A great opportunity to get back to the Black Hills of South Dakota- The first ever Black Hills Hang. Timed perfectly to allow me to do some work on the way and see some friends, Vicky and I headed out for what we hoped would be a get away from the heat and a chance to meet new friends. We were not disappointed on either account.
Sheridan Lake Park, a lovely setting in the heart of the Black Hills. The weather could not have been more beautiful- low eighties during the day, blue sky, but a spectacular low 40's at night, perfect sleeping weather
The perfect place to have a hang
Vicky in the 1.7 SL Blackbird with HG 20 degree bottom quilt and Golite 20 degree top quilt
Me in the 'Black Knight" rig: Wilderness logic Snipe hammock, HG NEW 10D 40 degree bottom and top quilts and a Fronkey bug net- all black- everything included about 24 oz total.
The wildflowers were quite lovely all around the woods
All the hangers begin to arrive: Our host, Brian (Boothill) and Susan (Sodakgrrl) along with Vicky, Carol, Dick and of course Marty- the dog
Paul and Frank join
Steve and Carol
Steve and Rowan ( I think)
Dinner the first night, great chili's; one meat and one vegetarian along with beer bread
and dessert- Cheesecake!
There was a fire ban still in effect so no campfires I am afraid, it made for some early bedtimes. Waking up the next morning to sunrise in the hammock 43 degrees
I don't remember the last time I saw as many stars in the night sky as Friday night
View of the Sheridan Lake beach area
Saturday and sightseeing- no trip to the Black Hills is complete without a stop at Mt Rushmore.
Dinner on Saturday night was a real spread; Elk brats, Bison burgers, and all the fixin's
A complete group photo at dinner of the Hammock Forums 1st Black Hills Hang
After dinner it was show and tell, Steve in his DangerBird
Susan testing out Frank's Clark Hammock
Another perfect night in the hammock on Saturday waking up to 41 degrees
It was chilly- First time I had to find were I put the down!
Paul rode 2500 miles on his scooter to the hang- below Paul and Brian recreate a classic scene from Dumb and Dumber ( I will leave that to your imagination)
Our final pose together before Paul takes off ( Frank had to leave very early in the morning)
Thank you to Brian and Susan for arranging such a great weekend. Everything from the food to the weather and especially the company was fantastic. Can't wait for next year!
