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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Listening Point - General Discussion :: Jon Turk and a home
 
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missmolly
09/26/2017 08:45PM
  
The great explorer, Jon Turk, says that a home is the end of dreams, that a home requires so much time and energy and so many resources that it puts you on a short leash. Now, Jon owns a home, but it's a shack in the mountains and it's pretty basic. Water comes from a creek. You poop in an outhouse. And Jon's leash wraps around the world, again and again and again. So, has anyone lived sans home to live large or wanted to do so?
 
mastertangler
09/26/2017 08:51PM
  
Nope........I love my home. Always another project to keep me occupied. If I want some adventure I can sit in my recliner and read about Jon Turks deprivations. Does he have any books out ;-)
 
nctry
09/26/2017 09:08PM
  
No great explorer here, but I've been living in a hunting shack / cabin for a good number of years. The plan was to one day build and I'm doing that now between health issues. But I always had to decide... build or more adventure. Adventure was winning until I realized my body isn't cooperating anymore.

The shack (built in '59 by my dad and grandpa who was mom's dad), I've spent many weeks in different seasons over the years. But to live here was the dream. After getting busted up in a four-wheeler accident, I moved to the cities from Cloquet. A friend paid me well to run some crews. I built some fun chimneys and fireplaces down there. But oh, it was the cities.

I made my move shortly after losing my mom. Everyone thought I was going to turn into a hermit. There was no way. I had a rough go, but kept on going. When I realized I could still paddle, I dove in all the way. Many great adventures. Added water and sewer and built a small bathroom. Boy, what luxury.

With health issues hitting me kinda hard, I decided to build and it's taking shape. My door is almost always open now to friends who want to escape the cities. I'm not much, but I got to live some dreams. Best moments, besides my eight grandkids being here, is my friends. Who knows what I'll get to do next year. All I know is it'll be a blast!
 
Unas10
09/27/2017 04:56AM
  
"Jon Turk, says that a home is the end of dreams."


What if my dreams are of a home of my own?


I would also venture that many of his dreams were able to be fulfilled because there are people out there in homes that are living their dreams by building kayaks and skis and operating ski resorts.


Dreams are pretty subjective.

The dreams I have followed that involved leaving my home were nice, but coming back home was nice also.
 
Savage Voyageur
09/27/2017 05:48AM
  
I would give up too much to live his lifestyle, and I'm not willing to do that.
 
Spartan2
09/27/2017 06:22AM
  
Nope. I think we did "live large." We had a good marriage, two beautiful children, interesting employment that supported us well enough to be able to raise our family and still be able to take time off to have some adventures.


We started off in a mobile home. Our first real "home" was very modest by most people's standards, and actually, the one we are in now is also modest. We retired with no mortgage, and when we bought our lake place we bought it for cash. We have been sensible, but we have had a lot of fun, too.


And now we share our lives with two beautiful grandchildren. I am very glad that we have a home.
 
missmolly
09/27/2017 08:16AM
  
Ben, I thought about you when I contemplated the question, having lived simply in the northwoods. I might be moving in the opposite direction of you someday. You've seen my house. I love it, but it's excessive. I'd be happy with something simple in the northwoods.


MT, you're right to note Turk's deprivations. I once interviewed a professional cyclist who said, "Whoever is willing to suffer the most wins." That applies to those who expedition too.



 
thebotanyguy
09/27/2017 11:16AM
  
Many years ago, when I was a much younger man, I worked at a job that involved considerable traveling. I stayed in a different place every night. It was fine for a while, but I came to realize that I much preferred coming home to a familiar place every evening. Even though I lived modestly until I was married, I found comfort in being surrounded by my stuff in my "nest".
 
mastertangler
09/27/2017 11:24AM
  
Yes mam Miss Molly............Lots of my favorite reads are intrepid people facing very harsh conditions.

if you have some time then "Arctic Adventure" by Peter Freuchen is hands down the most interesting and most readable adventure book I have ever read. He often built his home on the go with a snow knife ;-)
 
nctry
09/27/2017 11:57AM
  
Miss Molly, I may be building... But sq footage won't be much more than I got. Looking forward to thick walls and more open floor plan. I did add a loft instead of building a full upstairs. It'll walk out to my garage. Pretty basic and all I need. I don't even plan on living in it 100%. I'm letting my kids take over a lot of things. When people come to camp I want them to feel comfortable coming in and using the place.

So are you thinking of building something smaller? I can tell a lot of thought went into your place. It is really a dream home.

When I traveled hauling canoes I loved being on the road. But coming home was such a joy. Canoe adventures are the same. I don't see anything holding me back to do more except my body. I decided a real house was in order. So away I build. MM, if you do build it will be another amazing house.
 
missmolly
09/27/2017 04:51PM
  
Thanks, Ben. I've worked hard on it and it's been fun, but I could walk away one day.


Thick walls are smart. Otherwise, you literally burn your money.