Category: Preparedness

  • Recommended Video: 5 FANTASTIC Google Maps Features You Want To Know About

    Recommended Video: 5 FANTASTIC Google Maps Features You Want To Know About

    I travel quite a bit and use Google Maps almost exclusively. The main reason has been reliability. I like WAZE and sometimes run it tandem with Google Maps as well. I came across this video the other day and thought many of these features covered you may find useful.

    Check it out…..

    Something else Google Maps can be used for…… bug-out routes. Going from Point A to Point B can often be accomplished via numerous twists and turns especially if trying to avoid certain areas. You can use Google Maps to generate a specific route – or several backup routes – and print out both the map and directions.

    That’s valuable.

    prepper, shtf, maps, directions, route, retreat, preparedness, economic collapse, collapse, get ready, bugging out

    Once the routes are determined they can be printed and distributed to those who will be meeting you at your retreat location.

    Take care all!

    Rourke

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  • Silver, Inflation, and the US Dollar

    Silver, Inflation, and the US Dollar

    A hot topic and always controversial is the purchasing of precious metals. I tend to focus on silver as gold is simply out of reach financially. First – I am not suggesting that in a grid-down, apocalyptic, mass starvation event that silver would be an ideal tangible to have stockpiled. I will also say that silver for thousands of years has been recognized as having value and has been used as a form of commerce. From my perspective, I use silver as a means to retain wealth and it is a hedge against inflation.

    We live in some pretty strange times when millions of workers have disappeared from the labor market yet still survive somehow. At the same time, the unemployment rate is supposedly at its lowest rate ever, inflation continues to provide challenges as it outpaces wage increases, and we have a government that is beating the war drums. The national debt is well over $31 trillion.

    So – back to silver. As part of my preps I put back some silver. Yeah – it hasn’t been a lot. A few ounces here and a few ounces there. A little bit over time adds up and it’s a piece of the puzzle from my overall preparedness system. A cash reserve both in the bank and out is important. Beans, bullets, band-aids and more help round out tangibles that would come in handy through any kind of SHTF event.

    Silver is heading upwards of late. Watch for dips and buy-in.

    My 2 cents.

    Rourke

     

    PS. My personal choice for buying silver is Money Metals Exchange. There are many good ones out there. Got one? Share it.

     

  • New Product: Bushcraft Fire Starter – Made in the USA – Ideal for Survival Kits | Bug Out Bags | Tactical | Prepper | SHTF | Survivalist | Free Shipping

    New Product: Bushcraft Fire Starter – Made in the USA – Ideal for Survival Kits | Bug Out Bags | Tactical | Prepper | SHTF | Survivalist | Free Shipping

    The newest product in our line of survival and preparedness products. I absolutely love these…….

    JR

    Bushcraft Match and Fire Starter

    American Made and Ready for Adventure

    3-PACK

    FREE SHIPPING IN THE USA

    These Bushcraft Matches are great for starting fires. The wax-infused jute cordage will easily ignite using a ferrocerium rod. Once lit, the jute rope can burn for up to an hour providing ample opportunity to get a fire going. Once you’re done, push the aluminum sleeve over the ignited end of the rope to snuff out the flake.

    Simple!

    Made in the USA, american made, bushcraft, gear, supplies, prepper, survival, SHTF

     

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

    Ways to use:
    1. Fray the ends of the jute cord every time before lighting it. Twist and separate all the fibers to make the end fluffy, which is easier to ignite.
    2. Aim the spark to the end of the tinder tube.
    3. Once lit, use it like a match to start your campfire, grill, camping stove and so on.
    4. Control the burning speed or extinguish the flame by pulling the rope into the tube.

    A valuable part of any survival kit!

    The Bushcraft Match and Fire Starter is not only an essential addition to your survival supplies – it’s fun to use!! Great for entertaining and teaching kids about building fires and being responsible for their upkeep and care.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

    Product is shipped within 48 hours of order – often sooner.

    The United States Postal Service sucks – please be patient as tracking is provided but often fails to update in a timely manner.

    Great gift as well!!!

    FREE SHIPPING and discounts when multiple items are purchased. 

    THANKS FOR LOOKING!!!!

  • Massive Storm Serves as a Reminder

    Massive Storm Serves as a Reminder

    In the world of preparedness, we recognize that bad things happen to good people all the time. It’s unfortunate and fairly rare – but it happens. Every year there are innocent travelers who in the midst of summer find themselves stranded in the extreme heat of Arizona and eventually succumb.  This most recent massive winter storm demonstrated without remorse just how much people are on their own. Beyond Buffalo, countless cities across the nation had highways shut down and people left to fend for themselves. For those who perished out on the road, or in a snowbank – some forethought and preparation would have made all the difference in the world.

     

    There’s still a lot of winter left.

    Rourke

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  • How To DIY Sourdough Bread Starter

    How To DIY Sourdough Bread Starter

    How To DIY Sourdough Starter

    By Connie Gee

     

    Sourdough bread has a magical quality about it. Mixing just two ingredients, flour, and water, and allowing for time to ferment, a sourdough starter attracts wild yeast that’s present everywhere. Sourdough bread does not just belong in San Francisco but can be made anywhere.

     

    Sourdough baking appeals to my self-sufficient mindset. No additional yeast is needed, nor is sugar required to bake a delicious loaf of bread. That can be handy if yeast or sugar becomes hard to find or, due to higher prices, become unaffordable.

     

    The health benefits are many as well. Sourdough bread is easy to digest and promotes good gut bacteria. It can help manage blood sugar levels and is low on the glycemic index, making it ideal for diabetics to enjoy.

     

    The starter can also be used for a multitude of baked goods, such as bread both plain or with added fruit, nuts or seeds, and made into pancakes and waffles. Pizza crust, muffins, the list of possibilities seems endless.

     

    It’s quite easy to make your own starter. It takes a bit of time to mature, about 6-10 days, but then it’s just a matter of occasional feeding and maintenance.

     

    It can accommodate any baker’s schedule by resting and cooling down in a refrigerator or reviving on a kitchen countertop. I have heard of the sourdough starter being passed down to other bakers, becoming almost a legacy.
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    That sort of homegrown goodness is important to me. Imagine baking a loaf of sourdough bread using a shared starter from Great Aunt Sally. Then imagine a bit being given to a friend who also shares your passion for baking. And then they share. What a beautiful idea!

     

    Just like a lilac bush that grew from a start taken from Grandma’s garden, a sourdough starter can become a tangible reminder of the past.

     

     

    Here is my method of making a starter, and then ways to keep it going and hints on how it can be used.

     

    First, a roomy container is needed that can be covered. Not a tight fit, it can be a large quart jar and some cheesecloth and rubber band, or a little larger. I use a container that’s a gallon size with a loose lid.

     

    You don’t want it tight for a couple of reasons, to attract the wild yeast and also so the container doesn’t break. While some like plastic, I do prefer glass. Either choice will be fine, but be sure to adjust the quantity of water and flour to accommodate the need for roominess.

     

    Next, flour and water. The amount of each is dependent on weight, with a ratio of 1:1. This means due to weight differences, I have found 1/4 cup of water and 1/2 cup of flour works well.

     

    The flour can be an all-purpose or bread flour. When it comes time to mix the dough, you can continue with the all-purpose or bread flour, or vary using rye, or another type to get another flavor. A blend of different types will yield a multi-grain bread. It’s so customizable!

    [slideshow_deploy id=’19625′]

    Mix the 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 cup water in your container and set aside in a warm area. I keep mine on the kitchen counter.

     

    The next day (day two) remove half of the starter. This is called discard and can be discarded or used for other purposes such as making waffles or pancakes.

     

    To the remaining half of the starter still in the container, add 1/4 cup water and 1/2 cup flour, stir to combine, then cover.

     

    By day 3 you will probably see some bubbles forming. This is a good thing as it means the starter is beginning the fermentation process, gathering the yeast. If it’s not bubbling yet it means it’s probably a bit cold. No worries, it will catch up.

     

    Now is when active feeding begins, where the removal of discard and feeding twice a day happens. Each time be sure to remove half, stir in 1/4 cup water and 1/2 cup flour and recover.

     

    Between day 6-10 the starter is mature and can be used to bake your first loaf of from scratch sourdough bread.

     

    Remove 1/2 cup of starter and place in a large bowl. Add enough flour to form a nice, smooth, silky dough.

     

    I know that sounds vague, the quantity to add is reflected on how much humidity there is in the air. It could be 4 cups or more than 6, it all depends. Add a couple cups of flour, check then add another half cup, check. The aim is for a dough that isn’t too sticky. Once it is silky and smooth comes the next step, kneading.

     

    Kneading and stretching the dough, imagine a compass. Starting at north, give the dough a quarter turn to East and knead several times. Turn the dough a quarter turn to south and knead again a few times, pulling the dough towards and then away from you. You may need to add a little more flour. Turn again, to the west. Return to north, and go through once or twice more.

     

    Lightly grease a large bowl, bottom and sides then place the kneaded dough in it. Turn the ball over so the greased bottom faces up. Cover with a towel and allow to rise for about an hour or two. Then it’s on to the next step! This is exciting!

     

    Grease a baking pan that has a cover. Be sure to grease the cover too. At first, I used a Pyrex baking dish and cover but I recently have gotten a small 2 quart lodge cast iron Dutch oven that I really like. I believe the cast iron heats evenly and traps steam making the crust nice and crispy.

     

    Transfer your sourdough into the greased pan. Slash a cut into the top using a serrated knife or bread lame. This is a sharp tool that bakers like to use. I use a knife for now but will get a lame.

     

    Cover and bake in the oven at 400F. After about 1/2 hour or when the bread is slightly golden brown, remove the cover and continue to bake until it’s a rich beautiful honey golden color.

     

    Allow cooling slightly then remove to a wire rack to continue cooling. Don’t judge me as at this point I am unable to resist just a little piece, with lots of butter.

     

    ***Some hints and tips***

    The discard each time can be used to make phenomenal cinnamon buns, spiced fruit bread, waffles, and pancakes. No need to waste it, just incorporate as part of the liquid needed in these recipes.

     

    I like to do a balance when adding water. If it’s in a warm room I use cool water. If I am trying to slow down the activity such as placing the starter in the refrigerator, I will use slightly warm water.

     

    A cloudy liquid can develop on the top almost resembling two layers with the starter below. This liquid is called hooch and can be stirred back in when the starter is being fed. Hooch is fine.

     

    If dark red/brown streaks develop, dump out your starter and begin again. This is mold and definitely not wanted.

     

    Temperature matters as to how long the starter takes to begin the fermentation process.

     

    In a very warm room, between 82F-85F degrees, it will take 4-6 hours.

     

    In a warm room, between 70F-75F it should take between 6-12 hours.
    A cold area like the refrigerator at 35F-50F expect to take at least 12 and closer to 24 hours.

     

    This can help to manipulate the starter and manage baking on your schedule. There are times when it’s not feasible to bake due to no time or because you already have plenty.

     

    Just put the starter in time-out mode in the refrigerator. You can let it rest for a week before needing to feed it again. When it’s time to bake, bring it out to the counter, give it a feeding, and after a few hours, it should be ready to start forming the dough.

     

    Enjoy!
    Connie
    ***Please check out my sweethearts YouTube Channel – Odin’s Wolf Survival
  • Video:  BEAR attacks Russian man…

    Video: BEAR attacks Russian man…

    I’ve discussed a few times my personal choice for a firearm in bear country. In the following video, a bear continues to challenge a “hunter” in the woods over and over again getting closer each time. I’m thinking the hunter either gave the bear a treat – or fired one of his two shots out of his double barrel to finally take a stand.

    I can tell you the hunter in the video has a helluva lot more patience than me. I would have pulled the trigger far sooner.

    Oh – my personal choice for a firearm in bear country?

    Glock 20 in 10mm.

    #badass #10mm

    Rourke

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  • 30-rd AR Magazines – – – >ONLY $4.99

    30-rd AR Magazines – – – >ONLY $4.99

    Heck of a deal!! 30-rd AR magazines for only $4.99!! I have about 20 of these myself and love ’em. Cheap flat-rate shipping.
    Here’s the link:
    Anyone preparing for any kind of magazine ban will find this is an incredible deal.
    Rourke
    SHK magazine, AR-15, magazine, aluminum AR, tactical, magazine deal, stock up, prepper, preparedness, shtf,
  • Get Back to Basics….and The No BS Survival Plan

    Get Back to Basics….and The No BS Survival Plan

    Many beers ago I mentioned I was writing a book titled “The No BS Survival Plan”. It’s a painfully slow process and much of it at this early stage is brainstorming, more brainstorming – with a few words typed on my Mac. As you may know, I moved to northern Kentucky in May to take on a much bigger facility with a lot more responsibility and time has been lacking ever since. Recently I’ve been putting more time into the book project and will be putting together chapters soon. Once I complete the Introduction I’ll publish it for you to take a gander and give some feedback. If it sucks – tell me it sucks. If it is the best thing since Genesis – well, give me a thumbs up.

    “Getting Back to Basics” is often a saying used in manufacturing as well as preparedness. Sometimes we get lost in the details and veer off the path toward recognized goals. For preparedness, we usually start the journey as if we are planning on going on an extended camping trip. We think about shelter, food, cooking, water, light, sleeping arrangements, and maybe even some marshmallows on the end of a stick. Next up comes defense. Oh lordy, do we often think of defense with all the tactical armament and ammunition and magazines and optics and……the list goes on and on and the money PILES up. That will definitely be a chapter.

    Our imagination often causes us to head off to an emotional place where facts and logic sometimes are hard to find. Look at the current times today. Millions are struggling to make ends meet as inflation reduces the buying power of their dollars. People have found new ways of living to exist on less money. The number of people who live full-time in campers, RVs, and modified cargo trailers is at an all-time high. What many once thought was NEEDED for housing turns out not to be the case. There are multi-family households where expenses are divided in order to reduce costs and live as much of a normal life as possible.

    Times have definitely changed….and 2023 is right around the corner.

    There are things that are a certainty. People cannot survive without food and water. Shelter ranks right up there. Those on life-sustaining medicines have to maintain a supply. In areas where frigid temperatures are common warmth is necessary. Some means of commerce must be maintained as very few are truly self-reliant. Yes – if things got really bad defensive tools certainly should be included.

    I’ve seen this mentioned a few times as I travel around the Interweb – “Right now a $50 bill is much more valuable than a couple of boxes of 5.56”. The point behind this little bit of philosophy is in these troubled economic times those who have stockpiled MONEY are in a better position than those who have stockpiled ammunition. Those that did both – congrats. Some made the wrong decision.

    Of course, Monday morning quarterbacking is pretty easy to do. Oh, and next Monday the results may be quite different.

    Take care all –

    Rourke

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  • COVID, Lockdowns, and the Future of Liberty

    COVID, Lockdowns, and the Future of Liberty

    Let’s cut to the chase and push all the bullshit to the side……

    We the people of the United States of America were lied to, fed false data, and this was done with evil intent. The vaccines were not as they were advertised and the “science” now shows the benefits of said shots were not what they were advertised. Those of us who did our research and believed the “facts and data” were bamboozled by agenda-driven politicians and businessmen into making a decision we believed was right.

    Hey – it is what it is. We made a decision based on the best data at the time and now we move on.

    Now we see China continuing its pathetic tactics on its people due to a few COVID cases popping up. Several counties in the United States are contemplating “mask mandates” after the holidays in school systems regardless of the fact that science has proven mask mandates do little to curb the spread of the virus. Oh – and the virus now is much less deadly than back in 2020. Even the great Fauci has suggested that lockdowns and mask mandates may be necessary after Christmas in schools.

    No more. Zero. Zilch. What’s that saying? “Fool me one. Shame on you. Shame me twice….. Shame on me.” I think that fits.

    If you have been someone who has thought the American government has largely been truthful and looked out for the American people but suspected that something has been “off” – your instincts are spot on. Evil exists and all the conspiracy theorists had a very valid point. Don’t believe anything the government tells you and look out for yourself.

    Get out of the cities. Insulate yourself from the effects of government, society, and corporations. Make yourself as independent from government and society as possible. Be responsible for yourself.

