I want to apologize for my long absents, but it could not be helped. To tell the whole story, or at least just the highlights of it, I need to go back to the week before deer hunting season this year.
I had a doctor’s appointment the Friday before the opener. I went and my doctor wanted to put me on a new medicine. Now, I tend to be fairly hardheaded and not easily persuaded into anything I am not ready or willing to tackle. We talked about it and I was adamant that I not start the new meds until after deer season. That turned out to be one of the better decisions I ever made.
My buddy and I had a great time at the cabin. We didn’t see many deer and only one shot was even attempted. (Toolman missed.) Toolman had gone up the week before and repaired the furnace and re-wired the breaker box so we could hook up a generator. First time since I have owned the place we were warm and had lights for deer season. We can’t wait for next year.
Anyway, the week after I got home I went back to the doctor and started the new medicine. One week to the day after I started it I had a reaction to it and ended up in the hospital for a week. (I can not imagine what it would have been if it happened while I was up north hunting.)
I know very few of you know me personally, but those that do know I do not take drugs of any kind and never have. I hate taking an aspirin for a headache and rarely do. When the attack hit me I was begging for drugs. They gave me some pain medicine that had me seeing things. At one point I was in a cave instead of the hospital and I saw long dead pets walking around the room. I was messed up!
I got released from the hospital a week after I was admitted and came home. I spent several weeks trying to sleep in the chair, the guest room bed, and the couch, usually all in one night. I was lucky to drift off for an hour at a time. I couldn’t eat either. I have lost over forty pounds since then. It is good for me, but I feel weak and not like my old self.
I could not sit and use the computer much more than read a few e-mails at a time and answering them was a tough chore. I write free-lance articles for several magazines under my real name too and I couldn’t write anything, I just couldn’t sit at the computer, it hurt too much.
My wife was a rock for me and she proved yet again that marrying her is the best decision I ever made in my life. I could not have made it home alone without her and my son whom happened to be home from college for this ordeal.
My thoughts on survival and preparedness changed a lot during that time. All I cared about was getting my health and strength back. I had to change my diet and now a lot of my stored food is no longer “healthy” for me to eat. Ironically, one of the last things I wrote for this blog but forgot to send in was a receipt for the breakfast I make up at deer camp and Sundays here on the farm. I can no longer eat that breakfast now, all the stuff in it is bad for me.
I am now almost back to my old self. I will be returning to work in a week or so and my life should start to get back to normal by spring. I am not sure when or even if I will be writing again for a while. Needless to say I am way behind on lots of stuff.
Anyway, that is why I have not been around in a couple months. Let’s hope someone else steps up and adds some stuff for the Michigan Preppers.
Later,
Wolverine
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Basic Guide to Knives
Re-post courtesy Riverwalker's Stealth Survival
Knives come in a multitude of shapes, sizes, types and functions. Knowing the basic types and styles of knives available will allow you to determine which knives will best suit your own needs. The following is a very basic description of several different types and styles of knives that are available.
Fixed Blade Knives
A fixed-blade knife is a solid piece of steel anchored to the handle. This is a type of blade that is usually the most trusted for the tougher jobs and more rugged use. For most hunting and camping activities, a fixed blade knife will be the best choice. Fixed blades are durable and hold up to the elements well because of their straight, simple construction without any of the various folding-type mechanisms. In fixed blade knives, the knife blade is one piece of metal that runs the length of the knife. When the knife blade reaches the beginning of the handle, it can either taper into a “rat tail” that is surrounded by the handle or continue as a tang that is covered on either side by handle pieces or what is commonly referred to as “slabs”.
Folding Knives
Folding blade knives are generally not quite as durable as fixed blade knives, but provide safety and the convenience of compact size. Folding blade knives come in a variety of configurations, some of which may even lock into place. Locking folders allow much of the same confidence of a fixed blade while letting you close the knife blade into the handle for safety.
Pocket Knives
Old fashioned pocket knives are still high on the list as everyone’s favorite. These can be great to carry in your pocket for all the times you might need a knife. Not all models lock in an open position. This does not affect their main use as a basic knife for a variety of uses. Some pocket knives offer multiple knife blades for different uses.
