The Benefits of Using Airsoft Guns for Shooting Practice

While the politics and opinions of gun ownership continue to be debated, one aspect that remains constant is the most important factor regarding owning a firearm: safety. The safety of gun ownership is mostly expressed though firearm storage and handling the weapon properly. Learning how to correctly control, aim and fire a gun and maintaining these skills are the difference between responsible gun owners and everyone else. Regardless of the purpose of possession, whether for safety, hunting, survivalist or hobby, regular shooting practice is a must.

In recent years, heading to the range has become increasingly difficult due to a practice ammunition shortage. This has increased the cost of ammunition has made maintaining one’s shooting skills inaccessible for many of the population. The solution for many has been airsoft guns, which use plastic pellets for ammunition for shooting practice.

What target practice used to look like

Cost-Effective and Convenient Option

The difference between training ammunition used for real guns and airsoft versions can be measured in dollars, not pennies, per round. Thousands of quality plastic pellet rounds can be bought for less than ten dollars. Compare this to twenty dollars for only fifty real rounds. These price differences dictate that the price of purchasing a new airsoft gun will be offset within a few practice sessions. Cheaper practice sessions represent more frequent training and increase comfort and safety with a firearm.

Another benefit to the wallet and schedule of utilizing airsoft guns is the ammunition does not require one to travel to a shooting range. These danger free rounds allow gun owners to perform target practice in their garages or backyards. This eliminates range fees and travel making frequent shooting practice and increased safety extremely convenient and affordable.

Realistic Practice

Today’s airsoft guns are far from the kid’s toys they used to have a reputation for and many are now almost exact replicas of almost every available handgun and rifle on the market today. They have the same look, weight and feel of the real versions. In addition, the airsoft adaptation can utilize the same accessories and fit in the same holster as a true firearm.

Depending on the type of airsoft firearm, much of the function of the real version can be maintained as well. Spring action versions are the least expensive but are also the least realistic and have a slow reload speed. Automatic electric guns are more representative of automatic or semi-automatic firearms with their quick reloading but lack the break and recoil feeling of pulling the trigger. The best airsoft guns and rifles are the gas blow back versions that are as close to the real thing that isn't a real firearm. Though they are the most expensive option, they share the same inexpensive ammunition as the other two types.

If it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for anyone

Airsoft firearms have become so realistic they are commonly used by military and police forces for safety demonstration, target practice and even tactical training. The airsoft allows these essential services to mimic any situation they may face at a fraction of the cost and much more safely than using live rounds. The best gun instructors around the country are strongly pushing their students to include airsoft training to supplement live and dry fire training to become comfortable with their weapon.

Safety First

All of these benefits add up to the most important part of gun ownership, safety. A lifelike replica airsoft allows rehearsal of every aspect of handling a firearm. The exact same precautions utilized with the real version can be applied to the airsoft. Splurging for the blow back gas airsoft guns and rifles allows for an authentic shooting experience that directly translates to the true variety.

The only gun safer than an airsoft

The ammunition is safer as well. Small plastic pellets carry a proportion of the danger and cost of real bullets. Daily practice in the garage or backyard can occur with less concern of tragic consequences to others and the wallet. Frequent, real world training that increases confidence and skill is a benefit of airsoft firearms that make them an essential accessory of any gun owner.

This article was written by an Editor for Airsoft RC . Airsoft RC has a wide selection of airsoft guns for both enthusiasts and beginners.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Labor Day - 2013

Holiday Traveling

Have a safe and happy Labor Day holiday. If you are traveling this holiday be sure to use a little extra caution.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker’s Gear Test and Review - Stealth Flashlights

Flashlights are a great way to extend your operational abilities past normal daylight hours. Most are extremely portable and are simple to operate. Many also include additional features which can further enhance their usefulness. Sometimes required activities can’t wait until daylight and you are going to need some form of lighting to assist you with getting your work done. There’s also less chance of a mishap when traveling at night becomes necessary. You will need to have a good flashlight handy to accomplish these goals.

This review will cover two different types of Stealth flashlights with a very unique feature. They also function as a stun gun for personal defense and protection. This can add an additional layer of protection for you and increase the level of your personal security.

The two different models of Stealth flashlights and their different features we will be testing are the Model HW 1101 (medium size) and the HW 1108 (larger version). The picture above gives you a reference point in order to see the difference in the size of these two flashlights when compared with a pocket-sized LED flashlight that is fairly common and found in stores most everywhere. 

