People look at me very strange when they see me at my selling location (Fred Meyer on NW 20th.) when I take time to do some writing inside with my laptop. I think they wonder “what kind of homeless person has a computer?” I agree it is unusual, but I try telling people that ask, I was given the laptop by one of my best supporters. Thanks to Sarah from Switzerland I have access to the internet, and can easily write and submit stories to this paper. I hope every day I can find a way to use it to help me get the things that I believe will launch me into a lifestyle that does not include me having to stand outside for hours hoping to make enough money to get inside a shelter for the night.
Caves are cold.
Sure it’s drier than outside in the open. But without a heat source, nothing dries after a soaking rain. I have made a mud room/kitchen area by extending a tarp owning out from the mouth of the cave.
Inside I have raised the floor about 5 inches to help reduce the cold in my tent that gives me a safe place from the bugs and local critters. This is also the driest place in camp. I try not to allow anything wet into this sanctuary. A single candle is enough to warm the tent, so long as no windows are open.
Few friends come by to visit, but the critters make thier daily appearances. Momma Deer and her Bambi make their calling first thing in the morning, while I prepare breakfast and coffee. The little one can barley stand on its own legs.
Little Stuart, the field mouse comes by mid-day to see if there are any scraps to be found. He scampers up and along the tent poles that are his personal pathways through camp.
Later in the evening, just before dusk, a family of raccoons appear to scavenge for their nocturnal meal.
In the darkest hours I am awakened to the sound of a crashing and grunting animal falling though the thick underbrush, careening down the ravine walls. Fearfully, I rock myself to sleep again, hoping nothing large comes into camp.
In the morning I rise to the sounds of songbirds and rushing waters from the brook below, reminding me of the new day that waits.
