I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – – – > I’ll throw my vote in that the Chuck Norris movie Lone Wolf Mcquade is the best movie ever made. Yeah – it’s full of masculinity and loads of testosterone. Yup – and I think it’s that same stuff that won two world wars and the lack thereof that lost Vietnam and Afghanistan(damn politicians!!).
Color me reactionary but I tend to look at things as fairly black and white, hot and cold, on and off. Either the equation adds up or it doesn’t.
Lone Wolf Mcquade has Chuck Norris doing the right things against the wrong people without taking into consideration what race they are, how it might affect the climate, and whether or not celebrities will have a favorable opinion on it.
Chuck was able to bed Barbara Carrera and kick David Carradine’s ass simultaneously. He’s my hero and to me – – – this movie represented freedom and the RIGHT way of looking at things.
In this week’s edition of “Recommended Video,” we feature a short video in the motivational genre. JOCKO WILLINK is a decorated retired Navy SEAL officer, author of the book Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win, and co-founder of Echelon Front, where he is a leadership instructor, speaker, and executive coach. Jocko spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy SEAL Teams, starting as an enlisted SEAL and rising through the ranks to become a SEAL officer. As commander of SEAL Team Three’s Task Unit Bruiser during the battle of Ramadi, he orchestrated SEAL operations that helped the “Ready First” Brigade of the US Army’s First Armored Division bring stability to the violent, war-torn city. Task Unit Bruiser became the most highly decorated Special Operations Unit of the Iraq War. Jocko returned from Iraq to serve as Officer-in-Charge of training for all West Coast SEAL Teams. There, he spearheaded the development of leadership training and personally instructed and mentored the next generation of SEAL leaders who have continued to perform with great success on the battlefield.
I’ve grown to be a huge fan of Jocko and especially like his motivational videos. Below is one of my favorites and if you need a boost to get moving forward toward your goals – give this one below a shot:
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – – – > I’ll throw my vote in that the Chuck Norris movie Lone Wolf Mcquade is the best movie ever made. Yeah – it’s full of masculinity and loads of testosterone. Yup – and I think it’s that same stuff that won two world wars and the lack thereof that lost Vietnam and Afghanistan(damn politicians!!).
Color me reactionary but I tend to look at things as fairly black and white, hot and cold, on and off. Either the equation adds up or it doesn’t.
Lone Wolf Mcquade has Chuck Norris doing the right things against the wrong people without taking into consideration what race they are, how it might affect the climate, and whether or not celebrities will have a favorable opinion on it.
Chuck was able to bed Barbara Carrera and kick David Carradienes ass at the same time. He’s my hero and to me – – – this movie represented freedom and the RIGHT way of looking at things.
That’s “reality” as in what is real and we experience in life versus “realty” that involves land and property sales. We continue to travel down the path of life and see numerous things pass by us such as Russia/Ukraine, inflation, COVID, the demise of the American foundational principles, etc. The reality is there really isn’t anything we can do about it.
Many of us have been pissed at elections, politicians, media outlets, and the like and it really is for naught. As individuals we live our lives, go to work, have relationships with people – and that’s it. As individuals there simply is little we can do that will affect international relationships, laws passed in Congress, nor the rules and policies that impact us on a daily basis. We can scream at the city council that zoning should be changed but at the end of the day it is rare things will go the RIGHT way(though it happens…..sometimes).
I’ll continue to pronounce the words of frequent visitor and commenter here – Mr. John Gault: Live your life.
Control that which you can control. Live your life and place an emphasis on family and close friends. Make contingencies for that which may happen, prepare for what may occur in the future – including positive outcomes. It may – in fact – all turn out OK. It may also NOT. So, conduct your planning accordingly.
This is not fun.
So with all this craziness going on, I see a lot of people that are absolutely swept up and infatuated with the news. Do you want to know what I did this past weekend? I went to the movies and saw, Batman. Good movie. Enjoyed it. I ate too much popcorn and had a really nice weekend.
This weekend I’m planning on going out and doing something for fun. Balance. Life needs balance. It simply cannot be all doomsday and zombies.
I’ll throw my vote in that the Chuck Norris movie Lone Wolf Mcquade is the best movie ever made. Yeah – it’s full of masculinity and loads of testosterone. Yup – and I think it’s that same stuff that won two world wars and the lack thereof that lost Vietnam and Afghanistan(damn politicians!!).