Stealth Flashlight Stun Model HW 1101

  

Basic Features:

Stun capacity rated at 3,000,000 volts

Constructed of premium aircraft grade aluminum alloy.

Powerful 180 lumens LED Flashlight 

Approximate 2 hour constant run time on single charge. 

Recharging Hardware (car and wall chargers) included.

Two Light Settings: Dim and Bright

Attached lanyard included.

Compact and lightweight size (approximately 9 ounces).

Color: Black

Price: $40.00 plus shipping

The Review: Stealth Flashlight Stun Model HW 1101

Similar in size to your average flashlight, the lightweight and very compact Model HW 1101 does fit nicely in a glove compartment or console in your vehicle. This enables you to keep it handy for when it’s needed. It also can be easily carried in your back pocket or in a bag or purse. You may simply want to keep one by the door just in case you get an unwelcome visitor. This is important if you need to access it quickly in order to use the personal defense stun feature. This model also includes a wall charger and a car charger. Both charging units were tested and worked as expected. The cords were of sufficient length to make the recharging process quite simple. Having both a wall and car charger was an added bonus. The case of the flashlight was easy to grip and felt very comfortable. The switches were also readily accessible.

The stun feature (3,000,000 volts) was fairly localized when tested. Unfortunately, Mrs. RW wouldn't volunteer (more like refused...lol) to help out on this part and said this check was all mine. When used on myself, the stun was fairly localized but I did suffer a quick reaction to the stun when tested on my bare foot. It definitely got my attention even with the localized effect. Suffice it to say, this test was only performed once with the HW 1101. The stun feature only works when the flashlight is off and the slide switch on the unit is placed in the full forward position.

The flashlight worked extremely well when tested at night. It easily light up objects at a 100 yards and made them easily identifiable. The 180 lumens LED worked better than expected. The dim setting worked well also but the range was decreased by about half when tested. The lower setting does allow you to conserve battery life and extend the amount of time for working with light. This model also features a replaceable battery.

The price of this unit was also a pleasant surprise and had a very reasonable cost of only $40 plus shipping. This is important if you are on a tight budget and want to keep your gear costs at a minimum. Overall, the Stealth Flashlight Stun Model HW 1101 is a reasonably priced, compact and lightweight LED flashlight that has the additional ability to function in a personal defense capacity which makes it a unique multi-function tool.

Stealth Flashlight Stun Model HW 1108

Basic Features:

Dimensions: 9 1/2" L x 1 3/4" W

Stun capacity rated at 5,000,000 volts

Powerful 180 Lumens Flashlight

LED light good for approximately 100,000 hours.

Built-In Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery

Recharging Hardware (wall charger only) included.

Approximate 2 hour constant run time on single charge. 

Battery is rechargeable up to approximately 1000 times.

Metal Belt Clip attached.

Lightweight (approximately 11 ounces).

Constructed of premium aircraft grade aluminum alloy.

Three Light Settings: Dim, Explosive Pulse (Strobe), Bright

Safety Switch Installed in the Base of the Flashlight to Prevent Accidental Stun

Color: Black

Price: $45.00 plus shipping.

The Review: Stealth Flashlight Stun Model HW 1108

The old saying “Bigger is Better!” can be applied to the Model HW 1108. This flashlight easily lighted objects at well over a hundred yards with ease. The three different lighting modes all worked as expected and the strobe function was an added bonus. The dim setting was also important since it allows you to still use the flashlight while conserving battery power.

While it won’t fit in your vehicle glove compartment, it does fit easily into the side pocket on your vehicle door or a large center console. While quite a bit larger, it weighs in at approximately 11 ounces and feels a lot heavier than its actual weight. If the battery went dead, it could still function as a nifty little club.

Due to its larger size, this model is equipped with a sturdy belt clip. This it allows it to be easily carried on a utility belt or even clipped to your backpack. The clip holds the flashlight securely while allowing it to be removed quickly and easily when needed. The belt clip is fixed and not removable. The design of the flashlight also has a very nice feel to the grip as did the HW 1101 model.

The Model HW 1108 comes with a wall charger only. The supplied power cord does come up a little short in the length department. You will need to have the flashlight in a vertical position in order to recharge it. If the charging cord had been somewhat longer, it would have allowed it to be charged in a safer and more secure horizontal position. This would eliminate the possibility of your flashlight getting knocked over during recharging.

