what did you do this week to prepare

[Sourdough]

I got a feeling that wood burner is going to seem like it puts out a lot "more" heat - and theres going to be a lot "less" wood splitting :)


I hope so, it will have three (3) types of heat (Wood stove, Stove Oil Toyo, and Electric)

[Rick]

I assume you going to have a similar issue with venting the Toyo as you had with the waste pipe with regard to snow and ice? I don't know that's why I'm asking.

[Erratus Animus]

I gathered several dozen yucca stalks to practice my bow drill and hand drill with as well as horse weed. Also updated my knowledge of local plants that may provide an ember.

[Sourdough]

I assume you going to have a similar issue with venting the Toyo as you had with the waste pipe with regard to snow and ice? I don't know that's why I'm asking.


NO. The Toyo stoves are direct vent, they vent horizontally out a side wall, and the exhaust vent is INSIDE of the air INTAKE which pre-heats the combustion air from outside.

[Rick]

Well that's a clever set up. I'll bet it saves fuel by preheating it. Which of the three is going to be your primary source of heat?

[Alec_end]

I have been working on physical conditioning so every night before I go to sleep I do 3 sets of 30 push ups and 3 sets of 50 sit ups. I have also been stock piling cans of food in the bush land of my Nan's farm and I and going to start going growing fruit trees next to where I am storing the supplies.

[Rick]

Keep a close eye on the cans. They will rust just from humidity. If they can get wet they will rust much faster.

[NCO]

I bought myself a new thermos bottle. "Retki Prosteel, 0.75l." Seems pretty good. It is the thermos the FDF Special Forces use, so I'm pretty confident. It has 5 year heat keeping guarantee. When you pour in boiling liquid (100C) it will be 80C after 6h and 65C after 12h, which I feel is pretty good. Nice way to carry hot drinking with you. Especially during winter!

I also reminded the forums that I hate Mora with a passion.

[Rick]

Well, there you go. It's those long winter nights that have you messed up. If you lived in a place where daylight and dark were "normal" then you'd have an appreciation for a great knife instead of that puko...poco...whatever that dull bladed thing is.

[Camp10]

I also reminded the forums that I hate Mora with a passion.

Lol! Just think of all the knife sharpening practice your missing out on!!:sneaky2: I am giving a Mora a second try because I said in a post I would. To be honest, this stainless one has proven to be pretty rugged. That said, I cant wait to destroy it so I can go back to my real knife!

[Rick]

Just for that we're going to banish you to Finland and force you to use a Puukko from now on!

[Camp10]

Now, I'm giving it a fair try and I am faithfully carrying it instead of my handmade knife every weekend outing. It might make bird season on my side this year as well. I think that I am holding up very well for a knifemaker!

[crashdive123]

I bought myself a new thermos bottle. "Retki Prosteel, 0.75l." Seems pretty good. It is the thermos the FDF Special Forces use, so I'm pretty confident. It has 5 year heat keeping guarantee. When you pour in boiling liquid (100C) it will be 80C after 6h and 65C after 12h, which I feel is pretty good. Nice way to carry hot drinking with you. Especially during winter!

I also reminded the forums that I hate Mora with a passion.

It'll keep stuff hot for five years? Now that's impressive.

[Rick]

I had never heard of Retki before. They make some nice gear.

[NCO]

It'll keep stuff hot for five years? Now that's impressive.

Was the explanation really that bad...:blushing: I do still get lost in translation every now and then. What I meant is that the heat keeping values mentioned in my post have guarantee of staying on that level for five years.

@Rick: Googled them, didn't you? I have other stuff from the same company. And I must say that I really like them. Only thing from them I have so far managed to break was a headlamp. It didn't seem to like me stepping on it...

[crashdive123]

Was the explanation really that bad...:blushing: I do still get lost in translation every now and then. What I meant is that the heat keeping values mentioned in my post have guarantee of staying on that level for five years.

@Rick: Googled them, didn't you? I have other stuff from the same company. And I must say that I really like them. Only thing from them I have so far managed to break was a headlamp. It didn't seem to like me stepping on it...

Nah, you did just fine. Sometimes, in order to appreciate my humor, you need to have a love of Swedish knives.:innocent:

[NCO]

Ok, adding this item to the to-do-list and checking the chance of succes:

Item No. 184: Learn to appreciate all of crashdive123's humor by learning to like Swedish knives.

Chance of success: 0%.

Reason: Fully rational and well argumented hate towards Swedish knives.

[Alec_end]

Arrr ok man thanks for the advice i will put a tarp over and around them ot keep the water off.

Cheers alec

[SurvivalSeedBnk]

Ok, adding this item to the to-do-list and checking the chance of succes:

Item No. 184: Learn to appreciate all of crashdive123's humor by learning to like Swedish knives.

Chance of success: 0%.

Reason: Fully rational and well argumented hate towards Swedish knives.

LMAO. Good stuff.

[oldsoldier]

Added 12 pairs each of cotton and wool socks for wife and I to our emergency gear. As well as went to warehouse store with a friend and I picked up 50# each of sugar, salt, dry beans, rice. Also 3 gallon size "jugs" of honey.

[Winnie]

Started putting up produce. Froze some, canned and some dried some.

[NCO]

Bought some canned fruits, harvested 'shrooms, dehydrated 'shrooms, sharpened knives, tested firekit, watched Dual Survival on You Tube, Planned a hunting trip for this fall and sharpened the hatchet.

[Alaskan Survivalist]

I am driving into Anchorage today to pick up a Wall tent from Alaska Tent and Tarp. They manufacture gear made for Alaska and have the tent I want in stock (the last one). I also want to get another Sheepherders Packer stove to heat it. They sell those also and temporarily out of stock but they are expecting a shipment before noon so I will get there about One Oclock and hope they have it.

Wall tents are good as a means to transition into developing a home. In a few hours poles can be cut to support tent and a nice camp set. The next day I can cut up enough lumber with my chainsaw to build a frame and floor to make it a permenent structure that would see me through an Alaskan winter. The next day I use the same pole structure that supported the wall tent and through a trap over it for cook shack. Then I build a larger pole structure and tarp and begin building cabin under it. Weather does not stop progress. I have everthing else I described in the "Basic Comforts of life" http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=10960.

I hardly expect anyone to take anything I say to heart with so much information to the contrary about survival but of all I have said "The Basic Comforts of life" is the best advice I have to give. That and potatoes has seen me through some lean times. Not as interesting or entertaining as other discussion but factual enough for me to bet my life and the lives of my family on. I've been there.

[hunter63]

DW and I have been "putting food by" canning, drying, freezing.......

Major cleaning and re-aranging of basement "shop" in prep for winter.

Packing/re-packing gear/checking truck for fall hunting.

[NCO]

Bought a Halti Green 65 Backpack.
Link to details (http://www.scandinavianoutdoorstore.com/en/reput-rinkat-ja-laukut/rinkat-40-litraa/green-65-/)

Got it for 140e (that's about $183) I've been after a good ergonomic backpack for a while and this is it. I tested it with about 110lbs of weight in the shop before buying, and it was really good to carry! I doubt I'll never go over 60lbs with it, but it's nice to know I have the capability.

[Rick]

I can go over 60 pounds with my pack, too. That's why I carry a chain in the truck. I can drag it wherever I go.

[Jendeere]

I bought 26# buckets of wheat at Walmart for $10.

[Rick]

Seriously?! Did they have them in the grocery? On sale?

[Jendeere]

They were on the baking aisle. I don't think it was a sale or anything, got one a few weeks back too.

[Rick]

I guess I'm heading to Wally Wonka tomorrow to see what they have. Thanks.

[Jendeere]

I hope you are able to find some, please let us know if your Walmart carries it. Its hard white wheat in square buckets, if that helps any.

