Posted on 05/04/2009 6:14:23 PM PDT by appleseed
These are good days for survivalists, those dour predictors of dire times who’ve said all along we’d better prepare for the worst.
With people losing jobs, homes and life savings through no fault of their own, and with natural disasters, oil shortages and terrorists in the news, those long-predicted grim times may have arrived.
Kurt Wilson, who hosts a Web site called “Armchair Survivalist,” predicts the nation is falling into such chaos that survival skills will be crucial.
But what are those skills?
I think I have a good idea, based on what pioneers endured as they worked to settle the West.
I believe they have plenty to teach us about what it takes to make it through hard times.
Here’s a hint: A gun isn’t the most necessary thing.
Where I live in Wyoming’s inhospitable high desert, settlers in 1908 knew if they were ever going to grow anything, they needed to build a reservoir and ditches to direct water from the Wind River Mountains.
They did that by working together, and the ditches they dug a century ago still run water today.
Some families lived in tents their first winter, burning sagebrush until they could bring logs from the mountains to build cabins and provide better fuel.
They cleared the sagebrush, planted hay and grain and hunted rabbits, antelope and sage chickens.
Gardens provided vegetables …#8220; fresh in summer, canned for the rest of the year. Each family had a cow, pig and chickens. Surviving meant working dawn to dark.
Because it took two days to ride in a wagon to Rock Springs, the nearest town, they stocked up on staples once, maybe twice, a year.
As recently as the 1930s, folks here were about as close to self-sufficient as you could get.
(Excerpt) Read more at codyenterprise.com ...
Self Reliant/Survivalist ping list.
I have always lived a pretty frugal rural life and I have a bone to pick with the author about a firearm not being the most important thing- I would say it certainly is. If one is truly going to “pioneer” they will need a firearm to defend themselves from critters that might want to snack on them as well as to defend themselves and their possessions from two legged threats.
It is true that a firearm alone will not guarantee your survival; if you think you will use it to take what you need I can assure you there will be those that will take you out. Even so it is a vital part of basic long-term survival and anyone that says different is not being realistic.
Was scanning FR and thought I’d ping some of you gardeners/survivors. Interesting article.
Funny, I was working in my veggie garden a few days ago and told my brother whoever invented the hoe was a smart person. What a handy (sp) tool.
Also on the way to town there is an old farmhouse with a stone fence (a long one, must have thousands of rocks) and I commented that some farmer, undoubtedly, plowed these up over many years, and found a use for them. This is why they call my area “Rocky Top.”
All my neighbors in this rural area have huge gardens, firearms and skills to help each other in need. That’s the way it works in rural areas, especially in pioneer days. Neighbors pitched in and helped each other, worked together to get the big jobs done (corn shuckings, barn buildings, etc.).
BTW, thanks to all you who sent prayers for my Mom. I’m still at her house (she is a little better today).
I totally agree with you on the firearm point.
I understand your sentiment, but I disagree.
The most important thing?
... a will to survive.
The website mentioned in the article “The Armchair Survivalist” is a good one. I like the picture at the top of the page.
http://www.armchairsurvivalist.com/
“In The Jungle Called Life - Only The Tigers Survive!”
I agree. Working with neighbors is important. I have a few who would band together to get something done. Unfortunately, there are waaaayyyy too many here who are still clueless.
And I have a good start on my own stone wall, though most are too small to be of any use. But there were wheelbarrows full of them in the small space we got ready for the garden. I cringe when I look at the 2 acres left to clean up.
My garden is happy! Lots and lots of rain the last week, and now almost everything has poked its head out. We are tickled pink (or green).
Glad mom is some better. Probably the result of having you there.
8-)
We could supply you with plenty of rock up here sweetie.
Maybe this summer we can get together and share some food(and advice, stories) from the garden. I am giving Mom’s neighbors lots of lettuce and green onions now, delivered about 10 bags to these ladies so far.
I am their hero this time of year, since I bring them veggies, and produce is expensive for those living on fixed incomes.
Mom’s endoscopy is Thursday. I’m fixing to hit the couch (will stay here till I feel she is stronger and things stable).
I’m hoping the news we get Thursday is not bad, and easily fixed. My brother is taking care of my flowers/veggie garden.
I’m proud of you lady!!! Hope I get to come see you this summer. Maybe we’ll barter some veggies (some of your wonderful baked goods). I’ll be in touch.
And I would shoot the first SOB that came on my property uninvited.
Of course you are right, but I was taking that as a given since those with no will or a weak will to survive will likely not survive no matter what.
A sense of humor is also required if one wants to not only survive but have any quality of life. When things are really not going your way sometimes the only way to see it is to not take it too personal or serious. One of the things city folks seem to comment on the most when they get familiar with country folks is our sense of humor, especially in situations that don't seem to fit with humor.
Thanks for the ping. :) Am on my way to bed, but wanted to note that, fyi, I’m not the least bit “dour” and judging from the comments I’ve read here and my personal acquaintances, neither are most of us. :)
Gotta “hit the hay” now. Tomorrow I’m potting up my tomato seedlings before heading off to work. :)
Hey, you caught onto this ping list thing pretty fast! Good job!
We start our seeds in those peat moss pots. Lowes has a good deal on a tray of 50. We got 4 of them and planted a bunch of seeds. My wife noticed that the dang birds were pecking in them so I’m not sure how it’s gonna turn out this year. I got a bunch of bird feeders throughout our property but haven’t had the extra money to keep them stocked. So they have been eating the dog food and now my veggie seeds.
I never had any luck with potatoes. A while back I bought a bunch of those potato buds, the kind where you just add water, at a grocery wholesaler. Gotta have taters even if all heck is breaking loose.
Thanks. I struggled with it at first but someone posted a how-to in another thread and I just followed the instructions.
We gotthose little peat pots too. Starting cukes, butternut squash, zucchini and pumpkins too.
We bought some plastic crates ( dollar store....my new treasure trove) to put over them until they are too big for the birds to bother with.
Little late to this thread but wanted to say I got 10 trays and 10 fillers for about $30 on the net. Enough for 480 plants and you would not have thought I would use them all but I did. Once you get started planting, next thing you know you’re promising plants to all your friends and relatives. :)
And next year, won’t have to buy the basic trays, just some fillers.
There's nothing I enjoy more than a cantankerous old country guy with a very dry sense of humor.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.