The Female Survivalist

Occupy Chicago 2012- Holy Sssssss

2012-02-08T20:45:00.000-08:00

I saw a youtube clip on my facebook page today. Its a heads up on the Occupy Chicago May 1, 2012. So, I went to youtube and did a search. There are several posted:

I was going to post today about learning survival common plants, but this is really way bigger for the survivalist. What sort of turn out can be expected?

They hope to draw 500,000, did I read that right? That is going to be one hoedown. These clips actually are presenting real ideas, and a growing movement of resistance and demand. Politicians, will they take notice?

Ok, so back to my edible plants.

Pen Names and Such

2012-02-07T05:01:00.000-08:00

As the female survivalist, I'm often coming to terms with what some might call gender bias. I don't know, does it still exist? Some claim that females aren't taken seriously in the thriller-survialist novel genre. I found it harder to write "love" scenes, or raw visuals, so decided to change my signature and see what happens. I'm feeling more Dangerous already!

An End of Days by C.J. Wellman.

Book Two, All Hell Won't Wait will be changed to sequence this, later this week, under my Pen name (just initials, nothing dramatic). We'll see what happens.

I guess sinc I have decided to do a "pen name" for my novels, they're a little harder to find.

The Great Revision-Thoughts about Ham Radios

2012-02-06T14:54:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to Flo for her encouragements!
Ok, so here's the scoop, and the reason I haven't posted in a week.
This whole fiction apocalyptic adventure began when I asked myself: If the power grid went down, or say, Washington D.C was taken out by terrorists, how long would it take us, back in the boonies, to find out?
I started writing a fiction novel about that idea, exploring it. We've been without power for days, and we'd just sorta figure it was the same thing, a tree down, equipment failure, whatever. It might be a week before we ever found out for sure.
As I wrote the book, I thought about all the skills we would need to help us survive the thing. I ended up buying a woodstove, figuring out a passive water system, bought a solar shower.

One thing led to another and a second book, and third, evolved. They call these little 22,000 word books novellas. I explored what would happen if say, my man was killed by bad bears, and I was out here alone to deal with enemy factions.

I am from the north, and not so comfortable with weapons, I'm admitting that right now. I'm working on my self defense skills.

Then, I thought about a very dark side, like a woman could go rouge, became indifferent or even fascinated by bloodshed, after going through hell defending herself and her family. People might turn into cannibals. It would be easy to prey on the weak human element instead of actually hunting, fishing, or making gardens.

When these smaller books were finished, it occurred to me that the government issues should be dealt with. What if the feds could recover, move the headquarters, enact martial law and try to take back their power?

Bottom line, I've been doing a revision, and all four books have been compiled into this one, hence no blog for nearly a week. Sort of regrouping, using my initials as a pen name for fiction.
Book two involves the feds getting ready to retake the control. I've been researching ham radios. How else would the citizens tell each other the feds were coming, going to come down hard on local governments trying to help their own people survive a shit hits the fan scenario? The Greeks and Romans sent runners. We had a pony express before telegraphs. Boat people could bring news, like the mountain men did in their great rondevous.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_radio

The ham radio thing is in my mind, and I'm looking at this old time skill in a new way. Is it a dying skill? Our modern wifi and satelite communications are power dependent, we need the grid for them to work.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_radio_homebrew
According to this link, ham radios can use as little as one watt of power, totally do able with solar or ethanol survivalist skills.

How about carrier pigeons, would they be used as well to relay information, warning of the military action against non-compliants? How far would the military go to retake the country? Probably heads would roll.

I've uploaded this revision, and I think its way better, and flows. It should be available tomorrow, an e-book.

Links at at the right sidebar if you're interested. It's only $2.99.

A Simple Pain Solution!

2012-01-31T15:19:00.000-08:00

I've been fighting groin pain for over a year. I've been to doctors, had ultra sounds, taken 3 rounds of anti-biotics.

Then, after a nurse suggested it was Diverticulitis I found myself on the right track.
I had no idea what it even was, but went home, googled it, and found out these things happen when seeds and nuts cause havoc in the digestive track.

Well, after a few days on a liquid diet I'm nearly pain free.

Talk about a simple solution. I would have tried this a year ago if I had know.

This post is just to say that sometimes the simplest solutions give the best results.
They say dogs lay low when not feeling good.

They go off their feed.

Well, works for me.
Survivalists take note: this is a cheap remedy. Can't hurt to ever try this remedy.

Laying a False Trail

2012-01-26T17:19:00.000-08:00

I'm reading The Death of Albert Johnson-Mad Trapper of Rat River , by Heritage House Publishing Co.

