Relaxing locally outside
- Wild Dirt
- Nov 8, 2021
- 2 min read
Situated just South of the downtown Dallas farmers market, West of Fair Park, North of what is typically known as South Dallas, and East of the Trinity River Basin is the Cedars neighborhood. The neighborhood is home to what we like to say is WildDirt’s Southern Basecamp. Throughout the area are warehouses, wholesale food distributors, dive bars, grassy empty lots, galleries, old houses, vacant wildflower-strewn land, artists lofts, and new condo construction. During the pandemic, I have roamed the area with Esther, WildDirt’s resident dog, as we got our daily sunshine and exercise. The other day I realized there is a large grassy lot that’s away from people and has two trees perfect for a hammock or dog tether line.
I set out to create a little picnic spot and relax locally outside. In my Barebones Harvesting & Gathering bag, I carried a few essentials. Here is what I tossed into it.
Relaxing Locally Outside Gear List
Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch Dog Tether System
Travel dog water bottle with water
Dog treats
Human treats
Water in a travel thermos
Helinox Chair One
Festival Blanket
Phone Charger and cord
Bluetooth Speaker
Kammock Roo Double Hammock and Python straps
Between two 25ft trees that generously shaded the area, I strung my Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch Dog Tether System. I looped each end of the line about 7 feet up the tree trunks so that it ran between the two trees to create a close-line like effect. A carabiner with an eyelet had the rope running through it and allowed Esther to move back and forth as the carabiner effortlessly slide on the cord. Instead of setting up my hammock, I opted to relax in my lightweight and collapsible Helonix chair that I also brought. Shoes off and legs stretched out on an old blanket purchased on the way to the Austin City Limits Music Festival I was finally ready to relax and enjoy a beautiful weekend afternoon.
With everything that is going on, it’s essential to find ways to get outside safely. Just as we need to eat correctly and exercise to be healthy, humans also need to be amongst natural elements, whether this takes place in your backyard, an empty green lot, or a frontcountry hiking trail close to home. Humans need to listen to the birds chirp. Hear the rustle of the wind amongst the trees. See the sun shining through translucent green leaves and feel the earth under our feet. Keep it simple and find a way to relax locally outside while staying safe for you and others.