    Take care all –

    Rourke

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  • Recommended Video: Economic Collapse, Crime, Inflation, Shortages, The Great Reset – It’s Time To Prepare

    Recommended Video: Economic Collapse, Crime, Inflation, Shortages, The Great Reset – It’s Time To Prepare

    I recorded this video a few weeks ago sharing my thoughts on current events such as crime, inflation, economic collapse, supply chain shortages, and The Great Reset. Probably not a ton of surprises if you are a frequent visitor here. Enough chatting…..here’s the video:

    Please share with others like-minded……

    Rourke

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  • RECOMMENDED: Paratus 3-Day Operator’s Backpack

    RECOMMENDED: Paratus 3-Day Operator’s Backpack

    Looking for a Christmas gift for a fellow prepper? Yourself? The ever-popular Paratus Bug Out Bag is known in some circles as the “preppers pack”. I have one of these bags and it’s an extreme value at around $85. I also featured the Paratus in the survival kit series a while back. See below for more information.

    Rourke

    line

    The Paratus 3-Day Operator’s Backpack is the original backpack that 3V Gear started with. When Dan, the owner of 3V Gear, wanted to build a bugout bag for he and his wife, he couldn’t find anything that wasn’t hundreds of dollars or very poor quality. He felt there should be a better answer and that was the birth of the Paratus and 3V Gear.

     

    Over the years, the Paratus has been refined and updated. With thousands of bags sold, almost 1,000 5-star reviews, and countless professional reviews, the Paratus has become the go-to backpack for a bugout bag. 

    PARATUS 3-DAY OPERATOR’S PACK FEATURES

  • From the Desk of John Rourke

    From the Desk of John Rourke

    This website was created to be a source of survival & preparedness information with a few thoughts on world events thrown in. I’ve certainly deviated from that a bit over the last couple of years as “life events” contributed to some serious distractions as well as time constraints.

    It’s time to get back on track, especially with the shitstorm going on all around us. One thing I would ask of all of you if you could: When I publish something that is of interest – please share with friends, family, and like-minded people. I’m doing my best to spread the word of preparedness and self-reliance across numerous social media platforms. I could use all the help I can get. Thx.

    ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

    I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Many of you know we live full-time in a camper and, well, cooking a 20lb turkey just isn’t possible in this little propane-powered oven. We ended up getting a small turkey breast instead and it turned out fantastic. MainePrepperGirl prepared a fantastic meal including mashed potatoes, stuffing(dressing for some), creamed corn – and turkey that was so juicy and full of flavor.

    Every time I open the fridge I look at the leftovers and I hear the words…..“Get in ma belly!!!”

    ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

    While it seems that the risk of any significant gun control is extremely low – there continues to be no better time than right now to stock up on firearms, magazines, ammunition, and accessories. I recently picked up rifle kit from MidStateFirearms.com. If you are not aware of what a “rifle kit” is – it’s basically the entire AR-15 firearm minus the serial-numbered lower part. The lower is actually considered the gun. Basically, I’ll take the rifle kit, add the stripped lower receiver – and put everything together. Once fully assembled I’ll have a fully functioning AR.

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    This particular gun I plan to do something a bit different. What exactly I’m not sure. Custom paint job possibly. I’ll share as I complete the project.

    ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

    Had a set of Wrangler Duratracs put on MPG’s Jeep. Great snow tires.

    I’ve had a set on my Ram 1500 Warlock and they have performed great. Mine have nearly 70,000 miles on them and will be replaced within the next few weeks.

    ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

    Worked on making some charcloth today. Pic below shows it’s almost done.

    charcloth, making charcloth, DIY, diy, survival, prepper, shtf, fire starting. bushcraft

    Charcloth isn’t my favorite fire-starting material but it’s an option.

    ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

    Recently I’ve had a heightened interest in knives. Well, over the past few months the interest has been coming on. Not really sure why other than maybe I’ve woken to the reality that a good cutting tool is extremely valuable in a wide variety of situations. I’ve always liked a big knife. Yeah – I’m talking Rambo-sized blades. A big knife can do a lot of things a small knife can do but a small knife can’t do the majority of things a big knife can do. Sorta.

    My old Gerber BMF is still my favorite overall blade. It’s a beast – and heavy, bulky, and not the easiest thing to carry. I’ve been looking at picking up this Nedfoss bushcraft knife. Love the looks and well, it’s quite a bit smaller and easier to carry.

    bushcraft knife, survival knife, backpacking, survival, shtf, prepping,

    Sweet knife and I’ve seen good reviews online. I very well may check it out.

    ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

    Have a good weekend all –

    Rourke

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  • Gardening: Long Term Survival Seeds from Frosty Seed

    Gardening: Long Term Survival Seeds from Frosty Seed

    A commonly discussed challenge in the world of survival gardening is the storage of seeds. Seed banks have been on the market for years and offer a simple and easy way to grab an assortment of seeds and “check the box” – for a while. Whether it’s commonly available commercial seed banks or homemade – shelf life has been an issue.

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    I’ve made my own survival garden seed banks over the years. I’ve bought a few as well. I’ve also tested to see how long seeds will last when kept cool and dry. I found no difference in germination rate between my own seed banks and those purchased. Generally, I’ve had no problem with seeds germinating within 3 years of packaging. After 3 years the germination rate began to drop and with each passing year accelerates. Your own experience may be different. This is just what I’ve seen.

    GAMECHANGER: SURVIVAL GARDENING WITH FREEZE DRIED SEEDS

    While there are numerous ways to extend the life of fruit and vegetable seeds – freeze-drying is an excellent way to preserve seeds for upwards of 25 years. The folks at Frosty Seed(I absolutely love the name) have come along and offered several solutions for preppers with a need to store seeds for a long time.

    One of the most popular offerings from Frosty Seed is THE VAULT. The Vault contains 40 varieties of non-GMO freeze-dried heirloom seeds vacuum sealed in a Mylar bag inside a plastic .30 caliber ammo can. It also comes with Clyde’s Garden Planner – Clyde’s Vegetable Planting Slide Chart.

    Above is the Mylar pack containing my seeds. The Mylar obviously keeps the seeds protected from the elements including light.

    After receiving my Vault I opened the Mylar pack to check out the contents. The photo below shows all the seeds and there are a ton of seeds included.

    As you can see I had to lay some packs on top of one another as I could not lay them all out flat. I was really expecting just simple paper envelopes with a label on each stating what was in the pack. The full-color packs were a welcome surprise.

    Reviewing the FrostySeed.com website they have a great section with Frequently Asked Questions. Reading through several questions a couple of things important are that the seeds are grown in the United States and they are all non-GMO. For most of us that is very important. Regarding germination of the seeds they make a point that they guarantee 15 years, however, they can germinate for 15-25 years when stored properly. 15 years is fantastic but more than that is even better!

    Although I opened my seeds I’ll be saving them for the Spring to start next year’s garden. Gardening has always been part of my preps and the addition of these freeze-dried seeds is a game-changer.

    They have several different packages available. Don’t overlook this very important prep.

    For more information visit FrostySeed.com.

    Rourke

  • Survival, Preparedness, and Life

    Survival, Preparedness, and Life

    Over the last…{enter whatever time period you’d like} I’ve contemplated many life-changing events. In the last few years, I’ve gone from the Charlotte, NC area to Georgia, then back to SC not too far from Myrtle Beach, and now I’m in Kentucky. 5 years ago if you’d said that this is what I would have done I would have laughed. Well – welcome to reality and what is known as the truth.

    As I type this I’m sitting in a 30+ foot camper in northern Kentucky and we actually had our first snowfall today – November 12th. I love the snow and it was exciting. Back in SC and GA snow was a rare event. Living just off the river provides high winds and absolutely beautiful sunrises and sunsets. I should post some pics below.

    At 52 years old I have some decisions to make as Maine Prepper Girl wants us to head to Maine as soon as possible. We have what I believe to be severe economic conditions just around the corner so the job market might not be the best. Maine Prepper Girl is a nurse – so getting a job is really not an issue. While I have expertise in manufacturing leadership and management – I’m not a nurse and the need is not the same.

    I suspect I’ll be in Kentucky for the next few months……at least.

    Looking into the future things look pretty bleak. For those that pay any attention inflation is going to stick around for…..months? years? Government continues to warmonger and hold policies that would make the Founding Fathers perform summersaults in their graves. Societal decay is rampant as approx half the population believes in abortion up to 9 months and this transgender BS is natural and should be accepted. Traditional values and all that America was founded on are under attack and the results of the mid-terms are certainly not encouraging.

