Bushcraft - Central Texas Style - The Land Crustacean - Cylisticus Convexus

The thought of eating bugs in order to survive is often a very distasteful thought to many people. The first thing that comes to mind is there is no way they are going to eat a bug to survive. What if it’s not really a bug but something altogether different from what you perceive it to be? Quite often things are not always what they seem if you take the time and effort to be a little more informed than the average person. What if you could dine on crustaceans instead of bugs?

Pill bugs are often incorrectly thought of as bugs by a majority of people while they are more correctly classified as terrestrial Isopods (land crustaceans). They actually belong to the class known as Crustacea. The more familiar type of crustaceans includes lobsters, crabs and shrimp.

The pill bug familiar to most people is known as Cylisticus convexus. This is the only species that is capable of rolling into a ball and makes it easily recognizable. This is the reason they are often called pill bugs. They resemble a small pill when curled into a ball shape and this action is a part of their natural defense mechanism.

Pill bugs can be easily found amongst debris piles or leaf litter which can have significant and very large numbers of these little creatures. They can also be found in relatively large numbers under rotting logs and other areas that provide a very moist and humid environment.

Pill bugs actually breathe through gills and require a very humid and moist environment to survive. Unlike their marine counterparts (lobsters, crab and shrimp), they can’t survive if they are submerged in water. They also suffer and die if they become severely dehydrated. They can actually be ground up and eaten and are a relatively good source of calcium There are other types but the ones that roll up into a little pill-shaped ball will generally be better tasting. Avoid eating pill bugs if they have a bluish color or tint as this is an indication they have contracted some sort of viral infection which you will probably want to avoid.

Got terrestrial Isopods for lunch?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Pics - Deep Blue Sea

Deep Blue Sea

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Economic Survival - The Slow Downward Spiral

The current economic situation doesn't look very promising especially when you consider the unwillingness of most politicians to deal with the situation. This is due mainly to their fear of losing votes in their next bid for re-election. Maybe they just don't see this slow downward spiral that our economy is taking or simply choose to ignore it. In either case, it's going to cause a lot of difficulties for anyone who hasn't taken some sort of action ahead of time to deal with what is headed our direction.


There are some simple things about money that some may fail to realize if they aren't paying attention. My first observation that comes from "real world" experience is that you can't spend your way out of debt. If you spend money you don't have , you are going to go further into debt. This is pretty simple when you think about it.


My second "real world" observation is that their are only two ways to reduce your debt. You are going to have to make more money or spend less. For the average person, this can create a real hardship because you are going to have to make some sacrifices. Whether it's sacrificing your personal time by working an extra job or doing without a few extras that make life a little easier, it's going to take some tough choices on your part.


Unlike the government, most people can't just print extra money when it's needed or tax their neighbor to raise additional funds.


Unfortunately, our current economic situation reminds me of a sink full of water and the plug has been pulled. There is going to be a slow downward spiral that takes a while but in the end there is going to be this huge "sucking sound" as it all goes away.




Staying above the water line!


Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Gun Pics - Mossberg 500A Shotgun - Magazine Mounted Laser and Flashlight

Right Side View of Magazine Tube Flashlight Mount

Left Side View of Magazine Tube Laser Mount

The pictures above show a magazine tube mounted laser and flashlight on a Mossberg 500A shotgun (12 gauge).

Got tactical shotgun?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Bartering for Survival - Bartering with Backups

Quite often during a crisis or in a survival situation you will come up short on a needed item. Rather than struggling to make do with what you may have available there is always the option of bartering for that needed item. Sometimes a simple trade with someone else for that item can solve your problem.

When making a trade, you will always want to get the best deal possible. Unfortunately, it has to be a good deal for all parties involved before a trade can be agreed upon. Herein lays a basic problem that is encountered when bartering. You obviously will want to keep your most valuable items while trading those with the least value to you. Items with less value to you will also have less value to others.

This problem can be solved quite easily if you use a proper system of backups for your gear and other items. While beans, bullets and band-aids are basic essentials and should be considered non-barter items in most cases, most people have numerous other gear items and survival supplies that could be used for effective bartering.

A proper system of backups will give you those needed barter items without extra expense and shouldn’t endanger your supply of needed items. While most everyone strives to have the best quality and type of gear possible, in the real world of tight money and limited budgets, this isn’t always possible. In the process of looking for that ultimate piece of gear, many people accumulate extra gear and other items that are capable of getting the job done but may not be the best for their intended purpose. This is where your backup items can serve another purpose.

While backups are generally associated with use when something is lost, stolen or broken, they can serve an additional purpose for use when bartering. One simple example of this is knives. Most people have a lot of knives for use as a backup. Whether it’s a kitchen knife, a utility knife or a cheap pocket folder or an extra fixed blade, it can be of great value to someone else. Even a cheap pocket folder will have a good deal of value to someone who doesn’t have a knife.

As you work to build the best possible inventory of survival gear, remember that those extra gear items that are accumulated in the process can have a great deal of value in a barter situation and may have more value than you thought.

When bartering with backups, keep the best and trade the rest!

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Bushcraft - Central Texas Style - Natural Food Sources - The Pecan

Being able to recognize and find natural food sources in a survival situation can be a vital skill. This is a skill that can help you to survive. Depending upon your geographic location, natural food sources can vary in their type and their availability. In Central Texas, one of the most easily recognized and widely available natural food sources is the pecan.

Pecan trees (Carya illinoensis) are native to many parts of Texas and are the official state tree of Texas. They can be found growing in river bottoms throughout much of the state. The pecan tree is also native to many other parts of the United States. They produce a sweet, edible nut that is usually a dark brown in color and can be eaten as is with no cooking or other preparation needed. Mature pecan trees can grow to be as tall as a 100 feet or more and sometimes reach heights as great as a 150 feet.

Many Native Americans used pecans as an important food item and pecans were an important part of their normal diet. They used wild pecans which were ground up to thicken soups and stews and carried roasted pecans as a trail food. Roasted pecans were an excellent source of sustenance when traveling or when other food sources may have been scarce or non-existent. They also used pecan trees as a source of firewood, for medicinal purposes and to make handles for tools and many other implements.

Pecans are also a great source of fiber and contain numerous vitamins and minerals essential to a good diet. They can even be used to make a homemade non-dairy milk product for persons who are lactose intolerant or who don’t like the taste of rice or soy milk.

Got nuts?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

                                           

Survival Warning Signs - No Explanation Needed

Got fanged creatures?


Staying above the water line!


Riverwalker

Survival Solutions - Learning to Solve Problems

Survival is sometimes a matter of being able to solve numerous problems that may happen when you are the least prepared or when they aren’t expected. No one expects or plans to end up in a situation where their survival is at stake. The main problem of survival is finding a solution to these problems. Murphy’s Law always seems to come into play and when something happens it will almost always be at the worst possible time.

The problems that can occur in a survival situation will seem like a dark cloud hanging over you. This is where your best survival tool will be of the most value. Don’t let that dark cloud throw a shadow on your thinking or your actions.

Our main advantage in a survival situation is our brain. We can improvise, innovate and adapt to most any survival situation and utilize any and all resources and our skills and abilities by looking for solutions to our problems. Given a positive mindset and some clear thinking on our part, there is almost always a solution to the problem, whatever it may be.

The process of solving any problem requires several actions on your part. The first and main part is the ability to recognize the most immediate threat to your survival that you are facing. The very nature of the threat may require clear and concise thinking on your part to avoid a crisis that could affect your ability to survive. You may find yourself having to make a very quick decision. It is always important to deal with the most critical and immediate threat to your survival in the most efficient manner possible.

