Comment by freedomben

I was homeless for about 8 months as a teenager (18) after leaving home under contentious conditions with my parents. I ended up hiking up the mountain and finding an off trail and secluded location to pitch a tent and build a fire ring and set up for long term camping. I built a primitive but mostly adequate setup for living. Baths were a nightmare because the river was freezing and rapid, but other than that I got into good routines. Later on I was fortunate enough to have a girlfriend who I could stay with on occasion and get hot showers.

I eventually joined the US military and got out of my hole, and I now have some fond memories of that time thanks to the power of nostalgia. Now it feels like life was a lot simpler then, and it was. I also got in the greatest shape of my life because I had to hike 3 steep miles, often with a heavy backpack, in and out twice a day (sometimes more).