Color me reactionary but I tend to look at things as fairly black and white, hot and cold, on and off. Either the equation adds up or it doesn’t.
Lone Wolf Mcquade has Chuck Norris doing the right things against the wrong people without taking into consideration what race they are, how it might affect the climate, and whether or not celebrities will have a favorable opinion on it.
Chuck was able to bed Barbara Carrera and kick David Carradienes ass at the same time. He’s my hero and to me – – – this movie represented freedom and the RIGHT way of looking at things.
Maybe I’m just nuts.
Rourke
PS – BTW – I’ll have this movie loaded up in the membership area by end of the week so it can be downloaded.
Seems like every day there’s something else showing up I shake my head at. It’s easy to get swept up in all the negativity and just get stressed out. We all need to keep pushing and driving forward and sometimes we just need to step back and take a break.
Stressed out? Be tough folks! Please share this video and comment on what you do to keep your sanity and moving forward.
Over the past several weeks there have been several deaths in my life. While some of these are people I’ve never met and others people who I considered friends or “brothers” – seems this cluster of misfortune simply sucks(especially for them and their family). Panhandle Rancher passed just a while back. Dave Wolf from Wolf-Fire Firearms passed suddenly and unexpectedly literally days after I met him at Prepper Camp 2021. Dave ad I go way back and we were just talking about putting together a firearms course for Maine Prepper Girl. Just this past week I learned that Serious Survivor on YouTube passed suddenly. Death sucks. Period.
My own dad died at the age of 65 after battling cancer for a year. I saw him work tirelessly to reach retirement age where he and mom planned to retire in New Bern, NC, and enjoy a life of gold and sailing. Cancer had other plans. I’m turning 52 today and certainly feel a sense of urgency to get where I want to be….soon.
Over in the member area, I routinely discuss my life at a much more personal level. A recent promotion and an upcoming move afford me an opportunity to accelerate my plans. Now is the time to grab life by the balls and make it happen. Can’t go back in time so everything begins now.
What do I want? What are my goals? What will make me happy? To establish and complete my American Exit Strategy.
Enjoy the day. No matter what it IS the first day of the rest of your life. Make it count.
My latest video is a mediocre attempt to explain how we must be aware that we all live in…….a “Matrix”. This matrix is made up of all that you are exposed to including social media, news, entertainment, discussions with friends and family, magazine articles, etc. My main focus in the video revolves around how social media content such as videos on Youtube are fed to you based on what you watch the most. With that said our beliefs and opinions can be manipulated based on the information that is being delivered to you with the intended purpose of keeping you engaged.
Well here’s the video. Hopefully, it makes more sense than what I wrote above….LOL.
I was highly active in a men’s church group where we studied Jesus and believed there’s evidence that he was not a meek shepherd. No, rather we believe he was a warrior of pure heart who stood against evil and darkness. One only needs to go to the last book of the Bible to see Jesus described as a warrior King leading an army into Heaven. Jesus offered Commandments – not options. I mention my study as there are many who view Jesus in terms of grace, peace, purity, soft, kind, and gentle.
Wranglestar’s video below hit home with me. I thought I would share it with you.
JOCKO WILLINK is a decorated retired Navy SEAL officer, author of the book Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win, and co-founder of Echelon Front, where he is a leadership instructor, speaker, and executive coach. Jocko spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy SEAL Teams, starting as an enlisted SEAL and rising through the ranks to become a SEAL officer. As commander of SEAL Team Three’s Task Unit Bruiser during the battle of Ramadi, he orchestrated SEAL operations that helped the “Ready First” Brigade of the US Army’s First Armored Division bring stability to the violent, war-torn city. Task Unit Bruiser became the most highly decorated Special Operations Unit of the Iraq War. Jocko returned from Iraq to serve as Officer-in-Charge of training for all West Coast SEAL Teams. There, he spearheaded the development of leadership training and personally instructed and mentored the next generation of SEAL leaders who have continued to perform with great success on the battlefield.
I’ve grown to be a huge fan of Jocko and especially like his motivational videos. Below is one of my favorite and if needing a boost to get you moving forward towards your goals – give this one below a shot:
I’ve never been much of a knife guy. Yeah….a bit odd for a survivalist, right? Rambo survived out in the wilderness and took down an entire police department with a knife so I should have more of an interest. I guess. Over the years I’ve had a few knives I really liked. Some I still have.
