Just completed my first solo backpacking trip and did it on the Uwharrie Extension Trail. This was a trip I had intended to do with friends back in March but COVID-19 changed my plans.
It was a great hike with enough challenge to make me feel it but not so hard I couldn't get it done in ample time.
Right off I was a little concerned if I could get across the first water crossing; after three nights of rain the creeks are pretty high. I ended up switching to hiking sandals and crossed with little issue but, boy, that water was chilly.
I enjoyed Little Long Mountain where I stayed the night. Got to camp about 14:30 and had plenty of time to relax; which I needed after the push on the trail.
The exciting part came around 18:00 just after I prepared dinner, a thunderstorm rolled in from the west over the mountain. The wind came in heavy and I learned quickly my tarp was not taught enough and it sagged pretty bad. I use prusiks to adjust ridgeline tension but one of them seized on me. I later learned that the wind must have caused it slip and it melted the prusik to the line. I need to think about that more. Anyhow, I solved the issue with a tautline hitch around the tree.
The hammock stayed dry despite the tarp issues and I proactively moved my other gear to the shelter to ride out the storm.
In the end I had a dry comfortable night in the hammock.
I'll take dealing with thunderstorms while camping over work any day.
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