Albert Johnson was a sketchy individual who built himself an 8 x 12 fortress up near the Klondike in Canada. He dug 3 feet deep, built 5 foot walls, sloping roof, and covered it all with 2 feet of dirt. This structure was chinked with dirt, too, with a stout door, actually underwent a dynamite invasion and the man survived.

But, back to the story. The guy wasn't so much big as an endurance expert. Able to single handedly paddle upstream to the Rat River, accomplishing feats the mounted Police wondered at.

Trouble was, he wouldn't answer the door when they came knocking. Frustrated, the visiting police report him, obtain a search warrant and reinforcements. Johnson fires through his own front door, hitting a man and that is the end of life as he knew it.

This drama played out in the Northwest Territories in 1931-1932. His house was small enough he could shoot from inside in all four directions after knocking out some chinks. Then the dyanimte bundle was launched, hit the roof, exploded. No one thought he could survive, but he did and proceeded to lead his enemies on a chase through out the region.

The guy should have probably answered the door.
I was impressed by his endurance, able to lay 2 miles of false trail for every one mile of true. He would wear his snowshoes backwards, then retrace again. He'd cross rivers and mountains said to be impossible.

This leads to the conclusion, to survive a shit hits the fan scenario, we need to be in Shape!

Eventually they do catch the guy and a shoot out occurs on a frozen lake, resulting in17 bullets taking out Johnson. One of his sins is that he was a "hermit", taciturn and independent to the point of rudeness.

There's always two sides to a story. The guy wanted to be left alone in the frozen wilderness to trap and smoke his pipe. He didn't fit in, he did have skills.

This book is 94 pages with a lot of photos. An interesting read.

Extreme Survival in Winter

2012-01-23T05:49:00.000-08:00

It's been pretty warm here in North East Georgia, so no snow to play in so far. I'm from the north, and snow, ice and sub zero temps were the norm. I saw this really good clip about Extreme Survival on the Weather Channel. Several people gave their stories, among them a neat Japanese dude who says its way better than a round of golf. He loves it out there, near Mt. Rainier, bring it baby.

http://www.weather.com/weather/videos/news-41/top-stories-169/chaser-describes-birmingham-storm-damage-25791#loc=62/436/25739
He used his socks to start his fire, then burned $6 in cash to start it.

The weather channel has a great site, though:
http://www.weather.com/weather/videos/news-41/top-stories-169/chaser-describes-birmingham-storm-damage-25791

This link tells the importance of layers, keeping those layers clean for maximum warmth:

http://dsc.discovery.com/adventure/extreme-cold-weather-survival-tips-2.html

This goes right along with keeping your sleeping bag clean. If you find its not doing the job anymore, try washing it before throwing it out.

I washed my Marmot 800 goose down bag after literally hundreds of nights/ thousands of trail miles. Its good as new...well, taking into account the tiny hole that's been stitched up, and some abrasion from AT shelter floors.

Anyways, my whole take away from this was: in a survival situation, what are the things, or thing I would want, most of all.
My list:

Fire tools, first and foremost, redundancy is fine, preferred, actually: matches, lighter, flint, cotton and petroleum firestarters. A candle would be nice. Take plenty and double bag for water protection. In a survival situation, those extra baggies can collect water or food.

A vapor barrier, large plastic bags, silnylon tarp, rain suit, plastic sheeting all fit in this category. Perfect for holding body warmth in, protection from the elements, allowing to sleep on dry surface, able to walk out.

Cutting tool, preferably a decent knife, razor blade, emergency saw. I don't go for these multipurpose tools, but that would fit here too. These would be useful in many ways, cutting limbs for shelter, firewood, cordage. Really, its the last on the list cause a person can make due without a cutting implement.

Most importantly, this list does me no good unless its with me. I've got this stuff in my car. I need to carry it on my trails. Day hikers get lost, adventurers get turned around. Add some food, and its amazing. One story told of a lady surviving 7 weeks on jerky and gorp when their vehicle became stranded in Nevada.

Right At Your Door-Movie Review

2012-01-22T07:20:00.000-08:00

This is a must see movie for any survivalist.

Heartrending shit, too.

I'm surfing through channels and see this 2006 suspense movie with Mary McCormack and Rory Cochrane: Lovers must remain apart after dirty boms explode in Los Angeles.

My only complaint is the IFC channel has started doing commercial breaks. See this movie without commercials if you can.

