Showing posts with label homeless. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeless. Show all posts

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Wanderings. Toe Shoes?

Where is Waldo?

Camp Night - 46 : Ashland, KY.

Four nights ago we were staying at the Jet Center FBO in Lexington, KY. Movie theatre room. Gym. Hot showers. Even sleeper cubicles. I have to confess. I used it both nights. Guess it was 'camp' cheating. Though since I have returned to my loving Eureeka Solitaire.

For the last two nights we have been living at the Ashland Regional Airport. They allowed us to pitch our single-man tents on the grass behind the hangar. Yesterday, one of the airport board members felt bad for us and allowed us access to the terminal building after hours.

Yesterday a gentleman came in talking about squatters. (One night after we camped) I thought he was referencing my co-worker and I so raised my hand. We weren't it. The guy was rather adamant about informing those at the airport about it. Photos and the whole bang. Made me think about squatters, squatting, homelessness, not having a place to be, down-and-out, compassion, etc.

Most of you are land owners here. I fully respect your rights to your own piece of serenity. It did make me ponder over how we ought to take a step back and look for the compassion in the situation prior to feeling like we are being mistreated. (Imagining finding squatters on your own sanctuary brings about feelings of theft)

This season has made me reflect inwardly a lot. Part of the process of setting myself up for that house building this summer. Finding my inner rock, whatnot.

When we were out in Virginia Beach, VA around the holidays I was confronted with homelessness. A nice gentleman had shouted out to me as we walked by along the boardwalk. "I like your scarf!" I replied, "Thank you. Happy Holidays."

A reflection because while knowing we are equal regardless of socio-economic levels, I was somewhat weirded out with what to say. Years ago I was quite shy and over the years I have worked upon becoming more outward.

At the basics of humanity, those around you do not necessarily 'need' any help. They have found shelter, food, safety. What they desire is to be part of humanity. To be acknowledged and conversed with. Sometimes it is just a simple hello or if you can manage it, ask them to tell you a story of their travels. What a hoot that would be. :)

Weeks ago I purchased a pair of Vibram Five Finger Shoes. Have you seen these before? I find people hold strong beliefs concerning toe shoes. LOL. After a few weeks of wearing them daily, my walking is softer, while my legs are firmer, feet more muscled.

Vibram Five Fingers - Bikila LS
Lexington, KY - Not a Dirtball Yet!



Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Minimalist Living

Night 17 :

Purchased an Osprey 44 liter Talon backpack at REI. Fast becoming a Backpacker. Living off the land should be comfortable after these 6 months on the road. No more shall I encounter the fear of being homeless. Rather, no longer shall I be in fear of the lack of a place to go. The world really does provide if you just open your mind to think about what it is providing you. 

So far we have encountered a max low of 21F and a maximum of 'OMG' heavy rain. Still dry, warm, and fat happy ( Well, a skinny dude's version of it). Side note : I've noticed that I do not have to blow my nose at all these last few weeks due to all the abundant 'fresh' air.

Found another really cool camping/tiny house gadget online the other day. It is called a Biolite. Basically it is a rocket stove that has an internal thermo-electric converter. It converts the efficient, smokeless, wood fire's heat into electricity to power its internal fan and something external via USB. Quite a snazzy way to have a fire with forest twigs and electricity past sundown (Solar Photovoltaic)

Biolite Stove Website


Camping in Luxury!
 









 
Tent 41
Pad 16
MSR Pots 23.3
Utensils 1.3
0FSleeping Bag     57
Solar Light 27.3
Talon Backpack 38

Total Pack Size Minus Clothing ( ;) ) = 12lbs 11.9oz.

Not I, but could be, in early summer out looking for the perfect 'ACRE'