Chicago Newbie

**rodentface** · 08-21-2018, 18:21

Hi everyone - a hearty and warm thanks to everyone who contributes to the forum. The collective wisdom helped me put together an awesome setup for my motorcycle camping. I used it for the first time this past weekend and it was glorious!

Not so glorious? Listening to Billy Joel, heavy metal, and country music simultaneously, drowning out the gentle rapids not far from my campsite. I expected better behavior at the national forest campsite.

I guess I'll need to look into hiking to get away from folks. I like quiet. Which means I need a lighter more portable set up.

And so it begins...

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**Watertooner** · 08-21-2018, 20:29

Welcome to HF from a close-by area of the hammock world. I can't guarantee that the music will be any better in WI, but you would be welcome at any of the hangs.

**rweb82** · 08-21-2018, 20:38

Welcome from a fellow Chicagoan (well, south burbs actually)!

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**rodentface** · 08-21-2018, 20:43

Haha! Thanks Watertooner! I'll definitely try to make it to one of the hangs up north. I never mind hopping on my motorcycle to get somewhere that's beautiful - and with good company to boot!

My unfortunate music mix experience was at Bagley Rapids in Chequamegon National Forest in WI. But I won't hold it against the state. :-)

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**rodentface** · 08-21-2018, 20:52

Hey rweb82, thanks for the welcome! It sure is tough to find a nice place to hang overnight near the Chicago metro area. If you have any suggestions, let me know!

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**Karla "with a k"** · 08-21-2018, 22:21

Welcome to the forum!

I'm up in Milwaukee - a hop & a skip up the road.

I'd invite you to the hang this weekend at the I&M Canal, but it looks like we will be postponing to to a future date.

I have openings for a Labor Day camping weekend up at Wildcat Mountain SP in WI if you are interested. I keep a bunch of hangs listed in my signature too.

Hope to hang with you soon!

-karla

**rodentface** · 08-22-2018, 10:02

Hi Karla! Thanks, I've been lurking for quite some time. What a tremendous resource and community builder!

I was keeping my eye on the I&M Canal hang - saw that it's postponed. I'll try to make it out whenever it happens - and pick your brain about your 13' Winter Dream which I also have.

Can't do Labor Day, I'll be in Western Michigan near Ludington. I've heard good things about Wildcat Mountain. It's on my list of nearby places to visit.

I'll keep an eye on your signature and the sub forum for the Midwest.

Thanks!

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**dither** · 08-22-2018, 11:21

Welcome to the forums. Always good to see another local. One day I will get another motorcycle. Probably when the kids go off to school. I do more hiking/camping then anything else.

**rweb82** · 08-22-2018, 11:22

Originally Posted by rodentface

Hey rweb82, thanks for the welcome! It sure is tough to find a nice place to hang overnight near the Chicago metro area. If you have any suggestions, let me know!

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We hang at McKinley Woods along the I&M canal in Morris fairly often. Once the weather starts cooling off, there are usually a few guys that hang once a month there. Check out the trips section of the forum under Midwest, and you'll see when folks are hanging there. Would love to have you out some time!

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**BananaHammock** · 08-22-2018, 12:13

Welcome! Feel free to join me on my hike in the Northern Kettle Moraine section of the Ice Age Trail on September 28. Should be a nice quiet night if I ever learn to shut up.