ANF SPRING BACKPACKS 2023

For our first backpack trip near home my lovely wife and dear friends said they wanted to go to Buzzard Swamp. WTF? We went there years ago and I saw a lady push a baby carriage by our camp. I said never again. I guess never is shorter than I thought.

Guess where we went…………

BUZZARD SWAMP

These were the trails, AKA roads.
Mid week and we had the place to ourselves. I did not see one baby carriage.
There was a significant glow around the sun
It was cold the next morning and Ed built a nice fire for all of us.
I was wrong, this place was nicer than I remembered.

TANBARK TRAIL

lunch time and Sammy wants what Leann is having
3 miles to camp, Leann’s pack is almost as big as she is.
Leann headed down to camp.
It was a very relaxing dinner and post dinner fire.
Sammy was tired
Tradition: we place a stick vertically in the fire ring. On our next visit, we can tell if anyone else has used the site. This only works if other visitors don’t have the same tradition.
This would make a great puzzle
This mushroom looked like it was solid bronze

HICKORY CREEK

Ohio was gong through a hot spell. I wanted to go backpacking but nobody wanted to join me since it was going to be 88 degrees, wimps. Leann said you always wanted to do a solo trip so now is the time. Her only request: leave the saw at home. She did not want a repeat of Steve trying to cut off his fingers. I listened to her.

I got an early start but it was warming up quickly. I saw a family day hiking but nobody was backpacking.
Lunch spot on Coon Run (I did not name it). The creek is the lowest I have ever seen it.
I planned on camping at our usual spot on Jacks Run, unfortunately this tree fell where Leann and I typically place our tent.
Three person tent is kind of big for a solo trip.
This should be enough wood for when it cools off after dinner.
The trail crew did a good job cleaning up most of the downed trees from last years big wind storm.

Solo trip: check. I do not plan on doing this again, unless nobody wants to go again. One of my favorite parts of backpacking is discussions during dinner and sitting by the fire. It’s not the same when you can only talk to yourself. I tried…

HAPPY TRAILS, STEVE

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