Nearly the whole thing takes place around the couples home. The man tries to get his wife, but is turned back by armed gas wearing cops, who shoot another trying to flee. He goes back home, listening to the radio. We recieve so much information on the crisis, genius way of making it so real without running us all over the city.
A maintanence man joins him, and they are instructed to tape up the house, seal everything. The phones, electric, water all still work.

I ask myself, do we have enough plastic and tape to do this should it come to that? He has alot, because eventually his wife, who escapes from the ground zero red zone, coughing and totally contaminated, gets some space inside their home, sectioned off and completely sealed from him.

Its both a love story and survival story. Not a sugary thing, not a chick flick. They both realize he's not going to tear down the barriers so they can die together.
One thing leads to another and the feds and public service announcements try to control crowds, most of which are unarmed.

Without giving the very disturbing and totally realistic ending away, I'll say there's an unexpected twist that leaves you wanting an arsenol of home defense weapondry for escaping your own home.

The grid plays an important part of this scenario. Without the radio and phones, our story would go untold and people might chose to flee rather than wait for the help that is promised and comes in a very unexpected way.

The bottom line: people don't really matter, governments do.

This is a movie I plan to watch with my partner when he returns from his dive trip.
wow

All Hell Won't Wait

2012-01-20T05:42:00.000-08:00

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006ZRGWBI
All books can stand alone, there's plenty of back story in book 5, if you haven't read the first 4 yet.

An excerpt from book 5:

20. All Hell Breaks Loose

Carla assembled all her weapons and ammunition on the kitchen table. She had jerked it into the living room where it claimed a central position, and removed all the throw rugs from the floors.

Brew watched her take each weapon apart and expertly wipe it down. She reloaded each to capacity, checked the chamber, and removed the safeties. She laid each carefully in position, organizing them according to ballistics and started on the knives. She tested each blade and honed the ones deemed lame. Brewmaster watched her assemble candles and solar lights, and count out the remaining matches.

“They could be delayed, too. You still have to eat.”

“I’m fine, I’ll grab something later.” She had come straight home from the river and taken initiatives.

Someone pounded on the door and Carla said, “Can you get that for me Brew?” She continued arranging the weapons. She wiped the binoculars and straightened the cord, and laid the night vision monocular next to it. Her hand ran lovingly over each piece.

“Yeah, she’s working on them now,” he said. Brewmaster stood aside to let the sheriff and Apache pass into the room. The men walked over and surveyed the arsenal.

“O’Leery’s on the way. The deputies are going door to door, talking to everyone, getting things ready. We’ve been through this, Carla. It will be alright,” Snyder said.

She glanced up and nodded absently. Apache’s brow furrowed and he asked, “What’s on your mind?”

“We’re living on borrowed time.” Brew and Apache remembered the night they met the Hendersons, the night she’d walked into camp after gleaning information from a temporary hostage. Unless they urged her to speak her mind, she’d continue on her path alone.

“What else?” Apache asked, placing a dark hand on her arm. She stopped and looked up at the tall warrior.

“What worries me, why would they give them a specific date? How could the main contingency be sure? Or if the advance parties were discovered and gave up the information, we would be ready. Waiting. If anything, they’ll be early. We’ve been living on borrowed time.”

The men watched her. Sheriff Snyder said, “I’ve never known you to be scared, Carla.”

O’Leery burst into the room, panting. “I got here as fast as I could.”

“Carla’s giving us inside info, listen up,” Snyder said.

She paused, glanced at Brew and swallowed. “I am scared; Sheriff and you should be too. But, more importantly I’m fucking pissed.” Brewmaster hid a smile. It was no time to be smiling. He erased the image of her on his desk and stepped closer to check her mini 14. He scowled at the scratches on the barrel, pointed it towards the back door and checked the sites.

“Outliers? They’ll eat their own mother, play a hand of poker and fight over her scraps.” Carla continued, passionately, “They’re armed scavengers, thieving murderers with no soul. Bastards who operate in darkness, alone, undercover. They won’t come full out, like an army we can see and surround.” She let that sink in. “Picture 30 or more vicious cannibals, roaming at will, raping River Town with nothing to lose, Sheriff. Those are the men we’ll be fighting, who will be targeting your house and mine and everything we hold dear.”

She shook her head and watched Captain Rickman lay down the rifle. “They are coming.”

The River Patrol and Sheriff Snyder stood around Carla’s war chest. Not a finger moved or a muscle twitched. The sun had not set before the red moon rose.

“The hanging is at high noon, tomorrow. I want you all to be there,” Snyder said and left. Apache doubled the 24-7 watch and dogs were paired with the town patrols.