[hunter63]

Spent some time loading up some fired brass....hunting is opening.
Putting garden to bed.

[hunter63]

I hope you are able to find some, please let us know if your Walmart carries it. Its hard white wheat in square buckets, if that helps any.

Took you tip, thanks!) and checked ou the local Wally world, this morning.
Didn't find the buckets, but did find a #25 bag for like $12 bucks.

I get there and they had both Hard White Spring Wheat, and Hard Red Spring Wheat.
So as I didn't pay too much attention to "Type" (sorry), I got the Hard White.

Whats the difference?

Can you tell I don't know squat about wheat?
Now the good news, I did pick up a grinder awhile back, and on my list of winter projects is making my own flour and bread from it.

[Rick]

Here you go....

http://www.texaswheat.org/images/E0161001/EDU_wheat_types.pdf

[hunter63]

Thanks, Rick, seems I did something right, but I thinking it wouldn't make too much difference?

Anyway I added site to favorites, and will continue my making preps for this new skill.

[scottmphoto]

The only thing that I've really done this week is to break out my bow and practice with it. Bow deer season opens here tomorrow and runs until Feb. 28. Closer to muzzleloader and gun season, I'll be getting the guns ready. Last week I loaded some .303 British and 7.62x54R.

[Alaskan Survivalist]

I've been do some gun trading. I've gotten rid of 3 and picked up one so I'm almost cured, not completely but getting better, still can't go to gunstores, that's how I wound up with the one I got. I've been trading guns for military surplus gear. Some of the things I like the best I have gotten is British web gear, a large DPM nylon tarp, a Gortex Bivy bag and a antique canteen. This stuff is going to keep me busy a while testing and integrating it into my system. One trade I really enjoyed Me and the other guy just went through our stuff and pulled out excess and stuff we did not need, put it in a pile and then just blindly traded piles. We both walked away happy.

[SurvivalSeedBnk]

Planted some late season sweet corn in my garden and am starting to harvest a bit of it. AHH! Nothing better than home grown, organic sweet corn!

[crashdive123]

Cut a little wood. Now I've got to split it.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Emergency%20Gear/WoodPileandPressandCarpenterAnts004.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Emergency%20Gear/WoodPileandPressandCarpenterAnts005.jpg

[Rick]

But you...uh....live in Florida. Are you making sawdust?

[Winnie]

Put up some more canned tomato sauce. Crash has reminded me to order another cord of logs!
Oh, I think he's making woodchips, Rick. (But judging by the colour of the ones already there, I'm beginning to wonder if he's not hiding a crime or two:eek:)

[Alaskan Survivalist]

I picked up a SKS and Camoed my Stainless steel M77.

http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/gg346/akmofo/IMG_1443.jpg

[Asger]

I got my own axe!!

[Sourdough]

Bought 48 pounds of "Sailor Boy" Pilot Bread Biscuts.

[Batch]

I put up the Hennesee and another hammock I have. Then I got the grand-daughter and we practiced survival sitting, survival napping and survival swinging.

Tough work, I know. But, I want to be prepared... http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y136/bigcypress/1lg144palmshammock1.gif

[hunter63]

Cut a little wood. Now I've got to split it.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Emergency%20Gear/WoodPileandPressandCarpenterAnts004.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Emergency%20Gear/WoodPileandPressandCarpenterAnts005.jpg



Crash, don't split those big "rounds",yet!
Those are perfect "hawk logs", for throwing hawks.
Just need a tripod.
When done they will already be split.

[Old GI]

With his Poppa's and Mama's permission, my 12 yo grandson gets his Heritage Arms 22lr/22mag convertible Rough Rider next week for his belated birthday surprise. Cheap, pretty good starter handgun. He already successfully hunts around the farm with a 20 gauge single shot Rossi.:santasmile:

[nell67]

Which stihl is that,crash?

[crashdive123]

Crash, don't split those big "rounds",yet!
Those are perfect "hawk logs", for throwing hawks.
Just need a tripod.
When done they will already be split.

I'm going to leave them in tact for now. I'll probably slice them a little thinner. Right now they weigh over 100 lbs each.


Which stihl is that,crash?

290 Farm Boss.

[Rick]

AS - What did you use to camo those firearms?

[Old GI]

With his Poppa's and Mama's permission, my 12 yo grandson gets his Heritage Arms 22lr/22mag convertible Rough Rider next week for his belated birthday surprise. Cheap, pretty good starter handgun. He already successfully hunts around the farm with a 20 gauge single shot Rossi.:santasmile:

YIPPPEEEE!!!! Finishing up work in a few hours and will be going to deliver said revolver and spending the whole week with the kids and grandkids (or until I wear out my welcome). Going to the farm in the box canyon way out of Monticello, NM (near Truth-or-Consequences); one of Geromino's strongholds. Up the hill behind the kids' adobe house, you can still see fire sites that the lookouts used. Further down the canyon, there are caves with writing on the walls. It's great, not to forget the hot springs; great for the older people, like my bride, Oma.:chair: Ouch

[Alaskan Survivalist]

YIPPPEEEE!!!! Finishing up work in a few hours and will be going to deliver said revolver and spending the whole week with the kids and grandkids (or until I wear out my welcome). Going to the farm in the box canyon way out of Monticello, NM (near Truth-or-Consequences); one of Geromino's strongholds. Up the hill behind the kids' adobe house, you can still see fire sites that the lookouts used. Further down the canyon, there are caves with writing on the walls. It's great, not to forget the hot springs; great for the older people, like my bride, Oma.:chair: Ouch

It's great to be a kid again even if it's just for a week. Have fun!

[Rick]

Stay safe or at least stay out of reach.

[oldsoldier]

added two mixed boxes (50) of the millineum food bars. Friend got them and didn't like them so I bought them for fifty cents each.

[Brazito]

Bought two boxes of 7.62 X 39 for the SKS. Gonna get back in the habit of buying one box of ammo a week.

7.62 X 39
9MM
380

[BornthatWay]

Bought some dehydrated soups and pasta at grocery store. Have been trying to hike some everyday to get in better shape just in case would have to bug out on foot. I have the back from hell per my surgeon. Nothing he can do until they are able to transplant an entire spine. And have a crappy heart so have to be careful but need to be as ready as possible.

[Justin Case]

Bought some dehydrated soups and pasta at grocery store. Have been trying to hike some everyday to get in better shape just in case would have to bug out on foot. I have the back from hell per my surgeon. Nothing he can do until they are able to transplant an entire spine. And have a crappy heart so have to be careful but need to be as ready as possible.

Bugging out on foot leaves few options, unless you live on the outskirts of the wilderness, B/o on foot is not a good option, better to prepare to "Bug in",, imo

[Rick]

Depends on the event. It might better to bug out by foot than to simply expire on the spot.

[Justin Case]

Depends on the event. It might better to bug out by foot than to simply expire on the spot.

What kind of event can you outrun on foot ?

[Rick]

A meth lab in the neighborhood that requires evacuation. A wild fire. A house fire. A chemical spill. A dam in jeopardy of failing. A nuclear accident at a power plant upwind from your location. Just to name a few.

[Justin Case]

I wouldnt really consider those things "Bugging out" more like going to visit family for a short time,, when i think of bugging out, i tend to think long term. why would the things you listed require bugging out on foot ?

[Sourdough]

Yesterday & Today I have been bringing in the jars and can goods (38,654 cans of sardines) into the cabin, and taking other food out to the barn.

[Rick]

I'm not saying it would require it just suggesting it might. Maybe your car is in the shop or it has a flat tire or any number of things that might prevent you from driving it not the least of which was that neighbor you don't like that stuck the .45 up your nose and took the keys because his hoopty won't make it very far.

[Justin Case]

Point taken,,,,

[Rick]

Point given.

[Rick]

38,654 cans of sardines

Uh, how many crackers do you have to go with those?