Another important part of problem solving is being able to analyze it in order to find a solution. This is where your ability to innovate and adapt will come into play. In a survival situation, you will always need to view everything as a resource with multiple uses. Your mind should be kept open to any and all possibilities when it comes to using your resources. Your brain is an amazing tool and if you don’t impose arbitrary limits, your thinking will quite often surprise you. It will quite often show you a new and different way to use something as a resource in an innovative manner to solve your problem. Just because something has never been used in a particular manner doesn't mean it can't be done. It simply indicates that no one has thought about using it in that way.

Quite often when we are looking for a solution to a problem, we find ourselves seeing only the big picture. There is an old saying that can help steer you in the right direction. They say the devil is in the details and the details of any problem can be a big obstacle. With a little clear thinking, the details can be worked out and a solution can be found. In a survival situation, it is important to remember that cooler heads will always prevail.

If you suddenly find yourself between a rock and a hard place, you may view that hiking stick in a whole new light.


Staying above the water line!


Riverwalker

DIY Survival Gear - The Lanyard

Firesteel with Thumb Lanyard

Fixed Blade Tactical Knife with Hand Loop Lanyard

Lanyards are a vital part of your survival gear. They have several uses that play an important role in helping to keep your gear secure, allow it to be easily carried by attaching it to other gear and to often better control it when in use. This is a simple piece of gear that can be easily made by anyone with a piece of cordage and will help you to increase the overall security and function of your gear. In most cases, this simple and low cost method can also improve the ability to use your gear in a safer and more effective manner.

A lanyard is normally made with a simple loop of cordage which is then attached to your gear. Normally a lanyard hole is used to attach the lanyard and is often provided as an integral part of many different gear items from signal mirrors to knives or whistles.

The size of the loop in lanyard will often dictate its use or purpose. Lanyards come in all sizes. A lanyard can be made with a small loop for attaching to other gear or for use as a zipper pull on your gear bag, a larger hand loop can be used to help you to hold your knife or hiking stick more securely or it can be a loop big enough to allow carrying an item around your neck in a concealed and more secure position. A lanyard in a bright color can also be used to help you quickly locate a needed item in your pack or if dropped or lost accidentally on the trail.

Lanyards can also be easily improvised from a variety of items. A piece of string, a length of paracord, a bootlace or even a strip of leather can all be used to make a lanyard. All it really needs to function well as a lanyard is a little flexibility and enough strength to not limit its function.

Lanyards are a simple piece of gear that can be made from a wide range of materials and only requires the ability to tie a simple knot to create a vital piece of survival gear.

Got lanyard?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Surviving a Drought - Dirt and Dust

The drought in Texas is starting to show its mean side. With day time temperatures running as high as 107 degrees and no rain, the dirt and the dust is beginning to take over things. Handling the heat is one thing but having to deal with a fine layer of dust that seems to cover everything is pretty hard.

Even keeping the windows and doors shut tight doesn’t seem to slow it down. The dust just keeps showing up in a fine layer on most everything, inside and outside. You might think that our current level of technology would have found a way to stop the dust but even in a relatively well-sealed and insulated home it’s taking a toll. The worst part is you know it’s in the air but you usually don’t notice it unless the wind is really kicking up.

Besides the obvious effects of a prolonged drought of erosion on the soil, there is also the effect on air quality. While it hasn’t reached the epic proportions of the 1930’s Dust Bowl, it’s starting to get pretty bad in the early stages of the current drought as the dust finally begins to take over as the soil erosion begins.

During the decade of the Dust Bowl years, livestock and other animals literally went blind and suffocated from the effects of the fine dust that was created. Farmers used guide ropes to go from the house to the barn because of the poor visibility. Family members even wore cloth breathing masks or used bandannas or rags to cover their mouth and nose to help prevent dust from entering their lungs. Adults and children both were inhaling and coughing up dust that was present in the air. It even created a new disease called “dust pneumonia”.

