<![CDATA[Survival Forum & Disaster Preparedness SHTF Survivalist - Blogs]]> http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/blog.php shtf survival en Thu, 17 May 2012 09:31:49 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/images/shades_of_green/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Survival Forum & Disaster Preparedness SHTF Survivalist - Blogs]]> http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/blog.php Survival garden http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/183-Survival-garden Mon, 14 May 2012 20:26:05 GMT No need to water the garden today. Mother nature provided enough rain. No need to water the garden today. Mother nature provided enough rain. ]]> snake35 http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/183-Survival-garden Survival gardening http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/182-Survival-gardening Mon, 14 May 2012 00:05:18 GMT Today we buried creek chubs a few inches from two rows of sweet corn. this will give us the test rows and three control rows. The family and I are... Today we buried creek chubs a few inches from two rows of sweet corn. this will give us the test rows and three control rows. The family and I are experimenting with diffrent techniques in diffrent test gardens. ]]> snake35 http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/182-Survival-gardening Survival gardening http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/181-Survival-gardening Sun, 13 May 2012 14:42:42 GMT To see how much work it would be the family and I put in a 3/4 acre food garden all by hand. Meaning no gas for the roto tiller. Turning the ground... To see how much work it would be the family and I put in a 3/4 acre food garden all by hand. Meaning no gas for the roto tiller. Turning the ground up with a shovel was not fun. Everything is going well. We may have to use some bug spray.

I feel that by adding organics the soil will loosen making it easier next year. ]]> snake35 http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/181-Survival-gardening Summertime is gardening time http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/180-Summertime-is-gardening-time Sat, 12 May 2012 03:14:04 GMT Tomato plants started yellow zucchini seeds are in the ground. May start some okra I kind of like it in soups and fried. My chicks should start... Tomato plants started yellow zucchini seeds are in the ground. May start some okra I kind of like it in soups and fried.

My chicks should start laying in a couple of months only have 11 of them left a wild cat got one of them while they were out of their pen while I was working on the hen house. My nine older hens are laying well again after a short winter slump.

My five-month-old American bulldog mastiff cross puppy is coming along well she has learned to come when called and to stay near me when I am outside and that her toys are the only thing that she can chew on that was a biggie right there. I will start training her more heavily next month and she is finally house trained.

The gym that I go to to keep my arthritis in check has added more older adult exercise classes I'm taking four hours worth three times a week now and sometimes going in for an hour or two of treadmill and free weights just depends on how much gas money I have. I'm down another 10 pounds so must be helping. Talk to y'all later ]]> johnnie l. http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/180-Summertime-is-gardening-time Getting in shape fast the Buggy way! http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/179-Getting-in-shape-fast-the-Buggy-way! Fri, 04 May 2012 21:27:40 GMT I spent some time in the military and also civilian law enforcement. I haven't really done much of anything in four years though! In January, I decided to get off my butt and do something. Before we go any farther, it's important to make sure you are healthy enough for moderate to strenuous exercise, please see a doctor before starting any program. This is what worked for me. (And is still working!)

I started slow, walking a mile everyday. I made sure I stretched before and after. I did this for four weeks increasing my distance to six miles. I also wore a 20 Lbs pack.

On my fifth week, I began to jog:
__________________________________________________ ____________________
Week#5-#7 - I ran 60 second intervals with 90 second rests ( YES! Couch too 5K)
Distance - 2 miles

Week#8 - 1/4 mile intervals with 1/4 mile rests.
Distance - 2 miles

Week#9 - 1/4 mile intervals with 1/4 mile rests
Distance - 3 miles
__________________________________________________ ___________________

I take it easy, my jog is slow and consistent. I also started eating right and drinking lots of water.

I am down 30 LBS and feel GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ]]> Buggyout http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/179-Getting-in-shape-fast-the-Buggy-way! In a pinch sleeping bag http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/178-In-a-pinch-sleeping-bag Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:15:58 GMT We all have seen those space blankets being sold at Wal-mart or other retailers. Well let me tell you from experience they DO NOT work as... We all have seen those space blankets being sold at Wal-mart or other retailers. Well let me tell you from experience they DO NOT work as advertised. (they are great for starting fires though)

Here's a little trick I came up with a few years back where you can make these Mylar wonders work really well under adverse conditions.

