I had a couple of such spots at the summer camp I worked at in Michigan, and the Harbour Green Park in Vancouver is another one. I never found a spot at Chapman, nor near any of the places I've lived in Orange County and LA. The closest I've come to is the various walks I would take and to take to Starbucks and other coffee shops.
I was driving back from Orange County today when I realized where this desire for a place of solitude came from. I was reflecting on life (as I often do when driving alone), and when I started thinking about my teenage years, I was reminded of my first spot. We moved to Michigan when I was 11, and the house we moved to had a lot of trees. Our previous house in Michigan had been somewhat tree deprived, so I loved climbing the trees in Michigan. It wasn't long before my dad built me a treehouse in the tree next the house. I guess I'd never thought about my dad being able to do that before then, as he was much more of an intellectual and white-collar. But he built a rather sturdy and awesome treehouse, and taught me a lot in the process. I had no idea what treated lumber was before this project, and I'm pretty sure I didn't know what chicken wire was, either.
So he built my treehouse, and I spent a LOT of time in it. Often with friends, and often solo. It was my spot. My brother and his friends had the roof of the garage (counting my treehouse, we had three ways of getting onto the roof without a ladder), and I and my friends had my treehouse.
When I was 16, we moved to a house about 10 miles away, and I was now too old for a new treehouse, and with the ability to drive and attending boarding school, I spent far less time at home, so the need for such a spot was lessened. I don't recall looking for a similar spot at that house, but I know that I can't think of anywhere on the property that would suffice.
I haven't really gone back to look at the old house where my treehouse was, but I do know that both the treehouse, and the tree that held it, are long gone. I know I'll keep looking for my spot, and future spots to come, but nothing will compare to my treehouse of old.
I also know that if I have kids, especially if a boy, I will do everything I can to provide them a treehouse, just as my dad did for me. Thanks for the treehouse Dad, and for instilling the desire to just get a way once in a while and enjoy life.
