Stealth Security - Diversion Safes

Most criminals are opportunists. They will take any advantage they can get to turn your home into the local “grab and go” whenever possible. Their only real enemy when you’re away from home is time. They know they have just minutes to grab your valuables and get out. There are numerous ways to keep your valuables Simply Safes. One of the best ways is to use diversion safes.

Diversion safes are a simple way to hide small and valuable items from the local “grab and go” experts should they decide to pay you a visit while you’re away from home. They can be purchased ready made for those who don’t have the time or inclination to make their own. You can also make your own diversion safes quite easily. They are usually simple or common items that have no apparent value or ones that create little or no interest as far as monetary value. They will most likely be unnoticed by the “grab and go” crowd..

Most burglars will be looking for small, easily carried and high value items that will be easy to pawn and fetch a higher price. Making a diversion safe out of your digital camera probably wouldn’t be a very good idea. If you do use something like a book as a diversion safe, make sure it’s not the only one on the shelf. You should also avoid the old spy movie trick of using an envelope taped under a drawer. The “grab and go” experts have probably seen that movie as well. There are numerous other items and ways that can be used to create a diversion safe without much effort.

What are the elements to creating a good diversion safe? First it should be an ordinary household item. This will draw little or no attention from the “grab and go” guys. It should also be small enough to be easily hidden and yet large enough to hold several small valuables. If you use air-tight and water-tight containers this will allow the best protection for your valuables and give you a wider range for hiding your valuables. Any type of diversion safe should also allow you quick access and be easily transported if necessary. Any type of small container hidden inside a larger one can create a simple diversion safe. The main point is to divert the attention of the “grab and go” bunch from your high value items. Don’t make it easy for them to make you a victim!

So the next time you grab that bottle of ketchup and wonder why it’s slow coming out of the bottle, perhaps there is a zip lock baggie full of hundred dollars bills hidden inside that may be slowing the flow!

Got diversion safes for security?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Pics - Following the Mountain Stream

Following the Mountain Stream

While in the mountains of New Mexico recently, a decision was made to test the viability of following a stream in order to reach an inhabited area. There are those who practice bushcraft that advocate following a stream or river when lost, as it will bring you back to civilization. The results were very interesting in this particular case but may not be indicative of all scenarios in the wilderness. More on the outcome later...

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Garden Combo - The Dynamic Duo

Gardening can be a very rewarding experience but can also cause you a lot of grief due to poor soils conditions, garden pests, or unpredictable weather patterns. Here is a great way to work around these problems and have a more successful garden crop for the dinner table.

Raised bed gardening is a great way to manage a small garden space in both urban and rural settings. Your efforts can be concentrated on tending your garden and not repairing the tiller. Raised beds are also open and exposed like most gardens. If you live in a region where temperatures drop drastically at night, or you are plagued by furry little pests or hopping little critters, it can leave you in a situation where your plants are vulnerable. To increase the viability of a raised bed garden, there is a simple way to fix this problem.

Cold frames have been in use for quite some time as a way to protect plants from the effects of unpredictable weather and colder temperatures. If used in combination with a raised bed, you can have the benefit of both in your gardening efforts.

Now the dimensions for making a raised bed garden with a cold frame combo will vary depending upon the space you may have available, especially since there can be a big difference between urban and more rural areas. The pictures that have been included are just an example of how you can use the two concepts together to assist you in your gardening. The approximate size of the one pictured is 8’ X 16’ give or take a couple of inches.

The basic raised bed is simply made from beams that should be large enough to make a sturdy frame to hold your soil, allow sufficient depth for proper root growth and support the cold frame assembly that will be used as a cover. The type and size of beams is not that critical. As long as your beams provide enough room to support the edges of the cold frame cover and satisfy the other main requirements. Your individual space limitations should be the ruling factor in this regard.

The cold frame cover in this example is made from a combination of 2X6’s and 1X4’s. The 2X6’s make up the basic frame which was configured at a 45 degree angle. A simple speed square is all that is needed to make the 45 degree cuts (or you can use a plain old straight edge tool and some basic high school geometry) and includes a middle support due to the cold frame opening being divided into two sections which allows easier access. The 2X6’s also add some additional weight and stability to the cold frame covering for the raised bed and provide sufficient width to support the edges of the access covers. In addition, small garden pests and insects (rabbits, grasshoppers, etc.) will have a harder time getting to your plants.

The opening on the cold frame cover was divided into two sections in this example but more or less openings can be used. The only requirement is additional supports if you have more openings due to a longer raised bed. The openings of the cold frame are supported by the use of 1X4’s that have been notched when working the raised bed garden. This gives you easy access. The entire cold frame cover can be removed in one piece by one person by simply flipping it over backwards. Just do it easy so you don’t damage it. You could also get another person to help you.

