A Living Magazine - Day 131 - Around Circle City

I was happy with the level area in which the tent was standing. But, the base of the tent (which sat directly on compressed damp sand) was cold. The sleeping bag's thin bottom layer - along with my weight on it - created a thermal bridge, constantly drawing heat away from my body. I vowed to find a solution this coming night. Ideally, I should have a sleeping mat, but I don't have room for it in my pack. Other than that, the spot was great; in some ways, even more camouflaged, with less brush around it, and very large-leafed trees above me.

I was a hungry dude, not having eaten much the day before. I'd noticed that Meridian Street was the best route in and out of the downtown area, and it had fast food restaurants, pharmacies and the very large and impressive library. It also led directly to Monument Circle and Starbucks. When I got to McDonald's I had the chuckle...

Laziness inCARnate--I did it too, but jeez.

I'm sorry, but I still think this drive thru system is a waste of gas and time. The parking lot was nearly empty, as was the inside of the restaurant. It would have taken three minute to get food by just parking and running in. But, at this point, I just say, "Hey America, squander as much fossil fuel as you can! Let's empty it right out, so we can move on." Unfortunately, it also comes with an environmental carbon dioxide price tag. Not my issue, folks. I walk and take public transportation. I can safely say that I do my best to leave a small carbon footprint. Just have to smell all that exhaust though.
 

Poor thing. Got a bad feeling about this one.

Cat-spider-thing. And, that aint no web.

After my fancy McBreakfast, I walked on toward Monument Circle, passing the immense library (five floors, cafe, multiple restrooms)...

Indianapolis Central Library.

I worked at Starbucks for eight hours and published my post (still one behind). When I left, the sky had not changed since my morning "commute". It was time to take some pictures and I thought it might be interesting to do it now, as the night faded in. Talk about monuments? This place is stuffed to the hilt with them. Let's just walk around the circle a bit...

The panoramic feature on my camera breaks down with circular views.

There is a program to fix these shots, and I downloaded it,

but have not yet installed it for lack of space.

Two of these orbit the circle each evening.

Nice hearse.

Christ Church.

Holy stogie! Nearly two inches wide! And don't ya'll go lookin' for no red fire hydrants!

Alley between the Christ Church and a bank.
It's so narrow, don't ya think?

AT&T.

Armed robbery. Always something exciting downtown!

Nymphs in a Dionysian dance.

World War Memorial (built before they knew there'd be a second one).

I headed back up Meridian to the campsite. Here is what I saw...

Scottish Rite Cathedral.

Back by the library.

One of my favorite shots. I call it "Pharmacy Corner".
Hatfields and McCoys, figuratively shooting across the median strip.

PBS Local Station. I will be dropping off a card there before leaving town.
Maybe they will be interested?

This and the building I called my "front yard" in the last

post were a pretty good snag, for a community college.

I was back at the camp spot. Now came the challenge of cutting off that thermal bridge I spoke of at the top of this post had to be addressed. I knew that some kind of leaf cover would do it. But, the leaves all over the ground were pretty nasty and I didn't want to be carrying armloads. 

I spied the large leaves of the Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) that were all around. They were still green, which meant they would create a similar bridge, but I hypothesized that the space between them and the ground might break the transfer of heat. So, my newest experiment commenced... 

Big leaves under the tent might stop the heat from the

sleeping bag from being sucked into the ground?

Secondarily, it should keep the base of the tent clean.

Then, it was a matter of setting up camp. It still amazes me that I can carry the equivalent of a whole shelter, clothes closet, medicine cabinet, bed and office on my back...

Staying in Indianapolis was becoming more like a classic camping trip, except that all the amenities of the city also lay around me for daytime use. Win-win! I was very happy here so far. The daily routine was easily, I'd beaten the rain on three nights, the tent was spacious and I was learning what it took to deal with any new problems that crept up. The Spark was gently telling me that I should enjoy it while it lasts. And, I did. I worked on some music and then fell asleep. The next day - Halloween - was supposed to be a rainy one.

Interesting to note that last year--during the Manifest Destiny Journey, in Charlestown, Rhode Island, it was the same case--rain. But there, I had only the green tarp. Back then, my buddy Jeff was coming down the next day to see how I was doing and offered to drive me to Connecticut. He supplied me with many of the items I still use today. The shirt on my back, being one of them. It is both appropriate and auspicious (perhaps?) that he had now supplied the tent that you see in the picture above.

Circles being completed, in Circle City.