Simple Survival Tips – Staying Healthy

Many times people get sick because they fail to take simple precautions to insure they stay healthy. They ignore the fact that a few simple and easy steps can help you maintain a better state of health. A little common sense and good hygiene will help to prevent many illnesses. While these actions can’t guarantee you won’t get sick, they will still be beneficial to your health.

Simple Ways to Stay Healthy

1. Learn proper handwashing techniques. People touch a variety of items each and every day of their lives without even realizing it. From doorknobs to money and desktops to keyboards, the numbers of surfaces we come into contact with on a daily basis are all a source of potential contamination. Take some time to find out if you are following the Handwashing_Guidelines.

2. Eat regular and well-balanced meals. Proper nutrition will go a long way in helping you maintain your health. Make sure you are eating Well-balanced Meals.

3. Drink plenty of fluids. Make sure you’re getting enough water for your health.

4. Exercise on a daily basis. Even a short walk each day will have a great benefit on your health. Try to include exercise as a part of your daily routine.

5. Get plenty of rest. Failure to get enough sleep or the proper amount of rest can result in your body being more susceptible to illness. Try to get healthy sleep.

6. Maintain your physical space. Everyone has a few close friends but try not to be so close that a small cough or sneeze from your friends or family could also put you at risk. Give yourself a little additional room as a precautionary measure.

7. Get regular check-ups with your family doctor or healthcare provider. Regular check-ups can sometimes find problems with your health before it is too late.


A few simple things included in your daily routine will help you to stay a lot healthier.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Guest Post at Be A Survivor - Harvesting Rainwater

Please visit Be A Survivor for a special guest post on rainwater collection.

You can read my guest post here:

http://beasurvivor.blogspot.com/2009/04/guest-post-riverwalker-harvesting.html

Thanks go out to Flea for allowing me to do a guest post on his site.

Thanks Flea!

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Prepping Project - Rain Barrel

Mrs. RW prefers to use rainwater on her container plants. They do a lot better when she does and she really doesn't like to use the treated city water for her plants. This is the simple rainwater collection barrel I made for her. I made the lid opening big enough for her to dip water out of for her plants. It's pretty simple but it works. The barrel is positioned under a roof valley and the rainwater runs down the lid when opened and into the barrel.

This is a very basic rainwater barrel!

You can get an excellent guide to harvesting rainwater here:

Rainwater Harvesting Manual (1.89 MB)

The extra water could be used in an emergency situation and would only need a little filtration and purification before use.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Summer Survival - Summer Safety Tips

There are a few simple things that you can do that will help you to survive the heat of summer. Failing to take a few simple precautions can lead to serious problems. Brief periods of high summer temperatures can cause serious health problems if you aren’t prepared to deal with extreme summer temperatures.

Simple Summer Safety Tips

1. Always drink plenty of fluids and make sure young children get the necessary fluids.

2. Avoid eating heavy meals and hot foods which can add heat to your body.

3. Never leave your children or pets unattended in a parked car or vehicle, especially during the summer heat.

4. Always wear loose fitting, light colored clothing. Include a good hat or cap.

5. Take plenty of breaks during any type of physical activity in the summer.

6. Make sure you provide plenty of water for your pets and livestock.

7. Always wear appropriate eye protection to avoid damaging your eyesight.

8. Monitor the weather closely and be aware of any extreme changes in temperature.

9. Check on elderly family members on a regular basis to make sure they are doing OK.

10. Use appropriate sun protection creams during extended periods of activity in the sun to avoid the harmful effects of sunburn.

Using a little common sense will allow you to enjoy being outdoors during the summer heat without risking your health.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker’s Gear - Tactical Knife with Tanto Style Blade

Fixed blade knives are highly valued for their strength and reliability. This is an important quality in any knife. The fixed blade extends into the handle which gives a fixed blade knife more stability than it's folding counterpart and because fixed blade knives come in a variety of sizes, shapes, lengths, and materials you will be able to find a knife that can handle almost any purpose for which you have a need.

This particular knife, which is part of my collection of knifes, has a 7 inch blade and 5 inch handle for a total overall length of 12 inches. It came with a hard plastic sheath and elasto-polymer grip on the handle. It is also a full tang model. The black steel blade also has a serrated edge just in front of the blade hilt. The butt end of the handle also has a lanyard hole. The sheath also came with an optional Velcro and snap quick attach and release feature that makes it easy to take on or off or you can use the 2 inch belt loop that is incorporated into the sheath. It also has a leg tie down cord which could also be used as a lanyard. The sheath also has a snap-lock feature that securely holds the knife hilt when sheathed, as well as a rubberized butt loop to further secure the blade when sheathed.