[crashdive123]

Who you calling a.............oops. Nevermind.

[Rick]

I didn't call you a sardine.

[BENESSE]

I have a feeling those sardines will go the way of rancid ramens.
In which case no soggy crackers are gonna help much.

[Rick]

Oh, that's just yucky. Some time this spring he'll be in the back yard doing PT with the attack geese and off in the distance he'll here a Pop! then another and before long it will sound like popcorn as tins of bloated sardines begin exploding. This is going to make the Blob look like a pet Chita!!!! Run now, Sourdough, while you still have the chance!!!!

[BENESSE]

Oh, SD will force himself to eat it no matter what.
You see, our rules of grossness don't apply to him.

[Rick]

Oh yeah. Drivin' the porcelain bus. Been there, done that, stopped drinkin'.

[NCO]

Bought 50 pieces of NIKE Hunting Top 12-70-16, 3,75mm ball, 42g, shotgun shells and 500 pieces Remington Thunderbolt .22 rounds... Checked and test fired both the 2 barrel 12/70 Valmet shotgun and TOZ-8 .22 rifle. Going hunting in two weeks.

[SurvivalSeedBnk]

Did some pre-winter gardening in my survival garden. Fertilized for the last time to give my plants a boost before it gets really cold. Used Protogrow (http://www.growlikecrazy.com/)--the stuff is amazing. Also put a light layer of mulch on top of everything and pruned what I could.

[SARKY]

Just got the wifes Kifaru Navigator in and am setting it up for her.

[Alaskan Survivalist]

I picked up a Mosin Nagant with accessories for 109 bucks. A Case of 440 rounds for another 120 dollars. Thats cheaper than ammo alone usually costs me. I've been getting rid of my guns just because my eyesight is getting worse. I see good enough for most stuff but hardly good enough to sit on a big investment in weapons. A simple reliable basic weapon makes more sense to me at this stage of my life.

http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/gg346/akmofo/IMG_1514.jpg

[hunter63]

AS, be VERY careful, those things get real addicting, especially at $79.99 (Dunhams).
(What year?)
Still cool to pick up a "BIC" high powered rifle.......with cheap ammos (still) makes a good deployment back up. (stash them everywhere).

[hunter63]

Checked over DW's car, (thanks again for the reminder, Rick), BOB and emergency, gear.
Found it need brakes, rotors, etc........Getting fixed now.

Garden is put to bed, checking gear for the rest of hunting seasons, cruise the neighborhood, for straw bales (decorations for Halloween, tossed), to mulch the balance of garden.
Actually, after Thanksgiving, is better, most people do double duty these days.

[Rick]

I picked up a Mosin Nagant

It's so sad to see someone else become an addict. Next it will be LER scopes. Then Absorbine Jr., for that broken shoulder, then butt pads to soften the recoil. The cheap price is just to lure you in.

[Alaskan Survivalist]

I'm going the other direction. I'm getting rid of guns. This will replace two that I will be selling for a lot more money. I don't have any real plan for the money I'm putting into savings account but I like not being broke.

[hunter63]

I'm going the other direction. I'm getting rid of guns. This will replace two that I will be selling for a lot more money. I don't have any real plan for the money I'm putting into savings account but I like not being broke.

Yeah, sure, that's the ticket.....right,... anyway the M38's are shorter.......

[Rick]

"I can quite any time I want." As I said, so sad.

[kyratshooter]

AK you are going to love that MN! Simple, tough and accurate. Also made for the Russian winters like you and SD have up there.

If you decide to put a scope on it do it like Rick and I did. No mods to the gun necessary. I have just found that the rear sight is dovetailed on. The dovetail is the same size as .22 scope groves. That means you can mount a LER scope for just the price of the scope and rings, no mount required.

I need to get another spam can of the Russian stuff.

I have been cleaning out the shop and rearranging the storage room. Actually getting the reloaded ammo out of plastic buckets and into the ammo safe. Also rearranging the food preps after the last shopping trip.

I am getting worried about the floor in that room. Gun safe, ammo safe and food preps all in an 8x12 area. I put double joists and double sub floor in that room but I am still worried.

I did find my stash of 1911 magazines, but not soon enough to outrun the two 10 round mags I ordered this weekend. I wanted to try the 10 round ones anyhoo. I also ordered a stash of full moon clips for my .45 wheelgun.

Now if I can just find that 12x scope..:wheelchair:.

[oldsoldier]

Finished signing the paperwork on the "retreat" property we have been trying to buy. As soon as it is filed well be the proud owners ( well us and the bank anyway) of 70 acres about an hour and a half from here.

[crashdive123]

Woo Hoo - Next Jamboree at Oldsoldiers!

[Camp10]

Finished signing the paperwork on the "retreat" property we have been trying to buy. As soon as it is filed well be the proud owners ( well us and the bank anyway) of 70 acres about an hour and a half from here.

Good for you! Nothing like owning a little room to get up and stretch.

[hunter63]

Good for you! Nothing like owning a little room to get up and stretch.

Congrats, now you get to experiance the "two of everything", or what ever you need is in the "Other place", or I forgot my (insert whatever here) and the hardware stores close at 5 PM and are closed Sundays............
Love it!

[Rick]

Congrats!!! Pics of the place or it didn't happen!

[Alaskan Survivalist]

Finished signing the paperwork on the "retreat" property we have been trying to buy. As soon as it is filed well be the proud owners ( well us and the bank anyway) of 70 acres about an hour and a half from here.

That is some serious preparation!

[Winnie]

Yup we need pics OS! And congrats.

[Camp10]

Congrats, now you get to experiance the "two of everything", or what ever you need is in the "Other place", or I forgot my (insert whatever here) and the hardware stores close at 5 PM and are closed Sundays............
Love it!

That's the truth! Lol. Two sets of carpenter tools, two lawnmowers, two stacks of firewood, propane, etc,etc.

The only advise I can give you for now,OS is to never head up there without your chainsaw. I cant tell you how many times I've had to cut my way back out to the road to get back home.

[oldsoldier]

Oh yeah will most certianly post pics ASAP. As for jamboree.... There is a large creek/small river that is the "back" border of the property that has about 3-4 pretty level acres and suprisingly is fairly brush free. Might make a decent site for a get together. I might have to make a 4X4 trail back there to get to it but should be okay nearest road is about a mile from the creek. When we looked at it we went in on a couple of atv's. I'll keep you posted.

[Winnie]

Finished signing the paperwork on the "retreat" property we have been trying to buy. As soon as it is filed well be the proud owners ( well us and the bank anyway) of 70 acres about an hour and a half from here.

Pssst, Any room for a caretaker? :blushing:

[BENESSE]

Now Winnie, don't go disappointing our SD!
You know you've got a standing offer from him.:shifty:

[crashdive123]

I voted....

[hunter63]

Picked up a couple of Gamma seals, @Ace Hardware, $12 bucks and a couple of buckets.
Will be packing some "Preps", need to find some "food grade" buckets though for beans, rice, wheat.

Bought DW her own lap top, (and back up to this one).
Asked for a Gramma version, big keys, big screen, web cam, wireless and a lots of room for grandson and kids pic's.
Oh yeah, and some solitaire/game software.
And voted.

[Winnie]

Now Winnie, don't go disappointing our SD!
You know you've got a standing offer from him.:shifty:

No I haven't, He never did step up to the plate I think he's scared of me:2:

[BENESSE]

No I haven't, He never did step up to the plate I think he's scared of me:2:

He is probably convinced you've got super natural powers with the weather conditions.
Or maybe he's just scared of all the women. :sneaky2:

[crashdive123]

He's just afraid of commitment, whereas I'm afraid of being committed.:innocent:

[Rick]

I did something today that most of you probably won't consider Emergency Preparedness but it's certainly "Preparedness" to me. I went for my routine colonoscopy this morning. Good report from the doc I'm pleased to say. Let me give you some stats on colo-rectal cancer that you might not know.