Now the current environmental conditions aren’t at the same level of the Dust Bowl years but a few precautions should be in order. By taking some simple steps ahead of time you can work to protect yourself from some of the effects that increased levels of dust in the air create.

The first thing is to protect your body when outside. Even a moderate breeze will kick up a lot of dust and proper protection should be utilized whenever possible. Wear a dust mask or keep a bandanna handy to prevent inhaling excessive amounts of dust that may be present in the air, especially if the wind starts to kick up a bit. This is an even more important practice if you have some form of breathing difficulty, such as asthma. Eye protection is important also and keeping a pair of safety goggles handy is a great way to solve this problem. Lacking a good pair of safety goggles, you can even use a pair of sunglasses at a minimum.

You can also help to protect your topsoil by doing a little extra mulching around your yard. Mrs. RW has already started putting down extra mulch around her plants to try and save as much topsoil as possible from simply being blown away.

You should also exercise some increased precautions inside your home. Modern A/C units have pretty decent air filtration systems but can be overwhelmed by extremely dusty conditions. Try changing your air filters more frequently or switch to a higher grade of filter that has a better air filtering capacity. You may also want to consider the addition of the smaller discharge vent filters to your A/C system. You will probably also want to consider keeping food items that are left out covered to prevent contamination from dust in the air.

While it hasn’t gotten so bad that you may need a shovel instead of a broom to get rid of the dust and dirt, taking a few simple precautions ahead of time is simply a prudent action on your part. During any event that could impact your health and safety, it’s always best to exercise a few preventive measures.

Got dust?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Pics - Palms at Dusk

Staying above the water line!


Riverwalker

Backyard Bushcraft - Ball Moss - The Natural Air Quality Gauge

Ball moss, Tillandsia_recurvata, is not a moss but is actually a type of plant that is often misunderstood and as a result is blamed for having a damaging effect on trees. Knowing some simple facts about ball moss will help you understand this plant and how it survives.

Simple Facts about Ball Moss

1. Ball moss does not derive its nutrients from its host but receives it nutrients directly from the atmosphere surrounding it. Unlike mistletoe, which is a parasite, ball moss uses the host only as a support mechanism.

2. Ball moss is actually an epiphyte and is sometimes referred to as an “air plant”. It can be found attached not only on dead or dying tree limbs but it is also found on fence posts, wooden fences and even power lines.

3. Ball moss actually uses photosynthesis (sunlight) and moisture in the air in order to derive the necessary nutrients to survive.

4. Tree branches covered in ball moss actually die from a lack of sunlight and not from the ball moss. Ball moss can range in size from about the size of a golf ball to as large as a soccer ball.

5. Ball moss which forms on your trees is actually an indicator that your trees may be stressed and not doing very well for a wide variety of other reasons. It is also an important indicator of overall air quality since it derives most of its nutrients from the same air which we breathe.

The only real harm that ball moss generally causes is that it may become a very unattractive and unsightly addition to the trees in your yard.

One important use of ball moss, since it is a true plant, is that it can be used as a food source for animals and livestock. Although harvesting it involves a labor-intensive process, it can usually be brushed from its “perch” quite easily by hand or with a stick or similar object. This may provide a vital food source for animals during periods of extended drought and when other food sources such as grass may be scarce or non-existent. This is especially important since ball moss does well in growing conditions where there are low levels of moisture.

Got air quality indicator?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Group Survival - The Logistics Nightmare

As with any endeavor, the larger it is; the more problems you will experience. The logistics of providing the proper level of support for any size survival group can literally become a nightmare without the necessary planning and preparation. Providing for the essentials needed by a large group will be a full time job without a lot of time to do anything else unless your efforts are focused and well organized.

It is going to take a well-structured environment to be successful. This involves structural integrity. If all the necessary parts aren’t in place, your survival group will quickly disintegrate into a mass of confusion and disorder. The manner in which your survival group is structured will be of vital importance for its success.