A small pouch was added to the hard plastic sheath (Kydex?) with some black plastic ties and includes a few additional items that packed very neatly into the pouch. These items include a plastic, pea-less whistle, a signal mirror in a vinyl pouch, a lighter with a re-fill, a button compass, a small LED light, a small folding can opener, a small ceramic sharpener, a sewing kit, $20 cash, and several band-aids with ointment and aspirin.

This particular model is no longer available but similar tactical knifes with the hard plastic sheaths can be found at OutdoorPros for less than $60 and even cheaper when they are on sale or clearance priced. If you wish to add a pouch that will have to be done separately. The pouch in the picture is a Jobsmart cell phone pouch purchased from Tractor Supply.

Here is a link to a knife sharpening video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuOlGGl97dI

You may also want to check out some knife sharpening tips:

http://www.worldknives.com/info/knife-sharpening-tips-by-jay-talmadge-24.html

Always check your local laws and regulations concerning knifes.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Summer Survival - Heat Rash

Heat rash, which is sometimes referred to as prickly heat, is a very common skin irritation that occurs during the summer. It is normally caused by the excessive sweating of your body which causes an inflammation of the sweat glands. This is especially true during hot, humid weather conditions. Although heat rash can affect persons in any age group, it is much more common among young children who are much more susceptible to the effects of warmer temperatures.

Heat rash looks similar to a group of tiny red pimples or small blisters. It generally occurs on the neck or upper chest area, in the groin area between the legs, and in the creases of your elbow. It can also appear in other areas as well. It sometimes creates an itching or “prickly” sensation.

The treatment of heat rash is a rather simple process and additional medical assistance isn’t usually required. The first thing you will need to do is keep the affected area dry. A good body powder will help to decrease the discomfort caused by a heat rash. You will also need to provide a cooler environment for the affected person or child that has less humidity. Using ointments or creams to treat heat rash may seem like a good idea. Unfortunately, ointments or creams may only make conditions worse instead of better once you’ve gotten a heat rash.

Treating a heat rash is fairly simple and is usually one of the less severe forms of heat-related illnesses. Taking some simple precautions can help you survive the summer heat.

Got rash?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Mossberg 500 Shotgun - Tactical Advantages

There are a number of great shotguns available and each has its own benefits. One of the main tactical advantages of the Mossberg 500 shotgun is the position of the shell lifter. When considering a shotgun for home defense, the position of the shell lifter can make a big difference in your ability to perform a tactical reload if necessary.

What’s a shell lifter? The shell lifter is the mechanism that takes a new shell from its position in the magazine tube and lifts it up into position in order for the slide to push it into the firing chamber. There are two basic positions for a shell lifter. It is either in the up position or the down position.

The Mossberg 500's shell lifter stays in the up position until the slide is fully retracted. This can be a distinct advantage for you if a tactical reload is required.

This means you can load shells much easier in your shotgun during a reload. If you have a shotgun in which the shell lifter stays down during the process of loading, you could experience a problem. The main problem being that your thumb can get stuck between the end of the shell lifter and the magazine tube. Mossberg had an excellent idea when they designed the Mossberg 500 shell lifter to stay in an up position during the entire loading process and therefore doesn’t have this problem.

Here are some links to a couple of different models that are available:

http://www.mossberg.com/products/default.asp?id=5

http://www.mossberg.com/products/default.asp?id=28


As in all things, do your own research before making a decision about what type of firearm to use or purchase. Take the necessary time to learn the advantages and the disadvantages of a firearm before you make a decision. Check the manufacturer’s website, check with your local gunsmith, or check with your friends. Your friends will almost always let you know if there is a specific problem with a firearm you may be contemplating using or purchasing. All firearms have their strong points and their weak points. You will ultimately have to decide what will work the best for you. It is important to remember that you are ultimately responsible for learning how your firearm works and its capabilities and its limitations.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Raising Poultry - DIY Poultry Feeder

Raising poultry can be fun and inexpensive if you learn to make some simple equipment. Buying ready-made poultry equipment can be expensive when raising chickens on a small scale. Here is a way to make a simple and effective feeder for your chickens that can be made very easily and at little or no cost.