O’Leery saw a farmer pulling a load into town and flagged down a ride. “We’ll be fine, darling,” he said and hobbled out to the road.

Brew urged her to spend the night at his house. She declined, “Our homes were both marked. If they took either as a command post, we’d be in deep shit. I’ll keep my lights off and watch tonight.”

“The candle is the signal.”

“Hold the fort, Rickman,” she said and walked him to the door. He wrapped his arms around her, knowing she wouldn’t rest until this was over. She heard his heart beating strong. They’d make it.

About 3 a.m. the dogs started barking. She monitored each of the windows, established a pattern of surveillance. His main floor lights were on. She kept hers off. The moonlight cast an eerie glow, enough to see by. Carla opened a window. Far across town dogs were howling.

The dogs quit and all was quiet. Too quiet. She shut her windows and made sure her doors were locked and braced each one with a chair. Carla tiptoed upstairs with her night vision and scoped in each direction. Then, she returned to the first floor.

A soft rapping on the south window startled her. She eased over and peered into the darkness. Captain Rickman signaled he was going to take a look and indicated the stream behind their houses.

The man was terrifying, head to toe camouflaged, armed to the teeth. She recognized his weapons and his walk. The eyes that flashed from his mask were unmistakable.

leapt into the woods. He lowered his pistol and turned west. The red moon, poignant in heartless observation, was an omen of more blood to come.

The long night was finally over and the sun rose brilliantly in a perfect blue sky. Sunlight glinted over changing hues. The patrols checked in with the main office and reported minor disturbances. They figured the harvest moon had spooked them all.

The kids were sent off to class as normal, packing lunches and pockets full of show and tell. Brewmaster and Carla walked past the school on the way to the square. They checked the building before the kids arrived. All was unmolested, secure and pronounced safe. The kids entered noisily, chattering about the candy apples the teachers promised they would make today and the biggest pumpkin ever in the Hoffman’s field.

The patrol crossed the street and checked the hospital. The nurse reported rustlings during the night. The doctor had checked the yard, run over to the lab and returned home unalarmed. Brewmaster noted the firearms in the lab, but Paul said they expected a quiet day after the last dose of penicillin was administered.

Brewmaster said it was time for the hanging. The doctor frowned, “They were the cause of this whole mess, but I was able to complete my research as a result. The silver lining, kids!”

Carla promised to come back later that afternoon and take another look around. She told the cook to keep watch and let them know if any food, table scraps, or garbage went missing. Brew grabbed her arm and pulled her away, chuckling, “It’s almost noon. Let’s go.”

“I don’t think you’re taking this seriously,” she accused.

“We’ve been through this before. Every man and woman is armed and well trained, and they have something to lose.”

A large crowd had already gathered to watch justice being served. No children were allowed. The Pastor was glad the innocents were unable to witness the thou-shalt-not-kill commandment being broken. It was a sin. If they’d only given him more time, the Bean family could have been saved.

The River Patrol felt relief knowing the outliers would hang in the square beneath the large oak that yielded bumper crops year upon year. The Beans were led to the 6 x 8 plank hastily braced between cinder blocks. It had been years since they hung anyone. The novelty called for a large attendance. Wagons and horses were parked in the center of the town square while the owners stood nearby to watch.

“I thought they put black hoods over their heads,” a chubby farm woman whispered loudly.

Her husband shrugged and said, “Hush, Margret, listen to the Sheriff.”

“For crimes of conspiracy, attempted murder and espionage, these three are hereby found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging.”

Felicia was sobbing. Rob was a vegetable. Only Billy remained defiant. They climbed unto the plank and felt the heavy ropes go around their necks. Three men hauled on the first and Billy swung free, kicking. They jerked hard and he collapsed, eyes bulging from dripping sockets.

The three moved to the next rope, hauled on it and Rob joined his brother. Their faces were frozen in agony. The crowd hushed when the three executioners moved to the final rope.

Apache held out a dark arm and called, “Brand her and let her go.” A murmur rose from the crowd and the sheriff nodded to his deputy.

The crowd waited. A man ran across the square and came back with the iron. He lit a torch and held it to the steel X. It glowed red and he approached the woman. A man helped her off the plank and held her while the brand sizzled into her forehead. He let her go and backed away into the crowd.

Felecia stumbled and fainted. Patrick O’Leery pushed the gawkers aside, picked her up and set her on a bench. “She was only a diversion, foolish lass.”

A runner arrived breathless, reporting the pub was under fire. This seemed highly unlikely with so many armed clients. The crowd dispersed while the sheriff claimed his men and followed the runner.