Explorer Survival Knife – made in Japan, original copy of the First Blood knife
CIMA Survival Knife – A very high-quality copy of the ESEE 3 knife. It does not appear to be made any longer and now costs upwards of $75.
Smokey Mountain Toothpick – I have a few of these including one that is brand new in the box. Great knife from my teenage years.
Gerber BMF Survival Knife – My favorite knife from my teenage years. I have one now and plan to keep forever. It’s a BEAST!!!
Next – chocolate. While Hersey’s is good I absolutely love the Cadbury’s Carmello candy bar. Long-term food storage should include chocolate. The problem is it does not keep well except dark chocolate – which I hate. Maybe the zombies can just eat me and get it over with.
Never been a fan of the shotgun. Likely a mistake on my part. I’ve had a few over the years and enjoyed skeet and clay shooting. I own two right now – a Mossberg Shockwave and a Stevens 320. The shotgun is probably the most versatile weapon that a civilian can own and while the AR/AK rule the defensive long gun market the shotgun is far too frequently overlooked. Those on a budget can come out very well for just a few hundred dollars.
OK – I’ve got my knife by my side, a shotgun on the wall ready to go – and a Cadbury Carmello bar about to sent to my belly.
I tend not to get too personal here in 1776. I make an exception from time to time and will say that over on Patreon I have started, and will be MUCH more in-depth about my personal life. I turned 50 and although starting this November I plan to start going backward I have certainly been reflecting on life and have been thinking about what lies before us – and our children over the coming years.
Almost 5 months ago my first grandchild was born. I was living several hours away and my ability to be present was limited. I was worried about how things were going and what would happen. My older son – my grandson’s father, has been in a lot of trouble and has some emotional issues. He has a heart of gold – but – still has a tendency to make poor decisions based on emotion rather than logic and commonsense. Regardless, he did great, and seeing pictures of him holding his son after the birth just made me smile and warmed my heart.
I have visited my grandson several times and he is amazing – simply beautiful. I travel quite a bit and a thought entered my mind during a recent trip –
“Why don’t I use modern technology to connect with Bentley(his name) for years to come by recording audio messages and videos and save them for him when he is older?”
I’m sure someone has thought of this before. During one of my trips, I used an app to record a message to Bentley. I recorded it thinking he will be an adult – or close – when he listens to it. As life is unpredictable I may be gone when he comes of age and these messages are a way for me to talk to him for years to come. Maybe I can pass on some knowledge……some wisdom. Maybe he can find comfort listening to me tell him stories about his father. Maybe some crazy philosophy I have about life can guide him in making right decisions. Maybe I can do some good.
So – I have started recording Bentley messages. I figured I can place these on a USB drive. I can provide backups to make sure something so important cannot be lost. Audio messages may talk about someplace I’ve been – and include pictures so he can visualize them. I might talk about a favorite movie that really had an impact on me – and includes the movie on the USB drive.
Maybe this is ridiculous. I don’t know. What I do know is I’m going to do it regardless.
With all the headlines about pandemics, unemployment, economic collapse, and division in this country it is good to get distracted once in a while to recharge your batteries and keep some sanity. Over the past several week’s Youtube has been a major source of news and entertainment for me. I had a buddy send me a video to watch from the channel Itchy Boots. This channel documents a woman who is riding a motorcycle around the world in a variety of countries.
It really is amazing what she is doing. The scenery, the situations, and the people she comes across are inspiring. What I found most amazing is some of the locales she explores are most often advertised as primitive and violent – especially towards women. In most cases, she is welcomed and treated more than fair and friendly.
Check out this compilation video showing many of her most favorite moments from her adventure:
Have a great weekend everyone. Take care and take the time and smell the flowers, look at the blue sky, and think about how much you have to be thankful for. Now – if you are in the deep Northeast this 9th day of May, enjoy the SNOW!!
Rourke
I’m so excited to have finally found a source for super high-quality first aid products at reasonable prices. Surviveware.com has taken the lead to offer high-value products that everyone can afford.
With everything going on right now – unemployment, pandemic, increasing crime, inflation, etc. – stress and anxiety are on the rise. Life today tends to have us focus on things that lead to tension and stress, rather than to what humans should feel – adventure and joy in their hearts. With many outlets for stress closed(like gyms and movie theaters) due to shelter in place orders, there are still ways to set out and get adventure in your heart.
Adventure = Hunting. Fishing. Hiking. Shooting. Weightlifting. Traveling. Church. Watching a good movie.