Items Needed:

1 Coffee can (size #10) with lid

1 Metal pie pan (make sure the circumference is larger than the coffee can)

1 Piece of baling wire (10 to 12 inches in length)

2 Small washers

1 Small bolt with nut (1/2 to ¾ inches in length)

Tools Needed:

1 Hammer

1 Large Nail (used to make holes for wire handle and bottom bolt)

1 Can opener (“church key”) - used to make exit holes for feed

Instructions:

Use the can opener to make four or more holes at the bottom of the coffee can. Then place the metal pie pan on bottom of coffee can and use the hammer and nail to punch a hole through the center of the metal pie pan and coffee can at same time. Be careful to keep it centered. Bolt pie pan to the bottom of coffee can. Using the hammer and nail; punch two holes on opposite sides of coffee can near the top. Thread end of wire into holes and tie around washers. This keeps the wire from pulling out. Fill with chicken feed and cover coffee can with plastic lid that comes with the coffee can. Set out for chickens to enjoy or use the wire holder to hang in the coop.

You can also use old Frisbees or plastic plant plates to make these coffee can feeders. The disposable type pie pans can also be used but don’t hold up as well over a long period of time. My addiction to coffee also gives me a ready supply of coffee cans. The metal pie pans can usually be found at garage or yard sales for 25 cents or less.

CAUTION: DO NOT USE THE WIFE’S GOOD PIE PANS FOR THIS PROJECT!

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Free Firearms Inventory Software

A good gun can last a lifetime and is usually handed down from one generation to the next. If you suffer a loss due to theft, burglary or a fire or other form of natural disaster, you will need an adequate record of your firearms for insurance purposes or, in the case of theft or burglary, to provide relevant information to the authorities in order to have some hope of recovering your firearms. Things like value, type, model and serial number(s) will all be required to establish proof of your loss. You will need to be prepared to provide your insurance company or local law enforcement authorities with an accurate record of what you have lost.

Most firearm inventory software is quite expensive and is usually directed at FFL gun dealers rather than the individual homeowner with a limited firearms inventory who needs a simple way to keep track of their firearms.

There is a free firearms inventory software program called GunSafe available. It can be downloaded here in a zip file at:

GunSafe28

This is a great little program that will allow the average homeowner to keep an accurate inventory record of your firearms. You can also track cleaning and maintenance and store pictures or other notes about your firearms with this program. I also use the “Notes” section to track ammo type and amount.



This software is provided as-is and works on Windows 98/NT4/2000/XP/Vista.

It does NOT run Mac or Linux.

Got inventory record?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Frugal Prepping - Finances

If you happen to have plenty of money, this probably won’t be an issue for you but for the vast majority of people it is a major concern. Finances play an important part in your survival efforts on a daily basis. The lack of monetary resources doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared. Following a few simple tips will help you in your efforts.

Frugal Financial Tips

1. Learn to Do It Yourself - The simple act of learning to make minor repairs can save you a ton of money. Making simple gear items is another good way to save.

2. Substitute Generic or Store Brands - You can save money on your prepping by purchasing generic products or store brand items. Many of these are similar in quality to the name brand items without having to pay extra for the name on the label. Buy in bulk when possible.

3. Pay Cash for Needed Items - Many times you can get a good discount for paying cash. Some merchants are willing to give you a discount if you pay cash for items versus using a credit card. Always check to see if this is an option. You will also avoid creating extra debt.

4. Cut Back on Unnecessary Expenditures - Look for ways to save on the small everyday expenditures that while seeming insignificant on a daily basis can add up to a major expense over a period of time.

5. Don’t Endanger Your Health - Don’t risk an illness by trying to save money by avoiding regular checkups or doctor visits. Your health will always be a priority.

6. Learn to Prioritize - Have a priority protocol that you follow with emphasis on a balanced approached to your prepping. Keep the most important needs at the top of your list.

7. Get Creative - Look for creative ways to meet your prepping goals. A little creativity will go a long way.

8. Learn to Adapt and Improvise - Being able to adapt to various circumstances that can affect your prepping and then improvising a simple solution will save you money. Sometimes you just have to get by with less.

9. Look for Bargains - Always keep an eye out for bargains, close-outs, end of season specials, etc. These are a great way to save money.

