wood-burning stove . The cabin has no running water ; for that , he has to walk up to the main building on the homestead that is owned by Ken and Ann Smith . He initially thought he could collect rainwater outside the cabin until he realized that waste from the caterpillars in the trees overhead would fall into the water and ruin it .
A few feet away from the cabin is a fire pit surrounded by a group of chairs for friends who come to visit . They have spent evenings singing , playing instruments , and trading stories .
For people looking to be more comfortable in the woods , Taz recommends starting small — like hiking , learning whittling and knife skills , and making a fire — even if it ’ s just in the backyard . “ Develop your intimacy with the woods so you can feel more comfortable being out in the woods ,” he says . “ Making a fire is fun — and very empowering to start a fire from simple , basic things .” n
Taz grows and harvests much of his own produce from the garden a few feet away from his treehouse .
Spring 2025 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // 69