Examining the different areas that will require your attention on a daily basis will give you a better understanding of just how much work will be involved when trying to form a survival group. Remember, the bigger your group is; the bigger the problems will be and the more work that is going to be required.

Consider your food and shelter needs for a survival group. At a minimum, a single person will require at least a 100 square foot of space. This is not a lot of room when you consider sleeping requirements and storage space for personal items (which will probably need to be limited out of necessity) for a single individual. The space requirements for the preparation of meals and food storage will also increase dramatically. Preparing meals for a large group on a daily basis will take a large amount of food, a great deal of planning, man-power and space. The average size kitchen may not be able to accomplish this unless you have things very well planned in advance. It’s going to take a lot of calories to keep everyone well-fed.

Sanitation needs must also be considered as well and the necessary facilities to maintain a proper level of hygiene for members in your group are probably going to be one of your bigger problems. Maintenance and cleaning will also be a very real problem. Things break, wear out or simply refuse to work when needed and will create problems on a daily basis that will require immediate attention. Even doing the laundry will become a daunting task. Considering how big a job laundry is for the average family and you will begin to realize the problems and difficulties that will occur. It will require everyone to do their part and then some.

Another important factor is the decision-makers. In any group there will be those who can lead and are able to make sound decisions that may be critical to your survival. There will also be those who will need leadership and instruction to accomplish things in a timely and efficient manner. Each will serve an important role in the survival of the group depending upon their skill sets. Just as there are those who will recognize what items are needed, there are also those who will be able to create or build the necessary item or items to fulfill that need.

Meeting the health requirements of a large group will also be a very real challenge. Illness and injury can deal a crippling blow to your survival efforts without the proper planning and preparation. This is an area that cannot be comprised when it comes to proper planning for your survival group. People get sick and accidents happen on a regular basis. This is one thing you can rely on to occur on a regular basis.

Of utmost importance is the trust factor. You will need to be able to trust everyone in your group to do their part to maintain the structural integrity of your survival group. It will need to function without the interruptions that conflict or confrontations may cause from differences in personal opinions, viewpoints or beliefs.

Forming a survival group is a lot like building a bridge. It will require a great deal of structural integrity for it to bear the burden of its intended purpose.

Got structural integrity?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Pics - Painted Grasshopper

Thought everyone might enjoy a close-up view of one of nature's little creatures. It's amazing that nature comes up with such a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors...even with something as simple as a grasshopper.


Got bugs?


Staying above the water line!


Riverwalker

Being Prepared - The Light at the End of the Tunnel

Sometimes in our efforts to be prepared we often forget that there is light at the end of the tunnel. It seems like a very long journey but by keeping your efforts focused on the goals you have set for yourself it will result in a positive outcome. There will be times along that journey when your goals may seem unreachable but with a positive attitude and a little determination you will succeed.

We often forget that the process of being prepared should be incorporated into and made a part of our normal lifestyle. A change in your lifestyle can be a good thing if it is done with the proper planning and a reasonable amount of effort on your part. As with many things, it requires a certain amount of determination and a positive mindset to achieve your goals.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Pics - Survival Warning Signs

Survival is often a matter of  following the signs. If you aren't paying attention to the warning signs, you might just wind up on the menu.


Got survival warning signs?


Staying above the water line!


Riverwalker

Grasshoppers and Gardens

With the drought conditions affecting Texas, grasshoppers can become a big problem. While there are really no effective means to treat an infestation of grasshoppers, there are a few simple things that can be done to help minimize their impact on your yard and garden. Here are a few simple tips that may help you.




1. Provide a natural food source for the grasshoppers.


In periods of excessive drought, there won't be as much grass as normal. As a result of a lack of sufficient food sources, grasshoppers will start to look for greener pastures like your garden. Grasshoppers actually don't prefer to eat your garden plants, especially tomatoes and squash.
Keep the grass in border areas around your garden green. Grasshoppers will not move into your garden as quickly. The tall grass will provide food and shelter for the grasshoppers. By not mowing these areas it will slow down the movement of grasshoppers into your yard and garden.