10. Keep an Emergency Fund - Always keep an emergency fund. There will come a time when some extra cash is going to be required. Even if it is only a small fund, it will be needed in an emergency. Avoid using this fund for everyday expenses.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker’s Gear - Taurus PT-111 Pistol

One of my recent acquisitions is a Taurus PT-111 pistol in 9mm caliber. I previously owned a Walther PPK 9mm pistol and this will be its replacement. This is the pistol Mrs. RW will probably be using. I chose this particular medium frame model for its safety features and light weight while maintaining a decent level of firepower with the 9mm caliber.

This particular model is not a Pro model but has most of the same features as the newer generation Pro models. One of the major differences is this pistol has the “single stack” 10 round magazine while the newer generation use a “double stack” 12 round magazine.

RW, Jr. and I shot a few rounds through it the other day just to get a feel for the action. That’s one of the reason’s I was going through my targets the other day looking for my copy of the Shooter's Correction Target. I think this will be a great pistol to have on hand and at a used cost that was slightly less than $200 it will be a good investment. While I was pleasantly surprised with this pistol, I need to put in a little more practice with it and do an update later. I was going to attempt a little more practice time today but we are in the middle of a big thunderstorm today which has ruled that out for the time being.


From the Taurus USA website:

“Featuring Heinie Straight Eight Sights and the same Single/Double Action Triggers as well as matching serial numbers on the frame slide, and barrel as the Taurus 24/7 Pro, the Taurus International PT-111 Millennium Pro Pistol may be the best medium frame pistol of its kind. Including Taurus's Security System, the PT-111 can be made inoperable with the simple turn of a key. With the Security System engaged, the Taurus PT-111 cannot be fired or cocked and the manual safety cannot be disengaged. Light, compact, and packing 9mm firepower, the Taurus PT-111 Millennium Pro Pistol is a great choice for concealed and back-up carry.”

You can view the pistol and its specifications here:

http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=17&category=Pistol

The owner’s manual for this model can be obtained here:

http://www.taurususa.com/pdf/PolymerPistol_manual_low.pdf

Additional high resolution pics here: Gun Pics - Taurus Millenium (non-Pro) PT-111 9mm

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Ugly Drum Smoker - Custom Grill Grate

UDS Custom Grill Grate

Custom Grill Grate Closeup View

UDS Custom Grill Grate Actual Size

One of the things I had in mind to make my ugly drum smoker more versatile was to make a custom grate that would allow me to cook and smoke a greater variety of items. Several types of food just don't sit well on the open style grates that are usually available. My brother-in-law came across some baffle plate from an old boiler at a mill and offered to make me a couple of 22 inch grill grates for free that would be ideal for my purposes.

Now I can smoke vegetables, roastin' ears, peppers, shrimp, fish and hamburger patties without any problems caused by food falling through the grates. This will make my ugly drum smoker even more fun to cook and smoke on. The only thing I added was a couple of pieces of baling wire for handles.

Going to give it a good workout on Saturday!

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Summer Survival - Protection Items

In the heat of summer it is best to choose lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing. A wide-brimmed hat will also help to provide shade and keep your head cool. A good pair of sunglasses will also help to protect your eyes from being damaged by harsh sunlight. It is also good to remember that sunburn will affect your body's ability to cool itself and may cause a loss of essential body fluids or a fever that can be potentially harmful to your health.

Sunburn can also cause severe pain and can severely damage your skin. There are a variety of sunscreens and lotions that are available to help reduce the risk of getting sunburned. The protection that they offer against sunburn will differ according to their type. Check the sun protection factor (SPF) number on the label of the sunscreen container. Select SPF 8, at a minimum, or higher to protect yourself adequately from the harmful effects of sunburn. Apply sunscreen before going outdoors and reapply according to package directions. It is also good to have a sunburn treatment containing aloe vera to help treat your skin if you do become sunburned.

It also doesn’t hurt to keep an umbrella handy. Umbrellas not only keep the rain off but can offer excellent shade if there is no natural shade available. Don't forget your bandana! It can be moistened with water and placed around your neck to help you stay cool.

Always remember to keep a container of water handy and to drink plenty of fluids during your outdoor activities in the summer. Survive the outdoors safely!

