Top of the Food Chain , really?

Man is so arrogant we dont seem to see the truth in front of our face. Man is only at the " top of the food chain" in a super market with a pocket full of cash or a wallet crammed with credit cards. We have slipped a long way from being able to make the claim 'Top of the food chain". In the wild the "top" is questionable for most who venture into the wilderness. Out of 100 humans who trek into the wild how many would know how to trap game, or even how to hunt with a rifle, a bow , name your weapon ,how many would know how to prepare the game. I will go so far as to say out of 100 humans maybe one would be able to not starve to death . In todays world without the farmers our top of the food chain  is on shaky ground. Disrupt the food train to the markets and stop the flow of cash and we sink to the bottom very fast. 

 How to safe guard against  this condition is up to you and your willingness to learn to be a hunter gatherer type to save your collective butts.

 all over these United States are primitive schools and instructors , hunting classes  and related schools of instruction. Classes  on edible plants will be a good move .  Some of the best salads I have ever had are from the wild, free for the harvesting. 

The markets are shut, closed , now what? If you have stashed some food in reserve that will last a while,not forever , no one wants to see the kids starve because you do not know how to provide. Learning the basic primitive skills will go a long way to staving off that problem lurking in the wings. WE dont want "long pig" {man} to be on the menu. My suggestion is to get crackin with some classes to ensure your survival . And to own some self reliant skills. The proper way to clean and prepare a critter is a must have skill, it isnt that hard.Far easier than you might think. Dont end up having to eat Fido.

 The next time you are being herded from aisle  to aisle in the market think about how it would be if those shelves were mostly bare.  Think about all the products that never will show up on the shelves because they cannot afford to pay for the shelf  space to place a new product . We are force fed by the big food giants who hoard the shelves because they do not want any competition , it is a buy out, sell out of the market chains How many still have basics to make food from scratch , flour , oils,  baking soda soda,  and so forth. Dont know how to cook , well with the thousands of cook books at the ready that is not a valid excuse. Many cook books lay it out in simple terms.  The worst that can happen when you cook is burning it or under cooking the food .. it might taste like crap but you will have something to eat. If you call that the top of the food chain , so be it. Choke. 

 being able to secure or  at least supplement your food by foraging  and some small game hunting , you are extending your quality of life and eating choices , as they say in England "you are streets ahead" and that is the name of the game . Wild game cooking books are all over the net. buy a few  , even the cooking road kill books have their place . 

 Reach for the top of the food chain by knowing how to do it. Reality is,  if it gets that bad the crowds will have to be avoided if you are to have a chance at any wild foods. Trapping  with snares is a valid way to go . but you have to know how to set up and where the critters have a run. 

 Learning the wild edible plants is a great boost and  will be a skill set you can use the rest of your life and something that if nothing ever disrupts our system , you can gain pleasure and a variety  of foods not found in any market . And in most cases more healthful . 

My suggestion is do not keep living in a dream state of,  we are at the top of the food chain right?. it really isnt true. 

by Dude McLean 

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Fire

Fire gives us warmth, cooks our food, gives us light and is a comforting magic to keep away the night.

Having the ability to create fire instills a confidence factor that all will be okay, it can be a life saver or out of control. Many feel one of the great pleasures is a camp fire and gives us a connection to our primal self. A camp fire is a place to tell stories and relax.

The training to create fire is a base skill, the foundation of your skills you need to own—The where, when and the why of fire.

In today’s world, we have at our convenience many fire starters that would be true magic to our ancestors. Most of the devices work just fine, some are a little on the gimmicky side. So, if you stick to the simple means of fire starters you might be better off. I feel the Bic lighter, or other brands, are perfect devices; get a wind proof one, if you can. Matches are wonderful, if you know how to use them—takes practice. Carry them in a “match safe “, or in plastic baggies They also make windproof matches that are excellent. I like to carry matches with a long handle and water proof them with wax or paraffin. Carry those in a waterproof container. Metal matches works well also, so does flint and steel.