First let's understand what a space blanket is. It is a sheet of Mylar (the same material cartoon balloons are made of) it is water proof and makes a great rain catch or use as a tarp it can also be used as a signaling device or heat reflector but wrapping yourself in one and expecting to keep warm thats not going to happen. So here's a little trick to make it work as a sleeping bag and shelter combined.

First you will need 2 space blankets they are small and lightweight and easily fit in a hip pocket

Name: 100_0408.jpg Views: 44 Size: 66.2 KB

Next thing clear out an area of leaves and debris to construct your sleeping bag

Name: 100_0409.jpg Views: 44 Size: 94.5 KB

Next step open up one of the space blankets fully (this will take some time)

Name: 100_0412.jpg Views: 44 Size: 66.3 KB

Next step lie the space blanket down in the spot you have cleared try to get it fully flat

Name: 100_0416.jpg Views: 44 Size: 70.3 KB

Now that you have it laid out on the ground pile as many dry leaves onto the space blanket (the more leaves the merrier)

Name: 100_0419.jpg Views: 43 Size: 92.4 KB

Open your second space blanket fully and put it on top of the piled up leaves that you have put on the first space blanket making a sandwich. (blanket, leaves, blanket)

Name: 100_0413.jpg Views: 43 Size: 64.5 KB

Lying on the edge of your sandwich one hand at your hip grabbing the both blankets and one hand next to your head grabbing both blankets

Name: 100_0423.jpg Views: 43 Size: 77.6 KB

Start rolling yourself into a burrito or cocoon if you want to call it that this will complete the "in a pinch sleeping bag"

Name: 100_0427.jpg Views: 43 Size: 72.8 KB

Thanks for reading! photos by Brian AKA Survivalguy Model is my best friend and fellow survivalist Lee

Till next time ]]> survivalguy http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/178-In-a-pinch-sleeping-bag Shelters http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/176-Shelters Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:22:11 GMT Hi all, There are a ton of shelters out there you can build from the debris hut to the tarp but here is a shelter that fits in your pocket and it... Hi all,

There are a ton of shelters out there you can build from the debris hut to the tarp but here is a shelter that fits in your pocket and it even has a heater. Lets go through the materials needed for this shelter and how to construct it.

Materials needed:

Contractor trash bag 42 gallon or bigger and if you can get your hands on one and want to be found if lost an orange trash bag that the state uses for highway cleanup.

Tea light candle

a source of fire (bic lighter, zippo, matches, ETC.)

Name: 100_0435.jpg Views: 50 Size: 39.7 KB

This is a picture of the materials needed to build this shelter (fire starter not pictured)

Name: 100_0441.jpg Views: 49 Size: 85.9 KB

Take the trash bag and open it fully once opened tear or cut off one corner of the bag so that you can put your head out of it (remember keep small children away from plastic bags without adult supervision)

Name: 100_0443.jpg Views: 48 Size: 67.0 KB

Place the bag over your head like shown, making sure your face in out of the hole you created. Take a seat on the ground in a cross legged fashion (Indian style) ..remember to insulate yourself from the ground with leaves, extra clothing, your pack, ETC.

Name: 100_0445.jpg Views: 48 Size: 53.9 KB

Light the tea light candle and very carefully place it in the bag with you in between your crossed legs be very careful!

Name: 100_0452.jpg Views: 49 Size: 50.5 KB

As you can see by this picture the tea light candle is in the bag it will not take long for the bag to heat up once you comfortable with the heat just blow out the candle and enjoy. If you should get cold again just relight the candle.

Thanks for reading and if you have any questions i'll be more then happy to answer them.

Pictures by Brian AKA Survivalguy, Model is my best friend and fellow survivalist Lee