The plastic sheeting was attached using old wooden tomato stakes but you can use whatever materials that are handy. Use the thickest plastic sheeting you have available to achieve the most durability.

Hinges and handles will also need to be added. You can get by without the handles but they sure make it easier to lift the covers. The hinges are pretty much a necessity.

Simple thumb latches were used to secure the openings of the cold frame. The actual cold frame is not secured directly to the raised bed itself but is probably something that needs to be done. It could easily be secured directly to the beams of the raised bed if needed.

Whether you are in a rural or an urban setting using the combination of a raised bed garden and a cold frame as a cover will help you get the most out of your garden and the space you have available. Less wasted space, less effort, and less vulnerability makes for a truly dynamic duo!

Got garden combo?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Free Download - Mosin-Nagant Manual

Mosin-Nagant with Synthetic Stock

Here is a free firearms manual for Mosin-Nagant rifles. Some of the illustrations are not very good but the explanations for cleaning and dis-assembly are quite good. If you need a manual for your Mosin-Nagant rifle, I have made one available in a free download at:

Mosin-Nagant Manual

Hope you find this download useful.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Survival Skills Inventory

The main purpose of any inventory is to keep track of what you have and what you need. Knowing these two things can help you plan for or correct any items that may be lacking in your inventory. While most people have and keep a fairly good account of their survival gear, firearms, ammunition, and food and water supplies, they often fail to assess their survival skills. Skills can be an important asset in any survival situation.

The ability to do improvised or expedient repairs to your home in the event of catastrophic damage from a storm is just one example of where your skills can help you restore order and normalcy to your life after such an event. Knowledge, training and experience in any of a number of fields will be invaluable when needed. Carpentry, plumbing, or electrical skills are intangibles. You will always have them when needed and only need practice to keep them viable and useful. Even the most basic and rudimentary skills will be an asset.

Many types of injuries can be treated by learning basic first aid. Yet a large number of people do not realize that a band-aid won’t always fix the problem. The lack of proper emergency services may become widespread in a disaster or crisis and can be devastating if you are unable to handle even the simplest and most minor of medical emergencies with a degree of confidence. The ability to render basic first aid should be a priority for your inventory of skills.

Any failure of the infrastructure of your community can be equally dangerous to your survival. Should the municipal water system have problems, the need for drinking water can create major problems. Do you know how to treat your water with the proper filtration and purification techniques? This is a must have survival skill! You will need water in any survival situation.

Basic mechanical skills should also be included in your list. Simple things like being able to change a flat tire on your vehicle safely and efficiently may save your life. Being able to perform even simple tasks through the proper and safe use of your tools may make a big difference. An accident caused by the unsafe or improper use of any tool can only lead to further problems. In a crisis or disaster situation, the last thing you will need is additional problems.

Proper skills in the safe use of your firearms are also another priority. Improper use of any type of firearm can have serious or even deadly consequences. Training and practice in the safe use of firearms will help you avoid unintended consequences that could lead to additional problems of a very serious nature.

Gardening skills will also have a great benefit as well. If your food supplies run low, become damaged or are simply contaminated, can you raise your own? Can you build a simple cold frame or a raised bed for a garden?

Don’t forget cooking skills! The preparation of even some of the simplest meals will require basic cooking skills. Without cooking skills, you could waste important food resources that may be critical to your survival.

Even the simplest skills can be combined with each other to give you the edge in a survival situation. Alone or in a combination, you will ultimately need a variety of skills in a number of different areas to give you the best chance for survival. Take an inventory of your skills and you may be surprised at just how many you do have!

Got skills for survival?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Real Life Survival - Staying Above the Water Line! - Part Two

Above the Water Line

He glanced at his watch. 9:30 A.M. and it was still raining hard. He tuned in a good local AM radio station that had frequent news and weather updates. He realized that he was going to need the most current information available about the weather. The message on his cell phone that the current phone network was busy wasn’t very encouraging. He wasn’t surprised though. He knew every time something starts to go wrong that cell phone service goes south in a hurry. Murphy’s Law was working overtime and today was no exception. He was going to have to rely on his truck radio for current information about the developing weather conditions. He knew that in a survival situation: Information is critical.

Thank goodness that he had learned some valuable lessons while working as a mechanic for 14 years. No matter what kind of vehicle you have, if you don’t do the proper maintenance and upkeep it could fail you when you need it most. The wipers had just been recently replaced and were working great and the current tires were fairly new also. He knew it was going to be like driving in a carwash. With the heavy rains that were coming down, it was going to be a long trip home. It wasn’t going to be the normal two hour drive home. Of that, he was certain!

It was a short trip back into the city proper and normally took only about 15 minutes. Today it seemed like it took an hour. Where did all the traffic come from? It was probably due to everybody needing to get back home and he was no different.

