Did you see this article?

**hoosierarcher** · 07-22-2009, 09:25 PM

http://men.style.com/details/feature...mbid=yhp&npu=1
Doesn't go into any depth of exactly how he lives through the seasons but I'd be willing to bet that there may well be a "begging bowl" involved. Not just dumpster diving and scrounging/foraging they mention.

**welderguy** · 07-22-2009, 09:52 PM

Yes I did http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...ead.php?t=7816

**pocomoonskyeyes** · 07-22-2009, 11:00 PM

Having been homeless I'd have to say you are probably right... We called it "flying a sign" I only did that three times, got enough money to get what I need and then bugged out. It's not something I'm proud of.But I survived for a year like that, and knew others who did as well. Where do you think the Tuna came from? I'm not surprised that He was a former professor either. I knew one that had a house and pension. Instead you would find him on the streets. His reasons were his own and not for me to divulge.
On the other hand I totally understand why the guy lives that way. when I lived "on the streets" I was more at peace with myself,and my creator, than any time before or since...and for that I miss it. If it hadn't been for my other half I would've stayed there. But she was also homeless and needed a home--the streets would've eventually chewed her up,and spit her out like old chewing gum.
It's harder getting off the streets than going to them, so some just don't try... and end up paying the ultimate price. A guy 100yds from my camp was killed for the $40 he had made that day. Homeless deaths aren't something that usually make the paper... or many cops even care about.Which is why they are sometimes the target of serial killers. On the street you can't really trust anyone.Even your "best friend" who will stick a knife in you 'cause you got the girl he wants.That is what happened to me. So yeah I understand why the guy was way out of town.Isolation can be safer. Sorry I'm so long winded... It just brought up memories,both good and bad. Please DO NOT pity me,it made me stronger,taught me much.For that it benefited me, and I wouldn't change it, Honestly.

**pocomoonskyeyes** · 07-23-2009, 12:01 AM

I hope I didn't upset/scare anyone. That was Not my intent. I only wanted others to understand.it's not a "free" lunch. A lot are the bums people think they are,alky's druggies, pimps etc. Some couldn't help it and others chose it. It Is Survival,sometimes at its most brutal. It is one of those situations you will never know what you will do UNTIL you are there. I hope you never have to Though.

**crashdive123** · 07-23-2009, 07:33 AM

Poco - you didn't scare anybody off. Your experiences probably taught you more about survival in that year in which you were homeless than many learn in a lifetime.

**Rick** · 07-23-2009, 07:38 AM

I second that. The homeless are true survivors with some special skills.

**pocomoonskyeyes** · 07-23-2009, 07:56 AM

WHEW!! thanks, I was afraid that I may have offended someone, or some such thing. It did teach a lot. Not all of it was what some would consider survival in the classical sense of the word. But too me Survival is doing what you have to do to stay alive, You may not like it but you do what you have to do.I am proud of one thing during that time.... I never stole anything. Only what was discarded,lost or freely given.
BTW just cal me Mel it's easier to type than Poco!!!

**Rick** · 07-23-2009, 07:58 AM

I think you defined classical survival pretty well. There are others on here that have been homeless and/or dumpster dived to make ends meet.

**welderguy** · 07-23-2009, 08:02 AM

Poco, you sound as tho you learned and grew from your experience, and are now a better person because of it.

**pocomoonskyeyes** · 07-23-2009, 08:12 AM

Well I try, It took a few years to get to the point of resembling a "normal"(whatever that is) citizen. You know the usual things everyone owns a home,car and horses.