Lock Back Knives
A lock back knife is a type of folding knife that locks in an open position. Locking folders provide much of the confidence of a fixed blade knife when open; yet they enable you to fold the blade for your safety and carrying convenience. A lock back gets its name from a rocking lock plate visible on the back of the handle. Opening the knife blade causes the “rocker” to lock against the blade so that it locks open. Pushing down on the “rocker” at the back of the handle releases it. This enables you to close the blade. Lock back knives generally require two hands in order to close them.
Single Hand Operation Knives
Many knife users are looking for the convenience of a knife that opens and closes with one hand and that also provides additional safety by being locked when open. For climbing and activities where one hand is occupied, a knife that can be operated with a single hand is considered essential by many people. For other types of activities, a single hand knife may be simply a personal preference. There are many types of knives that allow single hand operation. It is important to choose one that fits your activities. This type of knife is often referred to as a “one hander”.
Liner Lock Knives
A liner lock knife is a folding knife that locks open by means of a tensioned metal liner inside the handle. This is similar to a lock back knife. Opening the blade will activate the lock. Unlocking is achieved by placing your thumb on the front part of the liner and pushing to the left. This releases the blade. A liner lock enables you to close the blade with one hand. A thumb hole or thumb stud in the knife blade is typically used to allow single hand operation.
Frame Lock Knives
A Frame Lock knife operates similar to a liner lock. The main difference is the lock is a tensioned part of the handle frame with an open channel. When the knife blade opens, the frame lock moves into the handle opening and locks against the blade. Pushing to the left releases it from its “locked” position so you can close the blade.
Assisted Opening Knives
Assisted Opening knives are the ultimate in knives offering the convenience of single hand operation. They also use a liner lock for locking the blade open. To open, release the safety, and then push the blade release ridge. After the knife blade starts opening, the assisted opening mechanism completes the knife blade opening, which releases the liner to lock the blade open. To close, push left on the front of the liner lock to unlock it, close the knife blade and engage the safety on top of the handle.
Special Note: These knives are illegal in many areas. Check the applicable laws in your area.
Due to the complex and changing nature of knife laws, it is your responsibility to investigate and comply with all federal, state and local laws relating to the possession, use, or transport of knives.
Staying above the water line!
Riverwalker
Knives come in a multitude of shapes, sizes, types and functions. Knowing the basic types and styles of knives available will allow you to determine which knives will best suit your own needs. The following is a very basic description of several different types and styles of knives that are available.
Fixed Blade Knives
A fixed-blade knife is a solid piece of steel anchored to the handle. This is a type of blade that is usually the most trusted for the tougher jobs and more rugged use. For most hunting and camping activities, a fixed blade knife will be the best choice. Fixed blades are durable and hold up to the elements well because of their straight, simple construction without any of the various folding-type mechanisms. In fixed blade knives, the knife blade is one piece of metal that runs the length of the knife. When the knife blade reaches the beginning of the handle, it can either taper into a “rat tail” that is surrounded by the handle or continue as a tang that is covered on either side by handle pieces or what is commonly referred to as “slabs”.
Folding Knives
Folding blade knives are generally not quite as durable as fixed blade knives, but provide safety and the convenience of compact size. Folding blade knives come in a variety of configurations, some of which may even lock into place. Locking folders allow much of the same confidence of a fixed blade while letting you close the knife blade into the handle for safety.
Pocket Knives
Old fashioned pocket knives are still high on the list as everyone’s favorite. These can be great to carry in your pocket for all the times you might need a knife. Not all models lock in an open position. This does not affect their main use as a basic knife for a variety of uses. Some pocket knives offer multiple knife blades for different uses.
Lock Back Knives
A lock back knife is a type of folding knife that locks in an open position. Locking folders provide much of the confidence of a fixed blade knife when open; yet they enable you to fold the blade for your safety and carrying convenience. A lock back gets its name from a rocking lock plate visible on the back of the handle. Opening the knife blade causes the “rocker” to lock against the blade so that it locks open. Pushing down on the “rocker” at the back of the handle releases it. This enables you to close the blade. Lock back knives generally require two hands in order to close them.
Single Hand Operation Knives
Many knife users are looking for the convenience of a knife that opens and closes with one hand and that also provides additional safety by being locked when open. For climbing and activities where one hand is occupied, a knife that can be operated with a single hand is considered essential by many people. For other types of activities, a single hand knife may be simply a personal preference. There are many types of knives that allow single hand operation. It is important to choose one that fits your activities. This type of knife is often referred to as a “one hander”.
Liner Lock Knives
A liner lock knife is a folding knife that locks open by means of a tensioned metal liner inside the handle. This is similar to a lock back knife. Opening the blade will activate the lock. Unlocking is achieved by placing your thumb on the front part of the liner and pushing to the left. This releases the blade. A liner lock enables you to close the blade with one hand. A thumb hole or thumb stud in the knife blade is typically used to allow single hand operation.
Frame Lock Knives
A Frame Lock knife operates similar to a liner lock. The main difference is the lock is a tensioned part of the handle frame with an open channel. When the knife blade opens, the frame lock moves into the handle opening and locks against the blade. Pushing to the left releases it from its “locked” position so you can close the blade.
Assisted Opening Knives
Assisted Opening knives are the ultimate in knives offering the convenience of single hand operation. They also use a liner lock for locking the blade open. To open, release the safety, and then push the blade release ridge. After the knife blade starts opening, the assisted opening mechanism completes the knife blade opening, which releases the liner to lock the blade open. To close, push left on the front of the liner lock to unlock it, close the knife blade and engage the safety on top of the handle.
Special Note: These knives are illegal in many areas. Check the applicable laws in your area.
Due to the complex and changing nature of knife laws, it is your responsibility to investigate and comply with all federal, state and local laws relating to the possession, use, or transport of knives.
Staying above the water line!
Riverwalker
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Survivalist 101
Re-post courtesy Riverwalker's Stealth Survival
The term survivalist is a label placed on a part of our society that has been largely ridiculed for a number of things. We’ve been called “whacko gun nuts”, “food hoarding freaks”, and just plain crazy. Perhaps if we did a better job of informing people of our true objectives, people might have a better view of survivalists and what we are attempting to accomplish.
What makes a person a survivalist? Does surviving a bad car accident or a serious illness make you a survivalist? No. It makes you a survivor and in most cases it makes you very lucky, but it doesn’t make you a survivalist. A true survivalist won’t trust his or her life and the life of their family to luck.
A true survivalist doesn’t trust luck to always be in their favor. A lot of people have “bad” luck, as well as “good” luck. What makes a person a survivalist is the enduring mindset and preparation ahead of time that makes them refuse to be a victim. The mere thought of being a victim of something that could have been avoided with a little advanced preparation is totally repugnant to most survivalists. They don’t trust their luck to see them safely through an emergency or natural disaster. They put their trust in their skills and abilities. They make advance preparations to deal with the everyday occurrences that can affect their life and their family. They simply refuse to become a victim of circumstances, whether natural or man-made, by being knowledgeable about how they can be avoided or minimized to limit the effects on them and their families.
Too many people prepare for the simple things because they refuse to realize that it’s the bigger events that will cause the more serious problems. They carry a spare tire in their vehicles because they refuse to be a victim that has been stranded by a flat tire. Why? Because they fear the ridicule they might suffer if someone found out they didn’t have a working spare tire. They will probably wind up with several labels as a result. They may be called silly, foolish or perhaps just plain ignorant. A true survivalist would see this in a different light. They see it as a failure to prepare in advance in order to avoid being a victim. They know that a flat tire, late at night, and in the middle of a cold, dark night in a strange area or neighborhood could be a life threatening event for them and their family. Tires go flat and cars break down all the time, but what if it happens at the “wrong” time and in the “wrong” place? Are you prepared to survive? Or will you become a victim?
Do you fear the label “survivalist”? Labels are really good things when you think about them. They tell you what’s in the food you eat and the drinks you consume. They tell you what’s in the books you read. They allow you to recognize family and friends when you call them by name. Labels are a good thing!
My name is Riverwalker. I am a survivalist and I refuse to be a victim!
Staying above the water line!
Riverwalker
The term survivalist is a label placed on a part of our society that has been largely ridiculed for a number of things. We’ve been called “whacko gun nuts”, “food hoarding freaks”, and just plain crazy. Perhaps if we did a better job of informing people of our true objectives, people might have a better view of survivalists and what we are attempting to accomplish.
What makes a person a survivalist? Does surviving a bad car accident or a serious illness make you a survivalist? No. It makes you a survivor and in most cases it makes you very lucky, but it doesn’t make you a survivalist. A true survivalist won’t trust his or her life and the life of their family to luck.
A true survivalist doesn’t trust luck to always be in their favor. A lot of people have “bad” luck, as well as “good” luck. What makes a person a survivalist is the enduring mindset and preparation ahead of time that makes them refuse to be a victim. The mere thought of being a victim of something that could have been avoided with a little advanced preparation is totally repugnant to most survivalists. They don’t trust their luck to see them safely through an emergency or natural disaster. They put their trust in their skills and abilities. They make advance preparations to deal with the everyday occurrences that can affect their life and their family. They simply refuse to become a victim of circumstances, whether natural or man-made, by being knowledgeable about how they can be avoided or minimized to limit the effects on them and their families.
Too many people prepare for the simple things because they refuse to realize that it’s the bigger events that will cause the more serious problems. They carry a spare tire in their vehicles because they refuse to be a victim that has been stranded by a flat tire. Why? Because they fear the ridicule they might suffer if someone found out they didn’t have a working spare tire. They will probably wind up with several labels as a result. They may be called silly, foolish or perhaps just plain ignorant. A true survivalist would see this in a different light. They see it as a failure to prepare in advance in order to avoid being a victim. They know that a flat tire, late at night, and in the middle of a cold, dark night in a strange area or neighborhood could be a life threatening event for them and their family. Tires go flat and cars break down all the time, but what if it happens at the “wrong” time and in the “wrong” place? Are you prepared to survive? Or will you become a victim?
Do you fear the label “survivalist”? Labels are really good things when you think about them. They tell you what’s in the food you eat and the drinks you consume. They tell you what’s in the books you read. They allow you to recognize family and friends when you call them by name. Labels are a good thing!
My name is Riverwalker. I am a survivalist and I refuse to be a victim!
Staying above the water line!
Riverwalker
Friday, November 20, 2009
Simple Survival Tips - Ammo Cans
Re-post courtesy Riverwalker's Stealth Survival
Just curious to see if there are a lot of people out there who use ammo cans for storing "stuff" besides ammo. If the seals are good, they are pretty much dust-proof and water-proof. They're usually pretty sturdy and are good for storing lots of different "stuff".
Here are some of the different items I've stored in ammo boxes:
1.) Nail, bolts, screws, etc. - they don't get rusty
2.) Sandwiches and drinks - sort of a survival lunchbox
3.) Tow chains - sturdy ehough to hold the heavy ones
4.) Misc. tools - whatever I could stuff in there
5.) Ammo and gun cleaning kits ( I think this is the intended use!)
What have you used your ammo cans for other than ammo?
Staying above the water line!
Riverwalker
Just curious to see if there are a lot of people out there who use ammo cans for storing "stuff" besides ammo. If the seals are good, they are pretty much dust-proof and water-proof. They're usually pretty sturdy and are good for storing lots of different "stuff".
Here are some of the different items I've stored in ammo boxes:
1.) Nail, bolts, screws, etc. - they don't get rusty
2.) Sandwiches and drinks - sort of a survival lunchbox
3.) Tow chains - sturdy ehough to hold the heavy ones
4.) Misc. tools - whatever I could stuff in there
5.) Ammo and gun cleaning kits ( I think this is the intended use!)
What have you used your ammo cans for other than ammo?
Staying above the water line!
Riverwalker
Saturday, November 14, 2009
A Different Way To communicate
I am packing and getting everything ready for a trip north to go deer hunting. Putting meat in the freezer is a yearly goal of my personal survival plan. Sorry for the short article but I need my time spent other places the next couple weeks.
I see an earlier post deals with communication. I like using a hand held radio. I always tried to be the guy carrying the radio, even when it was the big PRC-25. When the newer small units came out they were great. “Papa Mike Oscar, Papa Mike Oscar this is Romeo Papa Two, do you copy?” (Provost Marshal Office this is Roving Patrol 2) Yeah, good times.
But what do you do when your batteries are long passed dead, or you need to remain silent at your post, but still need to pass on information? A friend of mine told me how his Special Forces team handled that problem, hand signals. Now how do you send hand signals that can be seen from a distance? Easy, just like is done every Saturday all across the country, use football signal.
