#123 / 2010 Survival Camp: Beats Working

ASTOR PARK 

#123

As we headed down the arroyo to walk the three miles to the Big Bend RV Park for internet access we spotted coyote tracks. They must have run right past our campsite early this morning and we didn't see or hear a thing. We keep learning and the campsite keeps changing. What works is the tarp strung up over the tent poles, but even then we have to take the tarp down when the wind kicks up. One of the tent poles has already been bent. The tent is packed away for safe keeping.

Beatlick Joe says there is a reason this area is not well populated. It's hard living out here. No shade unless you create it, no water unless you haul it and no firewood unless you forage for it and carry it back in your arms or Henry's car.

I love what Colleen, a local resident and one of Neil's friends, says: When you set up your new campsite don't let your feet loose contact with the ground for ten days. Colleen is a good example of the free-spirited people around here. Back in the sixties she was all set up to attend Wellesley College, but she had issues with her wealthy step-father and hit the road instead.

She lives in an old trailer with an outdoor cooking shelter. She paints discarded hubcaps and plays guitar, often with Neil. She has the most wonderful playing style and sells CDs in the Orient a lot and some in California. She has been living out here for about 30 years off and on with no electricity, no phone, and no water. She loaned us the 20-gallon barrel we are using out here.

So today is our tenth day and I have to admit I did break contact with the earth a few times to accept a ride into town with Henry. One night we went to a local hangout called "The Kiva." It is built mostly underground and is very much like a cave, cool and dark. Good prices on a pitcher of Shiner Bock as we did some celebrating with Henry over his new job. He works all day at the mine and then goes to the RV Park to work evenings.

So far we have been quite comfortable despite the formidable weather conditions. I said to Henry at the bar the other night: Henry, you know what Joe and I say to each other when the wind kicks up and we have to stay in the van all day long to avoid the dust, when we pop that top on a can of Lone Star beer to settle into a good book, you know what we say, Henry? Beats working!

Happy Trails

Beatlick Pamela