Due to all the traffic, he decided to take a little shortcut he had used several times before when the traffic had been heavy due to rush hour. It was a little longer but usually wasn’t too congested even during rush hour traffic. With a decision made, he bypassed the freeway on ramp and took the service road a few blocks till he reached the turn-off for the shortcut. The ditches alongside the road were starting to fill up with water but hadn’t risen to street level yet. He knew once again a basic survival concept was going to be of utmost importance: During a flood or flash-flooding you need to seek higher ground as quickly as possible.

The shortcut proved to be a good decision and he quickly made his way to where he could access a freeway running east that would keep him going in the right direction. Although the road signs were barely visible in the downpour, he knew the route he was going to take by heart. It was imprinted on his mind by the numerous earlier trips that were little more than sight-seeing trips and a way to avoid boredom from traveling the same roads all the time.

Already several cars had stopped and pulled to the side of the road or were trying to wait out the storm under overpasses. They were going to have a long wait with this storm. Bet they wish they had replaced those old, dried out wiper blades now! Emergency work crews were even starting to show up with the signs that would eventually be used to barricade the roads if they became unsafe. Actually it was now more of a question as to when and not if they became unsafe. There was little time to waste. As long as the wipers continued to beat back the downpour, he kept moving east.

It was almost noon and the skies were still dark and menacing. He was hungry but shouldn’t have been. A decent breakfast that morning should have been enough. That’s what eating too many meals on a regular basis will do to you. Make you hungry on a regular basis! Having been a truck driver for a few years, some of which he’d like to forget, it was a given that he’d developed the habit of always carrying some snacks and a few drinks as well. Many times before, during late night or out of the way runs hauling furniture, having a little stash of goodies had proved time and time again to be a lifesaver. It was only some beef jerky and cheese crackers washed down with some bottled water but it tasted like the best thing he had ever ate. On top of everything else that was happening, he was glad he didn’t have to go without eating or drinking. The last thing he needed cluttering up his mind was dreams of a chicken-fried steak and mashed potatoes! Once again a basic survival concept came into play: In the middle of nowhere or with everything closed or shut down, you had better have something with you to eat and drink or you could wind up being hungry and thirsty! At least his stomach was thankful that this habit of keeping some food stashed in the truck when he was traveling was still practiced routinely.

The road up ahead was a long winding curve with those metal barricades that run alongside the road. The kind they use when the road has been built up because of a low lying area. This was a critical part of his road trip. If this had been shutdown, he’d be in real trouble. Fortunately, there were only a few inches of water on the road and the road was still visible for the most part. Traffic had slowed to a crawl but it was still moving. Although, he’d seen turtles move faster than this traffic, he realized they’d all crossed the road already (the turtles, that is). Turtles are pretty smart when it comes to getting out of the way of high water.

A quick glance to his left showed a lake where there used to be a pond. This wasn’t a good sign. In fact, he’d never seen the water this high. The water was rising faster than he’d expected and he still had to go a couple of miles to go before reaching the other interstate highway that would take him east and a little further north. The radio kept announcing the fact that the Cibolo Creek had risen to a point where the other interstate highway running directly east was now covered by over two feet of water. His normal route home was now closed to all traffic. There would be no turning back now.

Traffic picked up speed and the roadway was clear of any high water as the highway worked its way back up and toward the freeway. He could now see the critical exit that would put him on a highway that should still be relatively safe from any type of road closure. He was about to be proven wrong!

The radio suddenly put out an alert! The rainfall amounts had been so large that they were already starting to release extra water from the dams at Canyon and Medina Lake. They were afraid the water levels were putting too much pressure on the dam at Medina Lake and were advising people to evacuate. He hoped that those being affected would have the sense to leave before it was too dam late. He knew things were going to be a little more difficult now. Normally it would take anywhere from 24 to 36 hours for the rainfall run-off to get downstream. He knew time was becoming even more of a critical factor. All that water was going to be arriving downstream a lot quicker. It was headed directly for his doorstep and may get there before he could.

The rain kept coming down. It was relentless. It was like the handle on the faucet had broken and there was no way to shut it off. The sound of the wipers was no longer a nuisance. He had made it past the first major obstacle on his chosen route and had started to feel a little more relaxed for the first time that day. Little did he realize that sense of ease would turn into a sickening feeling only a short distance later. He exited onto the freeway and was moving faster now as the traffic picked up speed.

He was moving along well now as the pace had picked up to about 30 miles per hour. There was no way in this kind of downpour he was going to be going any faster. It was just too unsafe to try and do otherwise. He had also passed up his first opportunity to head back south. Road closure signs were already up and Highway 1518 was no longer an option to get back south to the other interstate. He silently cursed Cibolo Creek for blocking his way again!

