View Full Version : "Easy" suvival weekend
OK, finally got in touch with my Mom today: We are ON for doing a survival type weekend at her place. The date, cause it is one of my off weekends & Matt has it off also: June 22 & 23. I will be there on the 21st cause it will give me time with Mom & I'll get to explore a bit as I haven't been in that part of the property in about 5 years.
About Mom's place:
It's on a creek called Dry Fork, so water can & does vanish quickly at times. It can also flood fairly quickly but rarely at that time of year. Rarely.
By my calculations "Our area" is about 4 acres, and Mom said we can go pretty much anywhere we need to, so let's say 6 to 7 acres. There is about 1/8 mile of creek, with at least (last time I was there & most of my childhood) 2 fairly deep & reliable pools.
I have never not seen at least one Carp. 4 or more Crawdads, & a fairly large Catfish.
The farm is just west of the tiny town of Okeana Ohio & about 7 miles or less from the Indiana border. The Main road into town (not the road mom lives on) goes from Ross Ohio to Brookville Indiana.
Directions & address will be PMed to those wanting to come.
WARNINGS: I know there are snapping turtles in the creek! A medium size (shell the size of a dinner plate) can lop off a finger like a hot knife through butter! There ARE poisonous snakes in / around the water; Copperheads & water moccasins mostly, but Rattlers have been seen by me less than 30 miles away. Skunks live in the area. My Mom's dog ABSOLUTELY LOVES EVERYONE! Not really a danger, but Scarlet can be a huge PEST!! :D
What the event is mostly about: a camping trip on private property with the expressed intent of learning & practicing survival skills. You can bring whatever you are willing to carry the (apx) 1/4 mile to camp central. WHY? Because we are LEARNING skills or at least practicing in a safe environment. Matt has been to a few classes, but all of my "skills" were learned from TV, so I really need this!
What I hope to do:
Build a shelter with nothing but a knife & the para-cord from my survival bracelet (Not actually using a bracelet, or para-cord, will be bringing 8' of fake PC just for the experiment.
Build a fire with: just my ferro steel, bow drill, trough method, ONE match, "however".
Build an emergency fire with WET wood. (one of the things I plan on doing Friday is put some various sized wood pieces IN the creek, held in place UNDER water with rocks)
Find / catch food. I hope to have at least one meal with the mass of a fast food dinner. Hope springs eternal. LOL
Plus whatever challenges we can come up with.
Reminder, do NOT use the toilet less than 100' from the creek please! Perhaps we can designate, or at least measure out a "Privy area".
So, any takers? So far it's Matt, my son Jon & I.
Just occurred to me: If you are a new hanger, or not yet a hanger but want to give that a try, come on down & we can work on those skills too! Sorry; My only spare sets will be used by Matt & Jon.
mbiraman
05-15-2013, 21:41
Just wanted to wish you guys well on your weekend. I noticed you said you learned all your skill from TV. If you don't already know of him you might have a look at IA Woodsman on You Tube. Very experienced fella and the video's are easy to watch,,no bullsh*t.
bill
evilleotter
05-15-2013, 22:27
I'll check my calendar and see if I can swing it. I will also talk with my brother-in-law and see if he is interested.
I remember you posting this a couple months ago and he expressed interest at that time. I'll keep monitoring site and let you know as soon as I can.
Thanks for the invite.
Mikeinajeep
05-15-2013, 23:54
Sounds like a great time. Two things, useless you shave soaked wood down to tooth picks it won't burn. Second thing turtles are good eating and make a bowl and a plate out of the shell.
Watch this, he is the most realistic training I've taken.
http://youtu.be/FV5ShSNIdfY
Thanks all! Even if we don't do the survival stuff right, at least it will be a learning experience. :D
The soaked wood is a personal thing: at Mt Rogers this year EVERY THING was SOAKING WET and frozen / freezing, so I want to at least give starting very wet wood a go. In one test, I'm going to use one 15 minute road flair as the starter. Granted, it won't be frozen, but at least I'll have practice.
I'm interested...I obtained some skills with
While in the service. I will bring flint and steel, and a mag glass, my boiler and a blanket. Should be a good time.
I'm interested...I obtained some skills with
While in the service. I will bring flint and steel, and a mag glass, my boiler and a blanket. Should be a good time.
Terrific! PM sent soon. :)
Well, I'm gonna have to take a pass. Was originally pretty excited about this, but that weekend my church is doing a backpacking trip at red river gorge that weekend. Good luck, and have fun!
Dragon Rider
05-20-2013, 17:42
Actually sounds like something I would love but our family is on vacation that week and will be spending time on a working ranch and then with family...if you do this again, I would definitely be interested...trust you'll have a great time.
MY plan is another in LATE fall. Going to try for just before all of the leaves are gone.
I don't do heat very well, but MAY do a summer one if I learn enough at this one. Problem is, Dry Fork creek is very aptly named as it can go almost totally dry over it's nearly 100 mile length.
Matt is doing a "very primitive" one "somewhere not far from Eastfork park"
He says with minimal gear, like a knife & a way to start fire. Will talk to him about going on that, but is on the property of one of his co workers, so I'm not sure what or who they are willing to have along.
Sweet....Just let me know when Doc.....GOnna be fun Brother...
Jerry
BillyBob58
05-24-2013, 16:38
Well, this sounds like safe fun!
Thanks all! Even if we don't do the survival stuff right, at least it will be a learning experience. :D
The soaked wood is a personal thing: at Mt Rogers this year EVERY THING was SOAKING WET and frozen / freezing, so I want to at least give starting very wet wood a go. In one test, I'm going to use one 15 minute road flair as the starter. Granted, it won't be frozen, but at least I'll have practice.
I kind of suspected that last winter's Mt.Rogers experience might have been one of the motivators for this trip. A big roaring fire would have been nice on that trip, I'm thinking! Or at least a stove ( or multiple stoves) that could have been used either by the hypothermic person(with poor thinking ability) or whatever person who was not yet hypothermic to quickly boil large amounts of water for drink and cooking. Oh yeah baby, hot food and drink into the belly of the hypo- or near hypo-thermic person, that is nice!
Another thing to work out is either:
1:how to be sure you can keep dry or
2: Are there clothes that can be worn so that, even if you get wet it won't be that big of a disaster, or that will at least dry very quickly once out of the rain?
Torrential rain fall just above freezing ( or even warmer temps) can really turn into a nightmare, can it not?
Wish I could join you guys!
Sweet....Just let me know when Doc.....GOnna be fun Brother...
Jerry
I'm likely getting there around noon on Friday. I PMd you my cell, & directions, so you can call when close,,,,, probably,,,,, I think. Arrival anytime Fri or Sat is fine with me. I got to leave around 2000 on Sunday.
Mikeinajeep
05-25-2013, 16:48
Looking forward to the trip report. If you do two stick fires, video it.
Looking forward to the trip report. If you do two stick fires, video it.
OH, I plan on doing more than 2 fires! Will be starting fires with: Lighters, matches, magnesium bloc & ferro rod, bow drill, Trench & if I can find mine: a magnifying glass.
I will be doing videos when I remember to. I often don't remember though, so you may have to settle for stills. Sorry!
THEN, I have to take the camera to Bonsai Hiker for editing, when HE has time,,,,,,,,
Mikeinajeep
05-25-2013, 19:30
Fat wood is fun too. Most magnesium bars are really hard to scrape but a 1/3-1/2 inch drill bit works really well.
Fat wood is fun too. Most magnesium bars are really hard to scrape but a 1/3-1/2 inch drill bit works really well.
OOOH! Good tip! Mine are very hard to scrape, I usually only get dust.
Maybe mix a few of the filings into the Vaseline on the cotton balls?
fallkniven
05-26-2013, 21:09
Couple of tips...
the lighting a fire in wet conditions does not mean starting a fire with wet wood. The concept your looking for, is in wet rainy conditions, where everything appears wet, you can split standing deadwood to get inside where it is bone-dry.
Also, I bought one of those mag bars from firesteel.com and in comparison to local sporting goods store brands, it's like slicing butter. Huge difference, and still only about $3. Even their firesteels are softer, throwing globs of molten metal instead of just sparks.
Another thing, if you try a firebow, the straighter the bow the better, you want it to nearly ride the spindle. If the spindle is slightly tapered to either end it seems to make it move smoother. (just a couple things I haven't seen mentioned on tv)
Sounds like a great trip, wish you lots of luck!
All righty, so far those going are: Jerry, Matt, Rob (Firewalker) & I.
Maybes are: my son Jon, friend John, Rob's son R.J.
We have had quite a bit of rain in the area so there should be water in the creek and nearly everything is growing like crazy.
I hope to learn a bit this trip, somethings I've got head knowledge but little practical experience with.
We have at least 6 acres to "Play" on, so if there is any who still want to come, feel free to contact me.
SkyPainter
05-31-2013, 07:42
Have fun! Coupla things... You can find dry wood on the inside of dead limbs near the bottom of conifer trees. The bark may be wet, but the core mostly or very dry. Never use wood from the ground! Just baton it.
Also, don't need to waste your Paracord (which is better for making traps and snares anyway) to build a shelter. In most wooded areas, there is a huge root system for plants, bushes, and trees. Use a digging stick (NOT your knife!) to find one, the pull it up as far as you can. You can strip whatever bark is on it with the BACK of your knife, and soak it then pound it a bit to soften and make it pliable. There will be resin in the roots for some, which will dry and harden like steel eventually!