    We have some hope in seeing Florida turn more RED and Texas standing its ground with Abbot winning the Governor race by a good margin. It’s EXTREMELY disappointing that Trump came out and attacked Desantis. A civil war within the GOP is exactly what the Left wants. So disappointing. I’ve been an avid supporter of Trump but this is ridiculous and a horrible turn of events.

    Here’s what I know:

    The best solution for all that is happening in the world is to move away from the cities, away from high-population areas, and get out in the country. Insulate yourself from people, society, government, and big corporations, and become as self-reliant as possible. Add to this is to spread the word that this is what people need to do.

    The thought that one election – some specific political candidate is going to fix everything – is nothing more than “hope”.  I get it. I wish I could have hope. I really do. I’m also a realist that looks at facts and logic which has brought me to believe that there is no turning his sinking ship around. The best we can do is slow how fast the ship is sinking.

    What do you think? Am I wrong? I sincerely hope so.

    Take care all.

    Rourke

  • Food Storage Deal Found – – > Less than $35 Free Shipping

    Food Storage Deal Found – – > Less than $35 Free Shipping

    Hey – just a reminder about this great deal on a mini-food bucket. As with many things the price as increased to a bit over $30. In today’s world – not bad.

    This is an Auguson Farms 72 hour/3-Day Emergency Food Bucket on sale for less than $25 with Free Shipping.

    Meals Included:

    • (1) Creamy Chicken-Flavored Rice (8 servings)
    • (1) Creamy Potato Soup (8 servings)
    • (1) Hearty Vegetable Chicken-Flavored Soup (8 servings)
    • (1) Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal (10 servings)
    • (1) Banana Chips (8 servings)

    Would make a great gift as well.

    If interested – click HERE.

    Rourke

  • My Trip To Help a Buddy In Fort Myers After Hurricane Ian

    My Trip To Help a Buddy In Fort Myers After Hurricane Ian

    The week of October 3rd I made a trip from Northern Kentucky to Fort Myers Florida to help longtime follower and friend, John Hancock. John lives in Fort Myers and was right in the bullseye of Hurricane Ian and suffered the wrath of its winds and flooding waters. On the morning of Monday, October 3rd I received a message that my buddy needed some help. I packed up and left a few hours later.

    The drive down to Fort Myers took in excess of 17 hours. Traffic going into Fort Myers was horrible. I made the following video along the way, while I was there, and shared some thoughts when I left.

    I did not take pics of my buddy’s place, nor any videos. His privacy and struggles were personal and not to be shared. What I documented was much more general, but, still valuable for those not in the area.

    There are lessons to be learned for those who are not in the disaster zone. One of the main lessons? Be ready.

    I’d appreciate it if you would share the video with like-minded folks across any social media, email, or whatever you find worthy.

    Take care all.

    Rourke

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  • The Ultimate Bug Out Food Bar

    The Ultimate Bug Out Food Bar

    bugging out, food, food bar, survival, prepper, preparedness

    There is a huge market for specialty prepper food bars made just for survival kits and bug-out bags. I’m not talking about those 3,600-calorie bricks of cardboard that will enable you to try out your emergency dental kit. I’m talking high calorie, high protein energy bars that were developed by some “Navy Seal” and due to the “precise ingredient mix” allows them to attain a “tactical” level of existence. Yes – a bit of sarcasm thrown in.

    While many of these survival bars are great – they are also expensive and often difficult to find. There are alternatives right around the corner and down the street at the checkout of your local grocery store and corner market. That’s right – the candy bar.

    After taste-testing close to a dozen of the top-selling candy bars(it’s a tough job but someone has to do it) and evaluating the nutritional and environmental ruggedness of each I came to one conclusion:

    The Payday Peanut Caramel Bar is the ULTIMATE bug-out bag food bar.

    So – why does the Payday rank so high?

    While a Snickers bar combines that ultimate combination of chocolate, caramel, nougat, and peanuts the extreme heat sitting in a vehicle trunk will leave that Snickers looking like something created after eating at Taco Bell.

    By the way – what the hell is nougat?

    Anyways – while the Payday will soften inside a hot car it doesn’t become a disaster like any chocolate confection. The combination of peanuts and caramel taste great and provide a very high-calorie protein boost.

    Here is the nutrient breakdown for the KING SIZE Payday bar:

    In the King Size format, there are two smaller bars in one pack. For the entire 2 bar pack, there are 440 calories, 50 grams of carbs, 24 grams of fat, and 12 grams of protein. For someone expending a lot of energy via walking, running, or physical labor this is some serious fuel.

    Shelf life pales in comparison to many of the more expensive cardboard survival bars. 6-12 months or so is a good estimate depending on storage conditions. Running less than $3.00 per Payday bar they are extremely affordable.

    So – when the asteroids are pummeling through the Earth’s atmosphere and zombies are crossing the railroad tracks to eat your brain and you need some quick energy – make it a Payday.

    Rourke

    tactical, shooting, deals, save money, prepping, ammunition, firearms, daily deals

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  • Fire Starting with a Fresnel Lens

    Fire Starting with a Fresnel Lens

    I published this back in April and recently have seen an uptick in “fire starting” interest. Figured I’d throw it up again. Here’s a quick video demonstration using a fresnel lens to start a fire. I love these things. They are super rugged and durable – perfect to include in a backpack. If you’ve got some decent sun they can put out serious heat.

     

    If interested the fresnel lens can be purchased HERE – $12.99 for two with free shipping.

    Take care all.

    Rourke

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  • Preparing For Survival By Cultivating Warrior Consciousness(For Beginners)

    Preparing For Survival By Cultivating Warrior Consciousness(For Beginners)

    Note: This is a very deep article on preparedness and a warrior mindset. It’s worth the time to read – and maybe even re-read to grasp what the author is presenting. This post was originally published several years ago within my previous endeavor – and then deleted off the internet. I’m bringing it back here for your review.   Take care all ~ Rourke

    By Jabarr Franklin

    Now we all know that when SHTF (in just a matter of time), we will be forced into harsh conditions where survival will not only be based on food, water, clothing, and supplies, but also a stern stance on self-defense and the ability to preserve ourselves. We will need to defend ourselves from thieves, robbers, gangs, police, scarcity, fear, doubt, and a long list of other dangers. As men, we must make sure the elders, women, and children are protected and safe in our hands. We will also be able to aid and protect those who cannot help themselves. We want to assure our family and community that they can trust us in the midst of catastrophe so they can feel secure in this harsh new reality in which we realize that there are no rules in survival

    To instill this assurance within us, we must first incorporate the skills and preparation to defend ourselves. But in order to prepare appropriately for an almost inevitable reality of physical confrontations due to drastically apathetic desperate minds who were accustomed to receiving benefits from a now-defunct establishment, you will need to cultivate the warrior mindset. It will quickly become a warzone of chaos, confusion, and spontaneous outbursts of anger and frustration and you will need a stern root of being during the storm of the turmoil. That will take a sense of “warriorship”. This primal instinct and warrior spirit lie dormant within us all, we just have to give it attention and get it back moving. 

    Cultivating this warrior spirit will take a shift of perspective, a change in attitude, and the use of critical thought. You must increase mental, environmental, and physiological awareness. You must master your mind and emotions. It will take intuitively feeling out who is genuine and who is flawed.  We must be able to honestly face the inevitable and cooperate with it. One of those inevitable truths is that we may have to kill another human being in order to survive because remember…… there are no rules in survival! As a warrior, it is required that harsh possibilities like these are in our conscious recognition constantly as well as keeping a balance of good morale. How does one do that? Well, I’m going to share some ideas, insights, and exercises that I’ve used to help me come to grips with the inevitable and be at peace with it! Because only when we are at peace within ourselves can we deal with the most challenging circumstances in a clear, diligent, and harmonic manner. Here is what you can do to become more settled in your warrior spirit to better deal with catastrophes as well as any other difficult physically demanding situations in your current life.

