May 2007 Cloudland Canyon 

May 2007 Cloudland Canyon camping trip with Kim and our dogs.

Site 22 at the walk-in campsite loop of Cloudland Canyon State Park, on Lookout Mountain.  Kim and I set up our tents quickly, then she took off for Birmingham to attend her sister's graduation.  Denali, Ally, and I remained to finish setting up camp, obtain firewood, and explore the area.
Site 22 at the walk-in campsite loop of Cloudland Canyon State Park, on Lookout Mountain. Kim and I set up our tents quickly, then she took off for Birmingham to attend her sister's graduation. Denali, Ally, and I remained to finish setting up camp, obtain firewood, and explore the area.

Kim's new tent, big enough for herself and her four dogs, took up the entire tent pad.  I pitched my tent and Denali's Mutt Hut on the sloped ground nearby.
Kim's new tent, big enough for herself and her four dogs, took up the entire tent pad. I pitched my tent and Denali's Mutt Hut on the sloped ground nearby.



Denali and Ally on a walk through the park's major overlook area.
Denali and Ally on a walk through the park's major overlook area.

Denali and Ally posing for pictures at an overlook.
Denali and Ally posing for pictures at an overlook.

Rocks and trees at the park's major overlook.
Rocks and trees at the park's major overlook.



Denali making me nervous as she explored the overlook.
Denali making me nervous as she explored the overlook.







Goofing off with the camera while waiting for Kim to get back.  This is a long exposure, without using the timer.  I just jumped into the frame about halfway through the exposure, trying to get that transparent effect.
Goofing off with the camera while waiting for Kim to get back. This is a long exposure, without using the timer. I just jumped into the frame about halfway through the exposure, trying to get that transparent effect.

Ghost Denali
Ghost Denali



Kim and Ally on Sunday morning, cleaning up after breakfast.  See the white spots on Ally's coat?  Those are some of Kim's grits.
Kim and Ally on Sunday morning, cleaning up after breakfast. See the white spots on Ally's coat? Those are some of Kim's grits.

The camp took on a much more lived-in look after Kim rejoined us.  I liked the site.  The trees were conveniently located for my blue tarp (which was supposed to be atop a free-standing frame that I couldn't get to work), and the big rock was nicely positioned for my camp chair.  We had a more luxurious setup than I usually allow myself when primitive camping.
The camp took on a much more lived-in look after Kim rejoined us. I liked the site. The trees were conveniently located for my blue tarp (which was supposed to be atop a free-standing frame that I couldn't get to work), and the big rock was nicely positioned for my camp chair. We had a more luxurious setup than I usually allow myself when primitive camping.

Kim's cooking gear hung up to dry.
Kim's cooking gear hung up to dry.

Kim and Trigger.
Kim and Trigger.

Me relaxing in my camp chair (which I was glad to have, despite its weight), and Ally looking for leftovers.
Me relaxing in my camp chair (which I was glad to have, despite its weight), and Ally looking for leftovers.

Trigger's ad-hoc play area.
Trigger's ad-hoc play area.


Kim's food supplies.  She and I both are fairly inexperienced with backcountry cooking, and are working to develop our skills in this area.  I'd say we were successful on this trip.  I ate well.
Kim's food supplies. She and I both are fairly inexperienced with backcountry cooking, and are working to develop our skills in this area. I'd say we were successful on this trip. I ate well.

Ally guarding Kim's stuff.
Ally guarding Kim's stuff.

Ryka enjoying a well-deserved rest.
Ryka enjoying a well-deserved rest.

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