The rule of thumb is to have at least 3 ways to make fire. My friend, Alan Halcon, who is a master at the ancient fire drill, when asked how he likes to make fire, his answer is “with a Bic or some sort of lighter”. Owning the skill to make fire, with a hand drill or bow and drill, is a good backup. However, if you are down to that one method (friction fire) you are in deep poo poo and up the creek without a paddle, but it could still save your sorry butt. Some carry a can of Sterno, Cotton balls soaked in vaseline or other tinders… All are good. Learn to make charcloth. Cattail fluff at the right time of year is good, as well as the fluff from cotton wood trees, willows and others. There is more you will find, as you study and gain knowledge of fire

Learn to start fires with the various tools at your disposal. Practice in your yard. The time to practice is not when you are desperate for fire.

Always prepare your tinder, kindling and fuel first. Be ready! when the tiny spark is created, you do not want to be rushing around trying to find the right sized woods as your fire is dying in front of you—you might not get another chance. Always be aware of what is around you that can catch on fire. Fire can get out of control in a heartbeat. What is overhead and around the fire? Make a pit or at least surround the fire lay with rock. Clean away any duff on the ground, away from where the fire will be. Be aware of any root systems and stay away from them. Keep your gear away from the fire as well. You don’t want to burn up your stuff. Having water nearby is always good. If not, pile up some dirt close by, ready to throw on the fire if it gets just a bit out of hand. Once the fire is safe, don’t let it fail. that’s why you have prepared the proper woods in advance.

Fire fails by you trying to progress too fast. Add the right size of wood in a logical manner—small stuff first. Many like to start with a tepee fire or cabin lay that you can add the larger wood to as the kindling gets stronger. Kindling snaps when dry. If it is wet, it kind of bends… that’s your test. My suggestion is to split the kindling, it ignites better. The type of wood available will dictate your fire success… Experience will teach you this. Hard woods are hard to ignite and burn slow creating great coals. Softer woods ignite fast and burn fast. Coals are not as good as hardwood. So if you do not know the wood how do you test it? You can try the thumbnail test and see if it leaves a dent , or stab a knife into it. If it goes in really easy it is a soft wood.

In movies, they always show someone cooking over flames. That is just for a visual effect, because coals don’t film well, no dynamics, but you always cook over coals. you can cook just about any critter. over the coals by skewering the beast and wait for the yum yum.

For fire lays, I like a keyhole fire lay. It has the main fire area. From that point, you make a longer trench or line with rock, about 6 inches wide so the coals are concentrated, and about 2 feet or so long or so, where you move the coals so you have a cooking area as the fire continues to make even more coals, place your cookware over the coals. If you are going to cook in the morning, bank the fire with dirt and ashes, then the morning cooking will be fast and easy.

Always play it safe. Never leave any hint of a spark when you leave make sure it is dead out. Add water by the bucket. Pile dirt on it… make sure twice. Many of you already are fire experts but we always have new campers., and even old hands might need a reminder.

By Dude McLean

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How Do You Cheat Death In The Desert?

The answer to that question is simple.
Knowledge is everywhere about survival in the deserts. Books, videos, and survival courses are all over the place. On the Dirttime forum you will find in-depth information.
A few basic items and forethought , called “planning”, is what is needed.
A few yaers ago, from the date of this article, two people died in the Joshua Tree National Park. The word “park” is a little misleading for this area. First it is larger than the state of Rhode Island, some 1200 square miles, that is not a walk in the park. Sure riding along in your air conditioned car/truck you are protected from the full force of the summer heat. In reality it is a thin security blanket and it is a false sense of security, really. Those horror stories would never happen to me! Really?

They were a young married couple, the Van Hove’s, spoke German, and were here on vacation.  At each entrance to the “park” is information in several languages, including German. I have run into many German folks in the “Tree” over the years. They seem  in awe of these deserts. He was found about five miles from his wife. The spot where Van Hove died is very near the place where a very famous Dutch photographer shot U2’s album cover for “Joshua Tree” in 1986. Friends said he wanted to visit this spot. This road is clearly marked ” Off Road Vehicles”

I did not know this man, but I knew of him as he was a music promoter in europe. He was driving a rented Dodge Charger, and how he got to where he did is beyond me. About a week before this preventable deadly situation I drove my Tahoe right by the road they were found on.

First, not many are ready for this kind of intense heat. It can take days to acclimate, up to a week in fact. The reports say they died from exposure, heat exhaustion, at 105, or more degrees, can equal dehydration starting in minutes. What has to be measured is the heat on the ground that is reflecting up your body, that can be 10 to 20 degrees hotter that the air temp. If you find yourself in a place/situation like this pay attention to the little signs like a slight headache, dizziness, can lead to fatal heatstroke, and it can happen in only a few hours. Find shade and rest, wait until night fall.

Cell phones do not work in large areas of this “park” and being from another country they may not have known who to call or how, even if they did have cell coverage.

My own experience in the “Tree” goes back to the early 1950s. Then, when I was in the Corps I was stationed in 29 Palms, or the “Stumps” to those in the know.
Not far from the park. From the time I was about 12 years old until, and right up including now, I have hiked, camped, tramped, off roaded, and batted all over the “Tree” and adjoining deserts. I know much of the area very well. I do know exactly where these two were found.

A real shame they died,  a few simple tricks could have saved them.
Number one, set a tire on fire. That black smoke would have been seen for miles, and help would have been there in a heartbeat. By heeding the advice at the entrance and having water it could have saved them. Even waiting until night might have been a huge difference. I have no idea if they had water or cokes, or beer, but it seems they had nothing. Stock what you feel is a prudent amount of water for the deserts, then times that by four. Not soda, not beer, not juice , water. Some will add Gatorade, that's okay but have more water. Then stash some more water.

One book that can help you, and you should have on your shelf,  is the late David Alloway’s book ” Desert Survival Skills” , one of the best , if not the best book and info on the deserts I have ever read. This book was gifted to me by a Dirrtimer, Magna, many of you know Lou,  in 2000, and it is signed by David Alloway, with a very kind inscription about my(so called) skills. This book is still available and  I feel it is a must have. David,  covers information , in this book on the deserts, that I have not seen anywhere else. Before his untimely death, I had several conversations with David on the phone, he was a very modest man and great guy, we had planned on hooking up in the AnzaB desert and it never happend.  He packed his book with hard earned knowledge. His sense of humor and the added stories are a treat.

One other book is not a survival book on the deserts but in a way it is , it is a learning experience about how to see the landscape with a fresh eye , and how to enjoy being in the deserts. When this book came out in 1968 it hit like a bomb. Many of you already have read it , I have no doubt.
” Desert Solitaire” by Edward Abbey, has never been out of print. It is really a series of essays , observations that are  deep, profound and original. It gives you a ride that is tough, rough and combative, just like Abbey, his look at the deserts is “beauty”, harsh , hostile and unique. Plus you will learn from the many object lessons in the book. In a word  “eloquent”.

For most who wish to venture into the wild deserts, go in the winter, the fall and the spring, never in the middle of summer. Although that is when I go many times, because no one else is there. And I am a little crazy.

Do not be a victim, a little bit of common sense and knowing what to do is easy to learn.

The deserts offer a rare beauty, moments, hours, days and weeks that are amazing. You just have to know how to see.

By Dude McLean

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What Some Have To Say

After reading for many years, books produce a wealth of certain truths. Some very smart folks wrote what they thought was important, not only for them but as a message, to us. I feel they make many of us believe we are alone in and with our thoughts.

” An interesting fact to consider is that a battery requires fifty times more energy to produce than it will ever return to the user. Once they are produced and used they are off to the landfill and more resources are mined to make more. It seems like a well built fire would be the simplest way and least damaging way to light the camp at night” . From “Camping in the Old Style” by David Wescott.
A campfire that is used and taken care of will end up leaving little trace it treated in the proper manner.

” Go light; The lighter the better so that you have the simplest material for health, comfort, and enjoyment” Nessmuk. Of course, how easy is that? Going light is nothing new, and if you study some old school you will find we have not improved the weight by much, maybe 2 pounds. And in many cases not even that. However, in order to go light you have to “own the skills” , you have to know your “DirtCraft”

” Mentors, a life in the open air calls for knowledge which a very large number of human beings, because of their environments, cannot gain, except when the same is imparted by some more fortunate one who has learned from experience”. E. Kreps. We all learn from someone else. A little here and bit there. The shared knowledge that comes to life on the Dirttime forum acts as a mentor for all of us. Any class on the Dirt is and should be an adventure and learning experience. Sure sometimes much is repeated, ” I have heard that before” kind of thing. I think that is okay. But just because something is read, repeated over and over does not always make it right. Always consider the source. Like the “universal taste test” , not really a smart idea with one exception, and that is extreme as a pow etc, and you are dying anyway. Some will have a different opinion.

” The industrial way of life leads to the industrial way of death. From Shiloh to Dachau, from Antietam to Stalingrad, from Hiroshima to Vietnam and Afghanistan, the great specialty of industry and technology has been the mass production of human corpses”. Edward Abbey. That's about right on. Trying for a life that is closer to the earth and living a more simple lifestyle at the least gives us distance from this advancing into a fresh new brave world of high techocrapny. Progress , I feel is the wrong word.

” What's the difference between a whore and a congressman? A Congressman makes more money” Edward Abbey. A little political truism that we should always be aware of.

By Dude McLean

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Skool At Home For Your Kid

Do you or have you ever given much thought about how you would teach your kids at home, if by chance , we were in a situation where going to school was not an option? The schools are shut down for an extended period of time.

Sure for a while you could get by having them read some books you might have on hand. You might teach them some skills and from your teachings they they will own many skills. But schooling is more than that. No matter what your education is, it is not transferred to your child by some wave of a wand.

Math is a tool that will help. Reading comprehension is a must in a society that may be lacking in a formal education. Looking back in history we are led to believe that men like Daniel Boone and Simon Kenton were just primitive woodsmen. Well that is one view but they knew how to survey and read those instruments. They knew how to read and write. Not so primitive.

We can tell the kids stories about our country and our families, and any number of tales. That is all well and good. However, the learning of history with a real direction will give them a true sense of our  history. Knowing  history helps instill a sense of self and pride. Spelling for clarity is a communication skill. English writing skills with some idea of grammar is a good idea. ( I know my grammar sucks but I make up for it in other ways, ahem)

You can start out with some history books even those books that use history in a novel form to help keep it interesting. Some science would be nice, nothing over the top but even the simple science one learns in the 5th grade and middle school is really more than many adults know. Having a microscope would really be cool, knowing how to use the slides and so on is good knowledge to own.

Having some of these supplies stashed might be part of your self-reliance in a collapsed society, even if it is only for a short term, 90 days, six months, a year or more.

As part of an education I would add music, an instrument and books on how to use said instrument. Check into this as there many courses that can be had. Check into the instrument of your choice and then back it it with spare parts.

Check out : homeschoolingsupply.com
They have teachers supplies etc.
www.k12schoolsupplies.net
homeschoolingbooks.com

What you need to know is how to design a home school curriculum, pre-school through high school . Details on the length of the study, how to teach study habits, and how to give a meaningful test.

I feel the importance of these schooling  items should be near the top of your supply list. In order to pass on then collected knowledge after we are gone is all in the books. The classics were read over and over again by many of our forefathers. Read by the pioneers, and much knowledge is gleaned from these reads. Lots of info can be found with a google and etc. Now go out and slap some sense into that kid.

By Dude McLean

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Lifestyle, Survival, & Self-Reliance

Is the survival , self-reliance “bug” taking over your life? Can't wait to get on a computer and charge into all the forums you like and to catch up on what you missed during the night or day. Reading magazines, and books all dealing with some aspect of “survival” . Watching DVDs and TV shows , going to events and classes, how to this and that. Wow that is a busy sked you have set out for yourself.  On top of all that you are working a job, hopefully.   You always seem to be in a semi panic to buy more stuff that any sane normal paranoid should have? Right! Right!!

I hate lectures so this is not a lecture. A few suggestions , if you will . Back off for a weekend, pick a night you and do not turn on your computer. Read a novel not dealing with , you know what, go out and have a nice meal with your family. Go to a movie. Hey, go see a play. Visit old friends, remember that? See some relatives just because and not for some birthday or special deal. Chill.