1. It is the third most common type of cancer.
2. It is the third leading cause of cancer death.
3. In 2008, some 149,000 Americans were diagnosed with the disease, and 50,000 died of it.
4. Experts believe that adequate screening could have prevented perhaps 60 percent of those deaths.

If you are at least 50 years old with no known family history of colo-rectal cancer then talk to your doctor. You should undergo a colonoscopy ever 10 years starting at age 50.

If you are like me and have a family history of the disease then you need to start earlier (I began at age 41) and have it perform more frequently. I have them done every 5 years.

I consider it a form of survival just as important as any of my other preps and urge you to talk to your doctor about it. The alternative is NOT something you want to subject yourself to. Even surviving the disease can alter your life style for the rest of your life.

[BENESSE]

Triple Kudos, Rick!
I went through it a couple of times and it's not as bad as some might think. Over quickly, and you don't feel a thing.
Git'er done if you haven't already. It'll be a load off your mind, not to mention other places.

[crashdive123]

I get one every five years. Isn't the evening before the procedure such a joy?!?!?

[BENESSE]

Oh, but that empty, squeaky clean tummy feel? Pricless.

[SurvivalSeedBnk]

Picked this book up at Borders the other day: "Edible Wild Mushrooms of North America: A Field-To-Kitchen Guide"

http://www.borders.com/ProductImages/products/00/02/47/b/2476207_b.jpg

[hunter63]

So after changing clocks, checked/changed batteries in all smoke/CO detectors, flashlights, (I think), battery powered radios, emergency radios, walkie talkies, GPS, and what ever else I could think of.

Took all fire extinguishers down, tipped over and tapped base, loosens up the powder, checked gauges.

Repacked BOB's/hunting packs, seasonal stuff.

Checked over, fueled up and started gen-sets, snow blowers, filled up fuel cans with fresh fuel.

Packed truck for deer hunting.

[Rick]

Put the garden to bed today. I tossed all the mulch in and tilled it under. Tilled a bunch of heirloom tomatoes in too. Hopefully, I'll get plenty of volunteers next year. Some of the plants I pulled were volunteers from last year. Hopefully that counts as preparing for tomorrow.

I picked up a 2 liter water bladder for one of my packs, too.

[canid]

i've been working on laying in a little bit of emergency reserve fuel (around the midsection, etc.)

i feel for those who can't keep their body fat down easily and have to work so hard for it, but i think i'd starve twice as quick as those people.

[Rick]

I agree. It must me terrible not to be able to keep your weight down you little ^%#$# %^$$$ .........@#$@#!

[Alaskan Survivalist]

I picked up 2-400 amp jell celled batteries to complete my auxilary power system. 1035 dollars, ouch!

[LFM]

I feel like I'm starting late in the game, but I am starting. I'm putting together my BOB first. Ordered some fire stick, pick up a couple of bags at Walmart. Bought some of those fuel sticks, cotton balls, PJ (cool I get to play with fire) and some other items can opener, sporks, etc... I bought some Ramen noodle soup, Mtn House freeze dried Beef Stew and some other items. I'm thinking I better eat some of this now before I buy any amounts for storage.
I plan on making and testing some hobo stoves this weekend, cooking and tasting some of the foods I picked up. Also doing lots of reading. I'm finding the Web is good source of information.

[crashdive123]

Congratulations. Everybody starts someplace, and every journey requires that first step.

[Rick]

It's never too late to get in the game. Every little bit you add is a bit closer. The truth is there is no end to it, however. Millions of dollars and dozens of decades later you'll still be saying, "Oh, look. That would be great if......".

[crashdive123]

It's never too late to get in the game. Every lit bit you add is a bit closer. The truth is there is no end to it, however. Millions of dollars and dozens of decades later you'll still be saying, "Oh, look. That would be great if......".

Hehehehe. Take stoves for instance....

[Alaskan Survivalist]

I purchased 20, 5 gallon gas cans for fuel storage. Up till now all I had was 3 boat tanks and 3 gas cans for a total of 22 1/2 gallons. I feel much better with 100 gallons more.

[ravenscar]

i learned to make a "jacks survival bow". so far i have had poor results with it, as it has a range of 5-10 yards and always knocks the arrow to the right :(
I also taught myself how to knapp an old toliet into arrowheads

[Rick]

AS, what kind of cans did you purchase? The old Blitz cans are no longer manufactured because they don't pass current regulations and they no long stock parts for them except the spout.

[Alaskan Survivalist]

AS, what kind of cans did you purchase? The old Blitz cans are no longer manufactured because they don't pass current regulations and they no long stock parts for them except the spout.

I don't know the brand. They are red plastic like so many I have had before. I looked at tanks but the ones I saw would add about 4 dollars a gallon to the price of the fuel and most said for diesel only. The plastic cans add about two dollars per gallon and easier to fill and use. I used to have a boom truck with a 100 gallon tank on it I would keep full to syphon gas but traded it for 600 yards of gravel. It is about the right amount for my fuel storage needs.

[Rick]

I picked up four of the metal Blitz cans a couple of months before the regs changed (naturally) so I had a tough time finding the rubber gaskets that fit under the bung when one of them went bad. When I finally found them I order a bunch just so I'll have them. I keep 25 gallons of gas rotated and would like to store more but I really don't have any place safe to store that much fuel. Of course, one gallon vaporized would probably level a whole block. My house for sure.

[Trabitha]

Organized my camping/survival stuff and spent WAY too much at Sams Club. OUCH!

[randyt]

are blitz cans the same thing as a jerry can? I have several jerry cans that are in need of spouts.

My preps consisted of simmering my traps in logwood, they had hung in the barn so long they had rusted a bit. Lined up some navy beans for 30 dollars a 50 pound bag. added a few hens to the flock. spread leaves on the garden. gosh there is probably more but I forget. oh yea I need to add, I made a door for the outhouse. as a cosmetic touch I simmered a couple rusty hinges in the logwood to give em a nice black color.

[Rick]

Jerry can is just a generic name applied to any number of metal fuel cans. Germany was the first manufacturer of metal fuel cans in the '30s (I think). Anyway, the Allies began using the term to denote metal fuel cans. And, yes, Blitz is one maker of Jerry cans. So are Wedco and Scepter. I think those are the big three in the U.S. As far as I know, all three are CARB compliant.

[crashdive123]

Jerry can is just a generic name applied to any number of metal fuel cans. Germany was the first manufacturer of metal fuel cans in the '30s (I think). Anyway, the Allies began using the term to denote metal fuel cans. And, yes, Blitz is one maker of Jerry cans. So are Wedco and Scepter. I think those are the big three in the U.S. As far as I know, all three are CARB compliant.

I just learned something new. Are any of the parts (like the gaskets you acquired) interchangeable?

[Rick]

No. As far as I know they are all proprietary. At least up until CARB regulations went into effect and I think they are still different. The Wedco can, for example, has a male "bung" (for lack of a better word. It's not really a bung) and requires a female spout. Blitz is just the opposite with a female bung and male spout.

I would also guess that all the cans made for military use and/or NATO use are interchangeable.

[crashdive123]

I guess in a pinch, if you could find something like gaskets, you could pick up a sheet of gasket material and make your own.

[randyt]

my cans are probably at least 60 years old. I have no idea if they are carb compliant. I probably should think about upgrading.

[Rick]

Crash, you're correct. In fact, I had gone to Lowe's and did that very thing with the intent of making my own. I'm not certain how fuel will react with the gasket material but I was going to try it anyway. You'll find it in the plumbing section. They have two different thicknesses. 1/4 and 1/8 I think. That's by memory, however. That evening I found a site that had the gaskets so I ordered them. I kept the gasket material simply because with gasket material and JB Weld you can make just about anything.