Till next time
Attached Images
]]> survivalguy http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/176-Shelters Wife not on board... http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/175-Wife-not-on-board Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:37:34 GMT So, on the issue of preparing for an unforeseen event in which one of the main ‘comforts’ we’ve come to rely on is no longer available (i.e. power),... So, on the issue of preparing for an unforeseen event in which one of the main ‘comforts’ we’ve come to rely on is no longer available (i.e. power), here is what’s happened since I last wrote about it… Our closest neighbors came by to have some popcorn and watch two of the most recent episodes of the Discovery channel “Doomsday Preppers” that I had recorded… There were several levels of interest (or lack of it, I may say) but there was some discussion… Some of our neighbors, about 1.2 miles away, have been gardening and canning all their lives; and he is an avid and veteran hunter; so, they are way out in front in the continuum of being prepared. Some other neighbors (about 5 miles away) have a pool with 13,000 gallons of water, and they say we can share (imaging carrying 5-gallon buckets of water on a bicycle on hilly terrain). Based on what I’ve seen, heard and read, I prepared and distributed a list of must have items. They encompass food, food procurement and preparation, clean water procurement and storage, shelter, communications, transportation, defense, etc. Waiting for feedback… On the other hand, my wife shows little or no interest at all on the subject; she says that, if we get to be without power for more than two days, we would saddle up and go to Florida with our kids… I think I am doomed! ]]> makerofgirls http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/175-Wife-not-on-board Rules of three http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/174-Rules-of-three Fri, 06 Apr 2012 01:43:02 GMT The rules to wilderness survival or any kind of survival are easy to remember so here they are; You can live 3 minutes without breathing or severe... The rules to wilderness survival or any kind of survival are easy to remember so here they are;

You can live 3 minutes without breathing or severe bleeding.

You can live 3 hours without shelter from the elements.

You can live 3 days without water.

You can live 3 weeks without food.

These rules are not etched in stone and are only a guideline as an EMT I know brain damage doesn't start until after 6 minutes without breathing.
I have spent nights out in the elements more then 3 hours and i'm still here ..it was miserable but I made it through the night.
I'm happy to say I never went more then 1 day without water and I've read stories where people have gone months without food.

What i'm trying to say is it all depends on your overall health situation and your mental attitude when faced with a survival situation, stay calm, stay focused we all have the will to live.

Just remember the acronym S.T.O.P

S. Stop what your doing!
T. Think of your next step.
O. Observe your surroundings, is there shelter, water, maybe wild edibles.
P. Plan your attack on the problems at hand. build your shelter, obtain your water, build your fire, ETC

Till next time. ]]> survivalguy http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/174-Rules-of-three What do we prepare for? http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/173-What-do-we-prepare-for Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:30:19 GMT So, here is a simple question: “If we lost power (for whatever reason) this evening and it was not restored for ten (10) days, am I prepared to deal... So, here is a simple question: “If we lost power (for whatever reason) this evening and it was not restored for ten (10) days, am I prepared to deal with it? If yes, precisely how? If not, what do I need to do to be prepared?” This simple question triggers all sort of thoughts when one start evaluating the bases of one’s lifestyle… People who think – and act – about these things are called ‘preppers’. Some people take it to extremes, like some of the characters in the Doomsday Preppers series being broadcast by the Discovery Channel; they are real ‘kookies’. I prefer to justify my interest on the subject based on old principles where the first step one took before starting any task was to take a back-up so, in case something went wrong, you could get back to the point of departure; and once you had a plan or solution, it was not complete without the proverbial ‘Plan B’, just in case you original plan did not work as designed. Based on that, I ask myself questions: do you have a back-up, and do you have a plan B? The answers are everywhere, except where I need them to be… So, needless to say, now I have a whole slew of new projects; some that I have only thought about; and some that I have already started. ]]> makerofgirls http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/173-What-do-we-prepare-for Summer has come early! http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/172-Summer-has-come-early! Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:28:14 GMT Here in mid-Missouri it's 79° and sunny pear trees are blooming, lilacs are blooming, irises are coming up and I need to mow the lawn.

I put up a pen for my chickens to keep the Hawks and other critters from having them for lunch hated to do it I enjoy watching chickens scratching in the yard but the loss was becoming unacceptable.

I changed the name of my new pup I was going to call her Eve but every time I called her all I could think of was Susie so Susie she is. Three months old and 25 pounds should gain 10 pounds a month for nine months.

As soon as my garden dries out I'm going to start planting and hope we don't get a late frost I've had frost here April 11 hopefully not this year.

I still haven't managed to start a fire with a bow drill I'll keep working on it.

Someone dumped a beautiful golden lab on me. Took it to the vet to have it checked for a chip, no chip called the radio station they'll announce found dog for me hopefully somebody will pick it up it's no use to me I really wish people would stop dumping dogs, cat, s chickens, and goats on me. I have enough animals to feed.

Y'all have a good spring see you soon ]]> johnnie l. http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/172-Summer-has-come-early! Why do people say the 5.56 round is weak?? http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/171-Why-do-people-say-the-5-56-round-is-weak Sun, 25 Mar 2012 20:50:41 GMT
Quote Originally Posted by Diesel View Post
If .22 was the issued round you'd be saying the same thing.. apples to apples bud
Geez Diesel. Here we have a "my bullit can beat up your bullit" argument and you want to muddy the water with common sense!
Next you'll say the reason all the tactical clothes are green isn't because it matches my eyes.... come on. ]]> myakka62 http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/171-Why-do-people-say-the-5-56-round-is-weak Spoke with the wife about getting the puppy sooner than later... http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/170-Spoke-with-the-wife-about-getting-the-puppy-sooner-than-later Thu, 22 Mar 2012 20:02:43 GMT Ahem, well, I have previously taken pride in that fact that the misses and me are on the same page prepping wise. And for the most part this still... Ahem,
well, I have previously taken pride in that fact that the misses and me are on the same page prepping wise. And for the most part this still holds. But as to getting my dog before we have our property, seems like we are at a difference of opinion.

I would like to get my pup soon, because, well to be honest, I just want to. I guess whatever justification I would make comes back to me just wanting another dog.
My wife is being perfectly rational, and I can't fault her for that. We live onsite of my work, and are hoping to move to our new property (assuming we find the right place) by the end of this year.
So we aren't looking to make any unnecessary improvements to this location. (such as fencing in the yard)
So it does make more sense to wait till we move to get the pup, but a Rhodesian ridgeback and blackandtan mix is exactly what I had in mind, and the guy did offer me pick of the next litter.
So anyway, this is me whining about wanting a puppy. I guess I'm still a 5 year old on the inside. ]]> myakka62 http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/170-Spoke-with-the-wife-about-getting-the-puppy-sooner-than-later To puppy or not to puppy http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/169-To-puppy-or-not-to-puppy Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:37:35 GMT I am living on site at my work right now. I hope to have a good hound mix before SHTF.
But I don't have a fenced in yard.
I am looking for property, and the tentative plan is to get the land, and build the fenced area first, then get the dog.
But........ a neighbor offered me a good little black and tan/ leopard mix eight weeks old...
So today's plan is to hold tight, make small preps while looknin for property. ]]> myakka62 http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/169-To-puppy-or-not-to-puppy rabbits for meat and fur http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/168-rabbits-for-meat-and-fur Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:00:26 GMT ---Quote (Originally by Bobbie)--- Rabbits are some of the best animals for growing meat in small area and produce the most meat for the amount of...
Quote Originally Posted by Bobbie View Post
Rabbits are some of the best animals for growing meat in small area and produce the most meat for the amount of food they eat as well. They are also very fast growing and reach sexual maturity quickly. There are many types of rabbits but the 2 best for raising as preppers are the New Zealand Whites and the Californian These are both Medium sized and fast growing. Also they can me used as fur rabbits as the white fur is easy to dye.

New Zealand come in White, red, and black and are musular. They reach full weight 0f 4-5 pounds live by 8 weeks old.The age of sexual maturiy is 5-6 months of age. It take 28-45 days for rabbits to kit.

Californian are much the same as New zealand but with black ears,tail,and nose.
Florida whites are a bit smaller weighing in a 4 pounds but good as well.

CHAMPAGNE D, ARGENT is the oldest breed. Born black it matures to silver. Good meat and fur rabbit.

The giant breeds are heavier getting to mature weight of around 15 pounds but they grow slow and mature sexually at 12 months old. The amount of meat for the return is much lower.

rabbits are best for breeding from 6 months to 3 years of age though they live to be 6-8 years old.

Feed commercial pellets with some hay. Do not feed young rabbits any thing else as they have sensitive stomachs and will get diahreah and will be smaller at butcher time. For adults feed treats sparingly. Lettuce feed the least. They love it but it gives them the runs.

Rabbit poo is great for composting.

If you want a rabbit for fur the most valuable is the rex. With its velvet plush coat it makes a excellent fur rabbit.
]]> Bobbie http://www.SurvivalMagazine.org/survival-forum/entry.php/168-rabbits-for-meat-and-fur