Finding Solace from a Chaotic World Alone in the Woods

Join Kenny of All Trades on his solo camping trip in the woods, where he finds solace from a chaotic world. Watch as he utilizes his truck camper for dry camping and boondocking, showing the beauty and serenity of being alone in the wilderness. #truckcamping #camping #drycamping #rvlife #vanlife

This week Toby and I are taking you to the Foothills State Forest. It is located west of Backus Minnesota. The Foothills is a 45,000-acre chunk of land full of public recreating activities. Most people are out here on 4 wheelers. I found a remote spot away from everyone. Toby and I enjoyed the sounds of nature and the crackle of a campfire.
Since I wasn't able to make a video last week I had some extra time on my hands. I'm usually editing until I pass out Sunday and Monday nights. This week I was waiting on parts and found myself going down the social media rabbit hole. The noise we are being forced feed by the media is disgusting and rotting my brain. I really needed this weekend to remind myself that we are only a tiny speck on the timeline of this earth. Something about seeing mother nature reclaiming this campsite was refreshing. I know some people will say I was in the wrong for mowing down the grass. But I don't see it that way. This spot has been being used for many years. I wasn't creating a new campsite; I was maintaining an existing one. I have found that people will leave more trash behind in an overgrown campsite compared to a site that being maintained. In law enforcement we would call this the broken glass theory. I hope I don't get to much grief for maintaining this site.
I contacted the Cass County Land Service Office this week to inquire about the tax forfeit land. I had people saying it was sad that people had lost their farms and homesteads for not being able to pay their taxes. I agreed but was unsure how such a big chunk of land, over 30,000 acres, was lost for not paying taxes. I learned a big portion of the land was abandoned by the lumber companies and railroad during the time of the depression. The were a few homesteads in the forests. People were given 160 acres of land with the agreement that the land would be improved for 5 years. The land proved to be not suited for agriculture. Once the lumber companies pulled out, there was nothing keeping the people around. The homesteads were also abandoned at that time. There are remnants remaining of the old railroad tracks and homesteads in the forest. Maybe one day I'll show them on the channel.
This area is full of history. I read about how the Dakota had settled this land up until the 1700 when they were forced out by the Chippawa. It was about that same time when the European fur traders showed up. There were many savage battles between everyone involved. I enjoyed learning about the significant historical importance of this land to the many tribes that have once inhabited here.
Thanks for hanging out with Toby and me this weekend. I hope you also found this week's adventure to be relaxing. We will see you again next week.
Kenny and Toby