Don't be a purist

First thing, the next Primitive Survival Skills 101 will be November 3, 2018. Location will be Fluvanna County, VA., more details will follow as class time nears. 

Don't be a purist ?  I think everyone would be more empowered if they knew some primitive skills. Not much is more fun than friction fire !!  Having said that, there are some modern items that I always carry with me on long hikes and always go with me on road trips. Think the 4 basic skill sets needed for survival.   1. Shelter, carry a small emergency blanket. They really do work. A small disposable rain parka for shelter.   2. Water, a Sawyer mini-straw will get you through any emergency. They are very compact, light weight and inexpensive.   3. Fire, 2 lighters, a pack of matches and small roll of 0000 steel wool. All this in a sandwich bag ( or two ) to stay dry.    4. Food, carry a couple of protein bars or some GORP. Remember that you can go weeks without food but just for the mental satisfaction it really comes in.....  extra stuff to carry, a good Leatherman tool and some paracord or similar cordage. A very small AAA flashlight. An extra pair of glasses, any meds and a tube of Super Glue. Super glue fixes so many things, including backwoods wound care. I know that all this sounds like a lot of stuff but it really does fit in a tiny fanny pack and it for sure could save your life.  So, if you are freezing, it is ok to start your fire with a lighter. 

For you friction fire folks, the Mulleins are blooming now and as soon as the blooms start falling off you can harvest the flower stalks for spindles. This year has been the worst year in memory for harvesting yucca flower stalks. They have been crooked and many have been hollow inside. Plus, the deer have realized that the new stalks taste good and they are doing a number on them.