There are many perspectives when it comes to adventure. What is fun, exciting, and makes someone truly feel alive to one person may be mundane and boring to someone else. That is ok! We are on this planet for a limited amount of time and live only one life – let’s make the most of it.
Remember growing up as a child and on a daily basis adventure was around every corner? You could just sit and watch cartoons and just get lost in your imagination? Whether playing in your room or running outside the only limitation to the possibilities was your mind.
Remember being in high school and hanging out with your friends on the weekend? You would get together and just feel tremendously alive in pursuit of fun and adventure – and the opposite sex.
Why has it changed?
Society has evolved to create a pre-determined template for each and every one of us to follow – and it is not exciting nor very fulfilling. People fit within these templates and often have no idea what has happened.
The video below from the movie City Slickers is an excellent example of this pre-determined life template that so many of us have been bound to. To set the stage: Billy Crystal has come into his son’s classroom on career day to describe what he does for a living……
What he said is accurate but it doesn’t have to be. You can get out from under the umbrella of mediocrity and blandness by waking up and taking action. As stated adventure is a matter of perspective.
Answer these questions(seriously – get a piece of paper and write the answers down):
What is your favorite movie and why?
Do you identify with any character in the movie and why?
What about your childhood did you enjoy the most?
What do you enjoy doing that makes you feel most alive?
What is it that causes you the most stress in your life?
When you really put some thought into those questions and the answers you may just find the key to living a more fulfilling life – through adventure! The human spirit was never intended to work a 9-5 job, sit at home and watch TV, and bicker with the spouse. No – God made humans to have incredible imaginations and conceptualize.
Look at the answers to those questions and make a change today. Recapture the vigor, the excitement, and the adventure that you had in your youth. Make a decision to get out from the rut which you may be living in and live a life you were meant to live. This doesn’t have to involve tons of money. It requires your commitment.
What to do now?
Get out a calendar and a piece of paper. Write down 5 things you want to do. These things should include your friends, your family, and some just by yourself. Write down on the calendar when you will do them. Go hiking this Friday. Third week of next month go out on a date night with your spouse. On the 23rd go to the range with your neighbor who has an interest in shooting. Just make it happen.
Go watch the video above again. Don’t end up being another zombie of society. Make a decision. Make a commitment to yourself. Make the change…..now.
Throughout the pages of 1776PatriotUSA.com adventure – at least from my perspective – will be featured often. After all I want to live an exciting, fulfilled life just like you.
I’m a big believer in setting goals. Without them, continuous improvement and positive change – while possible – is less likely. Goals need to be realistic and attainable. One problem most of us have is in the process of making “realistic” goals we set them too low. If we truly are determined and motivated most goals can be easily achieved. It takes massive action to achieve a true goal, which requires massive effort.
So – for 2018 I am sharing a few of my goals:
Preparedness:
I feel pretty good at where I’m at and do not plan anything major in my preparedness efforts. There are a few specific tasks that I need to do. Here we go:
BUG OUT BAGS – I have my own Get Home Bag but need to build three separate BOB’s. This would be for family members, friends – whomever. My view is a GHB and a BOB are two very different things.
FOOD STORAGE – I want to add at least 100 pounds of rice in buckets as well as more beans, salt and sugar. An additional supply of canned foods will be put back. Specific numbers have not been factored but several cases each of corn, potatoes, baked beans, fruits, and soap.
DEFENSE – Sitting well overall in this area as well. I want to add a new S&W M&P9 2.0 to the mix and possibly another 9mm pistol. I like the Taurus PT-92. Super reliable and inexpensive. Really the M&P is the only firearm I want to be added to the battery. Ammunition and additional magazines would round everything out. My round count of 45ACP is too low. Would like a couple thousand rounds by year end.
EMP – I need to finish my EMP kit which I have started in a galvanized trash can.
May not seem like much but as stated I feel pretty good where my preps are.
Financial:
Debt reduction is the main goal with increasing savings the second. Had a few things happen in 2017 that caused my savings to drain. Need to get it back right while reducing debt.
To go along with the above tightening the reins on spending is necessary. Reducing needless spending based on convenience must go.
These are my most difficult measurable goals to achieve.
Personal:
While this may sound selfish my goal on 2018 is to focus on ME and MY HAPPINESS. That should trickle down from there.
Health and fitness are paramount. I need to drop 20 pounds and increase my cardio. In process now.
