1st true hammock sleep out

[titanium_hiker]

This new year's eve, I had to throw my gear together after returning from Melbourne for family Christmas and head out to Horseshoe bend, in the Little Dessert National Park to go camping with my friends. I tried to push away the apprehension that I would have to sleep on the ground.

Every other time I had taken a hammock with me camping, I have had to sleep on the ground for a variety of reasons- not prepared, no trees, other problems, etc. This time, it worked. For the first time ever, I slept in a hammock outdoors, not in my yard, camping.

I thought I'd start the new year with a bit of gratitude, and say thanks to all the folks who have been helpful to me in my YEARS of lurking and posting on this forum.

Risk/Flyfisher/Rick who's simple/easy DIY hammock got me hooked.
JustJeff- so much useful information!
JRB's Pan and Smee- I have two very good quilts that keep me warm. So good to finally use them "as intended" instead of as great groundsleeping quilts!
Whoever posted about getting tie down polyester straps on the forum- I finally have two straps of sufficient length!
Whoever suggested using carabiners for toggles, to keep the whoopies from slipping.
Shug for "on dee knot, not dee toggle"
Arrowhead Equipment for the whoopie slings and adjusting ridgeline.
Fronkey for the design for the bugnet.
OES Maccat Deluxe Tarp - thanks Brian!
tarp skins- thanks Risk, Jeff, et al.
Dejoha for the great setup guides.
Black Bishop for the stuff stack with a hole in it idea. (I just need a bigger one now with the net!)
Whoever posted the knot I used for the shockcord rounds originally intended to be tarp tensioners, but work great as general purpose "tie this up" or "attach net to hammock" thingers.
Spotlight, for all the fabric, thread, etc. Bunnings for the straps!

I had a fairly uneventful night, but did wake in the early morning with the tarp flapping and again when a gust flung a peg at my head (!!!) so next on the list of iterative improvement is some better stakes for the sandy soil. I'm thinking groundhog type.

The next challenge will be an overnight where I walk in, instead of drive in!

[titanium_hiker]

Looking at my join date, it's only taken 8 years...
Here are some more images:

[dangerous]

congrats on your "first" night. It sure does feel good to see the gear all come together and work the way you want it too.

[FLRider]

Better late than never, and I'm glad that this one went well for you!

For the hike-in try, make sure that it's somewhere you can hike out within an hour or so if things go sideways. From the sound of it, you've had some interesting challenges over the years, and it wouldn't do to have a night that sucked too bad because of new ones.

Hope your next one goes just as well as this one!

[harrellt]

woohoo! Congratulations on getting out there! I understand that apprehension. You have all the stuff (gear, knowledge, even practice setting up), but sometimes you get immobilized by the prospect of actually doing it. Keep up that momentum!

[mbiraman]

Any night you can wake up to kaqngaroo's is a good night. Thanks

[Gideon]

Great post; brought back some memories. I used to visit Darwin on business; loved your country!

Welcome to the world of hammock camping!!

Gideon

[SimonMc]

Good one. Looks like you got some good weather for it.

[ofuros]

As FLRider said, better late than never.....Hope more opportunities head your way.

[SemperFiGuy]

Titanium,

Great trip report. Thanks.

Congrats on the hang. If you weren't hooked before, you certainly will be now.

Great pic of the Roo'. Do they get curious? Don't know much about them, but he doesn't seem overly startled to have you snap his picture.

All the best in your future ventures. If you ever get to the states, head to New England. We'll hang with some really cool people and the scenery is incredible.

Happy New Year !
Gil