Deep in the forest, I relied only on my hands, a sturdy knife, and nature’s bounty. First, I selected a sturdy ridgepole and lashed it between two trees using flexible green vines. Then, I leaned long branches against it at a steep angle, weaving smaller sticks through to form a dense lattice. Thick layers of pine boughs and ferns became my thatch, overlapping like shingles to shed rain. I packed moss into gaps for insulation and dug a small trench around the base for drainage. As dusk fell, my lean-to stood firm—a humble, handcrafted haven built with ancient skills and wild wisdom.
