The Novice Survivalist
A novice outdoorsmen learning camping, fishing, bushcraft and survival. "KNOWLEDGE IS A SURVIVAL SKILL"
Enhancing your ME time in the Outdoors
Although the title says Me time, Enhancing anytime in the outdoors is something to consider. How you do this is a personal preference. I personally like to take along some activity I enjoy while outdoors. This ranges from, Cameras, food to be cooked or some reading or listening material. Just depends on my mood or reason for getting outdoors.
Because I have a You tube channel I like to keep it current with regular video posts. These videos range from walkabouts of a favorite area or trail, camping, fly-fishing to a review of some of my favorite equipment I use when out and about.
My age and medical history determine I get regular exercise. For most of us that means the Gym. For me I do not have the time or inclination to go to the Gym. Besides all those young hard bodies out there just make me uncomfortable. Just me, nothing against the younger generation, keeping in shape is a good thing. I learnt my lesson on not doing just that. and at my age, I just need to walk and get the blood flowing. A good long walkabout in the woods not only gets my needed exercise in, but clears my often over charged mind and body. Nature has a way of helping us relax our mind and soul.
Here are a couple of my favorite things to do in the outdoors and the “stuff” I use to enhance my outdoor experiences. Typically on a walkabout.
Coffee, tea or a small meal
Finding a good spot to sit down and relax, a place quiet and away from others for me is the perfect time to have a “cuppa”. Which “cuppa” is determined by season. Summer, fall, spring is typically tea time, Winter is Coffee time. This is for me the easiest choice for enhancement. I get to relax over a good beverage, and get to use some of my favorite outdoor accessories and it keeps me in practice for some basic survival skills.
In my daypack (L.L.Bean Maine Warden Daypack.) I carry certain things at all times on my outdoor adventures. They are part of my survival system or kit for a 72 hour survival unplanned stay for what ever reason, being a mishap or just me planning on staying.
Part of the system (survival kit) is a one burner camp stove, a Bush box pocket stove, canteen with nesting cup and a couple packets of tea and coffee, sugar to enhance my pleasure.
My mood on the particular occasion, as well as time or available resourses determine what I use to heat the water, if there are a lot of small sticks burnable its the bush box. if not, then its the Pocket rocket or Peak one stove. These allow me a quick cuppa and some down time. always a great enhancer on a walkabout.
In my daypack (L.L.Bean Maine Warden Daypack.) I carry certain things at all times on my outdoor adventures. They are part of my survival system or kit for a 72 hour survival unplanned stay for what ever reason, being a mishap or just me planning on staying.
Part of the system (survival kit) is a one burner camp stove, a Bush box packet stove, canteen with nesting cup and a couple packets of tea and coffee, sugar to enhance my pleasure. My mood on the particular occasion, as well as time or available resourses determine what I use to heat the water, if there are a lot of small sticks burnable its the bush box. if not, then its the Pocket rocket or Peak one stove. These allow me a quick cuppa and some down time. always a great enhancer on a walkabout.
Sometimes when the mood dictates, time of day and some planning and preparation prior to the outing. I will make a small simple meal. My diet limits me to what I can take to cook. typically no meat is involved.
Before leaving I may prepare some goodies such as chopped onion, tomatoes and peppers, along with some spices. I small bag of some sort of pasta, typically a veggie mix, some Parmesan cheese and my meal for the outdoors is set. The meals are typically simple to prepare and all I need is to boil the pasta and quickly grill the onions, tomatoes and peppers ( and garlic). Using the very same setup I use for my cuppa.
Wildlife and photography
This is one of the main reasons I get outdoors. Besides for my much needed exercise. By wildlife I mean all wildlife, from small animals and birds to small flowers, grasses and giant trees.
For me its the little things we so often miss while trudging through the outdoors. I am always on the look out for small things, in the trees or on the ground. They, for some reason fascinate me. I thinks its in the detail I find.
I carry with me 4 things to enhance this extra activity. I do not own a fancy digital camera. But I do own a Samsung Note 8 smart phone. The camera on this is exceptional, and built in software helps me to clean up my poor photo skills on the layout etc.
The other 2 items I carry are a monocular and a smart phone adaptor to attach my Note 8 to the monocular. This allows me to get pictures a little to far away for the use usual zoom on the phone. If you decide to get one a word of advice. get a sturdy tripod. when zooming everything, not just the subject is “zoomed “. That includes any, I mean any camera shake. may a good picture I have taken has been spoilt by my hand shake.
There you have it. my outdoor enhancement kits.
Yes it does mean owning a decent daypack, in which to lug all this around. Ok! truth be told the “stuff” I carry is not heavy. except the tripod which just happens to attach to the out side of my daypack. The food bags and all the other extras ( Survival and nature seeking stuff) are really not that bulky and fit perfectly in my day pack. Choose wisely when getting a daypack and make sure it will hold all you need for your enhanced day outdoors. I have gone through many translon packs to get to the L.L.Bean.
below is a selection of pictures from my outings. Always good to have and look through as a reminder of good times had in the outdoors, and to share and brag about with friends.
Other things to consider when out and about.
Build a temporary shelter. (using natural items or stuff from your survival kit, and remember to undo all you did before leaving)
Get fancy on the meal
Take friends along and each to their own for the meal and then share
Fishing in an out of the way water hole
Make a video and share with friends
Take the time to clean up a favorite area of trash. (Be prepared to carry it out)
Remember, Knowledge is a survival Skill, outdoors the place to learn
The Novice Survivalist
On a whim….