The Model HW 1108 does have a separate switch that’s allows the stun feature to be turned off for additional safety. It is located in a recessed area on the end of the flashlight next to the recharging port. This is a great feature when you consider its higher stun capacity of 5,000,000 volts. The stun feature on the HW 1108 was also tested and my bare foot once again felt the full force of this feature. While also a similarly localized effect as the Model HW 1101, this did get a “knee jerk” reaction on my part. The stun features works really well. This test was also performed only once.

                                                                                                                

While less compact and only slightly more expensive at a cost of $45 plus shipping, the Model HW 1108 offers a safety switch, extended flashlight range, increased stun capacity and a strobe feature. The only major limitation is that it only offers a wall charger and the battery is integrated into the flashlight and is not replaceable by the user. It still affords an excellent option for a multi-function tool that can add to your personal security and defense.

Due to the stun features, these flashlights are not water-proof and can be damaged if submerged. Additionally, both of these flashlights carry a 30 day return policy and 90 day money back or exchange guaranty for any component related issues. You can purchase either of these flashlights by clicking on the links in the article or by visiting StealthStunGuns.com .

NOTICE

Please consult your State laws before purchasing. The vast majority of states do not require a permit to carry a stun gun but some states do have restrictions in regards to stun guns.

You can visit this link to check stun gun restrictions in your state:

 http://stealthstunguns.com/stun_gun_laws

Ready to light something up?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker’s Gear Pics - Czech Model Z Gas Mask

Czech Model Z Gas Mask

The typical gas mask filter uses a combination of three different techniques in order to treat the air you are breathing. These techniques usually include particle filtration, chemical absorption or adsorption and chemical reactions to neutralize chemical agents. The most common filtration method used is by activated charcoal. The majority of gas masks work by using a combination of activated charcoal to filter out organic gasses and particles, super small filters used to trap smaller particles, and various chemicals imbedded in pads to neutralize non-organic gasses and to absorb and block the gas or gases while purifying the air.

NATO 40 mm Filter Cannister Top Seal

NATO 40 mm Filter Cannister Bottom Seal

Filters need to be replaced on a regular basis because when they are exposed to humidity or have been unused for long periods of time they lose their ability to absorb or block chemicals and particulates. This in effect makes them non-functional and of little value for NBC protection purposes.

Speech Diaphragm and Filter Connection

Many military surplus gas masks are available in the $20 price range but most come with expired filters that provide little more protection than the average dust mask. Shelf life of gas mask filters can range from 5 to 25 years depending upon how they are packaged. Those gas mask filters which have been vacuum-packed will have the best shelf life. Once they are exposed to the air their useful shelf life is generally a matter of a few days before they become ineffective. You will need to purchase new filters which will cost you on average twice ($40) what you paid for the mil-surp gas mask. 

Fog Prevention Vents

Depending upon the level of contamination, gas masks will afford protection for as little as 30 or 45 minutes to as much as eight hours when concentrations are minimal. Gas masks are basically designed to give you time to evacuate from the area in which hazardous agents or chemicals are present. In order to work in a hazardous environment, you would need an SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) similar to that used by First Responders or firefighters. This type of equipment is extremely expensive (costing thousands of dollars) and is well outside the budget of most people. New modern gas mask versions such as the M40 would make a good choice for some people wanting a more extensive level of protection but this is also an expensive proposition with costs in the $400 to $600 range.

Czech Model Z Carry Pouch

It is also important to remember than many chemical agents are readily absorbed through the skin. A chemical protection suit would be advisable for use in combination with your gas mask. You would do well also to get some inexpensive chemical detection badges and radiation dosimeters (these are fairly expensive) as well so that you will actually know a threat exists or if the danger has passed.

Additional information about gas masks and how they work can be found here:

http://science.howstuffworks.com/gas-mask2.htm

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Gear Storage Tips - Proper Storage of Body Armor

Many times gear is not always needed on an everyday basis. This is when the proper storage of your gear can become a critical factor. Failure to properly store your gear when not in use can cause problems later when it may be needed. Many times it is only a matter of knowing the proper method of storage to keep your gear in safe working condition.

The proper storage of body armor can increase its performance and lengthen its useful life. There are certain storage requirements that generally apply to most types of body armor. Following these simple guidelines will help you prevent unnecessary damage to your body armor.

Body Armor Storage Tips

1. Always store your body armor flat.

2. Always remove hard plates from tactical body armor before placing it in storage.

3. Never store your body armor if it is moist or damp. Make sure it is dry before storing.

4. Never store your body armor loose in a vehicle or closet. Use a suitable container that will afford extra protection.

5. Never store heavy objects or other gear items on top of your body armor.

Treating your gear properly and with respect is important to get the maximum value from your equipment. Specialized equipment, such as body armor, can be expensive to replace. It’s a lot easier to put a little effort into the proper storage and necessary maintenance. It also doesn’t hurt to inspect gear that is in storage on a regular basis for proper working condition. By doing so, you can avoid any unwanted surprises.

Got body armor storage?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

     

Backyard Bushcraft - The Black Widow Spider

Black widow spiders (Latrodectus hesperus) are one of the most venomous spiders found in America. They are easily identified by the red hour glass shaped markings on the underside of their abdomen. Although they are relatively small when compared with many other spiders, their bites can be extremely painful.  The bite of a black widow spider seldom causes death because they normally only inject small amounts of poison when they bite. This usually lessens the severity of the bite and its symptoms. 

Black widow spiders are found in all the usual places and especially like moist areas. Garages, water meters, water wells, storage sheds, and outdoor lawn and patio furniture are just a few of the places they can be found.

They build unusually strong but irregular shaped webs that are normally found close to the ground. The strands of their webs are some of the strongest made by any spider.

If you happen to get bit by a black widow spider, you should seek immediate medical attention. The bite of a black widow spider can be extremely hazardous to young children, older persons and those with allergies or other medical conditions such as heart or breathing problems.

You can download a free information sheet on black widow spiders here:

Black Widow Spider.PDF

Got venomous spiders?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Homeowner Guide to Spiders - Free Download

The University of Idaho has an excellent PDF brochure on spiders that is available as a free download. It covers a few of the myths concerning spiders and can help you better understand the role spiders play in nature.

The "Homeowner Guide to Spiders" is available at this link: 

http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edcomm/pdf/BUL/BUL0871.pdf (1.71MB)

It is unfortunate that which we understand the least is often what we fear the most.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker’s Gear Review - The Y Shot Slingshot

Fifty years ago, it was a pretty common thing to make your own slingshot. The right piece of wood combined with a couple of strips of old inner tube, a leather pouch made from a piece of an old wallet and in no time you had a versatile weapon capable of inflicting some serious trauma on all the small critters in the area. It seems that slingshots have now entered the high tech category and now have the increased potential to be very formidable when used for hunting small game. They can also help to provide a basic level of protection in a survival situation. 

The Y-Shot slingshot is a good example of the new high tech slingshots that are now available. This slingshot is made from high quality aluminum which has a very strong but lightweight feel. The handle of the slingshot is approximately 4” in length and is wrapped with a generous portion of paracord. It made an excellent and very firm grip easy to achieve. 

This slingshot has a fairly narrow spread between the forks which was approximately 2 1/2 inches.  Most experienced slingshot users know that a narrower spread between the forks will give you better performance than a wider spread but it is also less forgiving if you make an error. The band was also pretty easy to replace or adjust by merely loosening a few screws.

If you wish to know some of the actual ballistic qualities of this slingshot, there is a good review at Box O' Truth that has some relevant details. It’s important to remember that a slingshot is designed to inflict blunt force trauma and steel or lead balls or shot with lots of mass will work the best as ammo. In a survival situation, there are also all sorts of options to replace your ammo if you run out.

The slingshot fit easily in the back pocket of my jeans and was quite comfortable to carry. It also fit in my front pants pocket as well. It could have been carried just as easily tied to a backpack with the paracord loop. One thing that hasn’t changed is the bands. The bands on slingshots can fail fairly frequently and without much warning. It would be best to keep a couple of extra bands available in case one breaks. In a worse case scenario, you could probably make a new set from a piece of old inner tube.

Strong but lightweight, with a comfortable grip and an aluminum body you won’t have to worry about breaking or cracking makes the Y-Shot slingshot a decent choice to add a little stealth to your survival gear.

Plans are to do some serious varmint and critter hunting with this slingshot and post an update later.

Got slingshot?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Security Landscaping - The Path of Least Resistance

Controlling unwanted visitors is an important part of any defense mechanism you may try to establish to provide a greater level of security. While you will not be able to fully control unwanted visitors completely, you can seek to influence their approach and hopefully send them in a direction that will place them at a severe disadvantage. Hopefully, you can then guide them into a more protected area or a position with better defenses that will allow you to stop the intrusion.

While using plants for protection can be an important and vital part of security landscaping, there are other means that can be equally effective and only require a little advance planning, a few basic raw materials or some relatively inexpensive equipment. One of the methods that is quite effective can be achieved by creating a “path of least resistance”. 

Human nature is sometimes very predictable. Our behavior quite often forms a basic pattern that can be used to create an advantage over possible intruders. Almost everyone will try to find the easiest manner in which to do something and individuals seeking to violate your security are no exception. This is a typical behavior in most cases in which people will normally seek the easiest way possible to achieve their goals. It is a very normal pattern of behavior that causes us to seek the path of least resistance.

There are numerous ways you can work to create a “path of least resistance”. One of the easiest and quite often overlooked means is through the use of signs. Probably one of the best known signs used by many people is the “Beware of Dog” sign that is found posted in the yards of many homeowners. Most unwelcome visitors will automatically seek a different path in order to avoid what may be a significant problem. Other signs can also be used just as effectively. You can literally stop a person in their tracks with the right type of sign. Utility companies use this practice everyday to prevent people from “messing around” in areas where they aren’t wanted. All it takes is a sign that says “High Voltage” and people will automatically stop or reverse their course quickly. Even a simple sign indicating your premises are monitored by cameras or a security system can act as a deterrent to unwanted visitors.

Strategically placed lighting can be equally effective in creating a “path of least resistance”. You can literally guide unwanted intruders down a specific path as they seek to avoid detection that could be caused by entering a well lighted area of your yard. You can further compound their problems with motion sensitive lighting that they will be unaware of while trying to avoid more obvious lighting in your yard.

Passive barriers can also work to your advantage and help to create a “path of least resistance”. A large rock, a fence, or even a large concrete yard ornament when placed in a strategic position can cause them to change their direction to an area where you will have the advantage. Being in control of a situation is always preferable in maintaining your security. Controlling the movements of an unwanted visitor without them realizing it will place them in a vulnerable position that you can always use to your advantage.

Controlling the manner of approach and direction of an unwanted visitor is just one of the ways you can increase the level of your home security with the proper landscaping. When you maintain control of the area around your home, the advantage will always be yours.

Got Stealth Security?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Pics - Fire

Fire

Fire can be both friend and foe. When safely and properly utilized, it can provide warmth when it's cold, a means to cook our food and the ability to banish the uncertainty of darkness. Fire can also have a devastating effect if not properly controlled. It can eliminate years of hard work in a heartbeat or cause injuries that can affect you for the rest of your life. It may even cause death.

Fire is a powerful and necessary tool that should always be treated with respect. A healthy respect for the power of fire will make it's use safer for everyone.

Got fire?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Beyond the Basics - Upgrading Your First Aid Kit for Bleeding and Burns

First Aid Kit Additions

A basic First Aid Kit (FAK) is an absolute necessity for emergencies. It can usually be made better with some simple additions that aren’t often seen in the basic ready-made First Aid Kits. When you build your own First Aid Kit, you can make upgrades to its basic contents quite easily to allow you to better handle a wider range of injuries.

Two of the most frequent injuries you will see in a minor emergency are bleeding or burns. Past experience has dictated that my First Aid Kit have something a little more extensive to cover these two areas. This is especially true in the summertime when a severe case of sunburn can totally ruin your day and make you miserable. Being able to treat minor burns and bleeding until proper medical help can be obtained can be essential during a crisis and normal times.

Two items that should be added as an upgrade are something that will allow you to better handle minor bleeding and minor burns. For minor burns, the Water-Jel brand of burn jel is a good addition to your first aid kit. These are small and lightweight and make a suitable addition for any size First Aid Kit. They come in a box of 25 packs that can be distributed among your various First Aid Kits. Water-Jel specializes in burn treatment products. They also make special bandages if you want to make a more extensive upgrade to your first aid kit to handle even more serious burns.

There are times when a band-aid just won’t get the job done. Even a fairly minor cut or scrape can bleed profusely and may require more extensive treatment. Even having several heavy gauze packs may not be sufficient. This is where a small Quick Clot bandage can come in handy. In a “not so minor” emergency, a Quick Clot Bandage may be just what is needed to handle a crisis properly. They’re an easy to use, compact and lightweight addition for your First Aid Kit to help treat cases of bleeding more effectively.