Experience more adventure. Weekend trips and doing things that get the adrenaline going are examples.
This is my most important area I am focussed on for 2018.
Nothing is written in stone and life has a way of throwing curveballs. Adaptation is always at the ready.
I am writing this sitting in a quaint coffee shop in the town which I live. The young and the old are flocking in…lining up to buy these tiny creations of cake, chocolate, fruit fillings and numerous things I cannot pronounce. The guy behind the counter is metro-sexual to the highest level and I would place him at the opposite end of the man spectrum compared to Si from Duck Dynasty.
Yeah….I’m being a bit judgmental as I sit with my Diet Coke and chocolate “torte” in front of me.
I can tell you I feel about as comfortable in this environment as a Trump supporter at a Hillary rally. My son is upstairs getting tutored for Algebra. Figured you were wondering why I was in here.
I’m watching these people. One right after the other. Manicures, pedicures, and perms(not that there’s anything wrong with that). They talk….well….gossip really about who did what to whom and how many times. Each seems to be making a fashion statement and consider the importance of the brand of their purse(both men and women) well over the government’s monetary policy or the number of vets that committed suicide today.
Out front sits a Prius. Is it there? Could it be? Yes! A “Bernie” sticker rides on the back of this car. Fitting.
A guy just walked in wearing skinny jeans and I am fairly certain black fingernail polish. Hmmmm…..
I need a beer.
Of course, they serve wine….no beer.
These people have no clue. Well, I’m generalizing of course but since I’m writing this I’m allowed. The Federal debt is approaching 20 trillion. They have no clue. Over 300,000 babies will be killed this year because it just isn’t convenient to take responsibility. They have no clue. There is a North Korean satellite flying overhead that MAY contain a nuclear weapon that could send us back to the stone age. They have no clue. I am sitting here armed…..yet somehow this evil gun doesn’t kill them. They have no clue.
What the hell is a torte anyways? Seems like a piece of cake to me.
I received the HX Outdoors Survival Knife a couple weeks ago and in the midst of evaluating. I can tell you this is the sharpest knife I have ever had EXCEPT for a Cold Steel Recon Tanto I owned back in the late 80’s. This thing came SHARP.
Here are a few of the features:
D2 coated blade and Kydex sheath, more durable, wear-resistance
G10 material handle
Tail hammer will help you break the window or hammer
Two holes of the handle make it easy to make into the spear
Detachable magnesium rod for firestarting
Built in diamond sharpener on sheath
As I have mentioned previously 1776PatriotUSA.com is more than just current events, preparedness and all things SHTF. As individuals with limited existence on this planet and preppers who wish to stick around as long as possible wouldn’t it be great to truly enjoy life? I mean – life is full of up and downs but how many of us travel through life with blinders on and not seeing that which will really make us feel alive?
At 47 I would never proclaim to have all the answers however I will share a bit of wisdom I have managed to acquire along the way.
Here we go…..
GET OUTSIDE. For many of us today’s modern world filled with every gadget imaginable and where most any bit of information is at your fingertips it is easy to miss the beautiful environment around us. Most anywhere in this country, a lake, pond, hiking trails, vineyard, apple orchard, or state park is within miles. Sometimes getting outside and enjoying nature will create a state of relaxation unlike most anything else. It’s also all in high-definition without the expensive electronics.
EXERCISE. Get out there and get the heart pumping and the sweat pouring. People that live sedentary lifestyles often miss out that feeling of being alive. They rarely feel their heart pumping blood through their veins and the high from surging adrenaline.
WATCH A SCARY MOVIE. Seriously. Pop some popcorn, shut the lights out and turn on Paranormal Activities. If you get into the movie you WILL feel alive. Just do me a favor – keep the 1911 filled with 185 grain jacketed hollow points in the safe. You don’t want to have to explain why there are bullet holes in your TV.
TAKE A COLD SHOWER. Want to feel alive? Jump in the shower with the water ice cold. Brrrrrrr……
GET A DOG. I was a cat guy for way too long. Cat’s are cool but dogs are best friends. Yeah – get a dog – or twelve.
HELP A STRANGER. I had a situation that made me feel extremely emotional – and very much alive. I didn’t set out to do this but it just kind of happened. I was in a Cracker Barrel with a few friends of mine. I noticed a large multi-family table with a young bald girl(cancer treatments) sitting there with her mother. This was right next to Carowinds – a giant theme park. I figured they had brought the girl there trying to get HER to feel ALIVE. I felt horrible. What did I have to stress about compared to this family who was facing the loss of their daughter? How about this young girl who likely wondered how much time she had left?