With any “interest” one may have , and no matter how much you love it, we all tend to have a “Burnout”. Over time it slowly builds to the point that some will crash and burn then  turn away from the very thing, in this case, that could make the difference between life and death for them, their family, and friends. It is a healthy thing to back off, take a breather , step back and smell the roses, no really go out and smell a flower. It doesn't even have to be edible.

Look back on your life, what things did you have a passion for at one time? And you spent countless hours deeply involved learning, and collecting , the doing whatever it was . And then at some point it ended. Once in a while you might have gone back to take a look  but it was not in you anymore. You crashed burned out, and never really recovered. Well that is  part of life and we grow, and outlive certain things in our lives. Too bad on one hand, and okay on the other hand. We all grow and change. What is constant is, “survival” , it is always with us. Because it is us. Life.

Too guard against a burn out , and I am going to call this a survival deal a “hobby”, for want of another word, we need to step out of the “mode” and do something else for a minute. Enjoying the simple things, discovering areas this society has to offer is one of the reasons we are trying to preserve ourselves and this way of life in the U.S.A.  in the first place. It is a survival lifestyle. But survival means you grow to thrive and enjoy life. The goal is you will be ready for whatever life throws at you. By still being involved in other aspects of life besides training, collecting, learning what you need next or the whole thing is not worth it, I feel we cannot be blocking out everything else.
 Stepping back  is a refreshing and healthy thing to do. It helps to calm you down, and reminds you what you are doing and why.

If a break down happens , hopefully you will be as ready, prepared as you can be. Not every little item the experts say you need is needed, not every book , not every DVD, and so on .  No one can cover every situation that could, can, will, and  most likely happen or not. Having the basics down is the stuff of survival. All the rest is the frosting that can help make it easier.

Take a moment to reflect what you have learned over the last year, the gear you have as a part of your plan. Celebrate the fact you are this far  ahead, good for you . Now take a break. A day, and evening once a in a while. In other words do not over train like many athletes complain about.  Keeping yourself sharp is really important. By backing off a few times a week or so, just might give you a new thought about what you are doing, perhaps a different approach or a solution is now in sight.
Life is more than just getting ready for the future. Life is about living right now as well . Have fun, slow down for a minute. Why? Because this is one “hobby” you do not want to ever burnout on. No crashing and burning allowed. Now I’m going to a movie and have some really expensive popcorn.

By Dude McLean

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Updated Training

Training for any skill set is very important. Once you learn it and own it most move on,  once in awhile practice what they have been taught. That is the average person. Sometimes a person really keeps up that skill with practice on a regular bases.
The fighting arts, in all of the different forms are enjoyable to practice and the incentive for many is moving up in whatever belt system your “art” dictates. All well and good.

Same with weapons training. As they say and has been proven, as you train is how you will act or react in the field.

As time marches on , the older we get time goes by faster than we realize and suddenly it has been years since we took a refresher class/course. I feel strongly that a refresher course should be with someone you have not trained within the past. You will find another point of view, a different approach and perhaps what you feel is a better way, an updated way, new tactics. That is refreshing as well. That is not to say what you learned in the past is discarded, on the contrary, you move the chess pieces in a proper manner and incorporate your own mix and match.

I recently took a refresher course and was reminded of the time frame that had passed since I last took instructions from someone else in a formal manner. By paying attention to what the instructors had to say by keeping my focus on their method, and not pooh poohing their approach but just going along with it, keeping an open mind, I learned a lot. I had fun and did not a challenge some of the  things I didn't agree with but tried it out. In other words I did not fight their system. That was for me to work out at a later date.

What was apparent is, I was a little “rusty” with some things. Not really up to speed, close but I was not happy with myself. By adjusting to their methods I became a happy guy again.
Mind you in this area I have had extensive training over the past 50 years. Have tried to keep up with new “stuff” and been to many classes and reading etc.  Practicing on my own. However, we need to get out and really do it to keep sharp and realize it could mean our life, and our loved ones lives as well.

So what am I talking about? I did a 4 day handgun self-defense course. I was happy with the end results. Not my first dance by any means not even my tenth dance, but I updated myself and my abilities, and self-confidence.

Take a long hard look at yourself. Is it time to update? Yes it is! Go for it.

By Dude McLean

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