Both the QuikClot Sport Regular and the Water Jel Burn Jel are fairly inexpensive and make good upgrades for your First Aid Kit. This will give you an option to better treat minor burns or bleeding.

Got First Aid Kit upgrades?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Survival Food Test - Testing Canned Foods with Expired Date

Even with proper rotation of your food storage items, there will be those items which manage to avoid your best efforts. These items will slip by unnoticed until their expiration date has expired. While most canned foods will be edible past their expiration date, a little caution should be exercised before it’s consumed.

In the picture above is a can of corn that had an expiration date of 01/10. The date is clearly visible because Mrs. RW always marks the date in big letters so that it is easy to see. Unfortunately, it managed to slip through our rotation.

Here are the steps that were used to determine its viability for consumption.

Testing Canned Foods with Expired Date

1. Examine the can closely. It should not be rusted, dented or bulging. Any of these signs could indicate the food inside the can may be unfit for consumption.

2. Open the can and visually examine the contents. Look closely for signs that could indicate the food is contaminated and may be unsafe to eat.

3. Smell the contents. If the contents smell bad, the food is most likely unfit for consumption and needs to be discarded.

4. Taste a small portion. If the previous steps have given no indication that the food item may be bad, taste a small portion. The taste and texture should be similar to food items with a good expiration date.

5. Taste a larger portion.  If you experience no effects from a small portion, taste a larger portion and wait a short time period to see if you still suffer no ill effects.

After taking these steps and have confirmed its viability for consumption, you should then cook or prepare the food item as you would normally. If your storage procedures have been properly maintained, most canned food items will be viable beyond their stated expiration date.

It is also important to remember the old saying “When in doubt, throw it out!”

BTW, the entire can of corn in the above picture was eaten with no ill effects.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Pics - Smoker Snake

It seems that brisket isn't the only thing you can find in a smoker.

Imagine my surprise when this offset smoker was opened.

Here's a close-up of the small rat snake in the smoker.

This off-set smoker was picked up in a trade which required me to haul it off. It was in their way and they just wanted to get rid of it. Sometimes you get a little extra when bartering. It was in a really bad mood and it took a while to coax the rat snake out of the smoker. It was probably in the process of shedding it's skin. The eyes had an opaque and milky-colored covering that seem to indicate it was in the first stages of shedding its skin. It also didn't like the fact that it had been disturbed in its resting place. It had apparently been eating good in the neighborhood since there was a large rat's nest inside the smoker. 

A check of the area didn't take long to find some snake food.

Even though rat snakes aren't poisonous, they can inflict a painful bite that could result in a serious infection. This one was sent slithering away under a nearby storage building once it was convinced to leave the smoker. The snake food ran under the same storage building...not the best choice for survival in my opinion. 

Got smoker snake?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Simple Home Security - Plants for Protection - Spanish Dagger

Spanish Dagger in Bloom

Spanish Dagger can be a very dangerous plant but it is also quite beautiful when in bloom. There are several planted in my yard. You need to be careful when working around these plants as they can even stab you through your jeans if you aren’t very careful. They are capable of inflicting some pretty serious personal damage along with a significant amount of pain.

These are fairly young Spanish Dagger plants that are only about four feet high. The stalk with the blooms is about six foot high. They make an excellent form of natural security for your home. If someone stumbles into one of these plants in the dark, they are going to have a very unpleasant experience.

Like many things in nature, they can be both beautiful and dangerous.

Got Spanish Dagger?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker Visits Destiny Survival on the Preparedness Radio Network

A few weeks ago there was some time available and through some special arrangements with my friend John at Destiny Survival an interview was done for his show on the Preparedness Radio Network.

We discussed OPSEC (Operational Security) guidelines for preppers and how it affects preppers. This is a lot more important than many people realize because it involves protecting one of your most valuable assets.

You can read more on our interview here:

http://destinysurvival.com/2012/03/09/are-you-protecting-one-of-your-most-valuable-assets/

You can also listen to or download my complete interview with John Wesley Smith from Destiny Survival on the Preparedness Network Radio here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper/2012/03/08/destiny-survival-radio

Special thanks to my friend John at Destiny Survival for the opportunity to do this interview on his radio program.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker