AT section hiking all summer - new to hammocks!

**Longrun** · 01-19-2016, 23:54

Longrun here from Libertyville, IL. After some web searching I stumbled upon this forum. Glad I did!

I am brand new to hammocks. I have always been a tent camper but am beginning to see advantages to hammocks. I know nothing about hammocks and am hoping to learn and get my first hammock with help and feedback from all of you. At 57 and with my two boys through college, my wife finally gave me permission to spend my summer section hiking the Appalachian Trail! I have 9 weeks to hike north from Springer Mt., GA.

My weeklong shake down hike to test all my gear (and my first hammock) is the end of March!

I am excited to learn about hanging from trees.
Longrun

**White Walker** · 01-20-2016, 07:55

Welcome from Connecticut! You've come to the right place to learn. Congrats on your decision to not crawl around on the ground anymore lol

**Rain Man** · 01-20-2016, 11:18

Nice to have youngsters like yourself join the hammock movement and come to HF.

May the Force be with you.

I bought my first hammock on the AT (at Trail Days in Damascus, VA) in '05. Took a while before I made the switch almost entirely from tents to hammocks, but am pretty much there now. There is a learning curve. I'm still on it. But you know how they say to eat an elephant? One bite at a time. LOL So, be patient with yourself.

Also,... ENJOY your section hike on the AT!!! I've done 1,700 miles since '03. Will be back on it at least twice this year.

**MomMeck** · 01-20-2016, 12:05

Welcome! That is awesome you are getting this opportunity. Enjoy every minute of it!

**toddhunter** · 01-20-2016, 12:08

Hello from Lake Zurich!

**Longrun** · 01-20-2016, 17:08

White Walker
Great name! My sons are starting to call me EWOK because I want to live in the trees and not on the ground anymore.
I am actually a little intimidated to get and set up a hammock but like anything else it seems like once you start you learn and get more comfortable. I have a weakling shake down hike the end of March. Need to get my hammock soon.

This is a great community. Had no idea hammocks were this popular!

**Longrun** · 01-20-2016, 17:10

Thank you for calling me young! I have really enjoyed my 50's! Now that our two sons are out of college it allows a little more freedom.

I do have a lot to learn. A little scary but a fun journey. Congrats on all your AT miles!!! Maybe we will see each other on the trail this summer!

**Longrun** · 01-20-2016, 17:13

I just finished a masters program this October and would rather study hammocks than write papers about school leadership! I am like a little kid in a candy store!!! My wife and family are very supportive. Glad I found this forum.

**Longrun** · 01-20-2016, 17:14

We are so close!!! I had no idea that ham mocking was so popular. This is a great forum. There is snow on the ground but that hasn't slowed me down...

**gnomad** · 01-20-2016, 20:25

When I heard your plan I wondered if you were a teacher. Your Masters program pretty much says you are. I am too and am also planning on a 9 week walk this summer if the planets align and all the responsibilities remain calm. I will be leaving a little later than you but may see you down the trail. Best of luck.