His next chance to head south and get back towards home was coming up when suddenly a car shot by on his left. He thought this fool was only going to get himself killed at this rate. Maybe the fool would get lucky. This guy probably needed a psychiatric evaluation before they gave him a license to drive. He realized that there were probably more fools out there without enough common sense to recognize the fact that they needed to slow down during a hard rain. Before his mind started to wander too much, he abandoned his philosophical thoughts on how ignorant some people can be and turned his attention back to the highway and getting home. It was not a moment too soon.

He was just approaching the bridge he knew would take him over the Guadalupe River. This was the next major obstacle on his trip home. Then without any warning, the rain on his windshield had turned into a sea of red. Red could only mean one thing. Taillights! The cars in front were all putting on their brakes at the same time in an effort to stop. He was no different and found himself skidding to a stop and narrowly avoiding a collision. He realized very quickly he was stopped in possibly the worst place that he could imagine at this point in time and he’d been in some pretty bad situations before this.

It was the river bridge! He was stopped in the middle of the bridge with cars in front and back. There was absolutely nowhere to go! This was the bridge he needed to get across to get home. Another 100 feet or so and he would have made it across the bridge. A few lousy feet and he would have been across it. There was no place to go unless he walked and that was an option he didn’t look forward to any time soon. How could he have let himself become trapped like this? He started having visions of his truck floating down the river. It probably wouldn't float very long...

After a few minutes, people started getting out of their vehicles to see what was going on. He was no different and grabbed his rain poncho before stepping into the downpour. Handy thing that rain poncho. At least he wasn't getting soaked in the rain like some of the others who were stuck on the bridge with him. Unlike the others though, he went straight to the railing of the bridge and looked over the edge. He was devastated by what he saw. The water in the Guadalupe River was only a couple of feet from the bottom of the bridge and seemed to be rising as he stood there. The sign for the RV park located on the river bank was just barely visible and there was a house floating leisurely along the river like it belonged there. There was at least one good thing about this situation.

Although he had a feeling of being trapped like the proverbial rat, he was still:

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Pics - High Mountain Stream

High Mountain Stream

Nature can be both deadly and beautiful. Learning to respect the power of nature will help you to better understand and deal with these natural forces no matter where you are.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Real Life Survival - Staying Above the Water Line! - Part One

Above the Water Line

While being prepared can give you confidence and strength before a disaster, you will need even more determination to recover from the life-altering effects of a disaster. Sometimes, even the best preparations aren’t enough and the devastating effects from most any type of disaster will test you to your limits. The sudden loss of everything that made up your life before the disaster struck can be a truly life-changing experience. It is an experience that will change your life in ways you can’t even begin to imagine. Here is a story about real life survival and how you can overcome a disaster by refusing to give up!

Let’s step back in time for a moment to October 17th, 1998. Those persons who were living in the South Central Texas area remember this date quite well. The area suffered a flood of the 500 year variety. Raging floodwaters from torrential downpours filled the rivers of South Texas to overflowing and left widespread devastation over a very large part of Central Texas. The question wasn’t whether you suffered any effects from the flooding but how bad did it effect you. While some people suffered minimal effects, others suffered complete and total loss of everything that made up their lives. Lives, homes, cars, furniture and irreplaceable personal mementos were gone completely in a matter of minutes. The staggering amount of lives that were lost in the flooding was unreal and was the stuff only dreamed of in your worst nightmare.

Now let’s take a closer look at a specific individual and his unique circumstance and the life-changing effects of a truly devastating natural disaster. A fairly successful and respected businessman of almost thirty years, this individual was on an out of town trip when the worst happened. A flood of epic proportions had arrived at his doorstep on that fateful Saturday morning and he was away from home. It is important that you remember this simple fact: Disasters don’t follow a timetable but have one of their own and can arrive at your doorstep at any time of the day or night.

Knowing that even as little as two feet of water can sweep a vehicle off a road, this individual quickly realized that his truck was no exception and in some ways was even more vulnerable. Yes, the truck was vulnerable even with a higher ground clearance, which isn’t always a good thing. Having little or no weight in the bed of his truck made it extremely susceptible to being washed away at any type of low water crossing. There would be several of these in the path that would get him home where he could take care of his family and perhaps help out others in his community.

The original purpose of his trip was to supervise the moving of a mobile home that he had purchased and was planning to move to his farm in the country. These plans were quickly abandoned as the rain got heavier and heavier and he soon found himself standing in several inches of water as the relentless downpour continued. So much for that plan! A new plan had to be developed and quickly.

