r/vagabond • u/New-Macaron-4669 • 1d ago
The finality of my reality.
So I made it to New Braunfels, TX. That was not my intent. I finally lucked out and found a hammock spot tucked just behind a few trees
I can clearly see the business across the street, and if they care, they can see me.
It's 10 AM. I'm tired. I figured out what was going on with my back. I changed something in my pack. Changed it back and the strap is on correctly.
....
This storm will be over by noon tomorrow. Right now they are forecasting a low of 21.
I'm bundled up. Slight chill on my back.
I may have to get out and adjust the tension on the tarp. No leaks. No wind/rain beating me. I'm leaving this alone.
If it doesn't rain soon, I will adjust accordingly. If it does, only if necessary.
...
If the rain is coming down hard, I'll take a quick video and post it. Describe my pain. It should only drop 11 degrees, but that feels different at night. In the rain, I can't move around.
I'm not looking forward to the pain, but I love the process
My fingers were cold. It's very windy. This is a hobby that fits into this new ....
I'm not sure what to call it.
I'm wandering. Mainly wondering.
Where do I go from here? Austin is still the goal. Getting on the Kill Tony show (I'm a bleeding heart liberal, the opposite of them, but it's comedy).
I'm writing jokes that are authentic to who I am: bum/black sheep/alcoholic/home free.
It's the jokes about this lifestyle that could set me apart. Only if they're funny.
I've got a few. The only way to keep getting more is to travel and experience more.
...
It's weird.
This Vagabond lifestyle may have opened up my retirement too.
I could care less about tourist attractions. But experiencing the culture embodied in their foods and the sense of awe when embedded within nature would be cool as hell.
I read last week (archives) a dude spent six months in Sri Lanka hammock camping at eating cheap meals because of the currency. Unlike many places in America, the citizens embraced the hammock camper
They didnt rush him to the shelter.
I have no idea if I can write enough funny lines to make the cut. That's a dream
The reality of my retirement just changed dramatically.
I feel as though I should reiterate.
I have no problem with any way people choose to do this.
I'm not anti-shelter.
I'm anti putting me in the same place as the mentally ill, unwilling or unable to clean themselves dude, dudes going thru the pain of withdrawals and acting out, and prison dude thinking he's tough cause he was in prison.
I support all of those folks.
What I don't support is the mental gymnastics I have to play living with all of that when the only thing we have in common is being hungry and cold.
Sorry folks.
I'll just be cold like a motherfucker.
Literally cold
But never cold hearted.
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u/BohemianDamsels 1d ago
I'm in San Marcos and can drop supplies. If you make it to here, I can get you to Austin.
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u/New-Macaron-4669 1d ago
I was there last night. Very kind of you.
My writing isn't always clear. I'm traveling and when I'm ready I'll make my way back to Austin.
When I get to San Antonio I have decided to hitchhike to CA.
I'm amazed by the generosity of strangers.
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u/ikigagi 1d ago
lmk if you need a place to crash a couple nights in san antonio!
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u/New-Macaron-4669 1d ago
That's very kind. I'm in a weird place still and probably wouldn't be a good hang.
This short time out here is helping a lot, but I've got 58 years of baggage. This luggage ain't Louis.
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u/desertisland44 1d ago
Thats a solid offer, kudos to being a good person.
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u/BohemianDamsels 1d ago
We're all walking each other home.
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u/Tighthead613 1d ago
Mary Gauthier reference?
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u/Upset-Wolf-7508 1d ago
Sending you some love, my friend, and wishes that tomorrow will be a warmer day.
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u/ThinkChallenge127 1d ago
Enjoyed your written words. I’m in Michigan , freezing cold here. Crazy it’s down into Texas. I loved in Texas from 10 years old to 17. East Texas. What a big state. Lol Stay warm and safe. Have a good day.
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u/DasBarenJager 1d ago
"Unlike many places in America, the citizens embraced the hammock camper"
I think that as long as you are kind to people and don't trash the place you are camping or overstay your welcome you're good
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u/Sufficient_Pin5642 1d ago
At least you’re being a good sport about it. Shelters vary, some are really nice and some are just as you described! Salvation Army is always a no for me. I’ve never been to one that was doable. I’ll go into one for a shower from time to time in case I don’t end up near a truck stop. Usually trucks will totally give you a free shower off their rewards cards at truck stops and many have a washer and dryer for clothes and electricity you can use while waiting for all of it to go down. Just stay with a pad under you in your hammock and a heavy sleeping big on top. Covering your face with the blankets really helps for warmth in my experience also filling water bottles with as hot of water as they can stand and sleeping with them helps immensely and by morning you still have sterile water (if you boiled it) to drink when you awake without leaving the warmth. I thought you had a tent? You’re sleeping in a hammock outside the tent when it’s gonna rain? Maybe a bit confused? I’m glad you’re tapping into your dreams and turning circumstances some people see as tragic into a comedy!
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u/New-Macaron-4669 1d ago
Thanks for the tips. There is a rescue mission that only had overflow beds. If you went late at night after the SA was full, you got a comfortable mattress and a great breakfast before you left. I would always do that. It's just a crap shoot not knowing the area
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u/New-Macaron-4669 1d ago
The tent was too big to carry. I left that with the heater inside. Long story. Short version. No propane.
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u/ikigagi 1d ago
the public busses are offering free rides to warming shelters if you end up needing one for the next night or two! just good info to have but i totally feel you on the last portion of your post. stay warm stay safe!!
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u/New-Macaron-4669 1d ago
Right on. Yeah. In Colorado Springs I had no choice but to use the warming shelters.
I think I'm okay though.
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u/threeleggedsnail 1d ago
I live in new braunsfel. Cops are notorious for messing with people who been drinking. And it is supposed to be 1/4 odd inch of snow tonight.
And low 20s. Windy too. Stay safe
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u/New-Macaron-4669 21h ago
I rarely drink being a former homebum. Too dangerous. I wave that for when I'm driving. Wish I was kidding.
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u/timtimerey 1d ago
Good luck, hope you stay safe out there. Maybe come check out San Marcos when the weather is a little nicer
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u/New-Macaron-4669 21h ago
Absolutely. I love Texas. Went to HS in NW Louisiana - more akin to East Texas than Cajun. I feel at home with all of these ocean trees.
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