Think about it. You can use touchdown, both arms in the air, to mean people coming. Crossing both arms over each other like incomplete pass can mean no information to relay. There are a lot of signals you can use, from several sports to mix it up and you can make them mean whatever you need them to mean.
That can also be adapted to other uses as well. “I saw a deer headed toward you” could be illegal procedure. “It’s a doe” could be holding. “I’m cold and headed back to camp,” could be face mask. Shouting through the woods is never a good idea, but if you per-plan your communications you can help your success. Your communications are limitless if you care to figure out the signals in advance.
Wolverine
I see an earlier post deals with communication. I like using a hand held radio. I always tried to be the guy carrying the radio, even when it was the big PRC-25. When the newer small units came out they were great. “Papa Mike Oscar, Papa Mike Oscar this is Romeo Papa Two, do you copy?” (Provost Marshal Office this is Roving Patrol 2) Yeah, good times.
But what do you do when your batteries are long passed dead, or you need to remain silent at your post, but still need to pass on information? A friend of mine told me how his Special Forces team handled that problem, hand signals. Now how do you send hand signals that can be seen from a distance? Easy, just like is done every Saturday all across the country, use football signal.
Think about it. You can use touchdown, both arms in the air, to mean people coming. Crossing both arms over each other like incomplete pass can mean no information to relay. There are a lot of signals you can use, from several sports to mix it up and you can make them mean whatever you need them to mean.
That can also be adapted to other uses as well. “I saw a deer headed toward you” could be illegal procedure. “It’s a doe” could be holding. “I’m cold and headed back to camp,” could be face mask. Shouting through the woods is never a good idea, but if you per-plan your communications you can help your success. Your communications are limitless if you care to figure out the signals in advance.
Wolverine
Friday, November 6, 2009
Sharing the Wealth As I Understand It
The President, then a candidate, told Joe the Plumber he wanted to “spread the wealth around.” Several of his top Czars have been quoted as having a strong desire to have a “redistribution” of wealth in the country. In other words, they want to take from the haves and give to the have not’s.
OK, so let us see how that would work out on a small scale and then we can expand it to the whole. Let us say that the Lions are playing football. In the second quarter the Lions rack up a total of 124 yards offense and hold the opponent to 8 yards offense. Barry Sanders rushed for 62 yards, and Bill Simms ran one play for 22 yards and a TD. Bobby Layne tossed three completions for the remaining 40 yards.
Now, as I understand it we need to spread the wealth around. So Barry has to give up enough yards so he and Billy are the same. The three passes need to be evened out so that Eric Hipple and Milt Plumb each get some credit. After all that would be social justice.
In that quarter the team scored two TDs and a FG. Yale Lary kicked two PATs and one FG. Barry scored one TD and Billy the other. Points are fairly even at 5, 6 and 6. But wait. What about the guys on defense. Alex Karris and Night Train Lane both feel they should get some points too. After all they held the other team to 8 yards. Maybe the center should get a point for hiking the ball to the holder, who gets a point and the kicker only gets one point for kicking it. Now that seems fair doesn’t it? Sims and Sanders can pool their two TDs and each player on offense can get one point. Of course defense is upset and as soon as Rodney Pete goes under center Nick Petorcelli steps aside and the defense goes in and the QB gets creamed. As he is getting picked up off the ground his “team mates” explain that unless he tosses each of them a pass he will meet every blade of grass in Briggs Stadium.
Now that the Lions have everything equal for all, let’s work on the whole league. After all, Joe Montana got to go to a lot of Pro Bowls and Eric Hipple didn’t. How about Eric gets in a couple of Pro Bowls so he doesn’t have to make his living selling guitar lessons after football? Why should Jerry Rice always go to the Superbowl, it is not right that the rich get richer. Down with the elite, up with the common player!
And what about the fans? Why should some fat cat get to sit in a box or on the fifty and the poor slugs have to sit in the upper deck end zone? I say we are all entitled to fifty yard line seats, hell make it field passes, and first come first served, no a lottery, no a bid, no … oh hell, just make it fair!
