forty five

CAMPING WITH A CHAINSAW CARVER

This is a free campsite in Utah, free because I could not find someone to get permission. I don't usually "sneak" camp; however this was a beautiful exception. 

I met a guy in town who was living in a van. After asking me if I had any pot told me about this place. He was a professional chain saw carver. You have probably seen the bears or Sasquatch carved from a log displayed in front of a diner in the west. I was a bit leery until I found out his chainsaw was in pawn. 

There was a stream a few feet away. I did enjoy the place and price, but slept with an ear and an eye. open. There were other campers up stream with some impressive horses. For some reason I felt safe with this stranger, but sometimes all you have to go with is your gut.

We talked for a few hours, one of those conversations you get the feeling was meant to happen. He opened up about a tragedy in his life that produced a lot of guilt. A guilt he was trying to escape in his van. 

I listened and then pointed out traveling in his van for six years may not have worked because everywhere he traveled, there he was. It is hard to run away from yourself, I know because I have tried. I hope he has found some peace.