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Hello! My name is Julie and I am doing a project for school about wilderness survival. Can you answer a few questions about survival for me? Thanks!
Please leave your name and what you do as well! It will help me A LOT.
-Julie M.
Questions:
-What draws you to nature?
-What is the hardest part of wilderness survival for you?
-The easiest?
-How long have you spent doing this?
-Best experience?
-Worst experience?
-Is it something anyone can do?
-Should more people learn how?
Hmmmmm ????:sneaky2:
You're learning, Justin. Why Julie, I would love to answer your questions, but not without a proper intro. Here's where you start, okay?Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin Case
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...ead.php?t=7813
Intro 1st, Info 2nd, fair enough? :cool2:
Julie,
Before we answer any questions we would like to know a bit about yourself. If you go to the introductions section, you will find a format of questions asking about you. You are not required to answer every question but the more you answer the more of a picture we have of you as to judge how indepth our response should be.
Hi Julie. It would help us to understand your request a bit better. What class is this for and what grade are we talking about?
...and please dont make your next post about how you and a friend are planning to spend a year in the woods with just a knife or something like that!! If you do...brace yourself! If you are legit, there are tons of people here who can help you but if you arent...run now!
Oh no, I'm not some delusional person hoping to capture the romance of nature like in the books. I am doing something called "Grad Challenge" which all seniors at my school have to complete in order to graduate. My chosen topic is wilderness survival. I've gotten down the mental attitude needed after being very lost in the woods, and I've gotten fairly good at making shelters. I will soon be attending a bow drill class. My final task for this project will be a fairly controlled several day stay in the forest. I threw my intro in the introduction forum, though it's not much. Thanks again!
Julie - As an administrator for the site, I can see information you've left that other folks cannot see (the mods can). So I know, based on the email you left, where you are located. I mean EXACTLY where you are located and what your name is. If you think about that a moment, I'm sure you'll understand how I know that. That's not a very safe thing for you so it's something you need to consider for the future and something you've just learned about survival. You don't know anyone on this forum and any one of us could be a predator.
Now, let's see about those questions. I would still be interested to know what class this is. However, grade isn't important to me now.
-What draws you to nature?
I think being out in nature is an extension of my religion. It's probably the place I'm most in tune with my Creator. There is something of beauty around every turn and always something to learn.
-What is the hardest part of wilderness survival for you?
Perfecting my skills. It's a life long learning process that never ends. You must practice them time and time again because the environment you are in changes.
-The easiest?
Staying alert to what is going on around you. Paying attention. It's easy enough to do and a good many folks don't do it.
-How long have you spent doing this?
I grew up doing it to some degree. I learned a lot as a kid. All in all, probably around 20 years.
-Best experience?
Time spent in Alaska. It's unbelievably beautiful. Unbelievably bountiful. It's on a truly massive scale.
-Worst experience?
I guess getting caught out in an overnight rain. I don't much care to be wet especially if I'm trying to sleep.
-Is it something anyone can do?
It is. If they want to and they are determined. Blind and amputees have scaled Everest. You won't find much in the wilderness more difficult than that.
-Should more people learn how?
Yes. Wouldn't you like to be more in tune with nature? Wouldn't you like to have the skills to extricate yourself from a dangerous or life threatening situation? Wouldn't it be nice to pick a salad out of your back yard or know which plants your can use to brew up a great cup of tea or relieve your poison ivy? You can do all of that.
I hope that helps a bit. It's just my opinion based on my experience and my beliefs. If anything I said piques your curiosity then stick around and read what some of the members have to say. Good luck with the assignment and let us know how you did.
EDIT: I was writing this up when you posted above. Thanks for the information.
-What draws you to nature? I'm a loner mostly
-What is the hardest part of wilderness survival for you? Staying alive long enough to be rescued.
-The easiest? Not surviving...."Dieing is easy. It's living thats hard".
-How long have you spent doing this? According to Sarge we've all been surviving since we were born.
-Best experience? Going into the bush and coming out unscathed.
-Worst experience? Going into the bush and coming out with a broken leg.
-Is it something anyone can do? With the appropriate training and mind-set.
-Should more people learn how? Of course.
Thanks, Rick! May I quote you in a paper that I am writing? It's not a published type of thing, just a school essay.