At the end of the season every man woman and child in America gets their free Superbowl ring along with their refund check. Illegals can pick theirs up at any city hall. After all they are entitled too.
Ok, that is how I understand sharing the wealth. I guess there is no room in our society for those that are successful. The CEOs that toss the ball for the company and get rewarded for it and the running back managers that make the company work get paid more just like in the NFL. There are linemen that are important, just like the workers that make the widgets. They all work together, hence the term “teamwork”. For whatever reason some guys have been blessed to be better at some jobs than others. I believe the bible calls it talents. Do not waste time on wishing you had the CEO job, learn to use your talents so that you become the highest paid for that talent. We can all make a ton of money.
I heard Rich DeVos speak once. I have been lucky enough in my life to meet, talk to, and listen to several folks that are/were on the Forbes 400 list. DeVos made the statement that there is not a finite amount of wealth. The poor do no get poor because someone else made money. Wealth is created and anyone can create it and become wealthy. The poor become poor because they do not do those things that the wealthy do to get and stay wealthy. The quarterbacks will always be the guys in the spotlight and running backs will always be talked about. You can not spread the wealth around in football and you can not spread the wealth around in America. You need to do your thing and educate yourself on becoming wealthy. Do not wait for the President or congress to do it for you because rest assured, if they do they will be first in line for the most and the rest of use will get hind tit.
Wolverine
OK, so let us see how that would work out on a small scale and then we can expand it to the whole. Let us say that the Lions are playing football. In the second quarter the Lions rack up a total of 124 yards offense and hold the opponent to 8 yards offense. Barry Sanders rushed for 62 yards, and Bill Simms ran one play for 22 yards and a TD. Bobby Layne tossed three completions for the remaining 40 yards.
Now, as I understand it we need to spread the wealth around. So Barry has to give up enough yards so he and Billy are the same. The three passes need to be evened out so that Eric Hipple and Milt Plumb each get some credit. After all that would be social justice.
In that quarter the team scored two TDs and a FG. Yale Lary kicked two PATs and one FG. Barry scored one TD and Billy the other. Points are fairly even at 5, 6 and 6. But wait. What about the guys on defense. Alex Karris and Night Train Lane both feel they should get some points too. After all they held the other team to 8 yards. Maybe the center should get a point for hiking the ball to the holder, who gets a point and the kicker only gets one point for kicking it. Now that seems fair doesn’t it? Sims and Sanders can pool their two TDs and each player on offense can get one point. Of course defense is upset and as soon as Rodney Pete goes under center Nick Petorcelli steps aside and the defense goes in and the QB gets creamed. As he is getting picked up off the ground his “team mates” explain that unless he tosses each of them a pass he will meet every blade of grass in Briggs Stadium.
Now that the Lions have everything equal for all, let’s work on the whole league. After all, Joe Montana got to go to a lot of Pro Bowls and Eric Hipple didn’t. How about Eric gets in a couple of Pro Bowls so he doesn’t have to make his living selling guitar lessons after football? Why should Jerry Rice always go to the Superbowl, it is not right that the rich get richer. Down with the elite, up with the common player!
And what about the fans? Why should some fat cat get to sit in a box or on the fifty and the poor slugs have to sit in the upper deck end zone? I say we are all entitled to fifty yard line seats, hell make it field passes, and first come first served, no a lottery, no a bid, no … oh hell, just make it fair!
At the end of the season every man woman and child in America gets their free Superbowl ring along with their refund check. Illegals can pick theirs up at any city hall. After all they are entitled too.
Ok, that is how I understand sharing the wealth. I guess there is no room in our society for those that are successful. The CEOs that toss the ball for the company and get rewarded for it and the running back managers that make the company work get paid more just like in the NFL. There are linemen that are important, just like the workers that make the widgets. They all work together, hence the term “teamwork”. For whatever reason some guys have been blessed to be better at some jobs than others. I believe the bible calls it talents. Do not waste time on wishing you had the CEO job, learn to use your talents so that you become the highest paid for that talent. We can all make a ton of money.
