Geartesting with a family twist

[Turk]

Another great weekend out with the fam.
I know its nothing too high in "wow" factor, but I am extremely happy with
the number of times I've been able to get out with my wife and 5yr old this
year and come back with positive feedback from both of them.
We have spent about 12 nights out in hammocks so far this summer... which
for my two girls is a BIG achievement. I have killed myself trying to make them
have a comfortable, enjoyable time each trip out. So far it has been well
worth the efforts. It is a lucky man that can drag his family into his own
hobbies and interests and turn out good family fun.

The multi-hang hammock set up is totally sweet. My poly tarp is barely holding
up, but my new model should be ready any day now. I have only had a few
minor gear failures. I almost managed to sink one of my boats after my most
recent portage handle mods, but got it under control in time :) I must say
I love the ENO single over the HH's. Something about being completely open.
Not even the confines of bug netting, makes it a whole other experience.
Still waiting for my skeeter beater travel hammock to arrive. All-in-all I think
I have found solid alternatives that beat the Hennessey experience hands down.

Even if it is only hiking or kayaking by day and car camping in a local preserve by night...
its a big step forward in their involvement with one of my biggest interests.

I have also hads loads of opportunity to play with my camera and
try and turn out some artistic fun.
some pics to share:
http://ehko.info/westmin_forest_02.jpg
http://ehko.info/westmin_forest_03.jpg
http://ehko.info/wildwood_07_01.jpg
http://ehko.info/wildwood_07_02.jpg
http://ehko.info/kaedri_hiking_01.jpg
http://ehko.info/kaedri_hiking_02.jpg
http://ehko.info/kaedri_hiking_03.jpg
http://ehko.info/kaedri_mom_04.jpg

[oops56]

Great looks like the Little one having some camera fun.:bike:

[dropkick]

Neat trip.
I would bet that fairly soon you're going to need to consider a bigger R.V., looks like it might be a little cramped between the girls and the gear.
-Especially if the wee one wants her own kayak.

[Kiwi Dad]

The hammock that is blue & yellow, what brand is it? Do you have an inflatable mat in it? Great to have the family out! So green, I'm envious.

[Iceman]

Turk, your trip reminds me that I need to upgrade my internet connection. (56K)


And you need to get a micro trailier for your camping gear!

[Bear]

Nice pictures Turk and that is one cute little girl. Enjoy her while she is young because it goes by fast. My "baby" girl starts college in the fall. Man I'm getting old!:frown:

[Spice1]

Yeah Turk, looks good man. You are quite the lucky one. I have a feeling that between my fiance and I and our love of the outdoors, we'll probably wind up with a kid who's afraid of butterflies. (I dated a girl once who nearly jumped over a picnic table because a bug jumped on her... it was a monarch, even telling her they lived on flower powder couldn't calm her down...) Yes, you are a lucky man.

I would say that I can't wait until I have a little one, but need to finish the house first, and I'm too darn good at getting whatever I wish for...

[Turk]

What I want is a 4 door jeep :biggrin:

But wifey has first dibs on a new vehicle this year. Maybe if I'm real good
and don't buy any gear I can get some new wheels to roll up to the trail head
by next year.

Sorry about the image size. I should have checked that before posting.


Kiwi dad - hammock is an ENO single. Not a pad in it, just a pillow and sleeping bag.