2. Plant items that attract natural predators.

Plant flowers such as marigolds or sunflower daisies which will attract robber flies. Robber flies will feast happily on all the grasshoppers in your yard but won't bother the plants in your garden. Robber flies are a natural predator of grasshoppers and enticing a few to make a home in your yard will help.

3. Provide a water source for birds.

Providing bird baths or water fountains for the birds in your yard will attract another natural predator of grasshoppers. Birds are pretty smart and will realize quickly that a source of water also means there will be food (i.e., grasshoppers) in the area. 

Got grasshoppers?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Simple Survival Tips - Safety Pins for Survival

Survival gear doesn’t have to be expensive and you don’t even have to make your own when it comes simple items that are invaluable for your survival. Safety pins are available in numerous sizes and at a very low cost. They are a simple piece of survival gear that can serve a multitude of purposes.

One of the most disastrous things that can occur in a survival situation is the loss of your gear. If you are dependent on a piece of gear, you will want to keep it secure. Keeping it secure can be as easy as using a safety pin.

Safety pins are a lightweight and compact piece of gear that makes it very easy to secure your gear. The amazing thing is that they can serve other purposes as the need arises. They can be used to dig out a splinter, as an emergency toothpick, as an improvised fishing hook or to secure a bandage on an injury or as clothes pin to secure items drying on a line. Fasten one or two to your bandanna and you’ve really got a multi-use piece of gear that fits easily in your pocket. Safety pins have almost as many uses as a bandanna. Although they don’t work too well when trying to filter water.

Safety pins are also easy to carry. Clip one or two to your hat, use as a replacement for a zipper pull that is broken on a gear bag or just place a couple in your pocket first aid kit. They add minimal weight but can be of vital use in a survival situation. 

They come in a wide variety of sizes that can also help solve problems with manual dexterity. You can get safety pins that are almost monstrous in their proportions that can be easily opened and closed by persons with limited dexterity. The eyelets on some of the larger safety pins are also large enough to accommodate a strand of paracord. If it’s big enough, the simple safety pin could also be used as very sharp pointy object for defensive purposes as well.

Compact and lightweight items are always a great addition to any Personal Survival Kit and a couple of safety pins should always be included in your kit to give it added versatility.

Got safety pin for survival?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

DIY Solar Battery Charger - Maximizing Your Solar Power Output

You can easily maximize your solar power output during the summer when solar power is more readily abundant. Even a simple 6 volt solar cell can give you an easy way to take advantage of abundant sunlight and help you double the output of your solar cell. Most conventional usage of a six volt solar cell is for either charging a spotlight battery or to run a deer feeder but you can use it to charge AA or even AAA rechargeable batteries which are commonly used in a variety of other devices.

By using a couple of 4 cell battery holders (AA in this case) that can be obtained at most electronic stores for a couple of bucks, you can add versatility to your 6 volt solar cell. Adding a wooden mounting board for the battery holders and hooking them up in parallel will allow you to charge 12 volts worth of batteries off a single 6volt solar cell. 


With the longer daylight hours and generally more intense sunlight of summer, there have been no problems in getting a good charge rate for all the batteries using this type of setup. In the winter time and when the sunlight is less intense and the days are shorter, simply charge 4 batteries at a time versus 8 batteries.

Using a small bolt with a wing nut allows easy connections to be made and allows the larger alligator clips on the solar cell to be easily attached or detached when charging a regular 6 volt gel battery. The wing nuts also allow you to easily disconnect the leads from the battery holders when they aren't being charged and the battery holders are being used to simply hold the extra batteries. 


This is important because batteries, which are basically little chemical power plants, when hooked in parallel will feed off themselves and you will wind up with discharged or dead batteries as a result. 


Got maximum solar power output?


Staying above the sunny water line!


Riverwalker