Greetings from Northwest Arkansas

**Iskander** · 02-05-2015, 09:52 PM

Hey everybody. I realize I might have started off on the wrong foot with my first post so I thought I'd try to make amends by formally introducing myself to everyone. Let's see here, I'm 27 years old, am an Eagle Scout and have not even been camping or really done any sort of survival training, even hunting, since my Boyscout days. So it's been about ten years, maybe a little more, and I've been meaning to get back into it for quite some time now. It's a shame to live in the country, in the "Natural State" and not take advantage of it (aside from going hiking on trails from time to time).

I'm on the fence as far as SHTF situations. I don't know if I really believe survival training will be "necessary" for everyone some day, but I do like to consider doomsday possibilities. Regardless, I think we can all agree it's important to learn basic stuff, for nobody knows what situation they may find themselves in. As I talked about in my first post, I stack precious metals for financial security, but it's dawned on me that I'm doing it backwards. I need to be focusing on myself, wilderness training, stocking up on supplies, etc. before worrying about future finances. So here I am, eager to learn. I'll probably be lurking more than anything for awhile, since I don't know if I really have much to add to survival discussions at the moment, I'm rather green and can't even remember my Scout knots. I don't even have any camping gear anymore. But I'm going to start purchasing some gear to at least go solo camping (something I've never done), and try my hand at traps (never done that before either) and might occasionally ask some noob questions

So howdy everyone, I look forward to having some good discussions and learning things from all the more experienced ones here. I may be an Eagle Scout but I don't kid myself into believing I currently have what it takes to really survive on my own in the wilderness, at least not for prolonged periods, even with my trusty SAS book and knife. But hey, a start is a start, right?

EDIT: I realize I carry on a bit at times. Sorry, that's just how I am when I sit down in front of a keyboard. I'll just keep typing. Reminds me of this one story, lol just kidding

**crashdive123** · 02-05-2015, 10:09 PM

Hello and welcome.

Something to keep in mind and help you with prepping is that most, if not all SHTF scenarios that are likely are of the mundane variety and not of the science fiction novel or latest big screen epic movie.

Do a threat assessment for what is likely - for example.....

weather related event (hurricane, tornado, snow storm, etc.)

natural event (earthquake, tsunami, wild fire, etc)

man made event (meth lab next door, train derailment, electrical fire, cooking fire, etc.)

terrorism related event

Once you figure out what is most likely for you and your area you can start preparing accordingly. You don't need to do it all at once - steady wins the race. You will also find that many of your preps will overlap. Also keep in mind that the best option isn't always pitching a tent in the woods - a Holiday Inn may be the best option for you at the time.

**Iskander** · 02-05-2015, 10:17 PM

Very good advice. Tornados is a big scare around here, and I do not have a shelter for it. Thunderstorms are much more likely to cause damage. I've actually had a tree in my front yard get struck! Pretty scary, the winds can be very hazardous as well.

**crashdive123** · 02-05-2015, 10:20 PM

Originally Posted by Iskander

Very good advice. Tornados is a big scare around here, and I do not have a shelter for it. Thunderstorms are much more likely to cause damage. I've actually had a tree in my front yard get struck! Pretty scary, the winds can be very hazardous as well.

I have a similar concern regarding weather. For this reason I have a fast growing maple tree in my front yard trimmed and topped every several years.

**TXyakr** · 02-06-2015, 12:20 AM

Welcome again to WS. NW AR is one of my favorite places to camp, hike and enjoy paddlesports especially White Water kayaking. I also have some friends I've known since early childhood who are originally from there and now have returned there. Truly a great place to live.

IMO predicting and even planing for specific SHTF scenarios is like a General planning his tactics and strategy for battle. It is fine and possibly foolish not to but the after the first round is fired all his plans must change it is all one big SNAFU, nothing goes even close to what he could have possibly planned for or predicted. So more general plans and skills are actually more important. Soldiers, sailors and airmen are trained for many situations not one scenario. When all hell breaks loose their training kicks in, even when the plan becomes worthless.

**Tokwan** · 02-06-2015, 12:24 AM

hey there Iskander....welcome from Malaysia...your name Iskander..is it Arabic or of the Asian heritage? We do have lots of people here with the name of iskandar..its the other version of Alexander.

**Iskander** · 02-06-2015, 01:23 AM

Indeed! I am somewhat of an Alexander the Great fanatic, I've read a lot about him (and I also think it's really cool that there's probably a 50% chance he had the same birthday as me, historians are not sure if he was born the 20th or the 21st of July, mine is the 21st) and Iskander is what the people of the Far East called him. So yeah, not my real name but something I use a lot on the internet

(don't quote me on this but I think the name might have actually originated from him, from his travels to the East and the Persians and others calling him that. I think that very well may be the case)

And yeah TXyakr, there is a TON of great outdoors stuff to do around here. I live very close to Devil's Den. I am grateful to have grown up around here. There was never a shortage of fun things to do and places to go in Scouts. The only downside is a lot of the people are kind of trashy. There are a lot of tweakers and the like, many of the areas are poverty stricken. But the land doesn't get much better than this! I suppose I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with Arkansas.

**MrFixIt** · 02-06-2015, 08:54 AM

Welcome from GA!
I prep for weather related issues mostly. Not the bug out type (but do have a couple plans if I have to).
Good luck with your education, and remember, the stupidest question is the one that was never asked.

**Pennsylvania Mike** · 02-06-2015, 10:26 AM

Hello and welcome from Pennsylvania.

**TXyakr** · 02-06-2015, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by Iskander

The only downside is a lot of the people are kind of trashy. There are a lot of tweakers and the like, many of the areas are poverty stricken. But the land doesn't get much better than this! I suppose I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with Arkansas.

Hey Hey Hey! don't talk about my friends and family like that! LOL
A good friend since 3rd grade now works for a TV station in Fayetteville, most of her family still lives in Lavaca, AR, then I have first cousins in Mountain Home and Pocahontas out east, AR. Also my wife's grandparents were from Crossett, south AR, very nice people. Fairly sure none of my friends or relatives from AR are "tweakers", but I never ask about personal issues. One cousin's sons I am concerned about. I might consider living in/near the National Forest along the Mulberry River or one of rivers and forest areas near the Buffalo River if something terrible ever happened to my family and I suddenly became independent. Hopefully that never happens.

BTW I thought the Persians called him "Iskander the terrible" "Iskander the destroyer" or something like that… LOL

Oh and don't take anything most of us say to seriously. If some old coot argues with your opinion it is probably best to just ignore him. I would like to think I am man enough to admit when I am wrong, but if I am having a bad day and behaving foolishly just ignore my foolishness PLEASE! Others I best not speak for. You may have a vague idea of whom I may be referring to. LOL

BYW one of my daughter's cats came from a local animal shelter but I suspect it originated from the SE corner of OK, SW AR and NE corner of TX where there are also a lot of Tweakers, because this crazy cat is WAY tweaked out. LOL Come to think of it most cats are never mind… But it just ran across the room and attacked the other daughter's Pedigree Maine Coon cat that was sleeping peacefully for no apparent reason. Now I like and somewhat understand Maine coons and Ragdoll cats, not as cool as a dog but better than most crazy tweaked out cat. LOL Dang it I should not try to work from home with cats running around attacking each other…

More seriously don't worry to much about people doing illegal behavior in the wilderness areas while you are out hiking and camping. Just take reasonable precautions ask the local LEO about areas to avoid and watch out for. Don't confront anyone. Report the activities and locations of what you see that looks suspicious to the sheriff (LEO) when you have a opportunity (probably not wise to speak loudly on a mobile phone while observing people.) I occasionally stealth camp and don't use a campfire or even a camp stove if I am passing through an area that has a lot of contraband activity (TX border with old Mexico major crossing areas or a few places in SE OK.) But there are many complicated aspects of concealment from humans than most civilians are clueless about. I have read many discussions about this on outdoor forums most are blah blah BS nonsense.

**Iskander** · 02-06-2015, 04:15 PM

Oh yeah don't get me wrong, there's plenty of good honest people around here. Ah, the Buffalo river, that was always my favorite to go canoeing down. Fayetteville is pretty nice but it's also a pretty upscale college town, for the most part. I'm certainly not "holier than thou" and far from counting myself amongst the few ultra rich (such as Oprah's ranch nearby) that like to surround themselves by the ultra poor, for some reason. I'm, unfortunately, closer to being in that second category. But I'm working on that! That's the problem, a lot of people find themselves stuck in a rut in this area (not saying your friends and family in this area are, but I see a LOT of it) and they simply never pull themselves up out of it. I guess it's probably like that a little everywhere you go, I'm just not used to much else I guess.

Like, one thing I see a lot of around here, is bad teeth. That really bugs me. I know some people might have health issues with their teeth, poor nutrition, whatever. But I think most of it is either drugs and/or just not caring which, to me, says a lot about the type of person. It's weird to see people younger than me with rotten teeth. Which, to me, seems like a lack of self-respect. Oral health is arguably the most important thing to take care of, as far your body goes. And it doesn't cost much to brush/floss daily. Doesn't take much time either. It's just a little unsettling to me.

**hunter63** · 02-06-2015, 06:29 PM

Hunter63 saying Hey and Welcome.
From Wisconsin and do like it here, mostly, but getting to like the snow and cold less and less.

Hang in there..........Glad to see you settled done a bit...... when the ears are open the mind is,... as well.