight. We enjoyed the rest of the night by the fire in the company of our pups and maybe a few dinosaurs (there are some inside jokes here).
With the day off work I finished up a few things at home before Max and I headed eastbound & down. Traffic issues due to the interstate being closed put us a bit behind but, we got to The Gorge a little after 3:00.
The plan was just a short hike out Friday afternoon to set up camp near Star Gap Arch. So, we met up at the trail head and hiked a few miles in and set up camp not far from the arch. We made camp while we still had daylight and then started gathering firewood for a small campfire. Now, dinner time - A little beef stroganoff and Snickers bar..
After camp was set, the fire stoked and bellies full it felt late...Nope barely 6:00. For a while it seemed like we were stuck at 9:35 then time flew by and it was nearly midnight. We enjoyed the rest of the night by the fire in the company of our pups and maybe a few dinosaurs (there are some inside jokes here).
Day 2
The day began with a little morning coffee and oatmeal while Max ate. Today we would pack up and leave our packs to do some exploring along the ridge line before heading to join the group at a campsite along Tunnel Ridge Rd. We headed out the ridge stopping occasionally for a view of Star Gap Arch. We took several off shoots of the ridge but, left some to explore on a return hike. I could spend hours exploring this ridge.
The day began with a little morning coffee and oatmeal while Max ate. Today we would pack up and leave our packs to do some exploring along the ridge line before heading to join the group at a campsite along Tunnel Ridge Rd. We headed out the ridge stopping occasionally for a view of Star Gap Arch. We took several off shoots of the ridge but, left some to explore on a return hike. I could spend hours exploring this ridge.
Back at our packs we headed to Star Gap Arch where we would again drop them to scramble down to the arch. We enjoyed some time at the arch with a few photo ops. Then it was time to start working our way back to the truck. Along the way we picked up another arch, Arch of Triumph. Arch of Triumph is small in comparison to Star Gap Arch but, cool none the less.
Once back at the truck we moved to the group camp at the Ft. Ancient lot. Most people were already there and set up - Even a Dakota Fire Pit! We did brief introductions and then sought out our home for the night. The rest of the day would be spent checking out everyone's set up, getting to know everyone, oh and eating...a lot!
There were chickens roasted over the campfire, smoked sausages, green beans, biscuits and cornbread in the dutch ovens, cheesecake and pineapple upside down cake (and I prolly missed something)! And to wash it all down there was plenty of Ale8, craft coffee courtesy of Argo Sons and even some home brew from Bat Dog Brewing. The food was simply outstanding!
There were chickens roasted over the campfire, smoked sausages, green beans, biscuits and cornbread in the dutch ovens, cheesecake and pineapple upside down cake (and I prolly missed something)! And to wash it all down there was plenty of Ale8, craft coffee courtesy of Argo Sons and even some home brew from Bat Dog Brewing. The food was simply outstanding!
Day 3
Most of us woke and broke camp to head home. But, not before some good coffee and a lil more cheese cake around a morning fire.
It was a great weekend with incredibly warm weather for December. The weather was somewhat bitter sweet in that I wasn't expecting to be sweating and I think most folks were looking forward to testing some cold weather gear...But, I'll take 50-70 degree days in mid December any time!
Thanks Sheltowee Hammock Company who joined the hang and provided some insulated hammocks for folks to try. Always nice to be able to try a product and see what new ideas people have.
Very thankful to catch up with some folks and meet some new friends.
Most of us woke and broke camp to head home. But, not before some good coffee and a lil more cheese cake around a morning fire.
It was a great weekend with incredibly warm weather for December. The weather was somewhat bitter sweet in that I wasn't expecting to be sweating and I think most folks were looking forward to testing some cold weather gear...But, I'll take 50-70 degree days in mid December any time!
Thanks Sheltowee Hammock Company who joined the hang and provided some insulated hammocks for folks to try. Always nice to be able to try a product and see what new ideas people have.
Very thankful to catch up with some folks and meet some new friends.
Honorable Mentions: I picked up a Black Diamond down throw from Costco to use for Max. I added some velcro to the blanket and his pad to help hold things in place and it worked very well. With the blanket and his modified Land's End vest I think he could stay comfy at least into the upper 30s.
I also got to use a new headlamp that a friend gave me. Two features that I really liked: 1) Red light option - This really helps save your night vision (and others!) 2) A lock feature that keeps it from coming on in your pack.
Dishonorably Discharged: Didn't really try anything new for this trip. So, everything stays.
I also got to use a new headlamp that a friend gave me. Two features that I really liked: 1) Red light option - This really helps save your night vision (and others!) 2) A lock feature that keeps it from coming on in your pack.
Dishonorably Discharged: Didn't really try anything new for this trip. So, everything stays.