a morning cold coffee and a pipe before donuts

The sun is rising. Soon I will go across the street to United Methodist Church and have donuts and coffee with some nice folks I met up there. 9-10. It is currently 6:40. Sitting for long periods works for me these days. My feet thank me for it, I have the tobacco and supplies to do so, when I get paid in 2.5 weeks, sitting for longer periods will be easier. And, if I plan it right, with more solitude.

There is a spot near the tracks, near the Mississippi River that has a lot of land, potentially a long-term camping area. There is a place here called West City Park that people mention – set up a tent, camp freely, hikers, etc., and that sounds wonderful. On occasion. I need to secure a spot where I can camp and come and go long-term knowing I can go there alone and be left alone. The housing voucher is not available yet, and the shelter in Warrenton (which I am not really that interested in to begin with) doesn't have a unit open yet.

So camping, solo, with the gear I need, for multiple weather conditions, this is what I am focused on.

My Amazon cart reflects this. Long johns, boxer briefs, a rain jacket, 6x8 tarp, tarp stakes/poles, knife, 16 Liter lightweight backpack, 30x60 microfiber towel (lightweight, mobile “ground cloth”), and half calf socks to deter the mosquitos from my ankles. A lightweight sleeping bag will be gotten from United Methodist (though not today), as well as a sweater.

I am determined to spend no more than $120-$130 on these items, so some this month, some next month. Overall the total is well over $230. I need to stretch the budget much better than last month. The stay at La Quinta was a waste of money right up front. Should've stayed one night. Not two. I also had a lot to replace and “over-did” the packing list and didn't account for weight of the backpack, itself. Was too much of a burden. Pack I am looking at is very lightweight, not too much to fill and still be comfortable (though I expect it to be filled no more than halfway, the other half will be food products as they come and go.)