The Campfire Trail: December 5 - DIY Homestead

December 5, 2022

Day 430 of the Adventure

I was reminded once again today of the difference between life in the woods and life in town. We had to make our way to Springfield to take care of some business and the contrast was once again, stark. Springfield Missouri, for those of you who do not know the place, is not a large city by any means. I believe in the 150k range as far as population is concerned. Yet, within minutes of reaching the outskirts, I could feel myself losing my sense of patience with the frantic pace of the city. Honestly, I cannot say it was any different than when I worked in that environment. Looking back, I think it was probably exactly the same as the many years I spent navigating my way through it while trying to earn a living for my family. I shake my head at what we are willing to trade our time and energy for. Even our peace and contentment. I suppose I'm fortunate that I have finally been able to break with that culture and live a slower life far away from that chaos.

I have many friends living in Springfield who may laugh when they read this. It's okay. I suppose we acclimate to our surroundings in ways that make all of it feel completely normal. Those who love the fast pace of town can have it. As normal is concerned, I'm happy to have discovered a new normal for myself. We call our little piece of woodsy heaven, Camp Run-Amuck. It's a fun name but actually, probably the exact opposite of reality. The day by day experience of building a home in the woods is actually anything but "run amuck". Aside from what we call it, I'll continue to prefer it over the city jungle. It's funny to think of it that way. I've mentioned to Shelley how our place looks like a jungle in the Spring when everything is green and growing. Even now, this time of year the horizon here looks a little Jungle"ish". I'll take it over the city jungle.

Carry On

Adventure Quote: “I feel better when I am surrounded, not by humans, but by trees.” ― Michael Bassey Johnson

Base Camp Coffee of the Day: Lost in the Woods (Colombia/Costa Rica)

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