A bunch of years ago, I had a business trip to Concord. I re-read Walden Pond shortly before going, and I stayed in the Inn that his parents owned (it's still there.) I didn't actually visit Walden Pond (it's still there too) but I was surprised at how close it is to the Inn at the center of Concord. He described it as if he had set off into the wilderness to survive on his own, but it really is more like he built a treehouse in his neighbor's back yard.

This map [0] shows the center of town at the top, and his cabin 1.3 miles away at the bottom.

[0] https://goo.gl/maps/Wih3s6iTJ3u

Yeah, I used to live in the area and went to see Walden Pond a few times. There's a big pile of stones where his house used to be; it became a 'thing' for everyone who sees it to toss one onto the pile. They also have a recreation of his hut.

But like you said, he wasn't exactly roughing it. I was being sarcastic about the whole 'hero' thing, he could've walked to a grocery store if he wanted to.

I've since moved to Seattle, where there are all kinds of people living in tents and huts on private land, occasionally with permission. Most people don't seem to view it very favorably out here. Can't imagine why; maybe it's one of those East Coast / West Coast things. Also, in fairness to the guy, I don't think Thoreau was associated with too many stabbings or shootings.

With his mother still doing his laundry. Not exactly Lewis and Clark grade adversity.

We are so far off topic, I might as well add that his food frequently came from his mother. He was not so self sustaining as some seem to think.