Should We Be Afraid?

 

When I was a kid I remember my dad coming home from work every evening and watching the 6 pm news to see what was going on in the world at large as well as our little corner of rural America. Day in, day out nothing really changed life just went on like it always did, of course there was the occasional story of a tornado out in the plains states or a flood down south, maybe even a forest fire out west. They seemed rare, once or twice a year…. Maybe once a season at most but that kind of stuff never happened where we lived in the Mid-West, well almost never. I do remember learning in high school history class about “The Great Tornado of 50…. Something” but that was decades ago.

Fast forward 30 years and today every time you turn on the TV or go on the internet the majority of the news is dedicated to some natural or manmade disaster, ever growing government debt in the Trillions of dollars (17 trillion the last I checked). Terrorist attacks happening weekly all over the world, ongoing wars and the threat of war on several other fronts about to erupt. An economy that is just hanging on by a thread, coupled with a national infrastructure that should have been updated 20 years ago. As of the end of September (2013) we have already had 141 natural disasters in the US alone, it is enough to make your head spin thinking about it.

It brings to mind a question and Matthew 24:3-14.

³ As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

⁴ Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. ⁵ For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. ⁶ You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. ⁷ Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. ⁸ All these are the beginning of birth pains.

⁹ “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. ¹⁰ At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, ¹¹ and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. ¹² Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, ¹³ but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. ¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

The part that worries me is in verse 8 which states that it is only the beginning of birth pains. As the analogy suggests the longer it continues the more frequent and sever it will become. One evening news broadcast is enough to show that this worlds “contractions” are only minutes apart now. If it were a woman she would already be in the delivery room............

What happens next, and should we be afraid?

*Picture taken from the internet, photographer is unknown.

 

The Path Less Traveled

The Road Not Taken (Robert Frost circa 1915)

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim Because it was grassy and wanted wear, Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I marked the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

96 years ago when Frost wrote this poem he meant it to be a gentle jab at his friend and fellow poet Edward Thomas who would frequently take walks in the woods with Frost only to complain later that they should have taken a different path than the one they took. Ironically it could be meant for anyone of us that, in spite of popular belief, enjoy spending time in the woods without the distraction of crowds, cell phones, computers, or traffic.

When you enter the woods life just seems to slow down, your stresses seem to disappear, carried away on the wind blowing through the leaves. Natures quiet envelopes you and overtakes you senses with the sent of earth and trees. Its residence, the cricket and bird, sing to you a welcome. Inviting you to stay and experience life a different way than the hustle and bustle in the world you left behind. Dare I say calling you back to life the way it was intended to be?

Two paths diverge in life, and I took the one less traveled by and it has made all the difference!

The fall is a great time to get outside. Experience the wonders that are out there, set around a bon fire drinking hot cocoa or spiced cider, find a new path to walk down, enjoy the cool crisp air of a woodland in full color, Gods gift to us before the cold clutches of winter take hold. Life is short; don’t let yourself miss the chances to really live!

Picture from Yahoo Images.

What Would You Need In A Self Reliance Situation?

I recently watched a video put out by Dave Canterbury form The Pathfinder School LLC and co-host of the Discovery Channels Dual Survival. It was on what he has called the “10 C’s of Survivability” or the 10 items he feels should always be carried into the woods or backcountry when you go. They are as follows:

1. Cutting Tool: A good knife
2. Combustion Device: Sure fire, like a Ferro rod and Wet Fire cube
3. Covering: Wool blanket, tarp, etc.
4. Container: Canteen & cup, stainless steel Nalgene bottle, or a Nalgene & GSI Glacier cup
5. Cargo: Some type of pack, haversack or lumbar pack to carry your kit
6. Compass
7. Cordage: 100’ of Para cord, tarred Trot line (bankline), rope
8. Candle: A light source, flashlight, headlamp, or a candle
9. Combination Tool: A Swiss Army Knife, Multi-Tool, or folding saw
10. Cloth: A 3’x3’ piece of cotton cloth or bandanna

After watching this video, I could not get away from the thought that it was (in my opinion) missing a few key items. First of all, let me say that I respect and admire Dave Canterbury and feel that he is a true Master at his craft. I have also enjoyed his videos and teachings for many years and have learned a lot from them. With that said lets move on.