Carla’s skin crawled. She told Apache, “I don’t like it something’s wrong.”

Now Available at Amazon.Com (kindle) or Barnes and Noble $2.99

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006ZRGWBI

I'd Rather Suck A Hospital Mop

2012-01-18T08:14:00.000-08:00

This whole cruise ship fiasco near an island off the coast of Italy is scary, on so many levels.
http://news.yahoo.com/coast-guard-ordered-ship-captain-back-board-124134509.html

At one time, my partner and I thought we should, just to say we did, book a cruise and check it out. I mean, rumors had it there was fantastic food, 24-7 intertainment, fresh air, sights of a life time.

Then we had that fiasco near the Baja and watched the news, hoping the poor people stuck on a crippled cruise ship being fed Spam without power or toilets would make it another day.

Interviews with the survivors of this current crisis tell about every man for himself, not enough life jackets, and a "its just the generator" warning when the ship struck the rocks and began taking on fatal water.
What is up with this customer service?

After a little research and YouTube-ing, my partner and I put our cruise on hold. One guy said he'd rather suck a hospital mop than go through another cruise.

I took notice. I've worked in a hospital.

Survival Hobo Oven

2012-01-14T08:07:00.000-08:00

Today I got out there and actually did my hobo oven test. Three Idaho potatoes in a #10 tin can, surrounded by coals. Its been really cold up here in north east Georgia and there's ice on the buckets.

Makes a great scenario for us hobos. No aluminum foil needed for this standard boyscout trick.

I'll be doing a real you tube video with more details. I used this concept in my second and fourth books, so today, I actually took photos of the project.

This is purely ice. I dumped it out from a white 5 gallon plastic bucket, and its actually a hobo ice chest! Who Knew?

Stay healthy, hobos!

Donner Party- A Movie Review

2012-01-09T16:07:00.000-08:00

This 2009 movie is incredibly depressing. I imagine it's supposed to be. We get survival lessons all along the way, namely know who is your guide and that they can actually pull off what they promise.

The rich dude, Mr. Foster, is about useless, and I guess we're not supposed to like him. The women are the survivors, and we do carry a lot more body fat then men, a reason, plus we need fewer calories to maintain our energy. Just nature's way of keeping the species going.

The movie shows them drawing sticks, the short end got murdered, and eaten. I thought they ate the ones that died of starvation. Reports vary. I looked it up in Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donner_Party

Now, I'd never fault a person for eating another if they had already died. Shooting someone to eat them is a whole nother thing.

I went through Donner Pass on the Pacific Crest Trail. It would be a very difficult place if a person was snowed in. Seriously cold and rugged.

There were days hiking in the Northern Cascades when the weather turned bad. We hiked over the pass and into the valley with the admonition: Remember the Donner Party.

Do I recommend the movie, humm. Not unless its sunny and cheery. I'm depressed now.

Surviving A Year on Meat Alone

2012-01-07T14:39:00.000-08:00

"A diet of meat is good for you, despite some stubborn superstition to the contrary. Vilhjalmur Stefansson lived for a full year on meat alone to prove this point. If you are forced to live solely on the products of the chase, you must east flesh, fat, liver and every edible part to ensure that you don't suffer from dietetic deficiencies."-- page 77 Never Say Die

I've read that meat alone would kill a person, especially lean meat like rabbits. I believe the above quote. Most animals have some kind of fat on them, and I'd eat that just to be sure.

Eating a lot of meat would be hard on the kidneys. Water would be critical at this juncture. Hopefully we won't come to those dire straights.

I don't think the end of the world is coming in December. It might feel like it for those struggling with house payments. For some reason, the economic figures are improving, yet no one I meet is feeling it.

Here in Georgia it's really warm. Hunting season is over, people are target practicing as I type.
It's like we're in the eye of the storm, and the other side of hell is about to break loose.

Wood Stove Pipe Silicone Stuff, a Video Review

2012-01-03T18:26:00.000-08:00

I'm currently testing a new sealant for my wood stove pipes. I think, in retrospect many of the issues comes from the bend, the elbow. But by doing it this way, my roof stays in tact, with no leaking issues.

Still, the window option is working, but a little more fanaggling.

If the heat on these pipes is a little intense, then I let it cool a bit before adding more wood. Its pretty fast.

How To Stay Alive In The Woods

2011-12-29T13:04:00.000-08:00

Written by Bradford Angier in 1956, this 283 paper back is a substantial work for the serious survivalist.
Survivalists come from such a wide range of political and cultural, not to mention financial backgrounds its a word often misunderstood.

My meaning, for this blog, is someone who wants to make it out alive, regardless of the circumstances. Whether its government shit hitting the fan, or falling into a ravine, or becoming stranded for whatever reason, a survivalist in my book will figure out what to do and do it.

We don't expect grandma to hold our hands, a bailout or group hug.
Ok, back to this book.

The author's writing style is the old fashioned, Last of the Mohicans James Fenimore Cooper stuff. Not as plain and down to earth as modern times requires.

But its very much worth the read. I'm on chapter 4. He really makes a case for wild foods as soon as you think things are not going too good. Don't wait til your out of canned goods and dried beans before you start living off the land. He talks a lot about our taste and social preferences. For instance, I didnt't know that it took 10 eggs to fullfil a man's daily requirements for iron. Four Tablespoons of blood will do the same.

Some religions have a thing about blood. I remember a friend who got "saved" had to quit making Blood Soup. I've never had blood soup, but apparently real cow's blood went into the pot along with other delectable things.
According to Angier, blood is like milk, a product so valuable it should never be completely drained from the wild meat. I saw an article about tribes in Africa which often bled their cows, one quart at a time and used it for sustenance. This did not harm the cow who immediately replaced the blood draw through its normal body functions.

There are a few things that strike me wrong, things I personally would be hard pressed to do. According to Angier, one may rob a scavenger of his kill, even a bear, especially if there are small trees in the vicinity. Never, never never would I attempt to deprive a bear of his kill. Black bears can climb trees, while griz can knock it completely over. No go.

Another place, page 22 talks about firing a field to collect the cooked bugs and grubs. I would not try that either because a wild fire is hard to control. Back in 2009 a nearly blind guy tried to hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail alone. He got lost on a side trail not far from a town. He set the grass on fire as a signal. He got found alright. I hope he paid all the firefighters, too. Thankfully, no homes were lost, no lives taken.

I remembered this story because the guy worked with an outfitter and could have carried a host of electronic devices to overcome his poor eyesight. I'm not saying we need to go with a partner every time, but if you have a handicap, solve it before you head out to the trail, not after words.

I'm still working on the Never Say Die book. I finished the chapter on shelters. The diagrams for igloo building was interesting. It looks like an astounding amount of work for one person. The lean to was promoted for good reason.

Tin Can Hobo Cooking

2011-12-26T15:10:00.000-08:00

While researching some survival stuff I washed then placed three raw Idaho potatoes in a tin coffee can. Once I had a nice bed of coals in my little wood stove, I put the stood the can up in them,shut the dampers and waited one hour.
The potatoes came out perfectly. The bottom one was a little charred, but totally edible.

I love this process because it didn't cost me anything and is fool proof. No aluminum foil, no garbage.
I'm saving the tin can. Has anyone else noticed that coffee cans, among other things are becoming mainly cardboard?

Some of the coffee containers have a metal bottom and top ring with the middle section being cardboard. This is no longer recyclable.
And, us hobos can't cook in them!

Back on the book reports. The Never Say Die has a whole chapter devoted to first aid, most of which is straightforward common sense. I studied the sketches detailing how to bandage with a large triangle, which seems to be the Canadian Air Force, circa 1979 preference. A large bandanna could be folded in half to create this triangle. I found it very useful just thinking through the support system the special wrap provided.

Ok, back to 2011. We're heading into the election year with complaints from the GOP candidates that Life Isn't Fair. They did not get their 10,000 registered voter signatures to qualify them for various ballots. Well, go shake some hands. What are you crying about?

How's it going in your neighborhood?

A Thousand Word Photo

2011-12-25T13:09:00.000-08:00

This photo incorporates the styrofoam target with pertinent information, and says it all. My guy got his scope mounted and zeroed in on the private shooting range back here. Its great knowing he is this accuate. He takes our self-defense seriously.

Iron John and the Wild Woman Never Say Die

2011-12-22T17:26:00.000-08:00

I finished Iron John, by Robert Bly.

At first I felt somewhat pissed on. Women got a bad rap, especially moms. Like we emasculate our boys or something.

But I continued reading and keeping my cool, calm non judgemental self (!) in tow. I realized its more an indictment of modern society and liberalism. The pacifist mentality of avoiding conflict, giving in to demands for civility when none is called for works against women as well.

The author takes us on a step by step analysis of the fable and all its secret meanings. In the end, the wild woman, the Princess marries the guy who became a full man by killing the enemies.