Thanks, Kevin! Same questions apply to anyone that replies, just let me know if you don't feel like being mentioned in a paper!
You bet! I'll have my publicist contact you. My fee is small. I generally get 15% of everything you make on the paper. So I expect an A.
What draws you to nature?
I was born into and see no worth while reason to change.
What is the hardest part of wilderness survival for you?
The encroachment of civilization.
The easiest?
Fishing, they say "Time spent fishing is not deducted from your life span".
How long have you spent doing this?
All my life and hopefully beyond.
Best experience?
When I realized that the Holy Spirit was Gods active force shaping creation.
Worst experience?
Exxon oil spill.
Is it something anyone can do?
By any means possible, remember that!
Should more people learn how?
No, There is not room for the entire population in the circle of life. We'll scooch over for you.
It would be very interesting to see your paper when you are done :)
Questions:
-What draws you to nature?
It's more that I am repelled by city life
-What is the hardest part of wilderness survival for you?
Dealing with my own inadequacies and skill level
-The easiest?
This can change from day to day..I guess keeping busy with the basics...food,fire, etc.
-How long have you spent doing this?
20 years now...man I'm getting old!
-Best experience?
Hiking the Hudson gorge in the adirondacks back in the early 90's
-Worst experience?
Hiking the Hudson gorge in the adirondacks back in the early 90's
-Is it something anyone can do?
With the right amount of training and conditioning, yup.
-Should more people learn how?
Yes, as long as they practice a long way from here!:innocent:
Hope this is useful!
Hi Julie362.
What draws you to nature?
For me, it is about my senses. The views, the souds and the smells. They allow me time to reflect on things that are important. Nature gives me time to relax and get away from the day to day routines that I have wandered into. Having spent a good many years in small and confined spaces with no contact with the outside world (submarines, not jail) it also gives me a sense of freedom. The vastness of my surroundings always leave me in awe and knowing that this was not all created by accident.
-What is the hardest part of wilderness survival for you?
I have not placed myself in a true survival situation in the wilderness.
-The easiest?
With proper planning and practice, it all comes relatively easy. There are times where there is a great deal of physical exertion, but I consider that just reminding me I'm alive.
-How long have you spent doing this?
Off and on since I was a teen - I'm in my 50's now.
-Best experience?
Camping and hiking around the country.
-Worst experience?
Hitchhiking in Colorado with all of my camping gear and a motorcycle.
-Is it something anyone can do?
Yes.
-Should more people learn how?
Yes.
-What draws you to nature?
Instinct,my whole life I've been drawn to nature for no other reason than the deep heart felt feeling it was where I belonged.
-What is the hardest part of wilderness survival for you?
Can't think of anything other than the attitude of family & freinds labeling me as a wierdo.
-The easiest?
Everything, I know nature has everthing for me just waiting to be found as the need arises.
-How long have you spent doing this?
12 years old, 48 now thats 36years.
-Best experience?
Freedom,REAL FREEDOM!
-Worst experience?
Haven't had any yet. In nature that that doesn't kill you out right ,makes you stronger,and wiser.
-Is it something anyone can do?
Yes,but most people have been taught to ignore thier instincts,and don't have the cofidence that everthing they need is there.
-Should more people learn how?
Yes,it should be taught in school from day one! I feel we really aren't given the choice between the "made up world" and the "real world"
-What draws you to nature? Nature! I just like being outside and finding and experiencing all the things nature has to offer.
-What is the hardest part of wilderness survival for you? I don't really consider myself a wilderness survivalist, but getting people to accept the thought of someone wanting to live more at one with nature is the hardest for me, other than actually learning wilderness living skills.
-The easiest? The easiest is all the technological aspects of survivng in the wilderness. It's easy to get CPR training, etc. and it's easy to purchase and learn to use modern survival tools and such.
-How long have you spent doing this? Surviving in the wilderness? I haven't! I've pretty much had survival handed to me on a silver platter and spend most of my days living. Now, if you had asked, How long have I been practicing survival skills and using what nature provides? I've been doing that to some extent my entire life, but have only delved more deeply into plant identification, shelter building, mushroom identification, preserving and storing food without refrigeration, and such over the past 8 or so years. For me it's a slow progression.
-Best experience? I have no best experience. There are many great experiences, and a few not so great. My best experiences are doing something for the first time and having the outcome be good.
-Worst experience? Getting attacked by hornets or walking half frozen after a breakdown in a bad winter storm. The hornets were just uncomfortable, but the freezing part came close to being life threatening. Neither time did I have to use wilderness skills to overcome them, but wilderness skills would likely have prevented them in the first place.
-Is it something anyone can do? To some extent yes. If you are blind or disabled in some way then you are going to be limited to an extent. That is the only real barrier I see.
-Should more people learn how? People should do whatever suits them. I can't answer yes or no. I would like more people to learn and practice in every day life the skills our forefathers or ancestors used on a daily basis. I think the world as a whole would be much more sustainable if we did. I'm not talking about reverting back to a time before modern medicine and certain conveniences, but growing your own fruits and vegetables, raising your own animals, and hunting and gathering to supplement our modern lifestyle.
Hi Julie! If this helps you in school you can use mine.
-What draws you to nature?
I have always been drawn to nature, It is peaceful,serene and beautiful. It can also be unnerving,chaotic,and quite ugly. Nature is just....Natural. It is a little of everything, both good and bad. The better you learn to deal with Nature on it's own terms, the better you learn to deal with all of life.
-What is the hardest part of wilderness survival for you?
Staying alive. It is a never ending job. It is 24/7/365, every second of every day. Parts of it are enjoyable, parts are sheer drudgery. Knowing what, in nature, is most beneficial to you, takes quite a bit of knowledge. So I would have to say the Learning is the hardest thing.
-The easiest?
Enjoying the "freedom", the sights and scenery.
-How long have you spent doing this?
I started when I was a teenager. I turn 50 this year. It has been an on again,off again thing for me, or I would be more advanced than I am.
-Best experience?
Staying alive, while helping some others to do the same thing.
-Worst experience?
Being Homeless, for a little over a year. I did learn some things then though.
-Is it something anyone can do?
Yes. It is something that anyone can and should learn.
-Should more people learn how?
I think it should be required learning for anyone that ventures even 100 yards out of a city. No one knows when or how this kind of education could very well save their life. Isn't your life worth learning some basic skills? Even should you stay in a city there are Tornadoes, Earthquakes, floods and the like. This education could very well save lives in these situations.
Hi julie362,
Questions:
-What draws you to nature?
As a 9 year old kid I watched shows with characters like Jeremiah Johnson and Grizzly Adams with amazement. The scenery was nothing like the suburbs of chicago. I have always enjoyed the the amazing diversity of the world beyond the buildings. I find a comfort and solitude in nature.
-What is the hardest part of wilderness survival for you?
I have never been in a situation that put me in a concern for survival. My physical condition would be the hardest part. I limit the difficulty of my wilderness experiences, taking my condition in to account when planning a trip. Making time to work on my physical condition has been a challenge. Scheduling with others for taking trips.
-The easiest?
Like crash said Planing and practice, I have enough space that I can work with new equipment. I am fortunate in that the offices for Monongahela National Forest is close. They are helpful in selecting trails to match my abilities. I may not have had much opportunity in the wild to work on my survival skills, But i can always work things out at home first.
-How long have you spent doing this?
I have been "camping" on and off since I was in high school. I have been working on survival skills for a little over a year as time allows. Its never enough.
-Best experience?
White water canoeing on the Tomahawk River in Upper Wisconsin. Good group of folks working together. We had deer watching us at the edge of the fire light it was dusk and we were singing I thought it sounded good, The deer probably thought "there goes the neighborhood.
-Worst experience?
Late April rendezvous camping trip. Canvas tents with a ground cloth. It was rainy on and off the week before. We set up camp Friday afternoon. Some of us were careful were we put our tents. Others were not so careful. Three tents were in a lower spot. It started raining again the ground was already saturated. The runoff was going under their ground cloths and getting every thing wet including their bedding. I ended up with two people in my tent which meant I had to move my gear out under a tarp to make room. A cold front moved in rain turned to snow. Still not too bad. The bad part, the husband and wife complained to each other. I got fed up, and used my wife's camp bedding and went to sleep. My wife was not at this event luckily I had some of her gear. Seems like it took a week to clean all the mud from my gear.
