The Boondocks

Well between dodging hurricanes, school and hunting I haven't had much time to sit down and write to you. 2020 has been a crazy year and it seems to just keep rolling with the punches. I just bow my head and put all my trust in God and in His plan. Things have gotten inconvenient for us this year which I think is something we all need. To be inconveniently misplaced or uncomfortable with the unknown. Reminders that we are not in control of this universe. A lot of growth has occurred this season of our lives therefore I am grateful for everything we have been through.

We had a chance to visit Houston for a week as hurricane Delta made its way through the gulf. The girls and I browsed around the Museum of natural science for a few hours and visited some used book stores and of course a quick run into Trader Joe's. Really our first public outings since the virus hit, minus grocery shopping. Surrounded by my family that I haven't gotten to spend time with since I graduated high school.

Once we knew a cold front was amongst us we tore off to the national forest. Ready to combat mosquitoes, we were locked and loaded with a backpack sprayer, a pump sprayer, permethrin concentrate, and a fogger. There was plenty of firewood accessible to us due to the storms. Tyler and my dad got to work getting firewood ready for us to use. I believe we had a fire going for 3 days in a row. I don't know how much wood we burned but it was a lot. While camping out there we decided to ride out hurricane Zeta, which ended up being non eventful. The pine trees towering over our trailer swayed with the wind but we felt that over the past few weeks they had been vetted by Laura and Delta.

Our free boondocking spot was amazing. We purchased some cinderblocks and made a fire pit and grilled food daily over it. Campfire food cannot be beat, especially campfire coffee. The girls got to play in the dirt. Explored in the woods between the beautyberry bushes. Back in their element. It is so amazing to see their transformation into themselves once they are outside. Once we bust out into the woods we become hands-free. I don't have to tell them anything, they know their boundaries. Everyone is free-range and self-maintained. I cannot wait till we are at our farm, tending to our food and just living a joyful life in a meadow. Until then we will enjoy ourselves in America's public lands, love our children and praise our God.