The alternate religions and mythology may leave bible believing church goers unhappy with this book, so I can't say I recommend it.

Now working on the Canadian book, Never Say Die.

I talked about Chapter 1, the Psychological Aspects, a couple days ago. Never giving up, feeling you have some control, at whatever level.

Chapter 2 is about general Canadian geography. All regions have food, no deserts

In Chapter 3 I learned about parachutes and falling properly. The main thing about falling properly, keep your feet together! I guess that should be self explanatory, I just never thought much about the dire consequences of not following this rule. Of course all of us have jumped off garage roofs in our youth know to bend the knees slightly and roll when landing. Parachutes are a science. The rate of decent is astounding. A body can fall 65,000 feet in 4 minutes, with a parachute it can take 32 minutes. Pulling the rip cord should not be done til about 10,000 feet or you could die freezing or without oxygen.

The feet together thing is my takeaway here. I don't plan on parachuting any time soon. As a survivalist, all knowledge is good knowledge. Ya never know.

Chapter 4 is about first aid. That should be good.

Swearing As Pain Relief

2011-12-21T05:57:00.000-08:00

According to Men's Health, October 11th, if I don't swear more than 10 times a day, when I really need it, let er fly.

That's right, British researchers have found that swearing can enhance pain tolerance. People who said nasty words could withstand icy water twice as long as those who didn't and just held their tongues. I figure they tested both men and women. The article didn't say.

As an aside, they said, "If you regularly swear more than 10 times per day, the pain relieving power of your cursing may be reduced."

The final conclusion: for maximum pain relief, blurt out the word you find most offensive.

I got a feeling this was widely known for many of you out there. However! Now that we've been alerted to the actual facts, I'm cleaning up my verbage for a rainy day.
This is good news! If the SHTF and we run out of aspirin, there could be an endless supply of affordable pain reliever for the survivalist.

Tis the Season and All that Crap

2011-12-19T16:59:00.000-08:00

I'm not scrooge, but the black Friday, Internet Monday, green Monday, buyer's remorse and all that crap is getting old.

Then, on top of it our congress people can't get their act together and want a two month extension on whatever economics ail this economy.

All I want for Christmas is an honest politician. Well, I'd take a shitload of gold, but get real, neither is gonna happen.

So, with the holidays around the corner, and that means nearly over, Thank God! we'll get back to what passes for normal in this country. Wild market swings, celebrity scandal, election coverage, Lordy have mercy.

Naw, I'm good here, just cabin fever, and its only mid December. Where does the time go when your having fun in the back 40?

Happy New Year.

Didn't the Mayans warn us about 2012?

More On Iron John

2011-12-17T15:17:00.000-08:00

Reading my way through this "men's book" is beginning to feel like work. I find myself scanning. Robert Bly makes a great case for the Wild Man, not to be confused with the savage man.

Wild Men are not softened by the overpowering feminist influences. I read a posting on a survivalist blog bemoaning the "rampant feminism". I guess this is what they mean.

I will read this entire book because it does make sense. I think its belaboring the issue, hence I scan. This is a sign to put the book down and take it in smaller doses. Wild Men are my type. If I wanted a weak man, I'd get a soft woman.

I really can't see the Wild Man reading this work. It seems to speak more to the man who wants to free himself, to venture out and trust his instincts, to chuck away the confines of cultural demands for "the whole man", a nurturing, household chore splitting, diaper changing spouse.

To each their own. Not saying what anyone should do except find their own Nirvana.

So, to cut the mythology and get some practical applications, I began Never Say Die. This survival manual was published in 1979 for the Canadian Air Force. Its no nonsense first chapter totally makes the case for proper psychology over any other possible advantage gear might give.

The right attitude means accepting and dealing with fear, recognizing the emergency immediately, and coping with the 7 enemies of survival, being Pain, cold, thirst, hunger, fatigue and boredom-loneliness.

The chapter ends with a detailed description of good group dynamics, including believing in your leader, having confidence you are a valuable part of that group.

I think these two books provide a balance and will continue to read each one daily until finished, reporting here regularly.

Survival Books on Our Shelves

2011-12-15T16:59:00.000-08:00

Found on one of the book shelves here at home:
Never Say Die, The Survival Book, The Death of Albert Johnson, How to Stay Alive in the Woods, Being Your Own Wilderness Dcotor,Iron John and Non- Flowering Plants.

As I read and practice the skills here in, I'll give reports, along with the authors etc.

Right now I'm doing Iron John by Robert Bly. Its a book about Men, and was number one National Bestseller. This book is sort of a Women Who Run with Wolves type thing, but much more readable. The author is using some parables and fairy tales to expound on the Wild Man. He bemoans the emergence of the Soft Man, a man in touch with his feminine side.

I agree.
A Wild Man is hot, interesting, sexy. Soft touchy feely men are too much like women, and we need two sexes to make life interesting. The author talks about initiation in ancient societies, leading to Strong, capable, protector types.

I'm only on page 20 of this 259 page book. I'll report more after I finish it. I really like the writing style of Robert Bly, and it won't take long to devour this book.

Diversity not Dependency

2011-12-13T12:46:00.000-08:00

I'm writing a lot of survival stuff in novel format. Learning this way is fun. We have a ton of how to books on survival, from military to woodscraft.

Sorta dry, but necessary reading.

As I encorporate these skills into my work, I'm struck by the need for diversity. So many apocalypse scripts build upon the grid collapsing, or going down. Without electic power, internet and communications, life would degrade rapidly.

Some themes begin with mega viruses getting loose. It seems theres already plenty on the planet to kill many of us at once. If that happens to a co dependent world system, we all suffer when things can not continue. The British series, Survivors, takes that premise in their 12 episodes.

I was researching cholera and found out that left untreated it can wipe out 50-60 percent of those contaminated. Contamination comes via water, shell food, poor sanitation where people are exposed to bodily waste from others infected. Research uncovered the fact that people can die within hours of showing symptoms during pandemics. Simple bleach and boiling kills the bacteria. Eating and drinking clean food is important for recovery.

My take away in all this is how important diversity is. If one thing fails, have a back up plan not dependent on the government. World wide is not the best. Local self sustaining eco systems would insure survivalabity.

In other words, in all apocalpse scenarios, the people bail themselves out of trouble, not the government.

Diversity of power sources, food and water, diversity in knowledge. That's what I'm stiving for.

Town Day Treasures-Pot

2011-12-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning I did a flying trip to town. Not by plane, or broom, by Geo! Yes, a flying trip whereby no time is wasted thrifting around, just get in and get er done. Ok, I found these camo pants. Youth, size 14/16. I took the time to try them on. Women, have you ever thought something would fit, for sure, only to be embarrassed, what the Hell happened?

Well, yesterday was good. These pants fit perfect, the color and camo is awsome. Bad, very bad. That means good now days.

I found this 6.5 quart pot amoungst some junk in a back room of the Habitat for Humanity. Only one buck they said. I did not tell Them how perfect it was.
Its actually very heavy. The lid and handles show it can withstand a great camp fire. I love the way a person can remove the lid without reaching for a knob thing. Get a long handle and slide it into the slot on top the lid.

Next, I love the handles aren't plastic, or flameable. Ever get the perfect pot but the handles melt off. Yeah, what I'm talking about!

I've been watching alot of Breaking Bad lately. Listening to the dialogue, especially Jesse, has me thinking more about my latest installment in my series. Dialogue is important. It has to sound real.

Second Layer Of Hell

2011-12-06T17:02:00.000-08:00

My friend has finished his first novel. He's also written a great page with more details on this work, includ ing a sample for your enjoyment. I helped edit, and provide encouragement.

David Mauldin is a long distance backpacker, Viet Nam Vet, expert survivalist and mentor. He's also a world travelor and owner of Trailquest.net website.
We both have been watching the unfolding events in the world. Anything could happen and we could wake up to find ourselves in:

Second Layer of Hell

I Almost Relapsed!

2011-12-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

I'll admit, sometimes I get damn impatient. But, I put up with a lot of shit from this stove. At first it worked perfectly and my studio was all snug and toasty, hot water ready for the taking.

Little by little it quit drawing. I blamed the down draft, the warm temperatures, my over use of glossies as starter paper.

Finally after a nice layer of ash covered all, I decided to take the outside pipe apart and remove whatever blockage that was hindering it, or throw the damn thing out.

Well, I calmed down, drank several stout cups of black coffee and took the bottom elbow apart. The tiny chunks of creosote fell loose, I scraped the elbow clean. Glancing up at the screen-spark arrester, Voila, a Duh moment hit me like a ton of bricks. I climbed a ladder, removed the screening. All was totally blocked. It amazing any smoke could get through the sludge.

Now, happily all is back in order, me and my stove are great friends again. I kissed it and promised to be a better mommy.

Seriously, I must have the screen cause we're surrounded by dense forest, but the screen must be maintained.
And, no more unseasoned pine is seeing the inside of my baby.

Just saying, thanks for listening.