Adapt and overcome. You hear this saying a lot and this is exactly what needed to be done. It is important that you remember this simple fact: Major goals are more easily achieved by dividing them into smaller ones. Organize and prioritize. Do what needs to be done first and foremost. Hasty decisions made in a survival situation can often be worse than doing nothing at all.

Looking around quickly, he made a decision to use the concrete pads and blocks that were used to level and support the mobile home as ballast for his truck. Concrete is heavy and these blocks would give him the additional weight that was needed to give his truck more stability if he had to make any high water crossings. As he loaded the concrete blocks in the bed of his truck, he was certain there would be numerous high water crossings before he reached his destination.

The next thing he realized was that his route home would be very different from normal. Road closures due to high water would be the rule and not the exception. Thankfully he had traveled many different routes in this area and was familiar with a dozen different ways to get back home. Unfortunately, his major route home was now under six feet of water and that particular way was not an option on this very challenging trip home.

The next goal now became one of finding a safe route that was still open. He knew he could reach his goal and had begun the process of breaking his major goal into smaller ones and was taking things one step at a time. The first step had been completed. His vehicle was now weighted down and a little more stable than previously. It was now time to work on his second goal and find a workable route that was safe and would allow him to get home. This was in spite of the numerous low water crossings that would most likely be barricaded or too unsafe to cross.

Thus began the journey of a man known to many as Riverwalker.

As the rain continued to fall, he realized even now that his major problem was still going to be:

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Pics - Mountain Stream Crossing

Mountain Stream Crossing

Sometimes nature will give you a little help. This is a good thing when you need to cross a mountain stream.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Prepping Skills - How to Build Food Storage Shelves

Someone You Know from Getting Started In Emergency Preparedness has a very informative post on building storage shelves for your food storage items. If you wish to see how one prepper has made some DIY storage shelves, here is a brief excerpt from their post:

"Homemade shelves are slow. They take about one to two hours to build, and that doesn't include going to the home improvement store, but they are always the right size. Plus, you can learn and practice skills you might need in the future."

Here is a link to their post:

Building Shelves

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Pics - Mountain River

Mountain River

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Pocket Survival Kit

Pocket Survival Kit

There may come a time when you will find yourself in an awkward situation when it comes to surviving. Just when you think you’re prepared for anything and everything, you get stuck with just what’s in your pocket. You may be away from your backpack, vehicle or home and find out you’re stuck using just what you have on you. This won’t be a pleasant situation if all you have is pocket change. Simple problems usually have simple solutions if you use a little common sense.

In addition to carrying a decent folding knife in my pocket at all times, there are a few other things that can be essential to your survival and easily carried in your pocket. A button compass, a small mini-tool, a small flashlight, a whistle and a lighter are the few simple additional items that can be carried without being obvious. By using a simple jeans clip on a key ring you can keep several small items in your pocket and have them handy when you need them. They can be easily slipped into a pocket where they’ll be out of sight and not jangling around loose and making noise.

One special note on the above pic of my pocket carry clip, Lil’ RW, my grandson, confiscated my whistle and is checking to make sure it works.

Got pocket survival kit?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Wilderness Water Sources - Mountain Streams and Waterfalls

Pecos Wilderness - Mountain Stream

Mountain streams are always a good source of water in a survival situation. After finding or making a decent shelter, finding water should always be your next priority. You will get thirsty a lot sooner than you will get hungry. It's also a good idea to find fast moving streams and avoid ponds or pools where the water may be stagnant or possibly contain harmful bacteria. Always filter and purify your water if you are not absolutely certain about its quality.

Slate Falls in Pecos Wilderness Area

If you are lucky enough to find a small waterfall, it will afford you the opportunity to take a natural shower. Be advised that it will probably be a cold one!

Got wilderness water sources?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Pics - Wild Birds in New Mexico

Wild Birds in New Mexico

Here's a pic of some wild birds that was taken while on my mountain trip. They usually showed up in pairs which indicated that it was mating season. The females were drab colored and blended in quite well with their surroundings, unlike the males with their bright plumage.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Marking the Trail Naturally

Marking the Trail Naturally

One of the simplest and easiest things that you can do to prevent becoming lost when hiking in the mountains or wooded areas is to mark your trail along the way. Placing a few rocks in a pile makes a very good trail marker and doesn't damage the environment. This is especially important when there is a fork in the trail or the trail is not readily visible due to plant growth, etc. that may be obscuring the actual trail.

RW Was Here

Don't rely too much on trail signs that may be posted in the area by the rangers or forest service. They generally indicate the start of a trail area and may be the only ones you will see.

Staying above the water line!

RW

Riverwalker's Pics - Above the Snow Line

Above the Snow Line

While hiking in the mountains of northeastern New Mexico, RW. Jr. and myself found a nice clear area that was above the snow line. It would have been an ideal place to enable rescuers to find you if you were lost. Highly visible area and plenty of room for a signal fire. It also would have been too exposed if an afternoon storm rolled in and we would have needed to seek shelter elsewhere. The lightning that comes with those afternoon thunderstorms can be a very real danger when you're up on a high ridge line.

