Haven’t been writing for a while—not been in the right state of mind, which is a poor excuse, but it’s the truth. Still been out in the woods, trying to keep it stealthy. I’ve had to return to camping during the day—not what I wanted, but if I want to get paid, that’s how it has to be with the night shift back on.
Wildlife on Patrol
Late summer doesn’t let anyone sleep in peace. One night something came charging through the woods—full tilt through the bushes—then stopped dead, right on the edge of camp by the sound of it. Then silence. A few moments later, footsteps slipping away. Earlier that same night, something else was on a casual stroll; the footsteps stopped very close to the hammock. And no, I didn’t get out—call it laziness or experience. Leaned out, tried the phone’s night vision—nothing to see, which was more unnerving than seeing eyes shine back. Somewhere out there, someone will be calling me a wuss. Fair enough.
UK Reality Check
With the way life is in the UK, this lifestyle is starting to look more viable for more people. Near my camp there are two motorhomes—one’s been there over a month. It puts things into perspective. I’m fortunate not to be forced onto the streets, but it hasn’t been much fun lately with home-life shenanigans and a return to nights. Once winter sets in and the new kit gets a proper test—new hammock, new underquilt—I’ll be a happier bunny. A new top quilt would complete it, but that has to wait.
Small Wins
One good thing: wild fruits are abundant right now. Blackberries, rosehips, maybe a few hawthorns—bucket season. When the mind’s busy and sleep’s patchy, a quiet forage is worth more than scrolling a screen.
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If there’s interest, the next post will be a quick field note: where daytime stealth still works in late summer, what to tweak for night-shift sleep, and the winter loadout plan for the new hammock and underquilt.
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