With the internet being what it is, I am afraid someone will follow the above list without taking the time to learn how to use the gear listed in the way he intended for it to be used. For example:  the 3’x3’ cotton cloth on his list.  He has stated at other times that in a first aid scenario he would use strips cut from that cloth (in conjunction with duct tape) as bandages in lieu of carrying a first aid kit and if you follow his Pathfinder training or his videos you will know that these “10 C’s” are part of his training concepts. But for the average person who watched this from the Discovery website or stumbled across the video on Youtube without knowing that it was part of his training program (at one time only taught in face to face training) and was intended as a refinement of a larger kit, they could inadvertently find themselves in a self reliance / survival situation without the items necessary to survive.

The additional items I would add to his kit (for the novice and back country cruiser alike) are: (sorry, mine do not all start with a C)

1. Knowledge and Practice: never stop learning new tricks, techniques, and skills to help you in the wild, and practice… practice… practice until those skills become second nature to you.
2. First Aid Kit: no one wants something bad to happen while they are enjoying the wild, but at times it does and you need to be prepared for it. If all you are carrying is a cotton bandanna and it has been used to strain debris from a water source before boiling, would you want to use it as a dressing for an open wound?
3. Water Treatment: I am a fan of the Aquamira Frontier Pro filter. It is small, light weight, has many options for use, and filters more than enough water for a self reliance situation. It also leaves your container and/or cup for other uses.
4. Food: I have always been an advocate of taking some with you. 1-2 Powerbars, some trail mix, a few coffee or tea bags, & some hard candies take up almost no room and add little weight compared to the advantages of having them when you need them, like before you can catch or forage something from the wild. I have also been in favor of including a small fishing kit (hooks, line, weights, & a bobber) as well as leg snares for small game (10-12 in a small container).
5. Repair: at a minimum I would include a needle & thread and some duct tape.
6. Signaling Device: call me old fashioned but a nice loud whistle can be heard for long distances.

All or most of these I have heard Dave Canterbury talk about carrying with him in the wild, and I am not sure why he has not made a point of expounding on their importance in recent days. Maybe when I have had as much dirt time as he has, or have reached the level of knowledge and skill as he has I will change my mind, but I am too set in my ways and do not think it will happen any time soon.

Get outside and experience the wonder of Gods creation, just do so safely. God Bless.

I would also like to take a moment to express my condolences on the loss of Mr. Ron Hood. The extent of your loss will be felt in the outdoor community for years to come.

Picture from Yahoo Images.

DIY: Homemade Gear

There is a certain satisfaction that goes along with making your own gear. A confidence that only comes with the knowledge that you are capable of providing for your own needs, but what gear should you try to make your self and which should you buy? Let me start by saying that if you are new to backpacking, talk to a lot of seasoned hikers, visit the hiking / backpacking forums and get some experience first before deciding what you want to try making. For the rest of you seasoned and crusty hikers, we will look at some of the most common DIY (Do It Yourself) gear.

Probably the most common piece of homemade gear is the soda can alcohol stove. 2 aluminum cans, a utility knife blade, a drill (a pin, nail, awl or other pointed object), steel wool, and the red & black JB Weld and you’re on your way to having a quiet, fuel efficient, light cook stove to add to your pack. You can find detailed plans all over the internet but I would recommend www.zenstoves.net they have detailed plans to make several types of alcohol and wood burning stoves as well as other DIY projects.

Another great way to cut weight and save space in your pack is to repackage your freeze dried meals into zip lock freezer bags. Once done, you can make a bag cozy (an insulated pouch) to place the freezer bag in while the meal re-hydrates. Then you can sit back and enjoy your meal content in the knowledge that you have little to no clean up after you’re done eating. As long as you don’t mind eating from the zip lock bag, you do not have a pan to clean (all you did was boil water in it), you have no plate or bowl to wash (you only have an empty bag to add to your trash), that only leaves your Spork and cup to clean. Watch the video's below for directions on making and using a bag cozy.

For those of you that like to sew (or know someone that can sew) the possibilities for DIY gear are almost endless. You have the potential to make your own tarps, tents, hammocks, packs, sleeping bags, quilts, and clothing. You are limited only by your imagination and skill. Dozens of gear manufacturers (Kelty, Snow Peak, Appy Trails, Golite, to name a few) started out making gear for family and friends in their spare time and ended up making it a full time career.

Don’t be afraid to try making your own gear; just test your homemade gear fully before you hit the trail so you do not have any unexpected surprises when you are 20 miles into the back country. For those that would like some more information before trying to make gear, try the websites and Youtube channels listed below.

Youtube Channels:
~ Ggreenvideos
~ jasonklass
~ minibulldesign
~ shugemery
~ mblackford100

Websites:
www.geartalkwithjasonklass.com
www.hammockforums.net
www.thru-hiker.com

www.zenstoves.net

Solo Hiking, Going It Alone:

For those that love the wild places around us and have always dreamt of going on a solo backpacking trip there are a few things to keep in mind. I must admit, the idea of setting beside a still mountain lake in the early hours of the morning drinking my coffee, while the last remnants of a late night fog still hang above the tree tops stirs my soul. Besides the picturesque moments, hiking solo can be an amazing time to get to know yourself and what you are capable of, but safety should always be your top priority.

1. Planning: Research the area you want to hike and read everything you can find on that area, go to the hiking forums on the internet and talk to those that have hiked your chosen trail before. Know what weather conditions you may encounter and be prepared for them. Plan on bringing an up to date map of the area even if you are bringing a GPS. Always make someone aware of your plans.
2. Making A Trip Plan: Make a written plan of your trip including a complete list of the gear you are taking, a map of the area you are hiking with the trails marked that you will be on, and estimate how many miles you plan to cover per day and where you are planning to camp. It also helps to list the contact numbers for emergency response for the area you will be in. Leave a copy with someone before you leave and a second copy in your vehicle at the trail head with any last minute changes that may have been made. Do not deviate from your plan, if you get lost or injured, that plan will be what rescuers follow while looking for you!
3. Bring Adequate Supplies: Stock your first aid kit with anything you may need, bring a cell phone (you don’t have to turn it on unless you need it), and plan to bring extra food to rely on in case of an emergency. Energy / Protein bars, trail mix, and hard candies are ideal for this purpose.
4. Take Only The Essentials: Make a list of the gear you will need (including extra food and medical supplies) and leave some of the comfort items at home. An over loaded pack at the start of the hike could be the cause of an injury somewhere along the trail.
5. Bear Country: If you are hiking in bear country, never take your safety for granted. Carry a can of bear deterrent spray (pepper spray), and some bear bangers (a small handheld launcher with whistling and exploding cartridges that attach to it) they can be purchased from: http://truflareusa.com/productcatalog.htm                                                                                 Arial flares can also be purchased to use with the launcher.
6. Always Be Aware Of Your Surroundings: If you are alone, or in a group, the best way to avoid dangerous animals, slippery rocks, loose gravel, or muddy slopes that can lead to injury is to pay attention to what is going on around you.

Solo hiking can be the trip of a lifetime, or the trip that takes a lifetime to forget. Make a check list of the gear you need and mark off the gear as you pack it, leave a good clear plan of your trip behind in case you don’t return on time, hike with a partner and gain some experience before trying it alone, and remember to bring your common sense it could save your life.      



Picture from Yahoo images.

When Fire Devastates

Two nights ago a tragedy struck close to my home. Several buildings in the small town I live in caught on fire and burned beyond repair. It took 15 fire companies about 7-8 hours to extinguish the blaze. Thank God in Heaven that no one lost their life.

 It was a nightmarish scene as plumbs of black smoke billowed up into the evening sky chased by flames, at times, reaching 30 to 40 feet above the buildings, and the smell of burning tar from the roofs reaching for miles down wind. I thank the brave men and women of the fire departments that bravely fought the blaze. Who knows how much worse it could have been without their hard work.

As I write this I am reminded about a couple of posts I made in January and February about having some emergency supplies together in your home that could get you through if a disaster were to strike. They were written with the idea in mind that you never know when something is going to happen that could leave you fending for yourself until rescue crews can arrive to help, or utilities could be restored. This disaster was of another sort: What do you do when every thing you prepared is no longer there?

It’s difficult and unpleasant, to think that something like this could happen to you but it can, and it does, everyday. You owe it to yourself and your family to be ready when it does. The nice part about getting prepared is that it’s not as hard to do as you might think, and a little creative thinking and effort before hand can reduce the time and cost it would normally take to get ready.

To start, make a plan! A written plan that is discussed and practiced with your family, that teaches them what to do and where to go if a tragedy hits your home. Include escape routes for each area of your home, a “safe zone” at least 100 yards away from the home to meet at. This can be a tree, park bench, a mail box, anything that gets everyone back together out of harms way.

Put together a “grab and go” bag (also called a bug out bag) for each person. At a minimum it should contain a change of clothes (appropriate for the season), a jacket or sweater (even in the summer months), a first aid kit (with any medications you need), a flash light, pencil/pen and paper, rain poncho, 25-50 feet of utility or Para cord, a pair of gloves (work gloves or glove liners are fine), a knit hat or ball cap, and some basic hygiene supplies. The adults in the home should also have a copy of any important papers such as insurance papers, birth certificates, wills, or any other papers you may want or need, $20 to $50 to purchase a meal or other item, and a family Bible. Place them into a plastic zip lock bag to protect them and keep them together.

If you have kids in the home you may want to include some comfort items for them such as some type of snack food (trail mix, crackers, hard candies), a blanket, stuffed animal, or favorite toy. If you decide to go with a favorite toy, hit you local garage sales and flea markets to find a duplicate of a toy they are already playing with a lot. Something familiar helps them to deal with difficult situations.

You can hit the “back to school” sales at your local department stores, garage or estate sales, flea markets, or EBay to pick up a small day or school style backpack for each person to store their stuff in and a multi pack of LED flashlights are a great way to save money when supplying each person with a light (just remember to keep spare batteries with them). Most communities have a Red Cross chapter that will offer assistance to families but it may take a few hours to a few days for that assistance to arrive, having something already together gives you and your family something to fall back on until then.

Before You Go:

Are you planning any adventures to the backcountry this summer? If so, you may want to follow these simple guidelines to help make your trip more enjoyable and safer.

• Plan Ahead: Know where you are going, when you plan to leave, when you plan to be back, and write it down. Estimate how far you plan to travel in a day (know your limits), add a complete list of your gear and supplies, include it with your trip plan, then make a few copies to leave behind when you hit the trail.
• Leave Your Trip Plan: Choose 1 or 2 people to leave your trip plan with. This will allow them to contact the authorities if you do not return on time from your adventure. It also helps to leave a copy in your vehicle with any last minute changes that had to be made before starting out.
• Stick To Your Plan: Nature is unpredictable, and there will be times when you have to alter your plan after you start your trip, but try to stick as close to your plan as possible and return to your trip plan if you have to detour for some reason.
• Learn Some Basic Survival Skills: Take a basic First Aid class or a Wilderness First Aid class before you go and add it to some self reliance training in fire building, how to signal for help, and basic shelter building. You may never need it on the trail but it will fun to learn and builds your confidence about the outdoors.
• Test Your Gear: Know how to use your gear before you go, and get an idea of its limitations. Before any trip you should also inspect your gear to see if any piece needs to be repaired or replaced prior to leaving.
• Leave No Trace: Take a few minutes to read and learn the Leave No Trace backcountry guidelines. Your goal is to set out on an adventure to remember in the wild places around us, make sure they are there for future generations to use as well.

Most importantly HAVE FUN! That’s what it’s all about. Whether it’s a day hike at a local park, an overnight campout with your family, a weekend stay in a State campground, or a multi-day solo backpacking trip in a remote wilderness. Proper planning, combined with the right gear, and a sense of adventure and you’ll have memories to share for a lifetime.

*Clip art is from Yahoo Images.