I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essentials facts of life… – Henry David Thoreau, American writer, philosopher and naturalist. (1817-1862)

Living off the land isn’t about where you live: it’s about how you live. – Unknown

In my younger years I wanted to live outside somewhere where breezes blow cool, while birds sing in the trees, the sun rises early on the horizon seen through the trees. At nightfall because my dome tent reflected against the moon it appeared to have a cross covering the moon. The mention of Ted Turner and Jane Fonda reminded me of those days. The couple had a yurt, maybe several set up in South Dakota. I was envious knowing I couldn’t afford a yurt so the tent would do. I gathered what I thought I needed: a radio, the computer, Bible, books, blow up mattress, blanket, a small heater when needed and a lantern. Behind the tent in the trees on my land was a shed. I ran a long electrical cord from the shed to the tent. It was great, alone, and quiet. After work I returned to my tent and read “Almost Amish” by Nancy Sleeth.  “One woman’s quest for a slower, simpler, more sustainable life.” Here’s her list. Homes are simple, uncluttered and clean, the outside reflects the inside. Technology is a tool not a master. Save more, spend less. God’s creation reveals the face of God. Service to others reduces loneliness and isolation. Knowing neighbors, supporting local businesses builds community. Family ties are lifelong. Faith, life and way of life are inseparable. Lehman’s in Kidron, Ohio focuses on simple non-electric living, offering a vast selection of items for homesteading, cooking, and everyday life, including cast iron, canning supplies, oil lamps and old-fashioned toys serving the Amish community and tourists.

It was then while working out at the Wellness Center I met a couple, probably in their 70’s. They were amazing and loved the outdoors. I wore cargo pants, tee shirts, sweaters as needed and Teva sandals. I had been looking at catalogues for a kayak when I learned the two had kayaks and they’d take me with them for some learning skills. We went to Choctaw Lake about 3 miles south of Ackerman. They never stopped enjoying the outdoors. Our next adventure was riding bikes up rolling hills around the lake. I loaded up my bike and followed behind hitting tough roots across the trail ride; not to mention snakes passing over as well. Sometime later they decided to move to southwest Utah, where family lived. Nothing stopped them in their adventures. Her husband took up biking at Zion National Park with high-elevation forest off-road mountain biking over rugged terrain and steep climbs and descents. Gone but not forgotten they lived incredible lives of which I was so blessed to be apart with them in the day. 

Shannon Bardwell is a writer living quietly in the Prairie. Email reaches her at [email protected].