2024 04 13

Bare tree in winter as seen through the glass roof of my car. Chicago, Illinois. February, 2024. © Clayton Hauck

You ever hear something that just sticks with you for whatever reason? A while back I was either watching a youtube video or reading a twitter thread, I don’t remember, from a guy who spends a lot of time sleeping outside in various places while doing his best to avoid trouble from sketchy situations, the law, etc. It was a really interesting and detailed account filled with tips and tricks about how he gets by living off the land. I promptly forgot every detail except one little nugget, which is that he often sleeps up in trees. His reasoning is what really stuck with he: nobody bothers to look up.

I fancy myself quite observant, however, after reading this detail I’ve found myself glancing upward approximately 50% more frequently, often expecting to see someone camped out in a tree high above, just living their life without a care in the world. One day…

-Clayton