I went and saw the manager and told him I wanted to pay the families bill. He asked if it was OK to tell them and I said no. I wasn’t doing it for recognition. I went back to my seat with my friends. A few minutes later the manager went over and I could tell he was telling the mother their bill was taken care of. She started crying.
I felt horrible at the time but also very much alive. I still think of that little girl every so often.
DO WHAT YOU TRULY ENJOY. This may sound like an easy one but far too often we make excuses why we do not do the things we want to. Sometimes money is the cause but then $6 bucks a pop are blown at Starbucks on coffee. Sometimes it is a fear of embarrassment that stops you from doing what you truly enjoy. Unfortunately, it may be an unsupportive spouse as well. Hey – if you want to go ballroom dancing or do stand-up comedy at the local club the only one stopping you is you.
These are but a few suggestions and just like we all have favorite foods and cars what makes us feel alive is very unique to each of us. Do I practice what I preach? Not nearly enough.
So – what makes me feel alive? Here are a few:
firearm training
off-roading on an ATV
fishing
hunting
going to church
sparring
working out
jamming to country music while driving down the road
Here is a place to share things you’ve been thinking about lately. What kind of things?
Recent accomplishments in preparedness.
Projects being worked on.
Thoughts on world events.
Recent purchases & recommendations
Current events related to politics, terrorism, crime – whatever.
Go on an adventure or have fun? Share it!
Whatever is on your mind….
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
My turn…..
AR Pistol. Building an AR this weekend. Love doing this.
Snowden. I’ve watched the movie Snowden several times. If even half of it is true it is an outrage against our 4th Amendment Rights. Good movie.
The Press. There has been talk of having press credentials to assist in gaining access in – or out – of an area during civil unrest/SHTF.
Sanitation. It cannot be over emphasized to keep lots of cleaning products on hand. I’m talking Dawn dish soap, hand soap, antibacterial stuff, Lysol, etc. The dollar store is a good place to stock up.
The Heat. The heat right now is devastating. I had a new air conditioner installed several months ago and it is working great. Grid down? Misery.
Retreat. Transferring more supplies to the retreat this weekend.
SOMETHING FOR YOU:
REMINDER: Want to help support what we do here at 1776PatriotUSA.com? Follow any link from this website to Amazon, make a purchase, and we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Not a single penny more.
Here is a place to share things you’ve been thinking about lately. What kind of things?
Recent accomplishments in preparedness.
Projects being worked on.
Thoughts on world events.
Recent purchases & recommendations
Current events related to politics, terrorism, crime – whatever.
Go on an adventure or have fun? Share it!
Whatever is on your mind….
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
My turn…..
Kayaking: Hoping to go kayaking again Sunday mornin depending on the weather. In my area of the country, there is a 50% chance of rain all weekend. Need to remind my son to bring his remote control boat out on the river. Bought it for him for Christmas and it hasn’t been taken out of the box yet.
EXTENDED SALE THROUGH THE 19TH: The Sawyer Bucket Kit comes with all necessary components and instructions to attach your Sawyer Mini Water Filter to most any common 5-gallon bucket. Once attached suspect water is poured into the host bucket and clean, safe water comes out the attached Sawyer into any container of your choice.
The Sawyer Bucket Kit is available now for only $10 with Free Shipping. Filter not included.
SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER: Picked up a new charge controller. Actually, need a couple of these ammo box projects. I also have 45-watt Habor Freight Solar Kit that is several years old and the charge controller doesn’t work.
REMINDER: Want to help support what we do here at 1776PatriotUSA.com? Follow any link from this website to Amazon, make a purchase, and we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Not a single penny more.
Last week’s vacation was great. Spent time in north Georgia in the mountains. We stayed in a remote cabin that was very peaceful and had a heck of a view. The jacuzzi was nice and I dominated on the Ping Pong table. Internet access was horrible and although on vacation planned on keeping FreePrepperEbooks.com running. Just couldn’t make it happen due to the sketchy wi-fi.
Went on a great hiking trip and climbed up to see a beautiful waterfall. I brought along a LifeStraw water filter and my youngest drank water from the stream. Funny – another family we were with freaked out over drinking the “dirty stream water”. Their youngest daughter – about 10 years old – wanted to try it. She drank the water through the LifeStraw and her mother was saying how gross it was. Good memory for the kid as she escaped out of that protective shell for just a little while.
