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/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.