PDX Urban Outdoorsman

     Last night after having laid out my bed-roll and gotten comfy for the night a scary thought occurred to me.  It’s actually amazing just how comfortable I have become living out here.  To many the thought of sleeping outside in 35º weather is unacceptable but I find it to be easy and quite comfortable.

     Sure it takes one mummy bag inside of another but I was toasty warm with the most striking skyline view of downtown PDX.  Many have suggested that I must really have my shit together to be able to accomplish this and to those I cannot help but laugh.  Honestly….  If  I really have my shit together do you think I would be out here?  All I have done is use some common sense in the decisions made out here.

     One of those decisions is that I must carry a monstrous backpack.  That is one capable of carrying two sleeping bags,  at least two changes of clothing,  various toiletries, misc crap and reading material.
     Another was to actually keep the gear that got me through the previous winter.  That being a good coat that is not only warm but also waterproof and sleeping gear.  I run into far to many who discard perfectly good equipment because of a change in the weather.  If you should ask these same people what their plans are for getting off the street you will receive nothing but a blank stare.  These are the same people I see who tell me how cold they were last night.  I really have no pity for these since they have created their own situation.
     The final decision is to ALWAYS sleep in an area that is covered.  Sure there were many nights during the summer I could have slept under the stars but I have to be practical.  Hell we all know if I was to choose an uncovered place I would be carpet bombed by geese because of their hatred for me.  Again, I run into far too many who tell me how all their gear got soaked because of the camp spot chosen.  Give me a break already!  Portland is known for rain.  Besides, just how difficult is it to take a look at the weather forecast at some point during the day.

As usual if my rather callous attitude means I am a bad person than so be it.

common sense: If there truly was such a thing wouldn’t we all have it?

While this concept reaches across all economic layers it is quite important to those within the layer I occupy at this time.  Also keep in mind this story is not about me but the lesson that can be learned from situations such as this. 

On Sunday nights under the Burnside bridge there is a feed which attracts an unbelievable number of people.  The folks who run this event are a blessing to the homeless of Portland.  Along with a wonderful meal they generally bring  supplies to cover many the needs of those who attend such as toiletries, socks, clothing, blankets, sleeping bags and so on.  On one Sunday before the cold season kicked in many sleeping bags were offered for those who needed them.  When this was announced there was what could only be described as a feeding frenzy.  Once the sleeping bags had been distributed and people were in line to get something to eat one who received a sleeping bag was attempting to sell the damn thing for $10.00 right in front of the people who provided it to him.  I could not believe the gall of this jerk.  Nobody took the opportunity to buy it so I got the jerks attention leaving him to believe I was a possible customer.  Of course I did not give him anything for it but found a young girl who was effectively shoved out of the way while the sleeping bags were being distributed.  Lucky for me I am rather tall so this guy decided not to confront me about payment. 

I only saw that girl acouple of other times but I could see she had kept and was happy to have the sleeping bag.

No matter your economic situation think about whether you want or really need something.  All too often I hear others saying how they need this or that when it is actually desire. Don’t get me wrong, I know all people including myself have desires and there is nothing wrong with that.  Please, don’t mix up the two because doing so can say quite a lot about your character.

Sincerely,
Pdxurbanoutdoorsman