Newby from Southern Illinois.

[ShawneeKots]

Greetings:

My name is Jeff and I am from Eldorado, Illinois, just minutes from the Shawnee National Forest. For those of you familiar with the Shawnee NF, I am about 15 minutes from the Garden of the Gods, which was just recently the subject of the newest US quarter coin. I am also fortunate to own property in Pope County, Illinois near Eddyville, IL., in the heart of the most beautiful part of the Shawnee NF, just one mile from Indian Kitchen, on Lusk Creek, which is possibly the most beautiful of many exceptionally beautiful and wild areas in So. Illinois.

I have been an avid backpacker-camper/canoe & kayak enthusiast for approximately 50 years. Just recently I became aware of hammock camping and after watching many videos on youtube, I treated myself with the WBBB XLC 1.7 DL. I currently use a ccf pad for insulation, with a down sleeping bag for the TQ. I already had a Kelty Noahs Tarp 12 which I think will be ok for car camping. I am looking forward to getting familiar with this new acquisition.

I just recently retired and am looking forward to exploring the scenic areas of the US.

[sidneyhornblower]

Welcome to the forums from the Lake Oconee area in Georgia. Sounds like a terrific setup with room to grow if you get as enthusiastic as a lot of the folks around here.

[BananaHammock]

I do love the Shawnee National Forest. Welcome to the forums and a new way of life. You've just elevated your perspective and there's no going back.

[Big Sweets]

I'll be down by you with my friend Settworthy 3rd weekend in April for my first Garden of the gods trip. Welcome to the forums and your new addiction.

[Rick68]

Howdy Jeff, and welcome from Texas..

[SwingingInTheBreeze]

Welcome from the STL area (IL side).

[Lawrence_1md]

@ shawneekots- have you been out this year? If you would be interested in getting together to hike, kayak or hang let me know!