A woman from Oregon has chosen to live outside 24/7 and consume roadkill as a way to connect with nature and prevent animals from dying in vain.
In an unconventional lifestyle choice, Manders Barnett, a 32-year-old woman from Oregon, has been living outside in a tent for the past four years. She has embraced a nomadic existence to escape what she calls the “matrix” of the modern world and reconnect with nature. Barnett’s unique approach to sustenance involves consuming roadkill, a practice she believes honors the animals and prevents their deaths from being in vain. While her lifestyle may seem extreme to some, Barnett’s story sheds light on the human desire to live in harmony with the natural world.
Embracing the Nomadic Lifestyle
Barnett’s journey into the nomadic lifestyle began in July 2019 when she met a man who had been traveling on horseback for six years. Inspired by his pastoral way of life, she left her job as a wildlife technician and joined him on the road. Equipped with two mustangs named Huittsuu and Paxtwaylá, Barnett embarked on a 500-mile journey from Idaho to Oregon, living off the grid and surrendering everything she thought she knew.
The Roadkill Diet
Living outside 24/7 comes with its challenges, but Barnett has found innovative ways to sustain herself. While she does source some food from a local farm store, she also forages for flowers and mushrooms to supplement her meals. However, the most unconventional aspect of her diet is her consumption of roadkill. Barnett claims to have a keen sense for identifying fresh roadkill and prefers coyote and deer, considering them the safest options due to their organic diet. She ensures that no part of the animal goes to waste, using bones for tools and tanning hides for clothes and bags.
A Comfort Zone in Nature
Despite the hardships of living in a small canvas tent and encountering predators, Barnett feels at home in nature. She believes that modern humans have lost their connection to the land and the language of nature. By living outside and consuming roadkill, she pays her respects to the natural world and feels fulfilled in a way that the comforts of civilization cannot provide. Barnett’s unwavering commitment to her chosen lifestyle reflects her willingness to embrace the unknown and live a life that aligns with her values.
Conclusion:
Manders Barnett’s decision to live outside and consume roadkill may seem extreme to many, but it highlights the human desire to reconnect with nature and live in harmony with the environment. Her unique approach challenges societal norms and prompts us to consider our own relationship with the natural world. While eating roadkill may not be for everyone, Barnett’s story serves as a reminder that there are alternative ways of living that prioritize sustainability and respect for all living beings. As we navigate an increasingly urbanized world, perhaps we can find inspiration in Barnett’s journey to honor the animals and live a more fulfilled life.
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