Hammockers Hang High Above Minneapolis Lakes

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - This beautiful July weather has people running, biking, golfing, and even "mocking."

The hammocking trend has hit the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes.

It's becoming more and more common to see groups of people hammocking in one tree.

"I call it hammocking; the kids call it mocking," said Brian Crotteau, while lying in a hammock near Lake Harriet.

Whatever you call it, Crotteau's been doing this for more than 10 years, and he's fully aware that others have caught on.

"It's so relaxing it brings a big smile to your face," said Crotteau. "This is one of those epic things of summer."

And don't think the local teenagers haven't taken notice.

"Just chilling," said Patrick Lockwood. "Just set up wherever you want -- on a tree most likely -- and you just chill."

Nature enthusiasts near the Rose Gardens likely spotted an entire colony of teenagers Tuesday afternoon.

A scattering of bikes and shoes marked the spot where a group took "mocking" to new heights -- they created a sort of city in the tree.

"I've gone like 30 feet in the air," Ethan Feldman said.

Feldman had one of 14 hammocks in a tree.

He paid $100 for his portable nylon hammock, and because of this craze, stores like REI have to keep the orders coming. Mockers said it's better than sitting inside on a nice day. And as long as the summer weather continues, expect this trend to hang around.

"It's really relaxing," Maddie Salazar said. "All your friends are together so you can talk to everyone pretty easily."

Experts do recommend that you mock on mature trees that have a diameter of 10 inches or more.

Wednesday is National Hammock Day.

There will be a Minneapolis gathering of mockers beginning at 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoon at Lake Nokomis, where Minnehaha Creek meets the lake.