To Swing, or Not to Swing

Since I was a tiny, little girl I have been hiking and camping. Even before I could walk my dad would carry me around on his shoulders all over the mountains of Virginia. We frequently stayed along the Skyline Drive or the Blue Ridge Parkway at one of the campgrounds. Over the years our accommodations varied between tents and campers, but always, always we stayed inside of something.

This weekend Tom convinced me to backpack with a hammock.
Did I mention that it was 37* at night?

But, you know what? I really liked it. I surprised even myself. Tom has been backpacking with the kids and with other people using a hammock instead of a tent several times now, and he has been after me to give it a try. I must say that I have been somewhat resistant. I like the coziness of a tent. I like getting inside out of the cold. And rain. The more he talked about a hammock, the more I had to ask, “What is wrong with a tent? They are perfectly fine…” Now, I know.

I was not cold, and I was reasonably comfortable…even for the temperatures to have been fairly chilly. It was a very enjoyable experience. I liked sleeping outside…completely outside. Everyone should do it from time to time. I wholeheartedly recommend it. It was nice to see the stars and to see the deer that gave me a heart attack walking around in the middle of the night. Once I knew it was not a bear that had come to eat me, it was nice to watch the deer. It’s always nice to know that you are not going to be eaten. You can sleep in your hammock much better, even if you do resemble a nice little bite-sized wonton. The weekend was just beautiful, and we had a great time.

I’m not quite sure that I am ready to give up the tent completely, but I was pleasantly surprised with the hammock. I think this is all part of Tom’s master plan to convince me that the tent is passé. Maybe…I think that I need more evidence. Guess we will have to go back next weekend.