Staying above the snow line!

Riverwalker

Mosin/Nagant Shooting Practice - The Kneeling Position

The kneeling position is probably the best shooting position you can use when you only have a few seconds to make your shot count. The kneeling position also will give you better accuracy than simply standing in the open (you will also be less exposed). The kneeling position is also one of the quickest and easiest positions to get into if you are in a hurry. Although it helps to have a shooting stick available when using the kneeling position, you can still make a fairly quick and accurate shot from the kneeling position without one. Both the sitting and prone positions offer greater stability for a more accurate shot but will probably be used less than the kneeling position.

A quick field test that included practice using the kneeling position while shooting my Mosin/Nagant 91/30 the other day sure made a difference. Although I had my shooting stick with me, I also realized that in many situations I may not and therefore opted not to use it. My results weren’t that great but seemed decent enough. I managed some three inch groups at 90 meters while in the kneeling position from a full clip of five rounds. Considering that I was shooting left-handed with a rifle that has a right-handed bolt action and iron sights and hasn’t been scoped yet, I felt satisfied with my results. I feel my groups should get better with some additional practice and would like to see my groups get into the one inch category if possible. There was no fault in the rifle and it performed well. This shooter just needs some more practice.

An effort was made to get RW, Jr. to help out with some videos and perhaps a few pics but he was pretty well exhausted from a recent kayaking trip and was deciding to just take it easy after spending a week on the river with his cousin. Next time I will try to get some pics or video.

My biggest drawback is the fact that I shoot left-handed due to an eye dominance thing but have learned to deal with it in most cases by learning to adapt. There was another good aspect to my practice session. The ATI synthetic stock reduced the felt recoil to where it was actually a non-issue.

Got iron sights?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Pics - RW at Slate Falls

RW at Slate Falls

While spending some time in the mountains of New Mexico, RW, Jr. and myself hiked up a few miles to a place we call Slate Falls. A natural waterfall had formed as a result of a slate formation in the rock.

Slate Falls

This is but one example of the awesome power of nature when combined with water. RW, Jr. took some great video of the falls in action which will be posted at a later date.

Got natural shower?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

New Discovery Channel series Dual Survival premieres Friday

David at Discovery Communications asked that I share some information about an upcoming Discovery Channel premiere with my readers.

“Experts agree there are some very basic - and universal - rules for surviving in the wild. Find shelter, find water, find food, and find help. Beyond that, there's not much they agree on. Meet the military-trained Dave Canterbury and naturalist Cody Lundin - the odd couple of survival experts featured in Discovery Channel's all-new series Dual Survival, premiering Friday, June 11, at 10pm ET/PT. Together, Canterbury and Lundin take on some of the planet's most unforgiving terrain to demonstrate - in their own way - how the right skills and some creative thinking can keep you alive.”

Everyone has their own style when it comes to survival and this looks like it’s going to be the”odd couple” of survival. This should be an interesting and very entertaining program.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Free Download - Water Treatment Primer

Natural Water Source

Being thirsty can be powerful motivation when it comes to needing water. Most people think of food first and water second. In actuality, you will need water long before you will need food. Knowing how to properly treat your water to make it safe for use is an essential part of being prepared. Here is a free download in PDF format that covers many of the essential items you will need to know to properly treat and store your water.

It also includes instructions for making a DIY stove stop still to distill your water or a slow sand filter. It also includes help on diagnosing many different kinds of problems that may occur with your water supply. This 1.8MB download is 37 pages of very useful information.

Download the Water Treatment Primer here:

Water Treatment Primer.PDF (1.8MB)

Staying above the water treatment line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Pics - Nature's Sentry

Nature's Sentry

Even some of the smallest creatures in nature know the value of being vigilant. They always keep a watchful eye out for any possible dangers and are ready to react at a moment's notice.

Got sentry?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Knowledge - A Recipe for Survival

Knowledge that is supported by the proper skills and practical experience can save your life. This is an essential aspect of any survival situation. The fear and confusion that arises during a time of crisis often leaves people wondering what to do next. As a result of this type of thinking, there are many who do absolutely nothing and allow their fear and confusion to cloud their thought processes. In a survival situation, your thinking needs to be clear and directed at your immediate problems in order to get you moving in the right direction. Your survival may depend on your knowledge.

There is a simple truth in the statement that knowledge is power. Knowledge can give you the power to overcome disasters, both small and large, that can affect your daily life. While knowledge is a key ingredient, it is only a part of the recipe for survival. Knowledge requires additional ingredients to support it in order to achieve a successful outcome.