    The Warrior’s Most Powerful Tool: The Mind

    The most intricate tool that the Creator bestowed upon Man is the ability to think. The human species has the greatest potential (good and bad) of all sentient beings on this beautiful marble we call Earth because we, unlike any other species, have the ability to contemplate. We can shift through thoughts, choose one, and create our whole world with that one idea! We have the ability to consciously dictate how reality will affect us by the meaning we put behind it with thought. The issue has been that for eons of years, Man has mistaken the thoughts in his head as the identification of who he is. Man has lost control of this tool and it now takes a life of its own due to the fact that he doesn’t understand that a mind is only a tool and not a reality. The physical mind was only designed by nature to navigate through reality creatively and sufficiently by using this tool effectively. As warriors, we have to consciously reclaim our power from the untamed mind and have it serve us positively rather than being enslaved by all of its false commands to keep it secure in its false position. This false position is the origin of all habits! We have to change our perspective of the mind by seeing it as a tool only. Then, and only then, can we train with this tool on a daily basis. Here are some pointers and exercises:

    • Expanding your mental awareness through engaging in “Thought Inventory” (meditation): There is no goal in this activity. Just sit in a silent space and be aware of the thoughts coming across your mind. DO NOT TRY TO STOP THEM. The first step to healing is understanding just how sick you are! Just simply observe how rampant you mind has been and you will understand how it pulls you into different directions in your daily life. Simply be aware of the thoughts as well as your five senses. Notice that they are all co-existing at the same moment. This will expand your conscious field, increasing your peripheral awareness and keen responses to situations. Your widened field of consciousness will open up an intuitive space to know what you need to know when you need to know it. With consistent practice, you will start to see everything in a clearer light. You start to download powerful insights and start seeing through the true underpinnings of circumstances and situations. This practice takes diligence and self-discipline. You will feel that you may need some sleep when you start doing this because there will be a shift of energy. It will be a major challenge in the beginning because forceful thoughts will start to come to the surface to deter you. BUT DON’T GIVE UP! Start off doing this daily in three segments of 3-5 minutes; morning, noon, and night. You will start to fall in love with this practice and begin spending more time with it, marinating in your energy field and expanding your conscious presence. Don’t start talking about it to others, let it speak for itself. They will feel that “It” factor relentlessly pouring out of you.
    •  Mastering your emotional intelligence by “Feeling and transcending all past emotional issues”: I know you are maybe wondering ”what do emotions have to do with the mind?” But they have everything to do with the mind! Lets take a look at this. Let say for example you want to learn to play the piano but you are afraid to start practicing. Now, the indication that you are afraid to start indicates that you are experiencing the emotion that we call fear. Now, why might one be afraid? Maybe because we may have a limiting belief about failure. May you think failure means that you aren’t, or will never be, good enough. But if you change the way you think about what you define failure to be, your thoughts about “failing” will transform from fear into joy. Maybe “failing” helps you learn what doesn’t work for you on those keys and learn what does work for you. You will get a better grasp of understanding what technique works for you. So failing now means that you are learning something new, getting better and better as you go along. So now you understand that you can never “not be good enough” because it is an ever-evolving process. From this perspective, failing can never be fearful! You actually look forward to it and become excited about learning how to play the piano. You just transformed an emotion because of your thoughts about it. And this goes for any area in your life. As warriors, we have to be courageous and willing to face the most horrifying fear known to man in the same way; death. Facing this fear and calling this deep demanding energy unto the surface by using our imagination helps us come to terms with dealing with all of our fears because fear of death is the core to all fearful belief systems we hold. It sounds crazy I know, but as human beings, we should ponder about and come to grips with death every so often. It forces us to see that change is the only constant and that nothing lasts forever. It forces us to live in the moment and cherish what is truly important to us in this lifetime. It puts you in the pit of your whole existence and forces you to see the harsh truths about yourself and the world around you. You can no longer be able to ignore what’s real and this is actually what will help us approach life with the intense conviction and determination to do what it takes to protect what we hold most precious. Now, you won’t be able to see yourself not going out with a fight, which ironically intimidates most adversaries! Transcending the fear of death means you stand in the conviction of life…..survival! Now we must be willing to look at our every emotional sensation in this dynamic because in order to operate from warrior consciousness we must be composed. Emotional stability plays a part in that. So whatever it takes to get emotionally stable; venting, writing a journal, punching a pillow, etc; we must go through that process so that we can have our emotions work for us not against us. This will open up our intuitive capability at the level of sensory perceptions because emotions will no longer drown them. Our emotions will become lighter and more operational. Anger is a powerful motivation device if we use it wisely, one that the warrior can exert in a strategic, calculated, and composed manner. Dangerous!
    • Preparing the body to withstand demanding conditions by “Opening up to the Body Consciousness”: Yes the body is also the mind…..the subconscious mind. All of our programmed habitual bodily actions are motivated by our subconscious thoughts. They are ingrained learned behavior that we soak in from society, parents, education, and entertainment, all across the board. This learned behavior resides in our cell memory. This cell memory is the reason why the body reacts in a certain unconscious manner when we feel certain negative emotions. It is why we tend to eat when we are bored. It is why we can tell what mood someone is in by their posture or the way they walk. It speaks to their state of mind. We can deliberately move our bodies in a way where we program a certain state of being within ourselves. We can use posture exercises to open up our chest plate and take in more oxygen. As warriors, We have to understand this machine that we call our body. It is vitalized by infinite intelligence, wired by the highest to function at its highest state possible and keep its harmonic balance automatically. It heals its own wounds. It moves the bowels automatically. The heart beats on its own. As warriors, we must inner stand our body and its natural functions vs. habitual body-mind, both of which are subconscious. We must bring the subconscious into conscious recognition in order to start understanding the differences between the two. It’s simple…start being present with your every action and you will gradually start to notice that your body has innate intuitive messages within itself. It will let you know what and when to eat. It will let you know when you need to exercise. It will let you know when you need to sleep. It will let you know when you need to act. The body is a wonderful guidance system. It is always communicating with you to let you know where you gauge in your harmony with the universal mind. Now that you have an intent to cultivate that warrior energy, you will know what you have to do with your body to start training it to operate physically as a warrior. And that’s what we will discuss next.

    The Warrior’s Most Powerful Machine: The Body

    Now let’s talk about this complex piece of God’s creative work. As warriors, we must KNOW that this is God’s machine designed to be used for God’s divine purpose. To fully embody this warrior spirit fully, we must perceive our body as God’s vehicle and also treat it as such. We need to allow it to work for us as efficiently as possible. When we start appreciating its function, its function will appreciate. As I mentioned before, the body is a wonderful guidance system that we can also use to our benefit within our specified intent. But first, we must understand our body (body consciousness), take care of it, train it, and prepare to get it accustomed to conditions that we will have to face (cell memory). 

    • Clearing the pathways of infinite intelligence in the body by being serious about nutrition:

    I’m not gonna go too much into specifics here because many sources claim that particular food choices are better for the body than others. But these sources cannot tell YOU what is good for YOUR body. You are your own best doctor. Like I     mentioned before, your has a guidance system of its own that helps you gauge which foods belong and which ones are a “no-no”. This issue with this is that the guidance system may be numb or shut off due to it being drowned by over-consumption, preservative ingredients, or toxins roaming freely in our atmosphere. We need these pathways to be cleared in order to free up room to let the guidance system flow through. There are many ways to do this. The best way is fasting. Water fasting, or juice fasting, allows our bodies to rest fully and eliminate toxins from the system, bringing all of our systems back to balance and working in their proper function. Before training the body, the body must be fully available so that it can be trained. These old cell memories must be flushed out. Using cleanses for particular organs could be of great advantage. If you feel that you cannot jump into that fast lane, try a raw organic food diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables are grown from the great green Earth carry the messages from the cosmos that communicate with our cells in the body. They align the cells in accordance to the universal mind’s intent at the time the fruit’s conception. Yes, God communicates with us through food! This is an overlooked fact. These messages carry out information that can ultimately lead us to the right direction through channels that we call inspiration. Drinking plenty of water allows these insights to flow effortlessly. Insights are basically electrical currents. And water conducts electricity. Water consumption must be much greater than food. We must also eat light in order to keep the body from too exhausting to much of its energy through digestion. We need as much energy reserve as possible when measures get drastic. It also benefits to eat less. Eating minimal to reserve food supply will be a great survival tactic. This will work to your advantage in all levels of life. Now, we have the energy to prepare our bodies to fight, move swiftly, and withstand trying external situations.

