Photography from Hiking the C&O Canal

Last fall I found myself without a place to live. It wasn't a big deal, I considered it as being "homefree", and not "homeless".

But for many people the fact that they no longer have a residence could be both quite scary and intimidating. So I decided to share these pictures in the hopes that someone on Steemit could benefit from seeing that there is beauty beyond things like having money or a place to live.

The C&O Canal Trail is a perfect introductory hike for people who wonder if maybe living out of your backpack and sleeping outside is for them.

Not only is the terrain relatively flat, the designated campsites aren't spaced too far apart.

And did I mention that they were all free?

The C&O Canal Trail runs along the north bank of the Potomac River, from Washington, DC to to Cumberland, MD.

184.5 miles of mostly shaded, tree lined trail, and once you get out of DC you won't see many people. Often having the trail to yourself all day long.

What I like about living out of my backpack is that you don't need a lot of money to go hiking.

For $12 I was able to catch a bus to Washington DC to hike the the Grand Old Ditch as I came to call it. Including bus fare and food I spent well under $100 for two weeks of what was a glorius hiking, swiming and camping adventure of a lifetime.

Many sections of the trail are now little more than a forgotten, overgrown ditch, making its old nickname even more accurate.

And I loved that about its character.

Living outdoors also isn't for everyone.

There are mosquitoes, strangers, (really just people you haven't met yet) and on more than one occassion I had mice run over me while I tried to sleep.

For me that was only part of the adventure.

I'm still technically "homefree", but you won't find me complaining about it or asking for handouts.

I'm lucky enough to still have my laptop, and when I can I like to find the time to write stories to a small but dedicated group of fans who read every cat murder mystery that I publish.

Without them I wouldn't be able to eat or do laundry or take a shower. All the things most people take for granted, but which I cherish.

Because of my readers I am blessed.