Mother Nature provides unlimited supplies for building, especially cordage. Save the man-made cordage for other things than building a shelter, unless time is a huge factor. Even then, I will use roots to bind.
Learning to do a "two strand twist" from natural materials to make rope and cordage is another great skill to learn! (Google it)
Lastly, head on over to our sister site, BushcraftUSA.com, and watch the Bushclass videos. It's all there.
Good luck, and enjoy!
~ SkyPainter
Lost_Biker
05-31-2013, 10:16
I'll be there. Thanks for the address and directions. I'll bring char cloth - great for starting fires and also the materials to make char cloth if anyone wants to learn.
I'll be there. Thanks for the address and directions. I'll bring char cloth - great for starting fires and also the materials to make char cloth if anyone wants to learn.
ANY skills you (Or anyone else) are willing to teach will be GREAT! I'll bring a Snus tin & some cotton fabric. Will try to find a Altoids or similar tin also.
I'm going to try to bring for everyone (my son makes them) a "Survival knife" made from 1/2 a hacksaw blade. It's actually a nice knife, considering it costs about $0.10 to make, plus about 30 minutes labor. :D You can have any color you want, as long as it's light blue. :lol:
Lost_Biker
06-03-2013, 10:49
ANY skills you (Or anyone else) are willing to teach will be GREAT! I'll bring a Snus tin & some cotton fabric. Will try to find a Altoids or similar tin also.
I'm going to try to bring for everyone (my son makes them) a "Survival knife" made from 1/2 a hacksaw blade. It's actually a nice knife, considering it costs about $0.10 to make, plus about 30 minutes labor. :D You can have any color you want, as long as it's light blue. :lol:
I find Altoids tins work the best - the size is just right to where the char doesn't burn to ashes. One 3/8" hole in the lid is perfect.
Looking forward to the hacksaw blade knife! Thank you!
Capt Buck
06-03-2013, 20:32
Are you still planning on the 22nd and 23rd? I need some experience with my hammock, and being around other hangers would be a great benefit. I will be out of town that week, but should be back in time to make it up there on Saturday. I am nearby that location.
Sure, come ahead. You are quite close actually. Will PM directions.
As the weather reports for SW Ohio ar very unreliable, all I'm giong to do is hope for good wweather. Last report was sunshine, so,,,,,,,,,,
Any who still want to come, feel free.
Lost_Biker
06-11-2013, 14:03
As the weather reports for SW Ohio ar very unreliable, all I'm giong to do is hope for good wweather. Last report was sunshine, so,,,,,,,,,,
Any who still want to come, feel free.
Will you still have the hang if it rains? 'Cause I'll be there rain or shine. If nothing else, I've been promised a cookie.
Will you still have the hang if it rains? 'Cause I'll be there rain or shine. If nothing else, I've been promised a cookie.
Rain don't matter! :D
Well, next weekend is it!
So far, for sure coming is:
Gary / Doctari
Matt
Jerry the Hiker
Dave / Lost Biker
Capt Buck
Rob / Firewalker
Maybees are:
Firewalkers kids (maybe one maybe both)
My son Jon.
Friend John
Friend Chris (Very unlikely, but,,,,,)
I will be bringing a homemade (from PVC pipe) long bow for everyone to try.
Got most of the hacksaw blade knives made.
As I can drive nearly to the campsite*, I'll be bringing a cooler of something, likely at least drinks, but you never know. :D
*NOT recommended for 2 wheel drive cars!
Lost_Biker
06-18-2013, 04:28
Looks like the weather is going to cooperate - mid 80's days and mid 60's nights.
Hey Doc - you need a 4x4 to get to the camp site?
Looks like the weather is going to cooperate - mid 80's days and mid 60's nights.
Hey Doc - you need a 4x4 to get to the camp site?
Yea, I planned it that way! :rolleyes:
NO! Its an easy walk in Dry Fork creek, about 100 to 200 Yards in, but Jeep likes to go off road so I'm going to treat her to a drive in the creek "Just because!" :D
I figure we can either take your bike to the camp area or put it in Mom's barn.
Lost_Biker
06-18-2013, 14:44
Yea, I planned it that way! :rolleyes:
NO! Its an easy walk in Dry Fork creek, about 100 to 200 Yards in, but Jeep likes to go off road so I'm going to treat her to a drive in the creek "Just because!" :D
I figure we can either take your bike to the camp area or put it in Mom's barn.
Oh, ok. It's not a problem. I'll just ride/push into camp. Thought we were going to have to blaze our own trail or something. Looking forward to the trip. I'll be leaving home early in the morning and will get there between 4 and 5 in the afternoon. Thanks, Doc!
OK, I'll be leaving home in about 30 minutes, it's about a 35 - 45 minute drive to Mom's. Will spend some time with her, if she be home that is. So anyone coming early (today) call my cell.
Had a GREAT time.
Will open a Trip Report soon, but suffice it to say it was very educational!