Skills that involve the practical application of your knowledge will provide the necessary backup to insure the implementation of your knowledge in the most practical and efficient manner possible. This will give you the edge that may mean the difference in your survival.

Don’t discount the value of your experience. Experience is a hard teacher and teaches us what will work and what doesn’t. These are often lessons that are learned the hard way. Experience is simply the knowledge of our previous actions. It is often a harsh reminder of how we have failed to properly apply our knowledge in a wide variety of circumstances.

Knowledge alone won’t save you. It needs the support of a good set of skills and a decent amount of experience to help you survive what comes your way.

Knowledge + Skills + Experience = A Recipe for Survival

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Survival Basics - Water Filtration and Purification

Water Source

Preparing water for human consumption when the quality of that water is unknown or considered unsafe generally requires two basic steps. It should first be filtered and then it will need to be purified by either a physical or a chemical means. This will insure that you have the safest and best quality water for consumption in order to avoid any possible contamination that could cause harmful effects or disease.

Filtering Water

Filtering your water can be done in any one of several different ways and by using a wide variety of materials. Cloth, mesh screens, sand filters and carbon filters are all decent materials that can be used to make a water filter. The main purpose of filtering is to remove suspended particles, some chemical contaminants, heavy metals and certain microbes. Always filter first and then purify your water.

Physical Purification

After completing the process of filtering your water, your water will still need to be purified to make sure it is as safe as possible before consumption. Unless you have used a filter of at least 0.2 microns or smaller that will remove possible bacterial contaminants like Cryptosporidium and Giardia, your water will still need to undergo a purification process. If your water is cloudy, you will need to allow it to settle for at least 30 minutes. The clear water can then be siphoned off for proper filtering. This will also extend the life of your filters. If needed, you can perform additional filtering until your water becomes clearer.

Boiling your water is the safest, easiest and most widely recommended purification technique that will effectively kill disease causing organisms. You will need to boil your water for at least 5 to 10 minutes and then allow it cool before use. If you are at a higher altitude, you will need to boil your water for several additional minutes.

Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS) is also another accepted form of water purification but will require strong sunlight. Placing your water into clear plastic PET bottles and exposing it to direct sunlight for at least 6 hours has been shown to be an effective method of purifying clear water. Cloudy water will not be purified and must be further filtered until it is clear and no longer turbid. Unless all the water has been exposed to the ultra-violet light from the sun, it will not be purified and may be unsafe for consumption.

Distillation is also considered a very safe process to use in purifying water and can be done with either a solar still or a stove top still. Both of these items can be easily made from common household items.

Chemical Purification

Chemical purification of your water means using different chemicals to purify your water. The most popular chemicals used are chlorine bleach, calcium hypochlorite and iodine.

Chlorine Bleach

Disinfecting with household bleach (plain and unscented) kills some, but not all, types of disease-causing organisms. Chlorine bleach is ineffective against Cryptosporidium but is partially effective against Giardia. After adding the proper amount of bleach solution to your water, stir well and let the water stand for at least 30 minutes. Double the amount of chlorine if the water is cloudy, murky or the water is extremely cold. After sitting covered to prevent further contamination for at least 30 minutes, the water should have a slight chlorine odor otherwise you will need to repeat the dosage and let the water sit for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.

Here are the currently accepted treatment amounts required when using bleach to purify your water. The amount needed will depend upon the percentage of chlorine available in your bleach which comes in varying strengths.

Percentage of Available Chlorine Number of Drops per Gallon

1% 40 Drops

4-6% 8 Drops (1/8 Teaspoon)

7-10% 4 Drops

Calcium Hypochlorite

Calcium hypochlorite is also another accepted chemical that can be used for water purification. This is also known more widely as “pool shock” and will need to be the plain variety that doesn’t contain additional chemicals for the treatment of algae or fungus. Due to it stronger concentration, you will need to make a purifying solution first. Simply dissolve one level teaspoon of granular calcium hypochlorite (approximately 1/8 ounce) in one gallon of water to make a disinfecting solution that will be roughly equivalent to a gallon of bleach.

Iodine

Add 5 drops of 2% iodine to every quart of clear water; add 10 drops if the water is cloudy. Let the solution stand for at least 30 minutes.

