Planning a Trip

[Excalibur]

I am planning a trip to a lake near prince george, the name of the lake escapes me. Im taking my 3 boys for the summer any tips on plants both edible and medicinal and animals both as a food source and ones that would like us on the menu.

[canid]

no it's easily something you can start learning a few weeks -and certainly a few months- in advance, but yeah, you need a hell of a lot more than just tips.

what knowlege do you currently have?

also, which prince george?

[crashdive123]

Excalibur - Did you mean that you are taking the boys into the wilderness for the summer, or that they will be with you for the summer and you are planning a shorter trip? You said in your intro that your outdoor skills were kind of lacking is why I ask. Lot's of great info on this forum with a bunch of knowledgeablepeople. I'm sure you will get alot of helpful advice (maybe some that isn't so helpful too). I'm going to leave the edible and medicinal plants to those that are more knowledgeable than I am. Good luck with what you're looking for.

[BraggSurvivor]

The Prince George in British Columbia? What a crap hole town. (sorry to any one who lives there)

[Excalibur]

As far as experiance 10 years military and 18 years growing up in rural washington state. I have a few skills but no where near what I would call an expert, my boys are 14,13,12 yeah i was busy but they are familiar with the outdoors but have few practical skills. I never been to Prince George proper but yes the 4 of us for 3 months we have "tail gate camped" (anything within 3 miles of the truck) and are working up to the long summer 2009

[canid]

i advise you learn all the plants you can but bring the food you'll need. count on the plants to add variety, flavor, etc.

as for hunting or trapping, do you have any experience? i'll leave that decision to you, because i don't know what the legal considerations are for you in that respect.

of course be prepared to make trips into town as/if needed and don't feel bad for needing to do so. better to enjoy the trip than to resent your sense of accomplishment

[Excalibur]

This is only an extended camping trip but I would like to plan for all contingencies we will have food for 30 days and resupply will happen monthly but accidents weather and animals can change the trip from a long peaceful escape to terror on legs with fur teeth and claws. water is going to be from the lake with filters, iodine tablet backup, and boiling last resort we will have cargo on the canoes totaling 400 lbs (200 kilos)

[canid]

sounds like you're pretty well planned. i hope you have an enjoyable trip. how far out to you intend to be from resupply/medial help?

[canid]

this looks like a good source of BC plant info [i'm still checking it out myself]:
http://www.eflora.bc.ca/

[Excalibur]

I hope so too, resupply is a small issue of a three mile hike from road to lake but the road is 50 miles of gravel and about 75 miles paved to the nearest town there is a ranger station at the south end of the lake max distance to rescue is 10 miles plus the rangers will have a day to day planner of my trip with contact every month unless they come checkin I will have a civil band 2 way radio but due to battery life and storage constraints only enough batteries for 3 days normal use (3 fresh batteries)

[crashdive123]

Sounds as though you'll have a good time. Just make sure you cover all of your needs _ shelter, fire, water, food, clothing, first aid, navigation, communications, etc. You may want to post a list of gear your bringing. Some on here have done some extended outings and may be able to offer some advice. (don't want to waste your time telling you stuff you already know or are planning).

[Excalibur]

cool thanks for the link

[crashdive123]

You may want to consider a solar charger for your batteries.

[Ridge Wolf]

Get hold of a Petersen's Guide on wild edibles and take it with you. Pay close attention to it and a survival guide book also. If you have the slightest doubt about any plant don't eat it. Take along enough domestic provision for the trip rather than take a chance on wild edibles unless you know them for sure.

[BraggSurvivor]

Make sure you leave your vehicle in a secure area. Might not look the same when you get back to it. (if its there at all)

My brother is a RCMP officer in Prince George. Why did you pick that area, if you dont mind me asking.

[Excalibur]

wow long list ok
artic tent 4 person
4 mil spec -40 sleeping systems
4 poncho liners
2 tarps
100 feet para-cord
12 inch cast iron skillet with griddle lid
4 metal plates
secondary cooking by coleman white gas stove (fire primary)
3 gallons fuel for stove
biodegradable dish soap
40 days dehydrated food (just in case we cant find food)
bear sack for the food
water filter with filters
sharpening hone
first aid kit (lots of stuff)
8 changes of clothes
12 pr socks
multi knife
fixed blade knife
gloves
long underware (4 pr)
hooded sweater 2
cold weather coat and pants
wet weather gear
fanny pack (carried by each person) and in it
linsetic compas and map
small first aid kit
whistle
signal mirror
limited use water filter
space blanket
3 clips for .45
.45
3 1000 calorie ration bars

[Excalibur]

went there as a boy scout years ago and the vehicle will be at the ranger station

[BraggSurvivor]

Ah good, should be safe then.

[Excalibur]

is there any thing I might have missed

[BraggSurvivor]

Fishing gear! The surrounding area's lakes and streams are an angler's paradise, but don't forget your license! In the spring and summer, lakes and streams are heavy with rainbow and lake trout, dolly varden or burbot.

You wont go hungry.