The Campfire Trail: August 17 - DIY Homestead

August 17, 2022

Day 240 of the Adventure

Rain began moving through the Camp Run-Amuck area last night around 11pm. Today has been a red-letter day on the calendar for a week now with temperatures forecast at 74 degrees for a high and 60 for a low. No, I don't generally approve of that cool of weather for August. However, when the Summer temps have hovered at 100 degrees with virtually no rain for months, 74 is a welcome and refreshing break. One where the morning campfire and coffee is extra special and actually means something. Fire starting this morning was a challenge. It did, however, give in and finally begin producing actual flames and heat after quite a lot of coaxing and extra kindling.

One of the stumps Shelley has been digging up around here found its way onto the fire this morning and it was a cedar. Eastern Red Cedar has a uniquely "Ozarks" aroma to it when burning. It's a sweet, yet slightly pungent smell that is difficult to describe. You just need to toss a piece on the fire to understand. For those who are not from the Ozarks region, have no fear, red cedar is plentiful here. It grows like weeds everywhere. In fact, it grows faster than it can be harvested or even kept trimmed back. I like it for a lot of reasons, one of which is that it's great for a naturally occurring bushy privacy barrier. We will likely be transplanting several of them to the top of our hill to help conceal the property a little better from the road up there.

Even though Autumn is a long way off, this morning provided a taste of what's to come, and it tastes good. It also provides a reminder of things left to do around the Homestead before the cool-down begins. It's been a fascinating experience this whole Do-It-Yourself move to the woods and closer to Self-Sufficiency. Like many things, it's probably not for everybody. I'm just finding that a dream to wake up, walk outside and simply see and hear nature is beyond satisfying. Caution rules our lives for the most part. Probably for the better in most cases. Too much caution tends to cage us into a life void of adventure and exploration. The Ozark Mountains have been anchored deeply in my spirit since I was very young, always a part of the adventure and exploration of my mind. I always imagined what life could be like if I were ever to find myself living deep in the Ozark woods. I've finally begun to experience that life and I just can't get enough of it. I suppose that's why I build morning campfires when it's supposed to reach a hundred degrees. It's also why a campfire on a cool, misty morning is that much sweeter.

I think I'll brew up another pot of coffee!

Carry On

Adventure Quote: “Let us not become so cautious that we forget to live.” ― Elizabeth Gilber

Base Camp Coffee of the Day: Lost on the Trail (Guatemala)

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Early morning visit from a small deer

Some of our work last Fall

Me making Some Ozarks Music