#40 - Forts and Tree Houses

My Playhouse
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​I always wanted a tree house or a tree fort. I never had one, but I did get this crazy looking playhouse when I was about 5 or 6.

This is how it looked after it arrived in our backyard, one blissful day.

My friend, Diane and I had discovered "the shed" in a nearby alley and I begged my parents to talk to the owners. We bought it for $15 dollars and somehow got it on the tailgate of the station wagon. This is how it looked before new paint and windows. I adored it, and so did the rest of the neighborhood kids.

Exotic Forts
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​When staying  in Thailand a week ago, I spotted these children enjoying a rustic platform fort, like the ones my friends and I attempted to create when we lived in Florida.

The funny platform was sitting beside a large covered sitting area with pillows and low tables, where tourists sipped cocktails and studied the surrounding beauty of Railay Beach.

Out on a Limb
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​This is the image that caught my attention. Oh how I would have adored a cozy fort, balanced on a limb above the water, when I was young.

I watched a young couple climb out and snuggle on the pillows, until a barefooted waiter, holding 2 drinks scurried out on the bouncing limb to make a delivery. 

My Anxious 6 Year Old Self
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​As I sat under the large palapa with my family, sharing drinks and playing Yahtzee, I couldn't take my eyes off the playful sitting area.  I wanted my turn.

When the couple finally left, I jumped up and dashed over before the spot was taken. By the time I walked out on the unsteady limb, the tide had gone out and the bed of rocks below did not look comforting.
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Made it!
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My family didn't seem to share my giddy enthusiasm, but at least they humored me and took photos.

Lonely Out Here!
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​The low tide made the setting less ideal, but the distant view was stunning.

 Suddenly it seemed silly to be out there alone. Forts and tree houses and playhouses are meant to be shared.

Sharing with Heidi
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​I'm glad my daughter was game to join me for a while. My adventure felt complete. 

Then I headed back and gave my spot over to Heidi's fiance, Jamie. 

What an unexpected Fort Adventure!