-Is it something anyone can do?
Yes any one can study read and work on survival skills at home. I study survival skills to be a safer camper. If I find my self in a survival situation, I'm sure the skills I have practiced will be of benefit.
-Should more people learn how?
Yes, Definitely.
-What draws you to nature?
To me, nature is everywhere, whether you're in the middle of nowhere Alaska or in downtown Chicago (the name Chicago is actually an indian word that means "land of the smelly onion," So you see, nature is even found in big cities) Bird are still chirping, trees are still growing, and water is still flowing everywhere.The difference between the two is the level of technology that is present; technology like the process of turning raw ingredients of nature into plastic for example. Broken down (over the course of many years) plastic is still made of the same things that you, me, and the entire world is made of. Realizing that nature is all encompassing, to me, "nature" in the traditional sense (middle of Alaska) is a chance to appreciate the raw ingredients that go into making our technology based civilization possible.
-What is the hardest part of wilderness survival for you?
The hardest part of surviving in the wilderness is maintaining a positive outlook. When you haven't seen water all day and you've missed your only chance at taking your dinner you can begin to feel inadequate, and like you may never see water or a meal again. If you begin to feel bad for yourself and your situation, you will die.
Being thankful for the little things helps. Warmth, shelter, food, and water even in small degrees should be cherished and not taken for granted.
-The easiest?
The easiest part of wilderness survival is learning the technical information. There are a lot of members on the wilderness-survival.net forums that can teach you everything you could ever imagine from ycc's hide tanning how-to's to crashdives homemade knife articles.
-How long have you spent doing this?
I've been camping and fishing since I was a young boy. The extras like backpacking and hunting I've only added recently. I'm 25 so there's still a lot more I have to learn and to do.
-Best experience?
Either catching my first fish or taking my first game. There's something to be said about one hunting or fishing for their food.
-Worst experience?
My worst experience was having my car break down in the middle of winter in northern Wisconsin in the middle of nowhere. When I broke down, it was -30 and was around midnight. I didn't have the blankets in my car that I now keep, so needless to say, I spent the night fighting off the shivers. The next morning in -30 degree weather, I had to walk to the nearest town and find a mechanic that could get me the parts I needed.
-Is it something anyone can do?
If you look at the world as it is. Big cities can sometimes be more wild than the traditional wild. In the wilderness you can be eaten by a bear, but you can also be shot by a mugger in a big city. They both have their predators, prey, and tools to deal with the environment. So Wilderness survival is something everyone does everyday to a certain degree.
That said, unless you win a darwin award, you can perform wilderness survival.
-Should more people learn how?
It is essential that everyone learn wilderness survival. Not only for recreation but in the event of poor fortune. The lord givith and the lord taketh away. When he taketh away, being able to improvise and use the tools you do have will mean the difference between life and death.
I'm not sure if all of these are complete thoughts or even answer the question you initially asked. However if it does, feel free to use my words in any way.
I too am interested in seeing the end product. Keep us posted.
I'm kinda wondering what your definition of Wilderness Survival is.
-General camping skills?
- The skills you'd need to live in the Wilderness as a lifestyle (like the guides and other folk here who choose to live well away from civilization)
- The skills you need should you become lost in the forest with the proper equipment and a leave behind that tells people where you are and when you'll be back so that they come looking for you?
- The skills you'd need to bug out or get-back-home after a major natural or man-made disaster?
- The skills you'd need to survive TEOTWAWKI?
No one really sets out to do Wilderness Survival. They may decide to live in the Wilderness but it's just a different way of life from what most urban dwellers would consider.
-What draws you to nature?
Watching the great circle.
-What is the hardest part of wilderness survival for you?
I don't practice 'wilderness survival'. It's Knowledge and some practice. Something I hope to never have to use in a real survival situation. I'm more back-to-the-land type than survivor type.
-The easiest?
Nothing about survival would be easy.
-How long have you spent doing this?
Had parents that were proponents of living simply. I'd gotten away from it for several years but am now back into it.
-Best experience?
Camping in the White Mountains.
-Worst experience?
Winter camping in the White Mountains.
-Is it something anyone can do?
With the right mindset.
-Should more people learn how?
More people should learn the basics of common sense. How not to get themselves into survival situations, planning ahead, and watching for signs of danger. But, crap happens so knowing how not to panic and how to get your basic immediate needs met is certainly useful to know.
Hunter saying, "Hey"
-What draws you to nature?
I marvel a a seed sprouting and becoming a plant, an eagle flying, a sun set, the sounds of the birds, a river that can sweep you off your feet......and all you have to do is look, listen, take a whiff, feel the heat and cold, use your senses.It just means you are alive.
-What is the hardest part of wilderness survival for you?
I don't really know, explaining it maybe? Never truly had to survive, just got uncomfortable a few times.
-The easiest?
Having the time, gear, and enough knowledge to concentrate o the having fun part.
-How long have you spent doing this?
55+ years, starting with the earliest memories of hanging out with my father, uncles, friends, family, doing everything for gardening, picking berries/nuts, hunting, boating, fishing, bicycling, sleeping out, cooking, and generally, being out side.
-Best experience?
Taking my wife and children, nephews, friends out and them having a good time. Learning from them and passing along any knowledge I may have.
-Worst experience?
Getting stuck in a leaky tent for a week, at 50 degrees and everything we owned was damp or down right wet. We had to keep drying wood in order to burn it.
-Is it something anyone can do?
Yes, if you walk to school, you are already doing it, just look around, feel the sun, wind, trees grass.
Now you just need to figure out how to stay out there and feel just as at home as you do at home.
-Should more people learn how?
That up to them, isn't for everyone.
Hope this make sense to you.
Welcome to the Wolf-Pack Julie! Thank you for a great intro as now we have some facts so we kinda know who we're talking to. I'm a curmud...er..curmidge...er...an old grump, okay? However, a deal's a deal so here goes:
Questions:
-What draws you to nature? [NATURE ITSELF!]
-What is the hardest part of wilderness survival for you? [SURVIVING; LIKE KLKAK POSTED, DEATH IS EASY! GIVING UP IS EASY! GOING ON WHEN YOU DON'T THINK OR FEEL THAT YOU CAN, THAT'S HARD!
-The easiest? [THRIVING INSTEAD! SEEING THE REWARDS IN BEING PROPERLY PREPARED! I'VE BEEN SURROUNDED BY DEATH, NOT IN BATTLE, JUST IN DAY TO DAY LIVING. PROPER PREPARATION PREVENTS PERISHING! (TRY SAYING THAT 10 TIMES REAL FAST!) :sneaky2:]
-How long have you spent doing this?[SINCE I WAS BORN, IT'S CALLED "THE INSTINCT OF SELF-PRESERVATION".]
-Best experience? [FINDING A VERY LARGE PATCH OF MORELS!]
-Worst experience? [HAVEN'T HAD ONE YET, UNLESS YOU COUNT MY 1ST MARRIAGE, BUT I'M 62 YEARS YOUNG, GIVE ME TIME!]
-Is it something anyone can do?[MOST PEOPLE DO IT WITHOUT EVEN REALIZING IT! SOME FOLKS LACK THE WILL TO GO ON; OTHERS NEVER QUIT. SEE MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS!]
-Should more people learn how?[WELL, I CONSIDER THAT A STUPID QUESTION, BUT GIVEN YOUR NOVICE POSITION YOU GET SOME SLACK FROM ME: SURVIVAL MEANS LIFE, THE OTHER SIDE IS DEATH; WHAT DO YOU THINK?]
It would be really cool of you to post your completed essay in the blog section of this site so we can see what you wrote & how you did. Welcome to the mad house! SARGE. :cool2:
I would be interesting to know how many survival forums she will be surveying and how they compare. They are not all the same.
Two that I can find.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alaskan Survivalist
Haha! I grew up mostly in the suburbs surrounding Chicago! Lived up in VT for almost 6 years now, but my old house had 2 trees, one that we had to plant ourselves!
I tried another forum, but it wouldn't let you post until you posted 5 times, which made no sense... This was much easier and laid back!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Julie362
Hope that helps for your project!
Mark, Sales of Pest Control, & Wilderness Trapper.
1) The wonders of natures are truly mind boggling. Just to witness them is worth living for. Man in the wilderness bring out the human is us. Prime evil is good for the soul. It gives you a better understanding of where we came from.Quote:
Originally Posted by Julie362
2) Coming back to civilization.