I found the gaskets at:

http://www.galaxyarmynavy.com/item-536.asp

They are twice as thick as OEM gaskets and you have to push down on the bung for the threads to catch. Otherwise, they are perfect. If you make your own remember that Blitz can seals have to be wide enough to cover the vent hole above the bung hole or they will leak.

[crashdive123]

I was thinking gasket material from an auto supply place might be a good source. You can probably ensure that the material is resistant to petroleum products.

[oldsoldier]

You can always use the old "shade tree mechanic" version as well. use an existing gasket as a pattern and draw it out on a piece of cardboard like cereal boxes are made of. cut several layers and glue them together with a petroleum proof glue. Beleive it or not it works. I have needed a gasket in a pinch while doing a repair, parts stores were closed so I made my own. I've made them for carberator, head, valve cover gaskets and they work just fine. I actually had one I made for a carb gasket and it lasted 2 years without problems and was still functioning 2 years after I sold the vehicle to a friend.

[Rick]

Is he still a friend? I've actually never heard of that so it's something new for me. Thanks. Like many of you I did all my own work on my cars growing up. I didn't have any money to pay to have things done so I did it myself. That's one I had never ran across.

[randyt]

we made gaskets by taking the part that needed a gasket and laying the gasket material against it, then take a ball peen hammer and tapping the gasket material with the ball of the hammer. after a few gentle taps the edge of the part should cut the gasket material with the design the gasket needs to be.

[SurvivalSeedBnk]

Bought this flint and steel kit online the other day. Can't wait to get it and try it out!

http://www.black-bear-haversack.com/images/EAGLE_Flint_and_Steel_Striker_Kit.jpg

[BK-72]

I seldom post here (though I do lurk in the background and absorb a lot of the info), but I thought I'd share this.

Both of my boys (ages 18 and 15) have recently become interested in emergency preparedness. I'm not 100% quite sure what brought it on to be honest, but I'm not going to question it too hard. It gives us a chance to (re)bond together.

Currently we are researching equipment.

[crashdive123]

Good deal. I'll bet you had more to do with their way of thinking than you admit.

[ravenscar]

found a scrape yesterday, folowed sign to the big creek where i lost it, but i found a walnut tree, lucky me

[oldsoldier]

BK..... wonderful news as the forum Gadget master, LOL, If I can help in anyway just holler.

[Rick]

I ordered a set of snowshoes and poles today. I ordered the military magnesium ones. We'll see how easily I can break my neck on them. Now, all I need is some snow. I got them from Sportsman's Guide. They have them on sale.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=735811

The poles I ordered from Coleman's Surplus

http://store.colemans.com/cart/ski-poles-p-1746.html

[Trabitha]

Got some new leatherman multi tools from the big Cabella's sale this weekend, some more stormproof matches, and a cool backpack cook grill.
Also stocked up on 2 metal bins full pet food. ;)

[NCO]

I bought woolen socks...

[BK-72]

I found a bunch of hotties for sale, grabbed a bunch. :D


the hand warmer type hotties

[kyratshooter]

More food.

Ordered another knife. Yea, like I need another knife!

[randyt]

been experimenting with grouse loads for my 06 and thurty thurty. for the 06 I'm using full patch bullets and a moderate powder charge. for the thurty thurty I'm using buckshot and a tiny charge of pistol powder. Figured these would be useful for potting small game.

[rebel]

20 pounds of rice and dried beans of different varieties sealed in a bucket.

[Rick]

Picked up another Peak Battery Jumpstarter with compressor.

[Camp10]

Finished grinding the burger from the deer, I now have roughly 120 lbs of venison in the freezer. I also cleaned and put away the .308 for the year.

[BK-72]

Suppose to be a winter storm hit Sunday night and be bitter cold. Went and stocked up on some food items (mainly bread and snacks - good on everything else) and other essentials.

[Rick]

Bread is good. I hope you remember the milk and eggs, too.

[crashdive123]

Pal probably has extra.:innocent:

[Rick]

Sadly, not any more.

[oldsoldier]

Had not thought of an item as a prep item before, but I can see it's usefulness. Went to a local hardware store today ( menards) for some other stuff and found hot melt glue guns on sale for $2 each for small ones and $5 each for the large ones. Glue sticks were $4 for 100 sticks of small ones and $7 per 100 for the big ones. I can see literally hundreds of uses for them from repairing a tent to fixing a shoe to..............

[crashdive123]

You can use the sticks in a similar manner as you would pine resin if you don't have the gun or power.

[nevermore]

Bought 10 lbs of black powder on sale and sealed in 2 large plastic coffee cans of 5 lbs each.

[AFAMMOJOE]

1) Registered for this forum.

2) Continued shopping for a survival rifle, I'm leaning towards a simple 10/22 but havent settled yet.

Joe

[Rick]

The Ruger 10/22 is hard to beat. A good solid weapon with tons of after market accessories. Here in the Midwest a 10/22 will serve up all sorts of small game.

My wife and I orded Columbia Bugaboot XTM Omni Tecs. They are rated for -65. I hope it turns out to be a solid choice. Thanks to SJJ for his boot review and PMs. I received my ski poles yesterday, too. Those are for our snow shoes. Slowly getting the winter gear in order. I still need to get that snow sled.

[oldsoldier]

I think I posted some time back about sitting down with my sister and BIL, about preping and the need to do so. They listened and realized what is going on and have started doing some serious preps. They live 50 miles away and come to Evansville once a month or so and go to Sam's club. Today they called from Sam's to tell me they had beans and rice in bulk on sale. Sooooo...... without asking size and cost I said sure pick me up about $50 worth, Well....... When they finished they came by for a visit and to drop off my purchase. For just a little over $50 I got 5 fifty pound bags of rice, and 10 twenty pound bags of pinto beans. Looks like I get to go tommorow after work and pick up some 5 gallon pails to store it all.

[Trabitha]

Hit a 10 for 10.00 sale with some extra cash I had in the bank. ;) Now...if only I can get the radiators moved so I can put my pantry in. ;)

[Pal334]

Stumbled into an excellent deal on Maxwell House coffee (11.5oz size) in metal cans (tin cans or whatever they are called). A grocery store was going out of business, so I bought 25 cans (all of their remaining stock)for $1 per can. Normal price for this coffee around here is approximately $5.50 per can. So at an average normal price that would have been about $137, got it for $25, savings of about $112. It is not my normal brand, but I did recall a discussion where canned coffee can last up to ten years or so without significant flavor loss. If nothing else, is a hedge against a coffee shortage . I did check around a bit and there was only candy and trashy things left, guess I lucked out with what I did get.

[crashdive123]

Nice find. I store quite a bit of coffee. When I find a good price at the Commissary I buy a lot. Prices have almost doubled for the brand I like. I've been trying a few off brands that were a bargain. For most of them it's easy to see why they were a bargain (blech!) I'll keep searching.

[Pal334]

I am a bit finicky about coffee, so I usually just bite the bullet and pay. I have recently started to buy the Eight O'clock brand and it is pretty good (not sure if it is just regional here in the North East) at the commissary and it has been staying about 3.90 a bag. I figured with this Maxwell House, I will put it in the strategic reserve. Better "bad coffee" than no coffee, or use it for barter.

[crashdive123]

My preferred coffee is Folgers Gourmet Roast. I used to be able to get it at the Commissary (or on sale at Publix) for around $6 for a 28 oz can. It's $11.65 now. All of the other name brands have jumped as well. I would recommend avoiding the WalMart $5 33 oz can. It's better if you mix it 50/50 with a better roast. I keep looking out my window for Juan Valdez, but no joy yet.

[BENESSE]

Would you be kind enough to link me to an article offering proof for Karma? I'd be grateful.

Here you go:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Karma---What-Goes-Around-Comes-Around!&id=3584442

[Don]

Bought 20 1 gal mylar bags with oxygen absorbers to store beans, rice and other dry goods.

Don

[Justin Case]

On Coffee,,, I either buy Yuban or "Stater Bros" (store brand) 100% Colombian, whichever is cheaper, Both have great flavor :)

[rebel]

With the current events and the potential situation we bit the bullet and stocked up.

[paratrooper_rick]

Hmmm - busy week for me:
low-light iron sights for the elk rifle
installed initial solar panels on the camper
stored/preserved garden seeds in number 10 cans
researched and began drawing up plans to finish my 12 volt battery banks for the RV and house.
More ammo in the tins - and number 10 cans of dried goods

Most importantly: toilet paper for the camper :D

[BENESSE]

I think people delay stocking up because they don't like biting those bullets.

[rebel]

I think people delay stocking up because they don't like biting those bullets.

I've been preparing my whole life.

[Trabitha]

Got a great deal on a Universal Grain/corn/cereal mill!
The darn thing came packed in some sort of grease though, and it SMELLS! Any recommendations on cleaning it?

[oldsoldier]

With the current events and the potential situation we bit the bullet and stocked up.

Same with us. Our current stock is 25 cans of the wal-mart brand in 34 oz. cans.

[NCO]

Gave my woman a rose, gotta keep them happy... Also ordered planks for a boat I'm starting to build for my self. Gotta have a bug out vehicle that'll work without fuel.

[Winnie]

Just dehydrated a couple of pounds of mixed veg for soup. Doing more tomorrow.

[Trabitha]

Just dehydrated a couple of pounds of mixed veg for soup. Doing more tomorrow.

I NEED to get you to give me some pointers on that when you get some time. LOL! I have a dehydrator,a vacuum sealer, and a veggi garden...all I need to do now, is figure out how to get them all to work together as friends!! ;)

[Winnie]

Well, it's great to see Survival Kitty after such a long time, and still doing what he does best. I like the idea of the rolll-up sunglasses.

[Rick]

Good report, sjj. The eyeglass repair kit is something I've thought about, too. Tell survival kitty thanks and I gave him some rep.

[hunter63]

I carry one as well, but it's sorta of useless, unless there is some one else there to use it, Hard to see those little screws and holes, w/out the glasses.

Hard to shoot flying ducks with one lens,..... yeah that's the ticket...good excuse.

[oldsoldier]

For better or worse..... I bought a greenhouse. 24'X80' with heat, irrigation system and everything. It's a commercial one with plexiglass panels and everything. Now I've got to go get it. (Nashville Tn.) But it looks like my boss may let me use one of the tractor-trailers at work to get it, I just have to buy the fuel. The green house is sitting in a pole barn still in the packing crates from where it was ordered/shipped last year but the place that ordered it is in financial trouble and is selling some stuff to try and stay in business. I plan to take it up to the "retreat" and store it until I can get it put up later this year.

[Winnie]

Wow! OS, that's some serious glasshouse squarefootage! you know you could have yourself a major tropical fruit garden in there as well as veg crops. Oh and another thing, large water containers(black ones) = water warm enough to shower/bathe with, though maybe not in the greenhouse, you might scare the wildlife!

[crashdive123]

OS - that is one serious green house. Hope to see pics of it up and growing.

[oldsoldier]

OS - that is one serious green house. Hope to see pics of it up and growing.

oh yeah.... Plan on pics, Just hope I didn't let the wife talk me into getting in over my head. She found out about it from a co-worker and wanted it. So for thr price ( $8,500) I figured that if it doesn't work out I should be able to get most if not all my money back.

[oldsoldier]

Wow! OS, that's some serious glasshouse squarefootage! you know you could have yourself a major tropical fruit garden in there as well as veg crops. Oh and another thing, large water containers(black ones) = water warm enough to shower/bathe with, though maybe not in the greenhouse, you might scare the wildlife!

winnie, I'd like to have some kind of fruit in it. We'll have to see if the wife will give me enough room in "her greenhouse" for some.

[Winnie]

I was thinking Kiwi fruit, Orange, Lemon, Peach, Apricot.... Oh the list is endless!

I dehydrated 2lbs mushrooms and the same of mixed veg. I also finally found somewhere over here sells oxygen absorbers at a sensible price.
Oh I also got a glasses repair kit.

[Rick]

Wow! That's a greenhouse's greenhouse! Yeah, I'd like to see that all assembled. Oh, by the way, no rock throwing. You know what "they" say about living in glass houses.

[oldsoldier]

Wow! That's a greenhouse's greenhouse! Yeah, I'd like to see that all assembled. Oh, by the way, no rock throwing. You know what "they" say about living in glass houses.

LOL ROFL....... Don't have to worry about living in...... Heck after it's installed I'll be lucky to be allowed IN.... wife has already "planted" about 75% of it........ maybe I'll get a invitation to come in and do the heat and irrigation maintenance??? If I get lucky

[Sourdough]

I went on a day trip to Seward, Alaska today. It is a small fishing town with classic 1940's/1950's type hardware stores. I bought a lot of interesting fishing stuff. While there I looked into "Senior Housing" for me. I am not ready for that yet, but want to stay ahead of the education curve, and keep my options open. I have been considering that an "Oldman" might at some point be safer in a small town.

Seward, Alaska is a staggeringly beautiful old town. I try to go there every spring.

[Rick]

You might talk to your state's long term care ombudsman when the time comes. They can answer any of the questions you might have. They work with folks over 60 so in 20 years or so you'll be eligible.

http://www.akoltco.org/

[BENESSE]

And if by that time SD doesn't land a lady friend, in Senior Housing the ratio is 10 women for every man. Conservatively speaking, of course.

[Rick]

Added a seat belt cutter to my truck after a serious and very worthwhile discussion with another member. Thank you! I also added a trauma kit to my BOB Medical Bag and redid the first aid kit.

[NCO]

Been doing walk abouts, testing gear and the guy carrying it(me). Started a simple broadhead construction for arrows and after one inspiring thread, been looking at my first aid skill set more closely, learning from my paramedic girlfriend.

[Rick]

Yeah. I'll bet you are.

[crashdive123]

Yeah, but is she teaching you any first aid?

[BENESSE]

Yeah, but is she teaching you any first aid?

Don't worry about it. :sneaky2:

[NCO]

Yeah, but is she teaching you any first aid?

Depends on what you count as being first aid...

[Denominax]

Well, I joined the forums for one, and I bought myself a multi-tool and 300 ft of paracord ($3!).

[Rick]

Welcome to the forums. It's a great way to start preparing. Did you find the paracord at a yard sale?

[CuriousBear]

I learned how to tie a monkey fist, learned a little more about jungle survival(mostly what NOT to do),and learned a little more about first aid and the abdomin

[jake abraham]

signed in as a new member bought a 38 special and ammo

[CuriousBear]

Learned more rope stuff. How to make an Eye Splice and a few different whipping styles. an interesting site(one of many I'm sure) for knots http://www.animatedknots.com a step by step for some basic and some slightly more advanced knots.

[oldsoldier]

Saturday the local Disaster resistant communities ( same group that does the CERT classes) had a senimar on PREP ( Personal Response and Emergency Preparedness) I was suprised at the amount of great information it gave. From what I learned they are planning on these type of "mini" training sessions on a regular basis across the country. i reccomend everyone here checking into them.

[natertot]

This week I added 100 more rounds of 9mm, 50 rounds of .22LR, added alot to the first aid assembly, got supplies to make a weeks worth of potable drinking water, canned 5 qts of green beans, and canned 1 qt of tomatoes. I still have alot of stuff to do, but I am feeling more and more prepared.

[crashdive123]

Sounds as thought you are making progress. Keep it up.

[Rick]

I concur (for what it's worth). Slow and steady progress is all it takes. Set small goals so you feel like you've accomplished something when you achieve them and that you are moving forward. Set larger longer term goals (and celebrate when you reach those!).

[natertot]

This week I increased my food storage from the goods I canned from the garden. I also purchased a PSE compound bow today. Got it for $60 off of Craigslist! I'm gonna take it to a shop to make sure all is well before I shoot it, but I have to wait for both wrists to heal from being broken anyway.:gimp: About four more weeks to go on that yet.

[mouse111111]

I got myself an troope of machette wielding chimpanzees to protect my house. :death:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-kRoQZoRjU

[kameleon]

This week I learned three new edible plants; amaranth, mullein, and greenbrier.
I also am scouting out new routes to BOL.
Oh, yeah and I ordered 4 bags of turbo pool shock.
I browse this forum for ideas.

Next week's goals will be to increase my exercise routine (from zero to something), concentrating
on strength and endurance (lifting, carrying, running) {don't want to be slow :wheelchair:}

[natertot]

Today I went garage selling and made out like a bandit!:batman: At the firstplace, I got roughly about $150 dollars worth of fishing gear for $13. This will assist me more for bugging in, but I did get a neat little container in the mix that I am going to use to make a small fishing kit for my hunting/BOB. At the next place, I got a brand new Coleman grill for $10. The thing is still in all original packaging. I figured this could be useful for both bugging in and bugging out with family. The third place, I got a pair of brand new wading boots, a machete, and a chainsaw (used only once for a tree that fell) for $15. The machette is decent, just needs some surface rust removed and a resharpening. The chainsaw is a huge score for me for bugging in long term. Just might need some firewood. I also got some stainless steel cookware for a few bucks. I figured those would be great for cooking on a fire while bugging in or regular camping trips with the family. Every day is a day more prepared!:nod:

[crashdive123]

Nice score.

[Rick]

That is a nice score. Be careful, though, garage sales can be addictive.

"Hi, I'm natertot. I'm a garage sale aholic."
Group response. "Hi, natertot."
"Say, what will you guys take for this chair?"

[natertot]

That is a nice score. Be careful, though, garage sales can be addictive.

"Hi, I'm natertot. I'm a garage sale aholic."
Group response. "Hi, natertot."
"Say, what will you guys take for this chair?"

Thats funny Rick. I just got home from two more!!!!! I got three smaller fixed blade knives for 25 cents each. They are perfect for cleaning small game. I also got a pair of realtree winter coveralls that are in really nice shape for $5. Then I found a nice big stainless pot and ten of the blue metal plates that are great for camping for $3. I also got another little Plano tackle container that measures about 3"x6"x1.5". I figured I could make a second emergency fishing kit or maybe make an advanced kit to add to the first for extended journeys.

By the way Rick, Hows $2 for that chair?!:p

[nilespathfinder]

i got my son his first woods kit and k-bar, taught him a thing or two this week for his 13 th b-day, he made his own shelter, prepped his own fire pit, batoned his kindling and started our fire, and cooked us come channel cat for dinner. i think hes on his way, but he still misses his stupid video games, lol. so i guess i got my son ready for whatever may come, or at least a step in the right direction. still wouldnt clean the fish ha ha.

[kameleon]

i got my son his first woods kit and k-bar, taught him a thing or two this week for his 13 th b-day, he made his own shelter, prepped his own fire pit, batoned his kindling and started our fire, and cooked us come channel cat for dinner. i think hes on his way, but he still misses his stupid video games, lol. so i guess i got my son ready for whatever may come, or at least a step in the right direction. still wouldnt clean the fish ha ha.

When you're not looking, he's bragging to his friends that he can do all of that! ;)

[Blake Fister]

Well mines gonna be kinda long, from when i first started this site months back ago. I first started on working on the regular 72 hour homemade prepardness kit. Stored water and extra canned goods. Wrote the date on each to make sure i start properly rotating. Picked up first aid kit. Our family one was atleast a decade old and missing ALOT of stuff. The past few weeks i've been starting my first bug out bag. I wanna get one done for each family member since we're not always together. Ive also picked up some 7 gallon and some gamma seal lids, to start working on storing some food as well. Scored some free i think they're 5 gallon buckets with lids as well from bakery at walmart. They usually throw them out at the store i work at. Which is good too since i get a 10% discount there :D Scored 1000 feet of paracord but its the kind that doesn't have the inner strands. Atleast its cordage. Plus 2 weeks ago i figured out since my fathers in the military and was into alot of outdoor survival and camping on his spare time. That i also scored some good camping supplies/first aid supplies as well. Handed me down an older model GPS an orienterring compass better then my gumball one i had for my kit. A machete that needs some care. rusted with nicks and scratches. Mini pocketbook SAS survival manual. Printed out the Army Survival manual and put in index dividers for each chapter. I also spend hours on this website and in youtube forums for good ideas and learning new things. Learned how to tie 6 survival knots and religiously practice them each day. Never really got to hang out with my dad much as a kid/teen so didn't really know much of what he did on his spare time. Found out this week too that he also teaches for the military here in orienterreing and does some outdoor survival things as well. I know its better to practice alot of things outdoors. So, gonna be planning some time off next spring-fall for some camping trips. Didn't ever think my dad would be so much help with me doing this for our family. Anyways, this has been a good start since i've joined these forums.

[Blake Fister]

oh oh. and forgot. I also put my name in at work to learn first aid training. But waiting on them to get enough people at work to wanna learn. Might have to go and see if i can learn first aid at the red cross or somewhere in my area of town. Depends on how long it will take to gather people at our work to learn.

[Rick]

Good for you!! Sounds like you've been pretty busy and moving forward. Sounds like you might have also opened some doors with your dad that might not have been there before. That's a good thing, too.

The BOB is a critical piece of gear in my opinion. Cudos for trying to put one together for each family member. However you build your preps is good. That fact that you are building them is excellent. Let me offer a bit of advice to help you spend your money where it might do you the most good.

Do an audit to determine what are the most likely threats that you and your family face. House fire, flood, earthquake, etc. Once you've identified the most likely to the least likely then you can start fixing any gaps you might have in your planning for the most likely event.

For example, let's assume that a house fire is deemed the most likely. You might already have smoke detectors in place. If so, great. But you might be able to pick up some ABC dry chem fire extinguishers or whatever type are appropriate for you. I have one for the kitchen, a CO2 10lb one for the fireplace, and one in the garage. You might need to purchase second story escape ladders and place "Child Inside" stickers on kid's bedroom windows. Once you get the hardware in place then desktop your fire escape plan with the family. If you have little ones in your family do you what they will do if a fire alarm goes off? Without training they will hide. Usually under the bed or in the closet. That's what small animals do by instinct and so kids. Once you've desk topped the plan then do an exercise and walk everyone through the plan including where you want to meet once outside. Don't chose a tree or pole to gather around because the source of the fire may have been lightening and being around tall objects in a lightening storm isn't safe.

That's just an example but hopefully it will give you some ideas. Spend your money and time where it will do the family the most good and then work your way down the list.

I had to give you some rep for the work you're doing.

[crashdive123]

Looks like you're making great progress BF.

[Blake Fister]

Thanks Crash & Rick. Yeah i think its a good start so far too. Yeah it was good to be able to talk with my dad about this stuff when i see him. He seems to be almost as excited as i am. Probably since we now have something kind of in common, and can talk about.

Great idea though about having to pretty much Stop, and figure out the most likely threats to our family first and work down from there. I've just been throwing stuff together when i see deals or come across some awsome ideas on here. I'm like all over the place and not focusing on one certain thing as much as i should. Since i do have quite a good start so far. I think i can sit back and relax a bit more and check out what is our ,most likely threats, and work from that. It was kinda stressing me out a bit lately since its just a fresh start and wanting to get stuff done asap. But i never even thought of preparing for the most likely events. Well i think i just got mostly carried away really with it all. Anyways I'll keep updating. Thanks again everyone.

