Dear Dani,

 

For four nights last week I slept in your little tent.  It is just the right size for one person, some clothes, a reading light and a book, or very cozy for one person and her loveable big dog. 

In setting it up I found the REI labels had been crossed through by a Sharpie pen, indicating that you had purchased this tent from a sidewalk sale at the REI.  Like myself you liked to shop and not spend a lot of money.  I picture in my mind the sidewalk sale you attended, waiting out in the cold, maybe even camping overnight to get first pick at the returned merchandise.  I have done this myself.  I wonder, were we ever at the same sale?

Also upon setting up the tent I found a handful of pine needles and bark still rolled up inside.  A little bit of Alden's dog fur was combined, indicating he may have been the guilty party who brought it in.   I shook the tent out in the outfield of a Crystal Lake ball field.  The very place I showed your friend I had camped before.  I found it only fitting that the fur be left in the little city where you and Alden lived.  It's not far from your room at the little house on Debord Street. 

Thanks again for the hand-me-down.  It is lightweight and efficient enough for me to carry when packing my self into the woods and it will work very well for me for many years.  There may be more modern looking and colorful tents with extra zippers and fancy windows but here is a case where just enough will do.  

My respect and love,
Russ~