Got summer protection?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Free Shooter's Correction Target Download

For those of you who are interested in obtaining a correction chart overlay for your targets to assist you with your shooting skills, I am making available a copy of the Correction Chart from sportshooter.com. Sadly, they are no longer on the net at this time. The Correction Chart is in the public domain as long as you keep the logos intact. Please feel free to download this target and pass it along to all your friends who may be interested in improving their shooting skills.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Summer Survival - Learning to Pace Yourself

Many people are not used to working or playing outdoors in an environment with extremely high temperatures. The best way to get used to the higher temperatures of summer is to start off slowly. If it becomes necessary for you to work a little faster or harder, gradually increase your pace. Don’t attempt to do it all at once if it’s not absolutely necessary. This will allow your body to adjust to the demands of working in a hotter environment. Learn to set a pace for yourself in all your outdoor activities in the summer heat.

If you are working in the heat and suddenly your heart starts pounding, you experience a shortness of breath, feel weak or light-headed; you will need to discontinue all your activity immediately. These are signs that you may be experiencing the beginning of a heat-related illness. You will need to stop and rest before continuing any type of activity. Don’t risk suffering a heat-related illness that could endanger your health. Find a cool area, or at the very least a place in the shade, and rest until your body has had a chance to cool down before resuming your activities. Always remember to drink plenty of fluids.

Use a little common sense and be summer smart! Learn to pace yourself!

Most heat-related illnesses can be avoided by taking some simple precautions.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Ugly Drum Smoker

Here's a picture of my completed ugly drum smoker without the lid so you can view the inside.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Summer Survival

Many times summer heat can cause unusually high temperature levels that can last for several days or even longer. In the case of a severe heat wave people can even endanger their lives due to heat-related illnesses. Extremely high temperatures put people at risk every year.

When your body’s temperature control system is overloaded due to high temperature levels you can suffer a variety of heat-related problems. The normal method the body uses to cool itself is by the process of sweating but sometimes conditions are such that even sweating may not be enough to keep your body cool. In some cases your body temperature can rise quite rapidly and this may cause a serious risk to your health. Your body is not designed to withstand very high body temperatures for an extended period of time.

There are a number of different things that affect the ability of your body to properly cool itself during high summer temperatures. One of the main causes of your body’s inability to cool itself properly is extremely high rates of humidity. Sweat doesn’t evaporate as readily when the humidity levels are high and this will result in your body being unable to cool itself in an efficient manner. Several other things can also limit your body’s ability to cool itself properly and should always be taken into account when considering outdoor activities in the summer. A person’s age, their health or medical conditions, along with a failure to keep your body properly hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, can cause a situation where the ability of your body to regulate its temperature is impaired.

Use a little common sense and protect yourself from the approaching heat of summer. Drink plenty of fluids, use appropriate sunscreen or sunblock lotions and creams, wear the appropriate clothing (the three levels of summer clothing - loose, light weight, and light colored) and don’t forget to include a good pair of sunglasses to safeguard your eyes and a wide-brimmed hat for your head. Replace the minerals and salts lost by your body with electrolyte beverages, limit your alcohol intake, and take steps to avoid over-exertion or strenuous physical activities during the hotter parts of the day that could cause your body to overheat.

It’s still a short time away but the heat of summer will slip up on you if you aren’t prepared and can cause serious health problems as a result.


Got sweat?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Prepping Project - UDS- Charcoal Basket

Here is a pic of my charcoal basket that was made for my new ugly drum smoker. I used an old 15" charcoal grate from an old wore out grill and a piece of 3/4 inch expanded metal (12 inches X 48 inches), 3 bolts that were 3 inches long to support the grate and a couple of 3/4 inch long bolts to hold the expanded metal together. The bolts were ones I had on hand from some other project. I used an old coathanger to make a handle for the basket (not in the pic). This was pretty much as big as I could make it and still fit the basket in the barrel because of the bolts that hold my cooking grate.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

The Accordion, Brisket, and Cold Beer

With the holidays upon us, the wife gets a little nostalgic and so she decided to drag out her accordion and play a little “Home Sweet Home” on her squeeze box. She’s a little out of practice but soon got warmed up and was cranking out the tunes. She needs to play it more often but doesn’t always have the time. Music is a good thing and being able to make your own music is an even better thing.

Ugly Drum Smoker

My concentration was focused on the brisket on my new smoker barrel which was recently completed and immediately put into use. The brisket was awesome and will probably become a staple in my diet as a result. It’s really hard to turn down brisket when it’s cooked right! My ugly drum smoker ran for a little over 12 hours on 5 pounds of charcoal and did wonders for the 12 pound brisket I had in it.