[natertot]

Good job and keep chargin forward BF. Just remember, it is not a sprint. My main goal right now is to focus on medical. No matter what scenerio, if you're hurt or sick, things will be a whole lot worse.

Rick, just a thought about your fire safety ideas. I would omit the child stickers to mark windows. Home invaders look at those as a weak spot to enter a home. It also lets the child abductors and sex offenders know where a potential victim is located. Just my thoughts and experiences.

[Rick]

I think good thoughts, too. That's the nice thing about this forum is that ideas bounce around and you can wind up with some good synergy and refined ideas.

[tj922]

I added a better backpack to the kit, and about three more days of freeze dried food. Also picked up a Wild Edibles field guide by the US Army with over 200 color pictures, harvesting, cooking, and canning information.
I'm going to get the tents out this weekend, and Tie some flies.

[natertot]

I just got done canning 2qts of tomatoes. I also picked up eight pairs of fleece work gloces (.89 cents/pair) a pack of 500 strike anywhere matches, three more waterproof containers for said matches, two flashlights, and a couple more boxes of 12ga game loads. I also added a few more things to the first aid kits. Not too much spent, but a little more progress made.

[tj922]

Picked up a 100 foot of 550 Para Cord, another Survival Knife, and (2) Aquamira filter straws. Packed some canned Chicken, and ham in the food storage. Need to buy a .22. I am thinking the Remington 597. I also added some additional gauze pads, and two more rolls of gauze. I pretty well first aid, and cpr trained. I was EMT qualified in the Navy, and I have kept up my certifications in the civilian world. Looking for a good book on Medicinal plants.

[hunter63]

Cut wood, split wood, haul wood, stack wood........about done processing last spring cutting....time to clear out a couple of more spots that need dead fall cleaned up.

Keep waiting for the little Harbor Freight splitter to crap out, so I can justify a bigger one (ar, ar, More power!), but the little thing won't die!

[tj922]

I picked up a couple of new +5F mummy sleeping bags for the wife, and I. Walmart $40.00 for the pair!

[birdman6660]

I have this week dehydrated 20 pounds of potatoes .. 10 pounds of pineapple ... picked up another 40 cans of stew .. also have make 10 pounds of onions into powder and made about 5 pounds of pemmican ... jerky tomorrow as we bagged a moose .. most of it is gonna be jerked .. some soaking now the rest in the freezer till time allows ...

[birdman6660]

can't find the christmas list ... whered it go ? did we draw names yet or am I just very lost here ? :(

[Rick]

Just very lost. Here it is:

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?17532-The-Christmas-Gift-Exchange-III/page3

[Warheit]

This might not seem like a huge thing to people on the forum, but I recently earned several different certifications for ski tech related things. Definitely will prepare me for situations in high altitude, cold weather conditions where a reliable source of mobility (and knowing how to use and repair it) will certainly come in handy.

[crashdive123]

Learning new stuff is usually a good thing. Learning new stuff that is useful is even gooder.

[Rick]

Congratulations. Knowledge is a great thing that no one can every take away from you. Everything we learn helps make us a better us.

[vahtryn]

This week we stock piled 100 pounds of rice, 75 pounds of dried beans, bought a bunch of #10 cans of fruit and various vegetables. When those get opened for what ever reason the left overs will be dehydrated.

Also in the works are buying a small chest freezer. With the deals we're finding at Smart & Final that thing will be full of meat, that and the rabbits that are being raised.

[Rick]

I have trouble keeping meat in a freezer. We just don't eat enough of it to warrant storing much. Regardless of how I prep it meat generally winds up freezer burnt before we use it. I've started canning more meat than freezing it. Obviously, if you have a larger family you can probably rotate quicker. With just the two of us I can't freeze a whole lot and keep it.

[crashdive123]

Rick - We had the same issue with storing meat in the freezer. We bought one of those little manual Zip Lock vacuum pumps (right next to Zip Locks on grocery store shelf) and have been extremely pleased with it. We've had zero freezer burn since using it.

[Rick]

We bought one (may not be Ziplock) but that dang thing didn't suck. So it sucked cause it didn't suck. It couldn't form a seal on the bag for some reason. I was quite surprised that it could actually fly for a short distance......once.

[crashdive123]

There is one trick that I've learned - if what I am storing has a lot of liquid then I will toss them in the freezer for a bit to solidify the liquids. That pump will not work with a high liquid content in the bag.

[Rick]

Hmmmm. May have to glue some parts back on and try it again. Thanks!!

[frdgrss]

Went camping with my Boy Scout Troop This weekend worked on of all things Wilderness Survival. All in All every thing went ok

[EarthRocks]

Nice thread
Purchased 50 more rounds for my .40 S&w. Got a gerber sharpner for my mora clipper and attached it to my gobspark armagedon firesteel lanyard. Also found a army book on edible plants.
Plus was able to find some allergy friendly snacks for my girlfriend's pack at a local rei. Also my local grocery store had sales going on for protein bars and enrgy bars for less than a dollar.

[trolley]

Its Cyclone season over here in the north of Australia , Where I am hasnt been hit yet, but we will soon enough. So all Ive done was check my Cyclone Kit thats always stocked . first aid kit , gas for the cooker , stored food is all good and got plenty of water stored away ,as its the tropics and get very warm up here. All my Survival gear is good to go . I got a small pack I can throw on if I have to leave in a hurry , that has pretty much everthing for me to live on .

[Warheit]

Took the LSAT. Boom.

[kyratshooter]

I hope you did well.

I will never forget taking the LSAT. I had two herniated disks, the flu and no pain medication.

This week I bought and broke in a new shooter, repaired an old shooter and refinished some furnature to spruce up the retreat.

[tj922]

Added a couple of Hurricaine lamps, 50 ft of 550 Paracord, and a solar/crank lantern.

[Wildthang]

Bought some more 5 gallon buckets with Gama Seal lids. Now I'm thinkin 2 years worth of food would be better!

[Rick]

How on earth will you store and rotate 2 years worth of food? I have no place (or desire) to store 1 year's worth.

[Wildthang]

How on earth will you store and rotate 2 years worth of food? I have no place (or desire) to store 1 year's worth.

Some food lasts up to 20 years when stored properly Rick, and I have lots of room. I only rotate foods that last 2 years or less, and by the way. A couple of months after SHTF I will call you to see how your doing!

[Rick]

Once you get a years worth of food assembled let us know what you think.

[Wildthang]

Once you get a years worth of food assembled let us know what you think.

Already have that and working on 2!

[Warheit]

**** gonna hit the fan big time.

[DogMeatUK]

Reloaded another lot of 12g cartridges. The girlfriend bought me a maxpedition pack thing as I’m working on an EDC kit.

Wow, you guys have two years of food put away!

[Rick]

Not me. About 6 months for the whole family. I'd have to buy another house or 2 for two years worth of food.

[TresMon]

I scouted a new trout stream for good looking holes.

I learned to remove and preserve beaver castor for bait.

I tried raw deer heart and t-loin to see how it was and see how my gut handled it.

I taught the figure 4 trap as well as the greased string dead fall.

I soaked a hide in preps for brain tanning it.

[natertot]

I tried raw deer heart and t-loin to see how it was and see how my gut handled it.

So, how did that go?

[TresMon]

I actually REALLY liked raw deer heart (once washed and cooled.) It was like really good sushi, and I love sushi. The raw t-loin was okay. It was not gross or bad tasting. Nor was it good tasting. It was just middle of the road. Perfectly palatable but not finger lick'n.