I heard Rich DeVos speak once. I have been lucky enough in my life to meet, talk to, and listen to several folks that are/were on the Forbes 400 list. DeVos made the statement that there is not a finite amount of wealth. The poor do no get poor because someone else made money. Wealth is created and anyone can create it and become wealthy. The poor become poor because they do not do those things that the wealthy do to get and stay wealthy. The quarterbacks will always be the guys in the spotlight and running backs will always be talked about. You can not spread the wealth around in football and you can not spread the wealth around in America. You need to do your thing and educate yourself on becoming wealthy. Do not wait for the President or congress to do it for you because rest assured, if they do they will be first in line for the most and the rest of use will get hind tit.
Wolverine
Friday, October 30, 2009
When Did You Become A Prepper?
I had a discussion with a couple of people that were just getting into prepping. They asked me when I first became a prepper. I normally answer that I started back in the early 1970s.However, I made a trip to a gunshow a county or so away today and while I was driving home I got to thinking about prepping and when I started. What prompted those thoughts was seeing a single canteen setting on a table for sale. It reminded me of the old World War One (dated 1918) surplus canteen that sits on the floor beside me as I type this. It was the canteen that my grandfather always carried in his truck on every trip we ever took. After he died I took the canteen and carried it in my vehicles for a lot of years. I replaced the old worn out canvas cover that it originally had with a “newer” World War Two cover.
I realize now that making sure that canteen was full and in the truck was preparedness. I can still hear my grandfather saying to me, “Have a drink on me.” as he would pass me the canteen while we were driving to any of the camping or fishing spots we traveled to while he was alive.
We traveled Michigan a lot back then. Back in the day there was a spring next to the road on M-66. We always stopped there on our way north and filled the canteen with that spring water, after we had both drank our fill from the spring. (Michigan decided to tear out the spring and let a high school get built there instead.)
Having a canteen of water was a very small thing, but it was an important part of our trip preparations none the less. I now look back on that as the roots of my preparedness beings. I guess the steps I took in the 1970s were just a maturing of the canteen and expanding to making sure I had a lot more bases covered that just water. All an eight year old boy needed back then was a canteen of water and his grandfather.
I even laugh at myself when I think about what I did for preps back in the 1970s. I sure had a long way to go before I could be considered prepared based on what I did then. One big step for me then was to acquire 100 rounds of ammo for each of our rifles and pistols. Today at the gunshow I picked up an additional 40 rounds of .30-30 and 50 rounds of an oddball pistol round, both for a very good price.
Being a prepper is not only storing away ammo and filling a canteen of water. It is gathering skills and knowledge, materials and supplies, building a strong network of friends and family that are like minded, and having faith in God and yourself that you /WILL/ pull through any coming calamity. Hopefully that is why you come here and check us out, so you can help yourself prepare. When you started does not matter as much as the fact that you are now walking the walk. Just keep the faith and keep prepping. It can start with as little as a single canteen.
Wolverine
I realize now that making sure that canteen was full and in the truck was preparedness. I can still hear my grandfather saying to me, “Have a drink on me.” as he would pass me the canteen while we were driving to any of the camping or fishing spots we traveled to while he was alive.
We traveled Michigan a lot back then. Back in the day there was a spring next to the road on M-66. We always stopped there on our way north and filled the canteen with that spring water, after we had both drank our fill from the spring. (Michigan decided to tear out the spring and let a high school get built there instead.)
Having a canteen of water was a very small thing, but it was an important part of our trip preparations none the less. I now look back on that as the roots of my preparedness beings. I guess the steps I took in the 1970s were just a maturing of the canteen and expanding to making sure I had a lot more bases covered that just water. All an eight year old boy needed back then was a canteen of water and his grandfather.
I even laugh at myself when I think about what I did for preps back in the 1970s. I sure had a long way to go before I could be considered prepared based on what I did then. One big step for me then was to acquire 100 rounds of ammo for each of our rifles and pistols. Today at the gunshow I picked up an additional 40 rounds of .30-30 and 50 rounds of an oddball pistol round, both for a very good price.
Being a prepper is not only storing away ammo and filling a canteen of water. It is gathering skills and knowledge, materials and supplies, building a strong network of friends and family that are like minded, and having faith in God and yourself that you /WILL/ pull through any coming calamity. Hopefully that is why you come here and check us out, so you can help yourself prepare. When you started does not matter as much as the fact that you are now walking the walk. Just keep the faith and keep prepping. It can start with as little as a single canteen.
Wolverine
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