My father lived 'wild' on Rannoch moor during the thirties, but he always had a home to come back to. I have friends who have, (and many who still do) lived in peace camps, woodland protest sites, in communes, in tepees with no modern facilities, in benders, in vans, and so on, but as they get older they realise that though the spirit might still lean towards willing, the flesh seems to find every Winter harder.....and they have no real choice of where they finally settle, even if it's only for a couple of years in one place or other. They are dependant on social housing, or cheap rents from private landlords.
Many of them have fallen through the social net, and find themselves unable to gain employment (can look dodgy with no permanent address) no dentist, no confidence in being able to see the same doctor, no easy way of organising hospital appointments, damned hard work keeping clean enough to be 'acceptable' for employers, no simple way to register to vote, claim benefits, etc., renewing passports is a nightmare, and driving licences can be an issue too.
The internet makes a huge difference in some very positive ways though, but some form of address is a vital part of being in a modern society. Ours has been used as the address for several friends over the years even though they have never lived here.
We live simply and comfortably in a modest home with no debt, no rent, no mortgage, no high bills or expenses, but in a very peaceful and beautiful bit of the country.
A little forethought and planning can mean that choice isn't a burden, and HWMBLT retired at 53, so 'having' to continue working to pay for property is a fallacy.
Had either of my sons been in Thenihilist's situation then I firmly suspect that to be in control of their own future would have played a large part in their determination not to be so vulnerable to the vagaries of circumstances ever again.
In the area where he lives he is fortunate that good housing need not be expensive, I know that many don't have that choice.
All that said though, boats are good
if you're handy and capable, in the long term
To know oneself capable of living pretty much on fresh air, your wits and goodwill is one thing; to 'have' to because you have no options is not a good scenario.
If he has tanned four cowskins in the last week, I'm both astonished and impressed. In our damp climate though, leather tents aren't really a good idea if you have any other option. Right enough, Fife is the driest bit of the country, so it might not be the worst choice......but a week ? that can really only be braintanned, (smoked too ? ) because cowhide properly tannin tanned takes weeks/ months and the working of the leather to suppleness is damned hard work; but wet leather isn't fun.
Ah, best of luck to him, it's -7degC here just now, and it's perishing cold, but the rain'll be back on soon enough, and it's Winter time, barely eight hours of daylight......I've said it before, it's a long time dark.
cheers,
Toddy