Stealth Security - Light and Shadows

Exposed by the Light

Hidden by the Shadows

Nature can teach everyone valuable lessons if you simply take the time to study the creatures that live in our world. They can teach you about seeing the signs of danger from all manner of things. While basking in the light may give you a warm and pleasant feeling, it can also leave you very exposed. Sometimes remaining in the shadows is a safer course of action.

Take the lowly chipmunk as an example. On a cold mountain morning it must have felt very good to bask in the sunlight for a while but upon sensing a possible threat it quickly retreated into the shadows. Realizing it was vulnerable it immediately sought a safe place in the shadows where it was easier to see than be seen.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Prepping - Being Prepared for Change

Most “preppers” enjoy a relatively common lifestyle. They also enjoy many of the same technological advances as do many of their neighbors. They also have comparatively nice homes with many of the same amenities that people have a tendency to take for granted. The majority are not “doom and gloomers” or “hard-core” survivalists. They are simply people that realize things can and sometimes do change and not always for the better. So what is the real difference between a “prepper” and their neighbor?

It is the self-assurance that they can still get by if a family member becomes unemployed because they have put back an emergency cash fund for the here and now versus the long-term savings plan many have but can’t access until retirement without a penalty.

It is the self-assurance that they can treat an injured family member using their first aid or CPR skills. They know that when a crisis happens you may only have seconds to respond to a medical emergency and that it can make a difference in what could be a life or death situation.

It is the self-assurance that they won’t be stumbling around in the dark, eating a cold meal, or shivering in a cold room if there is a power outage. They realize that power can be interrupted during a disaster or a storm and plan accordingly. They don’t intend to wait days or weeks until the utility companies are able to respond.

It is the self-assurance that they won’t have to wait for the government or someone else to step in and help. They plan on taking care of themselves. They know the value of being personally responsible for themselves and their families.

Preppers are ordinary people who plan just slightly ahead of the curve in the road that lies ahead. They realize there are things that can happen that you won’t see coming. A little extra measure of preparedness and planning is necessary if you plan on being prepared for a change in your normal lifestyle during a crisis or a disaster.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Pics - Rio Grande River Gorge

Rio Grande River Gorge - Mountain View

The Rio Grande River is one of the twenty-five longest rivers in the world. It is also the fifth longest in North America. The Rio Grande River begins close to the Continental Divide in the San Juan Mountains and runs approximately 470+ miles through New Mexico and then continues into Texas where it forms the international border between Texas and Mexico for almost 1,250 miles and then empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The Rio Grande River is also between 1,800 and 1,900 miles in overall length. The river does change course from time to time and this affects its length at any given time.

Rio Grande Gorge - River View

This part of the Rio Grande River in New Mexico has had several different names over the years but the names were mainly used to describe this section of the headwaters of the Rio Grande River that runs through northern New Mexico. This is not a typical gorge that has been formed by the river itself but is actually a geological formation known as a rift valley. The rift valley came first and the river simply followed later. Rift valleys are formed when there is a separation in the earth’s crust which is usually caused by faulting. The gorge itself is approximately 650 feet deep in this section and very mild earthquakes still occur along the Rio Grande Rift.

Got rift valley?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Survival Awareness - Changing Conditions

Below the Snow Line

Being aware of your surroundings is a priority in any type of survival situation. Realizing that conditions can sometimes change quickly and drastically will help you be prepared to face any challenges due to those changes. Whether you are hiking a mountain trail or traveling in a rural or urban area your environment change rapidly. These changes can be due to terrain, weather or the presence of others (people, wildlife, etc.).

Maintaining an awareness of changing conditions is largely a mental discipline. Make a mental note of the small changes in your environment and it will help you avoid a big surprise. Abrupt changes in any environmental conditions should be a signal that something could be wrong and you may suddenly find yourself in harm's way or in a situation you may not be prepared for properly.

At the Snow Line

A great example of this is mountain hiking. You can be below the snow line one minute and then suddenly find yourself knee deep in the white stuff. It's best to be prepared ahead of time and have an awareness of changing conditions. Your survival could depend upon it.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Natural Camouflage - Blending in Naturally Part 5

Mountain Trail

Many times when out hiking a mountain trail or traveling through the woods people fail to notice things because Nature has designed it that way. There will be other things present you may be unaware of simply by failing to see what others don't.

Grouse

Many times there are a number of creatures present in your environment that go unnoticed simply because we fail to use our powers of observation. RW, Jr. managed to get this great pic of a grouse while hiking up a mountain trail in New Mexico. These birds blend in quite well with their surroundings and will require close attention on your part if you want to find them.

Grouse in Pine Tree

Once the bird became aware of RW, Jr.'s presence, it immediately took flight up into a nearby pine tree. Even in a fairly exposed position in the tree, it can be still quite difficult to see. even in such an open position it blends in well with it's surroundings.

Grouse Close-Up

Here's a close-up pic of the grouse that RW, Jr. took before he moved on up the mountain trail. He was headed on up to the snow line.

Snow Line on the Mountain

My special thanks to RW, Jr. for these great pics!

Got powers of observation?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Pics - Sangre de Cristo Mountains

Sangre de Cristo Mountains

Here's a view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico that I recently visited on my travels.

Enjoy the view!

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Mountain Survival Shelters - The Debris Hut

Debris Hut 001

Debris Hut 002

Shelter is one of the main requirements for survival and Nature provides plenty of building materials for you. Building a survival shelter can be hard work. If done properly, it can make a big difference in your survival. Here are some pics of an actual debris hut.

Nature will supply you with the materials needed for your survival. The rest is up to you.

Got debris hut?

Staying above the debris line!

Riverwalker