3) Communing with nature
4) meeting a woman in the wilderness and never saying a word to each other for the day we spent together. Walking up the next day, and she was gone.
5) Falling off a 50 foot shale cliff.
6) With training, Without, you will just die.
7) No, only the strongest will survive. Its not for the meek.
-What draws you to nature?
What doesn't? It is so beautiful. It reminds me of it's creator and his plan for me. It fills the soul and brings balance to life.
-What is the hardest part of wilderness survival for you?
The hardest part is finding the resource that you need that is hard to find. This varies dramatically in different areas. As an example, water is scarce in a desert, a warm place is scarce in the arctic, oxygen is scarce on the moon. If you are in a situation were all your basic needs are met easily, then you aren't in a survival situation.
-The easiest?
Knowing that I can do it.
-How long have you spent doing this?
I have never been in a wilderness survival scenario. I have spent a lot of time over the course of my life (25+ years) in the wilderness and away from civilization, but I was always prepared with the necessary equipment.
-Best experience?
My best experience in nature has always been when I backpacked into someplace remote.
-Worst experience?
My worst experience with nature has been when I car camped in some crap site with lots of campers around.
-Is it something anyone can do?
Anyone can survive.
-Should more people learn how?
No. I like my solitude. ;)
Here is the MLA documentation if you quote me. If you quote anyone else on this thread, just change the first name, the rest is the same. Use MLA, unless your teacher wants APA.
E, David. "School Project." Wilderness Survival Forums. 08MAR2010. Chris, Web. 8 Mar 2010. <http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?p=202473&posted=1#post202473>.
Whats "MLA" documentation ? whats it for ?
-What draws you to nature?
My Faith has given me a very deep respect for God's Creation. I feel much more at home in the woods than in a house.
-What is the hardest part of wilderness survival for you?
Finding the time to do it. I'll soon have three small kids, I've got a demanding job, and working on my bachelor's degree.
-The easiest?
Enjoying myself. When I get out in the woods by myself, it is like all my stress and troubles melt away.
-How long have you spent doing this?
I grew up in the woods, but I have gotten more serious about the outdoors over the last two years or so.
-Best experience?
Having wild animals walking right up to me before they knew I was there. That is an amazing experience.
-Worst experience?
Camping in January and letting my fire go out in the middle of the night. I'll never let that happen again.
-Is it something anyone can do?
Well, anybody with a little common sense. There are some people who would endanger themselves and others by their foolishness, presumption, and lack of preparation.
-Should more people learn how?
Absolutely. We owe it to ourselves to be at least somewhat self-sufficient.
Well, if you plan on going to college, you better learn. Otherwise, don't worry about it. Of course, by 3rd grader had 5 sources in MLA format for her one page Pocahontas report. Probably overkill, but it hurts not to.Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin Case
Justin - MLA is one style of writing professional papers. MLA stands for Modern Language Association and is generally used to write papers and cite sources within the liberal arts and humanities. It's typically the format you use in college level work for literature.
The APA format is used for psychology, education, and other social sciences.
The AMA format is used for medicine, health, and biological sciences.
Turabian is for college students to use with all subjects.
Finally, Chicago Citation is used with all subjects in the "real world" by books, magazines, newspapers, and other non-scholarly publications.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick
Damn, I'm Impressed! I don't have a clue what you said but it sure sounds smart!
Okay....let's try this a bit differently. MLA is one style of skinnin'. You start at the neck and work you're way down.
APA is a 'nother style. You start at the hind legs.
With AMA, you just cut a notch in the fur about mid-way along the back and pull in opposite directions.
Turabian is for skinnin' camel riders.
Chicago Citation is nothing more than a bunch of words you use when you start skinnin' and find out the critter ain't dead.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick
As an engineer, I don't use MLA at all. But, when I was in school, I used it all the time for all my non-engineering classes. Generally your teacher should say what format to use. But, in the real world, as long as you somehow note where you stole your info from, you are good. Just don't make it sound like you wrote it yourself (unless you actual did).
Thanks Rick, for the Answer to my Question,, Seems That you were the only one who "Really" Knew :cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick
Well, thanks for all the insight! And for the bibliography lesson? You guys are great!