I have always thought Survival was a matter of perspective.
I asked my brother what hard-core survival was to him. He replied it was a 5 star hotel without room service at 3am. The fix all, ultimate survival kit of his consists of a satellite phone and a no limit credit card.
I do not see where I would find myself in a wilderness survival situation, at least not anymore. That is not to say I do not plan for it.
When you find yourself in a situation that is not planned for. Knowledge is the key. Be that knowing how to deal with people or knowing how to make a fire. It is what we know that improves our chances for success.
Keeping this in mind. Also knowing my limitations, ability and willingness to push them to there limits. I do not see where I could not survive in most situations. Well at least for a time!
Planning on a survival situation in my opinion is camping with time to practice what I think I know and keeping these skills honed to a usable edge. I have only found myself in what I consider a true survival situation three times in my life.
As a POW I had to use skills I learned, to survive, as best I could.
One time I lost all my gear. Everything but what I had in my pockets. It was 3 weeks of covering ground to a supply/ pick up point with no one around to help. This last one was somewhat planned for. I knew this could happen and carried a kit in my pocket to cover the basics.
Once I was confronted by a group of fellows with ill intent. I took a beating but did as much damage as I was able, before I was put under. A Month in a hospital for me and months of recovery for the survivors I left behind. Also 2 years of expensive legal issues before it was decided I acted with just course.
In each case it was knowledge that kept me alive. Knowing what to do and doing it. Knowing that success depended on me and not on someone else coming and doing what had to be done. That and a Banana Splits. In each case I promised myself a Banana Split once I could get to one. A goal to strive toward.
Reading the posts on this forum gives me ideas on things I can learn. Things I need to practice. Things I know how to do but have let the skill sit dormant far too long. I sit here in my nice warm house and look at all the gear I have collected over time. I look out the door at the foot of wet snow and the water soaked ground out in the yard. I think to myself, it is good not to be out in that muddy soon to freeze mess.
Could I set up in the yard and make a few days of it? Yes. Do I want to? Heck NO! But if I had too, I could.
The car and truck have 72-hour kits. If I find myself out and about in the wilds of suburbia (Camping) or get stuck out on the side of the road for a time, I am covered. If the local damn breaks, I am covered for a month or longer stay. If power goes out for a weeks, I have that covered. I have the means to get clean water, heat, food and light.
This last year was my last time trekking out in the high lonesome alone. Knowing your limitations is part of survival. Mine have now gotten past the point; I could or would cross the stream and climb the mountain willingly. The last time I was out alone for a month, it took me weeks to recover from the exertion. My health and ability have passed with old age.
I have reached the point I will get out and about but will do it with a car or truck at hand. I will go camping as best I can. I have the knowledge to go out and chase the white elephant. I just have to accept the fact I no longer have the ability or stamina. It is heck getting old and then having to accept it.
I turned 55, today. I have issues with my health. I hurt when it rains and if my back goes out again, I know from experience, I will be weeks laid on my back. Years of pushing the limit and going when I should have stopped have caught up with me.
I am not old! I am just past my prime!
Don