Spent some time in my Eno hammock, both during the day and at night. Very relaxing.
Here are a few pictures from the trip. Slow Internet connections may struggle.
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Very relaxing time and would definitely go back.
Have a great week everyone!!
Rourke
There are many reasons why so many love their Kindle and Amazon Fire tablets. One huge advantage is you could literally go years without every buying a book to read as there are tons of free eBooks available. Don’t have a Kindle or Fire? No problem. There are apps that can be installed on most any cell phone or computer for free. No excuses!
NOTE: If you see a free preparedness eBook that you’re interested in get it now. Prices change often and there is no way to tell how long the book will remain free. Before purchasing a free Kindle book on Amazon make certain the book is still free by making sure the price is $0.00. If it lists a price or says “read for free” or has a price for prime members the book is not free anymore.
January 13th, 1982: Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the Potomac River. Only six of the 74 passengers survived the crash and ended up in the icy water. While a helicopter was able to come in and snatch four of the 6 passengers one disappeared under the water while another – Priscilla Tirado – helplessly struggled in the 33 degree water. Unable to hold on to the rope lowered by the helicopter she began to drown. A bystander who witnessed the crash while he was walking home could not take it any longer. He could not stand there and watch this women drown. He removed his coat and jumped in the water. He swam over to her as she laid just under the water, grabbed her – and pulled her to the bank.
He saved her life.
This is the epitome of the Sheepdog.
Not everyone can jump into action and put themselves into harm’s way. Not everyone can be a Sheepdog. Can it be learned or developed? Probably. People are just wired in different ways.
I have had several situations where things were happening nearby and I could not just sit back and not get involved. Sometimes it was preventing someone from getting hurt. Sometimes it was standing up for someone. Sometimes it was helping someone who was already hurt. Risk evaluation has to be done but sometimes there just isn’t any time.
Saturday evening I was walking through uptown Charlotte, NC with a friend. Walking down the sidewalk along the busy street I came towards a metal bench. I wasn’t looking at it rather just walking with my friend talking. In an instant, I saw a child run around from the front of the bench to the back of it and then straight towards the busy car filled street. I didn’t think about it I just moved. I ran and grabbed the kid – about 2 years old – just inches from the street. Did I save the kids life? I don’t know. The father noticed the kid as well and put his hand out in front of the child right at the same time I got to him.
My heart was pounding in my chest. My buddy said he didn’t see anything and just saw me take off. Some big, muscular guy said his heart was racing because he thought the kid was going to get hit. I almost said it but didn’t – “Why did you just stand there?”
The answer to that question is not everyone reacts the same nor has the capability to react the same.
As for me – I will continue to mind my own business until it’s time NOT to mind my own business.
What follows is my 2017 Goals & Objectives. Most all of these are related to preparedness in some way including personal health and financial stuff. The format is borrowed heavily from Ryan over at TotalSurvivalist.com. He’s been doing the “New Years Resolution” thing for a number of years.
He we go…….
Guns, Ammo, and Related Skills:
Training – Max Velocity Tactical – Combat Rifle Skills – looking at attending this class or something similar. Currently this class is being held in WV towards end of April. Anyone want to join me?
Training – Hit the range at least once per month
Supplies – Reach the following ammunition storage levels:
Purchase rechargeable batteries for all flashlights/radio’s
Skills:
Ham Radio – obtain licence
Financial:
Add 24 ounces of silver via Silver Eagles
Take advantage of silver prices should they drop below $14/ounce
Add $2000 to Emergency Fund
Health:
Enter Gold’s Gym 12-week Challenge and compete locally.
Drop weight down to at least 185 pounds.
Life:
Take family hiking on local mountain.
Take advantage of local river and kayak frequently.
Mountain bike local trails starting in Spring.
Get back in the church.
This is a work in progress and will be added to the Projects section of this site and edited as needed. In 2016 I made a lot of progress as far as preparedness is concerned.
Get out there and VOTE!!! Get your friends and family and get them to the poll to vote for Trump.
…….and pray.
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I see silver has slid in price a bit lately. I recommend Montana Rarities, eBay, and APMEX for purchases. I have no interest in any of those and get nothing if you purchase from them. I am a customer of Montana Rarities and am set up on their monthly purchase program. I have used eBay and APMEX as well.
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Adventure: Been awhile since I have talked any about adventure’s I have gone on. Well – guess it’s been awhile since I have gone on any. Planning a hiking trip during an upcoming weekend. So easy to get caught up in the day-to-day business of life and sometimes we forget to truly LIVE.
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A lot to think about once the results of the election is determined. Not really sure how I will react if it goes the way of Killary.
Ask a question and I will give you an answer. It can be about pretty much anything – politics, firearms, current events, survival, preparedness, or “Do vegetarians eat animal crackers? “ – whatever.
Just received word that Mark Goodwin has released a sequel to his Days of Noah book series – The Days of Elijah. I am really excited to get into this one. Currently only .99 cents for Kindle version.
Last weekend in Georgia was great. Put out a couple of game cams, deer corn, and mounted jars of peanut butter to trees. While there checked out my ATN X-Sight II and tried it out both during the day and at night. For the money – awesome.
Good conversations with my brother. Politics and the world being a major discussion. We also watched the movie “13 Hours“. Watching the movie was frustrating. Afterwards I was pissed. Pissed that those Americans were placed in harm’s way and no help came for them. Horrible – but a must watch.
The tax stamp for my suppressor finally came in. It took 7 months. Will write more later. Looking to pick up a rimfire pistol(like the above picture) to put it on. Excited!
My son and I shot my Crosman 1377 pellet gun. Been meaning to do a review on it. Hopefully soon. One of my favorites.
Just a reminder to check out the Projects section of the site. I will announce additions and updates to different projects every so often. I’ve got some good stuff planned coming up.
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I just received word that Emergency Essentials is having a HUGE sale in October on Mountain House and their own in-house brand freeze dried foods. Discounts are up to 50% off with an average of over 30%. This sale will go throughout the month of October. Passing this on now so if interested in taking advantage finances can be planned. Myself? I am trying to shore up my food storage by year end and this is going to help. Remember – MH Chili Mac is awesome!
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RE: Trump/Killary Debate – Was disappointed he was not more concise with his answers. He did not take the time to prepare. Trump really needs to emphasize that he is not a regular politician and point out every time she twists facts, manipulates information, and spins – “Well there you go again Hillary – doing what politicians have been doing for decades. Now – here’s the truth…..”
If he would do that it would appeal to those tired of the same old political Washington rhetoric. It didn’t help the moderator was obviously biased.
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I have some things coming up that will take me “off grid“. When this happens I will have limited Internet access so will likely schedule a few reposts and be slow in responding to comments and emails.
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Couple hunting trips scheduled. Can’t wait. Not much like getting out in the woods and enjoying nature. Great thing is my 13 year old boy will be with me. Hopefully he gets his first deer this season.
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Emergency Funds are an important thing to have. Author Dave Ramsey suggests an emergency fund of $1000 as an initial goal to cover small emergencies. Next up is 3-6 months worth of expenses. When you think about it there is a higher likelihood of a car breaking down or even unemployment than a complete economic collapse. Cash in the bank could be more important and valuable than guns in the safe(though they can be quickly turned to cash).
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The 3 kayaks I bought a few months ago is one of the best investments I have ever made. Less than $600 spent the family is able to utilize the local waterways and have a very enjoyable time. I highly recommend trying it out for yourself.
I have a new method which to bring adventure into my life: kayaking. Long overdue I’ve wanted to buy some kayaks for the family and take advantage of being so close to a river. Couple weeks ago I bit and my youngest son and I just made our first trip.
Great experience and look forward to many more. Coasting down the river was incredibly relaxing and peaceful. With the kayaks we could get into some locations that just aren’t accessible any other way. All in I paid about $230 for each kayak(including oars and life jacket).
Well worth it. I’m sure over the next several months I’ll post more pics from trips.
Rourke
******Sorry for the low-res pictures. Taken with an old cell phone by a friend.
It’s important to get away from it all and enjoy God’s creation once in awhile. For me that is on or near water, out in the country – or up in the mountains. Recently spent some time on the Catawba River which flows through North and South Carolina. Got some fishing in and enjoyed watching my youngest explore the shore and shallows – in the water.
I’m often thinking that more time needs to be spent unwinding doing things like this then life creeps in and suddenly weeks have gone my.
Planning on going to a new location this weekend and hopefully will have better luck with the fish. Looking at picking up a couple kayaks as well. Many floated by me while I was waist deep and it looked like an awesome time.
Here are a few pics:
Take care all –
Rourke
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