My ugly drum smoker kind of reminds me of a “big” hobo stove, the kind made out of empty coffee cans. It also makes me wonder if there isn’t a little hobo in all of the people out there that are into the ugly drum smokers. I also managed to finish off the last of my son-in-law’s Samuel Adams Special Winter Beer. It’s pretty good stuff. I may need to get some of it to keep around my place. Although, I still prefer a good bock most of the time and there is a brewery fairly close to where I live. Keeping a good supply on hand shouldn’t be much of a problem with a brewery being close.

I plan to do a little target practice with my 9mm automatic this morning before I have to go into work. It’s a recent acquisition that I came across and picked up at a fairly inexpensive price that was good enough that I couldn’t turn it down. I’ll cover it in a little more detail later on.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Gardening - Is it right for you?

I'd like to thank RW for letting me ramble on a bit more. I've noticed that a lot of the other site's are concentrating on gardening, which is a good thing, but If SHTF tomorrow, that garden may end up being useless to you. Sorry, all that time and labor will go down the drain. It's a great skill to have, really, but if you need to bug out, are you going to haul those plants with you? Can you? Let's look at the options.

First off, I live in Arizona, so I can garden pretty much year around. The soil here really is bad, but some stuff really can thrive well. My tomatoes never do well, but pepper's and eggplant go wild! So, how much time, labor and seeds do you buy? Did you get a tiller for it? And what do you do with the excess? I have 6 fruit trees that I can't eat or can fast enough, and I give the excess to the neighbors, and see them in the trash a day later!

My point here ... is it cheaper to grow your own vegetables, or buy and preserve? I had to transplant a bunch of veggies due to some remodeling, and lost half of them. They had survived over 3 years, but... So, I went up to the local store and replaced a few of the one's I really liked, got some 6 inch plants. 2 egg plant, 2 tomatoes...cost 14 buck's. I could have bought seeds and prayed half would grow, or I could have spent that money on canning jars and went to the grocery store.

This is only my opinion, of course. If you think S will HTF tomorrow, buy canning jars, a dehydrator, whatever... If you think you have time to wait, then go for the garden! It's all a time issue, not a skill or desire. Save the seed's for the bug out, not today. I have to admit, gardening is my favorite relaxing time. But is it cost effective? In my own personal circumstances, NO WAY!! Just my opinion!

Thanks.

Dean in Arizona

The Truck Gun

Having a good but inexpensive rifle that you can carry in your truck is a good thing. Hopefully I've made a deal for some side work that will get me a good but inexpensive rifle that I can carry in my truck at all times. When I get it I'll post some pics and info on it.

I was wanting something reliable but was inexpensive enough that if it was lost or stolen it wouldn't be a big loss. It's supposed to be a Winchester lever action .30-.30. I have plenty of .30-.30 ammunition already and hopefully the deal will work out. When you're strapped for cash like most people, you got to do a little extra sometimes to get what you need!

Here's an update on what I will be using for a truck gun until something better comes along.

RW’s Truck Gun

Staying above the water line!

Got truck gun?

Riverwalker

Frugal Prepping - Chafing Dish

Found a great item at a garage sale this weekend. It was new, unused and still in the original box. It's a 4 quart commercial chafing dish that uses the regular size cans of Sterno fuel. Great for preparing a meal when the power goes out. The best part was that it was only a couple of dollars (they generally sell for about $40 retail). The person it belonged to said she didn't need it and it was just taking up space.

This is probably going to my daughter and her family to use in case of an emergency power outage. Great way to prepare a warm meal!

The bargains are out there. You just have to keep looking.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Raising Poultry - DIY Nest Boxes

Trying to raise chickens on a very tight budget can get expensive if you always have to go out and buy the necessary equipment. If you are a do-it-yourself chicken farmer, there are plenty of places where you can buy different types of poultry equipment. You can save a lot of money by just re-cycling everyday household items. One of the easiest things you can make is nesting boxes.

Building a nesting box is not a requirement but it sure makes it easier to collect eggs from your hens that are laying. This will save you from having to hunt for eggs and will allow you to gather them in one specific location. No need for egg hunting, all you do is go gather your eggs from your nesting boxes. Of course you will always have one or two hens of an “independent” nature that will decide to go off somewhere on their own and lay their eggs. You’ll just need to keep an eye out for them. Most hens if given a good nesting box will use it on a regular basis and continue to do so the majority of the time.

