70 Degrees Mid-February

When it's 70 degrees in the middle of February, what's a man to do? What else? You dust off your boat and take her out.

From time to time I like to go up to Ocoee Lake and camp in the Cherokee National Forest. Thursday was the perfect opportunity: near 70 for a high for 2 days, overnight low near 40, 0% chance of rain and a clear calendar.

It's a bit of a chore when you've got to collect all your camping gear, pack clothes, and plan a few meals. It takes a couple hours or so to get all that together (and then you know you've got to do it in reverse when you return). But there's just something about being out in nature.

If you recall my previous versions of this trip, this one will be pretty much the same with only a few particulars different. The biggest differences are my boat and I'm 4 years older than my last camping trip.

Well, I got it all together including removing my sailing rig. This trip only requires a 3/4 mile row across the lake and I wasn't going to take a lot of extra time there. A little rowing would do me. I finally launched and it was a beautiful day.

Looking back toward the ramps (there are two side by side). My camping spot is directly across from the ramp.

Here's a view up the lake. You might be able to make out two bridges. Just beyond those the lake becomes just the river.

Here's a happy soul.

I made it across and tied the boat at the "beach".

I unloaded all my gear and pitched my 30 year old, three man tent in the middle of what was probably a logging road.

I was eager to try out my new Big Agnes Q-core sleeping pad (a birthday present) and new inflatable pillow. I must say they were both nice additions to my gear.

Once the tent was pitched, I went about cutting up some firewood from a downed tree that was nearby. This is a popular spot and there is a well-used fire ring there. I have to admit that I take the cheaters way out when it comes to fire-building: I take a 16 oz bottle of kerosene with me and some newspaper to help with the task. You still have to be diligent to start with smaller wood and work your way up. Fortunately, even after some very heavy rain this week, the fire started; and after a while it was really nice with a hot bed of coals and the bigger stock burning.

Supper time. My wife sent some left over homemade chicken pot pie. I put some water on the stove and let the steam warm it up a bit (like a chafing dish). You might notice another stove in the lower left. I've been using that stove for probably 30+ years. I had a supply of fuel which, due to my infrequent camping trips, has lasted a loooong time. I knew eventually it would run out and it did. I had a new Optimus stove waiting in the wings. The pot pie went down nice and I finished supper off with a brownie and some hot apple cider. I had to eat the pot pie with my multi-tool pliers. I left my eating utensils in my vehicle. Dumb me!

My last trip I took along a Small Craft Advisor magazine for reading. This trip I took a long a book that one of my church members gave me. Easy reading. I got through about half of it by bedtime.

I turned in at 11:00 and stayed in the sleeping bag til 8:00. I took my warmer weather bag which was a mistake. Should have taken the mummy bag. I was cold much of the night inspite of having on several layers. I guess it's my age and maybe the cold, but I ached all over by morning.

I had a breakfast of hot chocolate and oatmeal. Made the oatmeal a little soupy so that I could drink it since I didn't have a spoon.

Amazing the mess you can make.

I took my walk up into the hollow and down by the stream that feeds the cove I camp at. Just love the sound of a mountain creek flowing over the rocks.

Once back from my hike, I packed it all up and rowed back across the lake for take out.

The ramp is pretty shallow. I recently bought a pair of covers that slip over your shoes. They cover your calves almost up to the knee. I typically have to get my feet a little wet when retrieving so I thought these would be good to have especially if out in cold weather. As you can see, my right foot got in a little too far. Still not too bad.

After two slices of cold, leftover pizza, a free Big Gulp that the clerk said I could have since the register was down, and an hour ride home I unpacked my gear and put Disciple Ship to bed.

I have to admit that I'm quite sore from the trip. Again, I guess the age is catching up to me. Still had a good time.