Water will be a necessity in any survival situation or crisis and knowing how to properly treat your water to make it safe for consumption is essential. During a disaster or crisis situation you should automatically regard all water sources as contaminated. Never assume the water is safe because this could create even more problems than you may already be facing. It is also best to avoid using any water if its appearance is bad or it is extremely foul smelling. Look for a better source of water. Remember, it’s best to always filter and purify any water that will be used for consumption.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Survival Sanitation - Part Two - Doing the Laundry Naturally

Nature's Washing Machine

Good hygiene is an important part of dealing with a crisis or disaster and being able to keep your clothes clean could become an essential skill during a crisis. Your clothes can become “dirty” very quickly if they become contaminated by flood waters, smoke or chemicals or quite possibly due to an illness or injury. They can even look clean but be "dirty" from sweat, perspiration, or natural body oils. Wearing dirty clothes can also lead to minor health problems such as chafed skin areas or rashes on your body that could develop into serious problems. This isn’t a very pleasant or healthy prospect to look forward to if unnecessary. If you do have sufficient clothing available, you could always burn or bury your dirty clothes but this is an expedient solution that is not very cost effective or practical except in the case of extreme contamination such as injuries or wounds where there is a loss of blood or a bacterial infection is present. So what are some of the alternatives that can help you when doing the laundry naturally?

Modern day techniques for washing and cleaning require three major items that may be in seriously short supply during a disaster or in a crisis situation. These three main items are lots of water, electricity which may not be available and soap or detergent which may be in short supply or non-existent. Here are some alternative solutions!

If you do get lucky enough to have lots of water available, an extremely effective way of cleaning your laundry without detergent or electricity is to use plain old baking soda, sodium bicarbonate, in the water being used to wash your clothes. This is also a very low cost method. This method works best with water that has been heated. Even water that has been warmed by the sun can make this an effective method to help keep your clothes clean. Another advantage of using baking soda is that you can avoid the use of harsh soaps or chemicals that may cause skin irritations or allergic reactions in some people.

So what do you do if you don’t have a decent water supply like a pond, stream or river? It becomes time to let nature help you do the laundry naturally! A little “shake and bake” becomes the trick of the day as you do a “Nature Wash”!

Ultra-violet rays from the sun can be used to help keep your clothes clean. Simply place your clothes out in the heat of the sun for several hours. You will also need to expose all areas of your clothes to the sun by turning if necessary or hanging on a line. Then, after sufficient exposure, shake your clothes vigorously in a manner like you would a rug. Then leave your clothing out overnight to expose them to the morning dew. In the morning simply wring them out and re-hang to dry. Simple, easy and very low cost!

If you have a river or stream handy, you could always beat your clothes on a rock by the riverbank. This will require a great deal of effort on your part or you might get lucky and it will rain on laundry day.

Got Nature Wash?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Pics - Storm on the Mountain

Storm on the Mountain

Afternoon thunderstorms are quite prevalent in the mountains. Always remember to exercise a little caution when hiking, camping or traveling in the mountains or nature will sneak up on you very quickly with some really nasty weather.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Survival Sanitation - Part One - Taking Out the Trash

In a survival situation, a buildup of garbage or trash can become a hazard of its own that could lead to a significant health problem, problems with pests or quite possibly a fire. Most short term survival situations can be easily handled by simply bagging your trash or garbage. This may not be a viable solution during a long term crisis. There are several different alternatives that can be used during an extended crisis to avoid potential problems.

One of the quickest and easiest ways to eliminate garbage and waste is by burning. While it is a common practice in rural areas (except when “burn bans” are in place), this may not be an option in more suburban areas. When using the burning method to help control the buildup of garbage a number of safety factors will need to be followed. Avoid burning on windy days, make sure your burn pit, barrel, etc. has sufficient ventilation and make an effort to burn your trash completely. Incompletely burned piles of refuse can become breeding grounds for rodents (rats, mice) and other pests (flies, etc.). If you do plan to burn your trash, make sure to keep your garbage dry as this will allow it to burn more efficiently.

If you can’t burn your trash, the next viable option that can be implemented is burying your garbage. When using this option, it is important to remember that your trash will need to be buried deep enough to prevent animals from digging up the waste materials. It should also be done in a location that will not contaminate any ground or surface water (rivers, lakes, streams, etc.). This will require a great deal of effort on your part to do properly.

Food wastes should be kept separate from dry waste and then added to your compost pile. If you don’t have a compost pile, it will be a good time to start one. If possible, rinse empty containers and cans to prevent rodent and insect problems. This will require an adequate supply of water available for this purpose. If an adequate supply of water isn’t available this step will need to be skipped. Boxes and cans can be flattened to save space and always keep all waste securely stored in bags or buckets that can be securely sealed. Store your trash in an area safe from animals, rodents or insects and away from any living areas until it can be properly disposed of in the necessary manner.

One final item you need to remember. Be careful about the items you throw away. Some things may be able to be used at a later date. Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and realize you buried it with the rest of the trash.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Pics - Mountain Birds - White-Breasted Nuthatch

White-Breasted Nuthatch

A pan of birdseed brought a lot of visitors to the cabin up in the mountains. The number and variety of birds that were present was quite impressive.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker