Beginner’s Mind: A Lifelong Ground Sleeper Takes to the Trees

Stopping for a mid-day coffee-in-the-drizzle and foot-airing. The day had been a frustrating slog of chilly precipitation, bushwhacking, and route finding. Hot liquid, caffeine, and a meal improved morale considerably, as I knew it would. Group management is one of the lessons I (rear, right) taught my friends. In return, they taught me how to hang a hammock. Photo: Nick Ramey