It feels like we’re getting away with something.
The first of the month comes, and we don’t have to pay a cent toward rent or mortgage.
We’re parked in a spot where, whenever the urge strikes, I look out and across the high desert plain dotted with sage and spiky things.
There, past the curved rocks that look like whomever built Stonehenge came here to apprentice first, and never bothered to clean up after themselves, is the Eastern side of the Sierra’s. They shoot straight up about 10,000 feet, five miles from where we are.
This view – this spot – is free.
Our lights, the refrigerator, my Vitamix…we get to power all of that for free, thanks to the sun who’s too busy to bill us.
A strip of bright green leaves and other foliage leads us to a stream down the road, a cool trickle of snowmelt coming off the mountains. We’ve been filtering, then drinking it.
All of this is deeply satisfying and empowering.
Of course, there’s an adjustment as well.
Take my recent hair washing experience:
We have a shower in our trailer; but, since we’re being conservative with water, I opted to try this method instead.
However, as I peer into the water held in a white plastic dishwashing basin, I’m having second thoughts.
It’s pre-filtered water we gathered in our hefty narrow 5-gallon jugs. There’s a small clump of very ethereal-like algae gliding around. It looks like saffron, or those fine purple veins some people get on their nose. There are some black dots, a small bug desperately flailing, and some tiny dark green things.
“I can’t…my hair’s going to be dirtier after I dunk it in than it is now,” I say.
My mind briefly flashes to people, how they pay more for things that are ‘all natural,’ how they get spray tans, and put all sorts of powders, creams, and things on their face…and I do all of that, minus the spray tan, and yet to me, this snowmelt is still somehow dirty.
I have a ways to go.
“You can either wait as we filter more, or use this water to shampoo it, and then the filtered water to rinse.”
I go with Chad’s suggestion.
I hold my breath, scrunch my eyes closed, and dunk my head in the basin. After freeing the struggling bug, of course.
It’s cold; and feels a lot more refreshing than it appears. I gasp as Chad scoops up water with a mug, and lets it wash over my hair.
He squirts some biodegradable shampoo into my hand, and I lather up.
A cool breeze moves across my neck. The sun shines clear and bright overhead, warming my back.
When that’s done, I sidestep over to the next basin: beautiful clear filtered water. He rinses out the shampoo, and whatever else is in there.
It worked. I thought it would feel gross and dirty, but my hair looks about the same as it does after a regular washing, and the whole process probably used only about two gallons.
I still don’t like to be dirty. The feeling of sweat drying on my skin makes me want to claw my way out of my body. But showering with a small amount of water and a soapy washcloth works.
This way of life is bringing us closer to nature in every way.
When the wind picks up at night blowing away sleep, I lie awake as is buffets us, and through the rocking and rattling stare out the window at the stars. They’re so bright and seem so near.
All the adjustments and small inconveniences are worth it.
Although, when given the opportunity for a regular hot shower, you bet I’m going to seize it!
And next time you’re in the shower, remember me.
Ok, don’t.
But DO take the time to thoroughly enjoy it.
Revel in the scent of your products, the pressure, the steady stream of hot water that just won’t quit…
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE 