Deam Wilderness

“Deam Wilderness trip report – November 4-5

Golfhiker, Thriftyhiker, Reactorman, Chinmusic, and Mugsy all met-up at the Axsom Branch TH on Saturday. We started out hiking towards the Grubb Ridge trail, and then down to Martin Hollow. Hiked back up to the firetower, and some of the group took a break. Reactorman, and myself decided to trek up the firetower for a look. There was still some good colors in some of the trees, and it was a clear day, so you could see for miles.

After that we headed on down the Sycamore loop. We passed by a couple of areas that would be good campsites, and many places where water was running. Rick steered us into where he thought Chinmusic was calling,” Camp Peeper.” Ended-up being another site, but we stayed anyways. We renamed the campsite we stayed at in honor of Rick with the name,”Camp Reeper.” We got to work setting-up our tents, and Thriftyhiker quickly gathered a large pile of wood. We all had a nice time sitting around the campfire that night talking of past trips, and trips in the future. I pumped some water from the lovely retention pond by our campsite, and was laughing at the nice whiskey color it was.

The hike out on the North end of the Axsom Branch was really nice with some ridge views of the forest below. We were treated to a nice climb up to Grubb Ridge to end our hike. The weather ended-up being good with temps in the low 50’s, and the low on Saturday in the mid 30’s.

On our drive out we all stopped at Chinmusic’s favorite Log Cabin Restaurant for lunch. Had some great food, and we confirmed that was a water bag hanging from the top of the door as you walk in. Does this really work? I don’t know.

Reactorman it was great to meet, and hike with you. Hope you’ll join us on many other trips.

Miles hiked 12.5
Mileage as the Crow flies? Chinmusic? :-)”

“thanks for the trip salem, it was fun...i think that damn crow was wrong about the milage back to the car though ;)”

“This was a weekend that reminds me of why I like backpacking.

I have over a 4-hour drive to Deam from Springfield, Illinois and was disappointed to find out I had to stay at the office til about noon on Friday. That meant that I would not make it to Deam before dark. I decided to hang around my house until about 4 so I would arrive at my campsite and just sleep.

Arrived at Deam around 9:30pm local time and was greeted with a clear sky and a bright full moon. I knew the route to Peeper very well so Mugsy and I hiked the 2 miles without the aid of a headlamp. I loved hiking in under the moon light.

I got to Peeper only to find my fave site taken. So I hiked around the north side of the pond, found a flat, dry spot and threw down my ground cover, pad, and bag. Cowboy camping with no chance of rain, under a full moon, with coyotes howling, is sweet.

Salem already described the next day. I will add the breaded tenderloin at The Cabin is to die for. Thrifty and I certainly ordered right.

AND, no flies.”

“Great hike guys. Look forward to next time.”

“A little late getting these up, but oh well....



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“Nice pictures, Chin. Great place to eat too! I'll definately stop there after all Deam hikes.”