    • Preparing the body for external conditions by exposure:

    This idea should not be taken overboard! What I am speaking of when talking about preparing the body is more like how athletes prepare for their seasons. They train in the same conditions, sometimes greater than the conditions they face in gametime. It’s more like simulation. When I played on my high school football team we would take a trip to Cuthbert, Georgia for summer training camp when the high temp was no less than 105 degrees. Not to mention we had 3 practices a day! It had us well equipped for the football season. The same goes for the warrior. The warrior must be strong enough to withstand the most turbulent of conditions. Check out the first scene of the film 300 where a young barely clothed Leonidas slayed a beast in the snow in grand composure. It may be hard to believe, but you too have the ability to do such things. Start to expose yourself in small simple steps. Fasting is a good method. Right at the point when you are hungry, make yourself wait three minutes before you eat. You can stand outside in the cold for 2 minutes without a sweater or jacket. My point is to step out of your comfort zone. Cause when SHTF, nothing will be comfortable about it! Also, another very important piece to cultivating warrior spirit is to exercise the attitude of a warrior. Watch movies like I AM Legend, World War Z, Taken, or 300 and notice how the main characters retained focus in the most crucial of moments. Notice their body language and state of being. Practice that state in your everyday life when you are faced with a challenge. Be willing to retain your emotional equilibrium in the face of uncertainty so that your mind can find a clear solution and your body can act accordingly. There will be many unpleasant surprises. It will be a game won only in the moment.

    The Warrior’s Playground: The Environment

    We belong to the Earth; The Earth belongs to us. We are so far removed from nature as a species that man fears nature. This disconnection has us fail to realize that nature provides us with a means of survival. Camping should be a required course for all young children. When SHTF and when some people get ran out of their homes, natural duck off and hideouts can be a safe hideout. I am not going over what supplies we must have before the SHTF because I am speaking on strictly cultivating the warrior’s spirit, but knowing what you need and polishing outdoor skills beforehand will be of great advantage to you. If you don’t have the means to get those supplies it’s okay. Put that intent out there and opportunities will attract themselves to you. Watch Youtube videos on skills for doomsday scenarios and practice the skills that you can now. You lack nothing. You have what you need in your fingertips. Allow yourself to recognize abundance. As warriors, this is an important principle to live by. You are totally 100% abundant. The air is always available for you to breathe, the Earth rotates on its own, you happen to come across this article. We are all by abundant orchestration and we must realize that our environment speaks to us in that language. Study your environment now. Imagine it being in a doomsday scenario. How can you use it to your benefit? Will you have to leave? Be mindful of this now so that when the time comes you know how and when to MOVE! Because survival, although no rules, is a game of timing and inches. But most importantly, get connected with nature because it connects us back to our essence and soothes us back into our NATURAL balance. Balance in every level of our being is what will enable us to cultivate the warrior spirit thoroughly. 

    Conclusion: It’s All About Perspective

      Most discussions about survival are very limited to the focus of the physical paradigm. But as we know, the way that SEE our effects the way we move in it. We must understand that life happens THROUGH us not TO us. Having this understanding will affect how you think about and approach your preparation and survival skills. Understanding that you have the unlimited resources to empower yourself lets you know that you are the deciding factor of where you will stand in the natural selection process. You are the center piece of your universe (YOUniverse). Your world manifests through you and revolves around you. You are the light, the solar pulse where everything in your life gets magnetic life force from by what you put your attention to. So choosing survival by any means necessary is your choice and once you choose it, you will see the evidence and the consequence of that choice by the opportunities that the universe will bring to you. Then and only then can you open up your capacity to do what you need to do to survive when SHTF. Now that’s warrior spirit!

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  • Expired Campbell’s Soup: The Results Are In!!!

    Expired Campbell’s Soup: The Results Are In!!!

    Well, I finally opened the expired can of Campbell’s Soup that was only 13 years past the date stamped on the can. I’m still here. I’ve been a massive advocate for canned goods being a major part of any food storage program for years. The results of this test further confirmed my stance.

    The following video shows the opening of the can…..

    With all the supply chain issues, fertilizer shortages, weather events, inflation, financial market instability, etc a robust food storage program simply makes sense.

    Take care all –

    Rourke

  • Jericho TV Series – Watch the First Episode

    Jericho TV Series – Watch the First Episode

    For those that have hung out here with the “1776 Nation”(that’s you!) for a while or over at my previous site where I would spew my musings, you know I am a big fan of the TV show Jericho. For those not familiar, Jericho was a series that came out back in 2006 and was watched by preparedness-mind folks weekly. There were Jericho watch parties and often discussions after each episode.

    Show Summary via Wikipedia:

    The storyline centers on the residents of Jericho, a small northwest Kansas town, in the aftermath of a nuclear attack on 23 major cities in the contiguous United States. The series begins with a visible nuclear detonation of unknown origin in Denver, Colorado. Despite initial belief that it was an accident, Dale Turner, one of the characters, receives a phone call from his mother in Atlanta, Georgia. The call is then cut out by the sound of a nuclear blast. Upon showing this to others, it is revealed that the bombings were deliberate. Problems are compounded by loss of power and modern communications, effectively isolating Jericho. Later, power is restored to Jericho by what is alluded to as the efforts of the U.S. government but an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) from an unknown source disables all electronics.

    Above is episode #1. Take a watch or download it while it’s still available. If you have Netflix the series can be watched there – or the DVD can be purchased HERE.

    Good stuff!

    Rourke

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  • IN STOCK: Sawyer Mini Water Filter Bucket Kit

    IN STOCK: Sawyer Mini Water Filter Bucket Kit

    I have in stock a large supply of Sawyer Mini Water Filter Bucket Kits and they are ready to ship. If you are not familiar with this kit, it allows the popular Sawyer Mini Water Filter to be adapted for bucket use. The advantage of using this kit with the Sawyer is providing large volumes of filtered, clean water for multiple people.

    See below for more information on this simple and inexpensive accessory for the Sawyer Water Filter.

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    I appreciate the interest that has been shown regarding the Sawyer Mini Water Filter Bucket Kit. I have enjoyed using the Sawyer Mini Water Filter. It is simple to operate, reliable, and inexpensive. The biggest drawback of the Sawyer is using it with multiple people. It can be done but you’re either all sucking on the same straw or using a lot of time and energy filling small bags or bottles with dirty water and squeezing through the filter. I figured there had to be a better way to use this great filter.

    Enter: the Sawyer Mini Water Filter Bucket Kit.

    This simple kit adapts the Sawyer Mini Water Filter(not included) for bucket use. Once a hole is drilled in the supply bucket the components are assembled(instructions included) – and then the Sawyer is attached. That’s it.

    Currently, the needed drill bit is not included as I didn’t want to add the expense for something that people may have already. Regardless – any local Harbor Freight, Home Depot, or Lowe’s carries the bit and of course Amazon.

    Actual Trial With the Sawyer Bucket Kit.

     

    #1: Started with a bucket and threw in a bunch of dirt and added a couple gallons of water.

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    #2: Used a towel as a pre-filter to remove the larger particles.

    20160515_163134

     

    #3: Towel caught the larger sediment/contaminants. A finer pre-filter for capturing more of the larger particles would be suggested(coffee filters good for this).

    20160515_163415

     

    #4: Below the contaminated water ready to go through the Sawyer.

    20160515_163502

     

    #5: Filtering operation in progress.

    20160515_163612

     

    #6: Close up of the stream of filtered water exiting the filter.

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    #7:  This is what the non-filtered water looked like pre-filtering.

    20160515_163823

     

    #8: Filtered water is crystal clear after using the Sawyer Mini Water Filter Bucket Kit.

    20160515_170526

     

    The results are impressive. It’s not surprising the water looked crystal clear after all that is what is supposed to happen. Flow rate was excellent at around 5-6 gallons an hour.

    I drank the entire glass of filtered water and found it had no off-taste and tasted like….well…..clean water. While this test was dealing with only sediment and suspended particles in water, the Sawyer also excels at removing pathogens and bacteria.

    Currently, the kit is priced at $12.99 with free shipping or $16.99 for a set of two which is a bargain. Add the Sawyer Mini Water Filter for around $20 and a high volume water filtration system can be put together for around $30. Not bad.

    Check out the 1776PatriotUSA Survival & Preparedness Store for these water filter kits as well as other products.

    I would appreciate it if you would share this on social media. Kits are ready to ship now.

    Thanks

    Rourke

  • Guest Post: Waste Management – What are you doing?

    Guest Post: Waste Management – What are you doing?

    This is a survival & preparedness guest post sent in by BG…….

