Those times of freedom were the high points of my early life. They continued into young adulthood, really; after I had my daughter I just brought her with me. Now I’m starting to get the boys involved. I think I’d forgotten how much I love playing in creeks until recently.

But it sounds like you were still basically good kids. Wish I’d had an ocean nearby! But we had creeks, and as a teenager I spent a LOT of time in them. And I never, ever wore shoes except to work. In fact, I didn’t even wear shoes into the grocery store where I did work unless I was actually working. I still hate wearing them to drive or do anything. I love mud between my toes.

I’ve so long associated my total freedom with doing reckless, dangerous, unhealthy things that I have been very strict with my teenage daughter. Yet I’ve always regretted that she wouldn’t have “adventures” like I did. But no worries, she’s creating her own adventures in spades.

If you haven’t read Glass Castles, you should. It’s another example of a totally bizarre upbringing. I’m glad I married someone who’s not disturbed or crazy like I am, or my kids could have written the sequel.

We lived a mile from the ocean in southern California and the Pacific was my own private sea. I would spend entire summers roaming the dunes, rocks, and jetties. A family that owned an Italian deli semi-adopted us and gave us food in exchange for a little work.

We committed no crimes, caused no trouble, found missing dogs, drank out of hoses, and went barefoot the entire time. Cops and old ladies gave us rides and we didn’t know we were poor. Honestly, it was the coolest time in my life and a big reason why I became a biologist.

My kids didn’t enjoy quite that much freedom, but more than most children. And they’re more independent than most of their peers.

I grew up playing in the woods, digging in the sand, wading through the creek. We did some things we probably shouldn’t have, but on the whole it was an incredibly positive experience. I was also a Girl Guide, so learned all sorts of outdoor survival techniques that way too.