I've hiked the Sycamore Loop a dozen times, at night, as a day hike, you name it. It is the only single use hiking trail in the Deam Wilderness Area. Ticks aside I love this trail for its simple beauty year-round, not to mention the great established campsites. My original plan for this hike was to test out my new lightweight setup. Because I needed to be in the area to pick up my son from scout camp Saturday morning so this seemed like the perfect opportunity. My wife (Peas) and her friend (JuJuBees) decided they wanted to come along as well. This would be JuJuBees first backpacking trip and she was dying to test out her new tent and pack. Despite the weather reports calling for scattered thunderstorms we were determined to go. The drive Friday night started out nice and clear but was quickly followed by a unplanned stop at a Burger King to wait out the tornado warning in the area we are about to drive through. Watching the storm front roll in was nothing but impressive and awe inspiring. Through the now pitch black night we finish the drive to the trailhead and begin our hike. The trail was wonderfully wet… and dark. Occasionally we were treated to the pure energy of the storm releasing itself through jagged columns of intense light that would momentarily simulate midday. An hour later we arrived at the campsite and pitched our humble abodes. I slept in a tarp while Peas and JuJuBees snoozed in a full tent. I stayed dried for the most part and by being in a tarp I was able to enjoy the light show. The next morning I woke up early and prepared my breakfast of rice and fruit. After getting water boiling for Peas and JuJuBees I hit the trail solo because I had to be at the scout camp by 9:30am. Shortly thereafter the rain began again. Along the way I came across two box turtles and a group of wild turkeys. I was off the trail by 9am with time to spare. Despite the constant rain this became one of my favorite trips on the Sycamore Loop. ~Carrots