    There is well over 7 billion people living on planet Earth and sooner or later they will all have to use the bathroom. In the US, nearly every house or apartment, whether in rich, middle class, or poor areas, is equipped with a bathroom.  However, across the world, that isn’t the case.   According to my research, there are around 1.1 billion people who have no access to a toilet of any kind.  In total, 2.5 billion people defecate outside because they can’t get to an indoor toilet (assume we aren’t talking about hikers here….)

    On the surface this might seem like a trivial (and personal) matter that most people do not care to talk about. However, if human waste is not properly managed it will become a problem that has the ability to cause millions to become sick or even die. The problem of eliminating human waste is no small issue and though it is an issue that is often pushed out of the spot light; the truth is that this part of the human condition must be addressed in order to keep people free from disease. I guess, poop isn’t a topic that is formally discussed because of the implication of crudeness and disgust. The main context in which we talk about poop is humor but in an emergency situation, it won’t be a laughing matter.

    Many homes in third world countries do not have proper sanitation infrastructure or systems in place to handle the millions of tons of waste material that is released by people on a daily basis. A lot of individuals in third world countries use the bathroom are secluded places outside of their home or their particular settlement, town or village. Believe it or not millions of people who are living in third world countries relieve their waste material in this manner. In many cases they do not even bury or cover up the excrement after they relieve themselves.

    Many people automatically assume that most cities have adequate infrastructure to deal with sewage problems but the truth is that many metropolitan areas have old and over stressed sewer systems that are barely able to perform. In some urban communities throughout the world, government and city authorities are not able to provide adequate plumbing systems for many people. As a result, people use the bathroom out on the streets or in designated public areas. The bottom line is that the sewage probelm has to be effectively managed. By the year 2100 there will be close to 10 billion people living on the Earth and if there is not system in place to handle their waste material then millions will suffer.

    Based off of those numbers alone, it wouldn’t take much to distrupt the sanitation system.

    One of the best ways that cities can improve the sewage system within their area is by correcting the problem on a per family basis. In many regions of the U.S. where flooding is common, sewage systems are often overwhelmed. When an emergency happens or a disaster strikes and many people are left without power, using the toilet could become a nightmare. Municpal septic systems rely on power to keep sewage from becoming a huge problem. Sometimes these systems can fail for as long as a month or more and when they do people can become very ill.

    Local government, public waste facilities and private companies offer waste management and removal services to many consumers. Some people use septic tanks to get rid of their sewage. This system involves diverting waste material from a residence to private outside storag tank that lies beneath the ground. A company removes waste material on a periodic basis after it builds up. Some people are supplied port-a-poties by their government and these small portable toilets are another effective method for releiving waste. Port-a-potties are typically used at major outdoor public events. They can also be used at local residences and companies can also be used to remove this type of waste as well.

    So, maybe it is time you get a port-a-potty?

    Port-a-potties are also a viable solution for controlling waste because they are relatively easy to transport, set-up, use and cleaned. As a matter of fact the waste that these structures hold can be eliminated with the garbage. Many families could have a port-a-potty set up on their property for a relatively low cost. Waste manage is critical for all people and especially for a large family that lives off-grid. As a part of an emergency prepper, people should be willing to consider having some sort of emergency plan in place for eliminating waste material if sewage infrastructure and systems fail.

    If you are looking at a similar situation in a grid-down scenario for our house or community what will you be doing?  The wonderful UN has outlined one such design to be the minimal level of sanitation.  It consists of a single pit latrine, usually 2-3 meters deep, is used to collect and store excreta . The pit is protected with a ring of bricks called a ring beam. A simple concrete slab sits on top of the ring beam and serves as the interface where the user squats and defecates with a structure on top.

    As the pit fills up, the waste leaks into the soil and carries fecal organisms and pathogens with it. After 1-2 years, the waste decomposes and the amount of pathogens are greatly reduced.  In the end, it requires no water at all and is the simplest of all sanitation systems- most of the assembly is digging a pit.

    This post wasn’t intended to solve your specific scenario, but just a reminder that your planning needs to be well rounded.

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  • Strengths and Weaknesses

    Strengths and Weaknesses

    I previously published this a few years ago and with new people visiting the site thought it would be a good idea to bring it back around. – Rourke

    I’ve had some older folks suggest that they are useless should the SHTF. They talk about their bad knees, inability to run, or other physical limitations. Others will say they are just not “tactical” enough and don’t have an aggressive mindset. It’s disappointing to hear talk like this and the display of such defeatist perspectives.

    We all have value. We all can contribute.  The fact is we also all have limitations and some of those limitations can be determinantal. While certainly there are cases in which weakness can be changed the reality is we are who we are. For preppers, those weaknesses must be identified and dealt with.

    Example:    Your group has 12 members. Two are over 70 years old. Three of the others are obese and have physical limitations when it comes to exerting themselves. One member is a Crossfit athlete. The rest are ordinary people in average shape.  The decision on sending a patrol out 3-5 miles from the property to watch for traffic on a popular rural road and report back their observations would have to take physical limitations – as well as mental ones – into consideration.

    Example: The group arrives at the retreat. The retreat arrival checklist is pulled out and responsibilities are divided. Responsibilities and tasks revolving around food prep, cooking, sanitation, logistics/inventory control, security, water/water filtration, etc. are all critical to the success of the group. The Crossfit athlete has a serious reading/writing problem, and one of the 70-year-olds worked for the Post Office in logistics. Strengths and weakness must be considered.

    Example: Over the last three days the perimeter of the property has been tested by someone on a motorcycle. It is apparent they are testing the waters to see how the group is reacting and to gather intelligence. Two of the group members are ex-military and suggest an attack is imminent. A defensive plan specifically geared towards this known threat must be implemented. One of the 70+-year-olds fought in Vietnam. The other member was in the first Gulf War. The tactical experience and knowledge level must be considered for all members as a plan is devised.

    It would be great if we could all be John J. Rambo with advanced medical degrees. That is just not realistic. Having the ability to not take offense is also important. There’s no room for egos when it comes to survival.

    Assessing skills and making decisions that are in the best interest of the group is critical. Everyone needs to be on the same page and the entire topic should be discussed well before the “bug out” takes place.

    Lastly  – if you realize you have weaknesses consider making changes to eliminate them. Certainly, some are unavoidable. Having limitations due to being overweight can be improved. If your cardio just plain sucks and you could not walk 6 miles if your life depended on it then get out there and start walking. Even small improvements over time will add up.

    Take care all – 

    Rourke

     

  • Basic Hurricane Preparedness

    Basic Hurricane Preparedness

    While many preppers look to North Korea and a zombie apocalypse to prepare let’s not forget events like hurricanes are much more likely to endanger us. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes preparing is a common-sense step to take. With hurricane season upon us let’s review some basic tasks to prepare.

    Before a Hurricane:

    • Secure your property. Storm shutters offer excellent protection from flying objects.
    • Secure your property. Nailing plywood over windows when an impending storm is coming also provides protection against debris sent airborne due to high winds. Have the plywood stored “just in case”.
    • Secure your property. Special straps are available to better secure the roof to the framework of the house.
    • Clean out all gutters and drains. This will help evacuate heavy rainfall away from the house.
    • Make a plan. Look at the design of the house for an area that everyone can go to if things get dangerous. An inside area away from exterior walls is best.
    • Stock up. Hurricanes can knock out power for weeks. Store extra food and water.  Consider how food will be cooked if the power is out. a Coleman Camp Grill with extra fuel is inexpensive and works well.
    • Prepare. Think about supplies needed to go camping. Blankets, flashlights, batteries, etc.
    • Prepare. Store extra fuel away from the house as if a major power outage in the area occurs fuel will be difficult to obtain.
    • Prepare. Maintain a good first aid kit.
    • Prepare. Keep extra cash on hand as credit card machines may not work.

    hurricane, storm, prepare, preparedness

    During a Hurricane:

    • Listen to the radio or watch TV to stay up to date on conditions approaching your area.
    • Install shutters or boards over windows.
    • Shut off the water supply going to the house.
    • Clean and then fill the bathtub. This will provide an emergency supply of water.
    • Walk the property and pick up anything that may get blown around./ Items include lawn chairs, toys, yard tools, trash cans, etc.
    • Stay away from windows and doors.
    • Evacuate if instructed to do so by the authorities.

    hurricane, hugo, hurricane hugo, storm, preparedness, prepare

    After a Hurricane:

    • Keep listening to the radio for information.
    • Be mindful of dangers from fallen power lines. Stay away!
    • If cell phone service is not working try texting as sometimes a text will go through when a call won’t.
    • Be careful if the winds calm – this could be you are in the eye of the storm with more danger approaching.
    • After the hurricane caution must be taken while walking the property. Tree limbs can fall from above. Sharp objects may be everywhere. When moving debris wear gloves.
    • Watch for areas that are flooded. Do not drive through large puddles as the vehicle may stall and car swept away.
    • If power is out only open the refrigerator/freezer as needed. Food can be kept cold for hours if they are kept closed.
    • If there is damage to the property take pictures to document the situation.
    • Use extreme caution if using candles – FIRE HAZARD.
    • Be aware that running tap water may be contaminated.
    • If your property experiences damage contact insurance company.
    • As soon as possible let your family know you are safe.

    The most important thing going through a hurricane is to be safe. If everyone makes it with their health or even minor injuries be happy. Property can be repaired and rebuilt. People cannot.

    Take care.

    Rourke

  • Bad Moon Rising

    Bad Moon Rising

    JohnP recently suggested the lyrics to the song Bad Moon Rising might be a good indicator as to what is fast approaching. OK, that’s not exactly what he said but sounds good…….

     

    Bad Moon Rising
    Song by Creedence Clearwater Revival
    I see the bad moon a-risin’I see trouble on the wayI see earthquakes and lightnin’I see bad times today
    Don’t go around tonightWell it’s bound to take your lifeThere’s a bad moon on the rise
    I hear hurricanes a-blowin’
    I know the end is comin’ soonI fear rivers over flowin’I hear the voice of rage and ruin
    Don’t go around tonight
    Well it’s bound to take your lifeThere’s a bad moon on the rise, alright
    Hope you got your things togetherHope you are quite prepared to die
    Looks like we’re in for nasty weatherOne eye is taken for an eye
    Well don’t go around tonightWell it’s bound to take your life
    There’s a bad moon on the rise
    Don’t come around tonightWell it’s bound to take your lifeThere’s a bad moon on the rise
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    Those of us that see what is on the horizon. Those of us that see what is coming. We prepare. We know it’s the right thing to do. Although we do not know the exact timing, we know what we must do.
    Do.
    Take care all.
    Rourke
  • Ram 1500 Warlock 4×4

    Ram 1500 Warlock 4×4

    I drive a 2019 Ram 1500 Warlock 4×4 as a daily driver. I absolutely love the truck. It will pull my cargo trailer(loaded with preparedness supplies) with no problem, is very comfortable, and is off-road capable. I’ve planned several things for the truck and will complete them as time and finances cooperate.

    I have a Midland GMRS radio installed in the glove box. That’s good, however, I’ve not run the antenna yet. I’ve gotta get that done. Maine Prepper Girl drives a 4-door Jeep Wrangler and I have a matching radio for that vehicle as well. Need to get that installed and have the communication option for both vehicles to communicate. Project to complete next couple of weekends.

     

    Ram 1500, Warlock, 4x4, bug out vehicle, off road, survival, prepper, preparedness

     

    I’ve looked at getting an enclosed cab installed to increase the versatility of the pickup bed. My thinking is that I can store more supplies than what I currently have in my truck box. Beyond the additional supplies, I could use the additional shelter as an emergency camper. A few sheets, a sleeping bag, and a pillow would provide a bed.

    I upgraded the tires shortly after I bought the Warlock. My frequent trips up to Maine told me that street tires in several inches – or feet – of snow would not be ideal. Now that I am in northern Kentucky all-terrain tires are a must.

    I’d love to trade the Warlock in for a Ram 2500 diesel. Problem is truck prices are insane right now so what I have is what I’ll have for the time being. I have no plans for any major upgrades as I’m pretty happy with how it is now, but, I’ll document any upgrades I do here and pass the info along to you.

    Rourke

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  • Video: Gas Shortages After Hurricane Hugo

    Video: Gas Shortages After Hurricane Hugo

    Back in September of 1989 Hurricane Hugo slammed the coast of South Carolina and headed straight for the Charlotte, NC area leaving a path of destruction and devastation. I was attending Winthrop College in Rock Hill, SC just south of Charlotte at the time. I and many others thought we were too far inland to receive anything more than some rain and wind.

    We were wrong…..

    Have you ever gone through a serious natural disaster? Please share below.

    Take care all –

    Rourke

  • Why I Prep by PT Jr.

    Why I Prep by PT Jr.

    Rourke: This guest post was written some time ago. Enjoy!!
    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
    I’m still new to prepping…with that said. I suppose in actuality I’ve been trained to prep my whole life.
    My parents were German immigrants both had experienced WWII firsthand. They came to America in 1952 with my 2 sisters and brother. My mother having been born in Bulgaria in the ’20s was of German descent, and my father coming from Romania was also of German descent. During The Third Reich’s regime, one of their agendas was the return of all Germans to Germany. So to sum it up my Mother saw many refugee camps in her lifetime. These we full of people that were up-rooted and made to travel with whatever belongings they can carry; mostly on foot. This was before the war.  My Father’s story was similar to my Mothers; with the exception of being drafted into the German Mariners (similar to the German Marine corp. part of their Naval forces), He spent most of his time on a mountain in Norway monitoring Allied force’s radio transmissions and occasionally pulling guard duty on the big guns in the mountains. (My Father really didn’t like to talk about his time in the military, too many friends lost, too much heartache).  Well fast forward to the end of the war…My Mother and Father were united in a refugee camp in Bessarabia Moldova.
    After they were married they were living in the city of Heilbronn in Germany. There was much rubble and destruction and the only way to survive was by scavenging, My Father gathered old clocks and watches from the rubble and started fixing them to resell or return to the original owners if there was an engraving or plaque attached to the item mostly they were bartered for food and necessity items.
    Fast forward to 1960’s New Jersey. My parents were opening their second jewelry store, and building their new Home in Wayne NJ. My parents were always frugal; we had a bomb shelter under the concrete front porch with blast door access through a sub-basement storage room. Yes, we had 2 levels underground level. Of course, it was built during the time when we were under the threat of nuclear annihilation from Russia. I remember the cots and the bathroom in the fallout shelter, and the shelves of canned food in the storage room. Rainwater storage tanks as well.
    My parents moved to upstate NY in the ’70s after a robbery at one of the stores. They were looking to get back to roots…they purchased a 300-acre farm and raised 200-350 head of sheep. We always had a garden (even in NJ) we always had chickens, Pigs, even a cow (but not for milk) for meat, and all the lamb chops you can eat, I even had sheep skin seat covers in my car even before they were popular. My father knew how to tan the hides (unfortunately, I did not retain that information) my mother taught me to cook, garden, knit, crochet, and sew. My father taught me to fix things (he was a jack of all trades), raise animals, hunt, and fish, and slaughter animals for food. They both taught me to use my mind to think things through, do what I can with what I have and most of all, to be prepared in mind, soul, and body and the ability to teach my children and grandchildren the same. Both of my parents are gone, some of my favorite memories are of my mother talking to me about the ways of the refugee camps, people pulling together, and making “stone soup” (if you don’t know what that is look it up)…I would hope that if the SHTF people will gather into self-sufficient groups…after all mankind is a social creature, one that is good at heart…not everyone will be trying to take what you have. (Although there will be some).
    Just my two cents worth.
    P. Tabakaru Jr.
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  • Campbell’s Soup – “Expired” in 2009

    Campbell’s Soup – “Expired” in 2009

     

    How long canned foods last is a frequent topic when food storage comes up as a preparedness topic. Canned food remains one of the most popular means to stock up We recently took a trip to Chimney Rock, NC as my youngest son was getting married. Chimney Rock is an absolutely beautiful area full of mountains, rivers, lakes, wildlife – and some really unique shops. Doing a little shopping, Maine Prepper Girl and I visited HipHen Uniques, an antique shop nearby. While looking around came across a can of Campbell’s BATMAN Soup. This appears to basically be Chicken Noodle Soup in shapes related to Batman.

    The can has a date of April 24th, 2009 on the bottom. This “best by” date has long since past.

    I bought the Campbell’s Batman Soup in Bat Cave, NC. How about that?

    So – do you think the soup inside will still be good? I’m going to open it this weekend and give it a shot. I have no idea how it has been stored over the last 14 years, but, the can looks to be in great shape.

     

    Stay tuned!!

    Rourke