I left Charleston to meet my buddy JD for a weekend camping on Hurricane Creek. I had hopes for a snowy weekend, but what happened was better than expected. Forecast called for snow Thursday stopping Friday morning, but reports were nothing had stuck. It was a rainy ride up, but I-40 was dry by the time I reached the trailhead around 10 pm. I still hadn’t installed my mobile 2m/70cm radio so I was limited to portable. I knew I wouldn’t be able to hit JD until I was further up the trail.
The first water crossing was high, so I knew the trail would be wet. Then the fun started... It not only started snowing, but sticking! Weatherman misses again.
I reached JD after about an hour, our camp was close to the Max Patch turn off. Only one sketchy moment on the trail where a shadow made the section wider than I thought and my front passenger tire slide off. Backing out was a bit of a butt clincher because the front kept sliding, but I was confident if I kept the other three wheels on the ground I would be okay. Phew!
JD and I got to talking, played with the fire and before we knew it the clock read 2 am. It was getting cold as the excitement tapered and tiredness set in. I camp on the ground: OzTent, cot, sleeping bag, Hudson Bay wool blanket, etc. You could call it glamping. I was smart enough to bring a pee bottle this trip, so no need to fight the idea of leaving the bag. We woke up early to this winter wonderland
The slow dusting continued through the morning but added to the ambiance.
The first priority for the rest of the trip was to collect wood and keep a fire going. We each contributed three standout gear editions that are a must for any similar trip. JD brought his chainsaw which made quick work of a 30’ dead tree that yielded at least a couple hundred pounds of wood. Believe me, we needed it. The second VIP item was my Snow Peak large “fireplace”, which is a steel folding fire pit. I take this everywhere. The airflow is great and is very TreadLightly! The final awesome tool was my Gränsfors Burk Small Splitting Axe. This let up break 10” tree rounds in 4ths and 8ths with ease.
Our next priority was eating. JD had the great idea to cook steaks right over the fire. Ribeyes aren’t normally my preferred cut for grilling at home but the fat broke down nicely over the flame and became the tastiest part! Definitely a convert!
Saturday night was cool. It was 19 degrees when we started the trucks the next morning. Nothing more to add about Saturday night I am blocking it out.
The first water crossing was high, so I knew the trail would be wet. Then the fun started... It not only started snowing, but sticking! Weatherman misses again.
I reached JD after about an hour, our camp was close to the Max Patch turn off. Only one sketchy moment on the trail where a shadow made the section wider than I thought and my front passenger tire slide off. Backing out was a bit of a butt clincher because the front kept sliding, but I was confident if I kept the other three wheels on the ground I would be okay. Phew!
JD and I got to talking, played with the fire and before we knew it the clock read 2 am. It was getting cold as the excitement tapered and tiredness set in. I camp on the ground: OzTent, cot, sleeping bag, Hudson Bay wool blanket, etc. You could call it glamping. I was smart enough to bring a pee bottle this trip, so no need to fight the idea of leaving the bag. We woke up early to this winter wonderland
The slow dusting continued through the morning but added to the ambiance.
The first priority for the rest of the trip was to collect wood and keep a fire going. We each contributed three standout gear editions that are a must for any similar trip. JD brought his chainsaw which made quick work of a 30’ dead tree that yielded at least a couple hundred pounds of wood. Believe me, we needed it. The second VIP item was my Snow Peak large “fireplace”, which is a steel folding fire pit. I take this everywhere. The airflow is great and is very TreadLightly! The final awesome tool was my Gränsfors Burk Small Splitting Axe. This let up break 10” tree rounds in 4ths and 8ths with ease.
Our next priority was eating. JD had the great idea to cook steaks right over the fire. Ribeyes aren’t normally my preferred cut for grilling at home but the fat broke down nicely over the flame and became the tastiest part! Definitely a convert!
Saturday night was cool. It was 19 degrees when we started the trucks the next morning. Nothing more to add about Saturday night I am blocking it out.
Last edited:
