PDX Urban Outdoorsman

I failed to tell you in my last post that when the officers asked us to leave the spot where we were to find a new place and they would not bother us and I was dumbass enough to believe it.  For about the past week I have been getting visits from Portland Patrol telling me I can receive a ticket for “camping” where I have chosen.  I can not wait until the day they decide to write the ticket. 

Consider this before anything else, these “officers” really had to hunt to find me so that means the general public does not see me either.  As best I can see this is enforcement strictly for the sake of enforcement.  There are no complaints about me and the two others there with me and we DO NOT leave any kind of mess at all.  If you consider the troubles I read about in the paper on a daily basis these guys are wasting their time and efforts to bother me and my friends.  I know the day they decide to issue the ticket there will be no talking them out of it but I will have my opinion known by them.

Of course they will tell about the cold weather shelters that have been set up since the snow has started.  I stayed at one on Monday of last week and did not get much in the way of sleep.  All night being jabbed in the ribs by the people on either side of me.  It’s not those peoples fault because they wedge us in like sardines in a can.  Since I have a sleeping bag that is rated to sub-zero temps wouldn’t it make sense for that space to be freed up for somebody not prepared for the weather?

There is little chance for experiencing any kind of dignity out here and I have found one, taking care of myself and having room to actually roll over while sleeping.

IS THIS TOO MUCH TO ASK?!?

The other part I loath is when they tell me they understand how I feel. BULLSHIT!  I would not wish this life on anybody except for these jerks.  Go ahead and say you feel for my situation but not that you understand.  When they decide to bed down for the night they don’t need to lay down a bedroll and sleeping bag.  They don’t need to sleep in their clothes. And they are not brought out of a deep sleep by every little sound.  Do they remember the last time they were waken up by a raccoon trying to open your backpack?

They can go ahead and jail me but I will continue to do as I am doing no matter what they say or tickets they issue.