Adventure

I went on an adventure today. After work Paul, Tamiko and I decided to explore the greater Dayton railroad system to find the bum campground. Bum Camp is less than a mile away from my shop tucked away under 4 track rail bridge that is well hidden betwen 2 warehouses.

We found it from above. Looking over the bridge, we saw beds (pads stolen from patio furniture), a couch (without cushions), and a lot of empty 40 oz beer bottles. We also smelled and heard a camp fire. All the luxury of home without the nagging problem of a mortgage payment and no carpets to vacuum. I was wondering where they bathe and shit until I found them taking a bum bath in the restroom of the warehouse where my shop is.

The secret bum lair is also no secret to the police. They drive by constantly and do nothing. I pondered this for a while and came up with a reason why they're ignored. Bum camp is located in the sketchy warehouse area with empty buildings and vacant lots. The downtown area is less than a mile west, however there are railroads and bridges separating the bustling metropolis from the desolate warehouses. Provided the vagrant population stays away from downtown, no one cares that they are there. The ones that live in parks and bus stops downtown are constantly harassed by the cops.

So we know where they are, and why they set up camp there, but now I feel another mission. I want to why they're bums. I have to know how someone can come to living under a bridge and why they choose to stay there and not improve their situation. Yes, I know crack and meth are contributing factors, but the question remains.