One of the quickest and easiest ways to make a nesting box for your chickens is by using old five gallon plastic buckets. Even if your bucket has lost its handle or got a crack or small hole in it, they can still be used to make a simple nesting box. By laying the bucket on its side and giving it a little additional support on the bottom, they make excellent nesting boxes. We use old plastic buckets all the time and they work great. Another good thing about the plastic buckets is they also offer some additional insulation value for the nests and they aren’t affected if you happen to get a small leak in the roof.

Just add a little nesting material to the bucket and you’ve got a great nesting box. We also use old golf balls in the nests as fake eggs. Use your imagination and get creative before you go out and spend a lot of money on fancy equipment you can get by without if you just give it some thought. You can also use old milk crates, plastic bins and storage containers, old plastic trash cans or whatever you may have lying around.

So don’t throw your old cracked and broken buckets away when you can make a nesting box for your chickens!

Check out Bitmap’s pics of chickens and other stuff.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Gear - The Machete

New Machete

Machetes can be very useful tools. I like to use mine when I'm practicing what I call "Rural Bushcraft" at the farm. Your choice of any tool should be determined by its ability to perform the job. A tool that can't perform in the manner you require is going to be next to useless otherwise.

My new machete that I obtained from our local Ace Hardware affiliate has replaced my old machete. It's basically the same size at 22 1/2 inches in overall length with a blade length of 17 1/2 inches. It also cost only $6.99 plus tax whcih makes it somewhat cheaper than the big box store brand cost of my old one. It is also twice as heavy but that is not a problem. Its main use is for clearing small saplings of cedar and mesquite from the fence line at the farm and is a lot easier to pack than a chainsaw. It also does a terrific job on grapevines which I have more than enough to deal with at the farm. It also has a hardwood handle that has the plastic handle on my old machete beat hands down. It's a comfortable grip for me and that's important for obvious safety reasons. No way do I want a big sharp blade to get away from me. I'm kind of fond of my body parts!


The only problem with my new machete is that it didn't come with a blade sheaf. I plan on making a home-made holding tube out of some scrap 3" pvc pipe and some old strap material that will allow me to carry it on my back. This will make it a lot easier and safer to carry.

Old Machete

Pictured above is my old machete. It has the typical black plastic handle you find on a lot of the garden variety machetes that are out there. It is also relatively lightweight and although it is a lot easier to carry as a result, it doesn't really get the job done.. While it probably does a decent job on banana leaves, it's not been much use to me around the farm when I'm cleaning around the creek bank or clearing brush and small saplings along the fence line.

Choosing the right tool for the job will make your work a lot simpler!

As the blind monk says in the old Kung Fu TV series "Choose wisely grasshopper!"

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Guns and Gear

Guns require additional gear in order to achieve their maximum effectiveness. Without the additional gear, your gun could quickly become ineffective. Having the proper gear set-up for your firearm is a basic requirement.

1. Gear belt - Uncle Mike's 1 1/2 inch wide gear belt with heavy duty velcro closures with nylon loop belt lock.

2. Cartridge Slide - 12 round capacity




3. Dual Speedloader Case - 12 round capacity (2 speedloaders @ 6 rounds each)


4. Federal Ambidexterous Holster for .357 Magnum - Allows both right-handed and left-handed use and has a quick release thumb snap which can be mounted for either right or left hand use.




5. Speedloaders - 3 speedloaders ( 2 go in the case and 1 goes in the pistol)




6. Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum Revolver


Total capacity is 30 rounds.

Not pictured is a small nylon bag which holds the belt and all gear as well as additional rounds.


This is kept readily accessible at all times.

Got gear?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Prepping Project - Smoker Barrel

Smoking is a method of preserving and cooking food that gives it a very distinctive taste and flavor that many people find quite desirable in their cooked food. Having a barrel smoker is a great way to add additional flavor to your food.

The picture above shows my ugly drum smoker in the works. My lid has a home-made handle and exhaust vents drilled in the top and the air intake upgrade mounted. I’ve installed three heavy duty bolts to hold my grill grate and have only to decide what type of charcoal basket to put in it.

Here is a close-up of the air intake upgrade mounted to the smoker barrel for a little more detail. It required only 4 extra nuts, washers, and lock washers. It's now solidly mounted to the barrel.

You can find some great recipes and tips and tricks for smoking your food at Blue Smoke BBQ. There are also some great Advantages of Smoking Food.

If you love to go fishing, you can also learn how to smoke fish .

Got smoke?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker