We will begin by staying in Iowa City to say goodbye to the few friends we have left there, as well as to see Great American Taxi, an awesome band. Then we will drive up to South Dakota for a two day camping trip in the badlands, followed by a visit to Mount Rushmore to take the necessary touristy pictures. After that, we're driving to Cody, Wyoming to visit and stay with a friend for two nights, then on to Yellowstone for two more days of camping and hiking and exploring. After that, we haven't decided if we're going to go through Missoula or Boise, but either way, we will stop to camp some more before heading to the San Juan Islands.
The camp I will be working at is an outdoors, rustic living camp, which means that basically, we will be "Living simply, so others can simply live," (Keller Williams). I will be living in a tipi for the entire summer, while the campers will be in tents. The shower water is heated by a fire that burns all day long, and although there's no "Shit Pit" like there was at the Rainbow Gathering in Israel, there are only outhouses. We will be hiking, camping, kayaking, and there is a high ropes course and an outdoor adobe kitchen, as well as an entire crafting studio where I can learn to sew, weave baskets, and use a pottery wheel. I know the idea of living outside is not appealing in any way to a lot of people, but that's what drew me to this camp.
Within the past year of my being home, things have been stressful, with trying to find a job, wondering how long I'll have to live at home before I can afford to either get an apartment or move out West. Now there's an end in sight. I no longer have to dream about living in the mountains by the ocean, it will become a reality in a matter of weeks, and nothing could make me happier. I feel like a giant weight has been lifted off my shoulders. My LAST Chicago winter EVER is finally over!
There have been a lot of people who seem to think that I can't do these things, that I haven't thought my plans through enough, and all I can say is, even if I do end up out there with no money, I will set up my tent in the woods and live there. So ha. Follow my journey as I am able to live simply, become one with Mother Nature, and maybe find my true calling in life.
