Camp Freedom notes entry 1.

LittleRiverCanyon-1323
Originally uploaded by neilltyler

We made it to Camp Freedom a.k.a. Billy's Ford shortly after 4:00 Friday and started setting up the tents. While trying to remember how to setup my tent again I commented that my real problem was that I couldn't setup a tent without rain. The past 3 or 4 trips to Grandfather Mountain with my dad it's started raining right as we began setting up. Well within 30 seconds of making this comment it started to sprinkle and I was immediately blamed (i probably deserved it). It stopped shortly there after and the weather was spectacular the rest of the weekend. We walked down to the river which is about 50 yards down road 04 from the campsite. I'll post some pictures taken from Billy's ford soon.

More to come about the trip. I've got a few notes and links below.

Things to do different:

I need a warmer sleeping bag for the colder months. I was fine Saturday night but I froze on Friday. The main issue was my feet. My bag wasn't warm enough and the extra blanket I brought was to short to keep my feet covered. I eventually put my jacket over my feet and that helped.

I need to get some additional think layer short and long sleeve shirts. I had one long sleeve that was great for the actual hike but I left my short sleeve at home. I could have used two of each.

Things that were great:

The new Timberland boots were spectacular, especially considering that I purchased them on Friday. I have narrow feet and boots are a problem for me so this was a double bonus.

The camelbak reservoir also performed superbly. I had the 70 oz model and probably had 20 plus ounces left at the end of the trip but I would highly recommend it.

Links:

• Back country map
• Scenic drive map
  

Camp Freedom

LittleRiverCanyon-3798
Originally uploaded by neilltyler

Well Camp Freedom was a success. Our trip to Little River Canyon was a blast. I'll have more details to come and more photos. Had a lot of fun, made some new friends, and had a great hike down into Little River Canyon. I was able to take my first kayak pictures along with a few photos of some guys that are apparently a few sandwiches short of a picnic. Oh yeah we had to hike back. I'm still waiting to hear from the Camp Freedom organizer what our official elevation change was for the hike but my thighs are still let me know that the hike back out of the canyon was a long way. Stay tuned more too come....