Medicine Bow - Survival Skills
Unbeknownst to me, as I started this thread back in November, my wife enrolled me in Mark Warren's class (Medicine Bow) back in August. What a gal! Anyway, just got through the weekend up in Dahlonega and I learned quite a bit.
http://home.alltel.net/medbow/
I was successful in making fire with the hand drill, which to me, was quite an accomplishment. I think the real test would be finding the materials myself to duplicate the process.
In reading posts over the past few months, I've learned how much past experience and confidence will aid you in a survival (or any) situation. If you've done it before, you'll be more confident you can do it again.
Some of the highlights of the weekend:
1. Fire - we used a woody reed called Mullein as the hand drill. The last picture below shows how it become woody after its life cycle.
http://ontariowildflowers.com/main/species.php?id=88
2. Wild edibles- We learned some of the medicinal purposes of Dogwood and other trees, ate the various roots/tubers of Solomon's Seal, Cattail tubers, Jerusalem Artichoke.
3. Made cordage and a wooden bowl without a knife.
Overall, it was a great first time experience. I'm sure some of you more experienced guys would think it was too superficial, and not detailed enough. But for a newbie, it was a great introduction. If you're in the southeast US and are looking for a great introduction to minimalist survival, I'd highly recommend Medicine Bow in Dahlonega, GA.