Hi campers. Well having beaten into you the need to plan……..there is always time for a spur of the moment hammock camp. Especially when you got some new stuff…..yep been shopping
Checkout the video
A B.O.B, Just what is it?
Time to check if you backpacks meet the B.O.B standard list of needed I items. I looked into what I should have…check it out
A B.O.B, Just what is it?
First let me clarify what is considered to be a reasonable B.O.B. (Bug out bag), Or should I say, I took the time to have a look see as to what many consider a B.O.B. Personally I go to the whole idea of “It depends on your personal needs and preferences”. But I wanted to see what the Guru’s had to say. Well just because.
After all they are the experts, I was interested and wanted to know if my 2 packs I currently use as my walkabout and overnight camp “carry all’s” ( L.L.Bean Maine Warden Day pack and the Karrimore SF, Predator 30) would make the grade as a Bug Out Bag or do I need to add or have a new separate Bag.
Here is the basic description…from Wikipedia.org
“A bug-out bag or BOB is a portable kit that normally contains the items one would require to survive for 72 hours when evacuating from a disaster, although some kits are designed to last longer periods. Other names for such a bag are a BOB, 72-hour kit, a grab bag, battle box, personal emergency relocation kit, go bag, GOOD bag, INCH bag. or quick run bag. The focus is on evacuation, rather than long-term survival, distinguishing the bug-out bag from a survival kit, a boating or aviation emergency
See more on en.wikipedia.org ”
Well, that surprised me. I was under the impression that a Bug Out Bag was for Major survival and disaster’s lasting longer than 72 hours. From this description its not a long term survival bag unless specifically designed for longer period survival. Which of course I assumed. Well lets see what else the experts say.
The suggested contents of a bug-out bag vary according to each his own. Here is a list of what is suggested. I find it hard to believe this could all be fit into a reasonable sized Back pack.
I have whittled it down a bit as it tended to include Items I assumed were covered before, such as warm clothing, tents etc.
This includes
- Water (Washing, drinking and cooking.)
- Non-perishable food
- Water purification supplies.
- Cooking supplies.
- Multivitamin
- A first aid kit.
- Necessary clothing
- Fire-starting tool
- A disaster plan (emergency centers, rallying points, possible evacuation routes).
- Emergency literature for reference.
- Standard camping equipment
- Bedding
- Medicine to last an extended evacuation period.
- Battery or crank-operated radio
- Lighting
- Portable solar charger
- Cash
- Fixed-blade and folding knife
- Swiss Army Knife
- A Multi-tool
- Duct tape and rope or paracord
- Tarpaulins for shelter and water collection
- Wire for binding and animal traps
- Compass
- Hunting equipment
- Small Fishing tackle
- Signal mirror
- Emergency whistle
- Rubber tubing
- Trash bags
- Bandana
- Super glue
- Hatchet
- Pepper Spray
- Folding Saw
- Hand Sanitizer
Surprisingly my packs have most if not all of the above. I do not have Pepper spry and non perishable food. Some thing I need to look at. Typically I add the food stash before leaving on a trip or walkabout. I do see the need and you should have a stash of non perishable food. At least handy enough to add to the pack ASAP. Maybe stored with the bags in a prepacked stuff bag.
Although this is a VERY basic look at a BOB bag. The list is a great reference or reminder. Check your kit and see if it makes the grade. Remember that this is a general list and each item will differ according to your needs. just be sure it meets them. Being a Novice at this I am learning. Every time I look up a subject I learn. Be sure the items you add are meaningful and not a “gadget type item”. Weight is a concern. If you cannot carry it for an extended period its of no use to you. 
Does your B.O.B make the grade…. time to check…Up next Ill be taking a closer look at the my 2 packs I use for Walkabouts and overnight stays. I have as I mentioned before, been on a tear to reduce weight and size of what I carry. I felt I over packed on trips and carried a lot of “Gadget things”.
Can they still make the grade as a BOB now I have “minimalized”.
Remember Knowledge is a survival skill. Always take time to add to it.
The Novice survivalist
Just another Sunday Funday
Campers spent a nice Sunday doing what I like. Always good to get some down time
Dealing with low Mojo 2- follow-up
Well campers and Novice outdoors people as promised with the results of my MOJO test. Here I am back from my MOJO booster outings. How did it go. Well to be honest….it was splendiferous to say the least. I learnt a couple of valuable lessons from these past couple days and will try to share with you my thoughts on this.
If you remember I was suffering from the dreaded low mojo. I needed a boost and got it from a you tube friend. It the form of a ALFA TOWEL.
I did what I promised and got off the couch, started feeling better about the situation and went outdoors. Something I should have done on my own mojo. Fortunately the TOWEL provided the needed BOOST.
I packed up my daypack. I decided to load it up as a 72 hour survival bag. As if I was going out for the walkabout and had the necessary “things” I would need if something unexpected would happen. Making a quick walkabout into an over nighter. I am a little too old for the absolute minimum, so did my best to be a setup that would be reasonably comfortable and still be light enough for my old back and legs to trudge over a couple miles without me collapsing from exhaustion.
So all packed up, I knew I had to break my fly-fishing skunk from my last Camp. You fishermen and women understand how this can get your goat. It bothers you forever until you break it. Nothing worse. No sleep, constantly thinking of how you are a failure, need to get out and fish in the hope of breaking this the worst SKUNK ever known to man. So headed out to my favorite fishing hole. The one that always producers, It never fails me, It a certain skunk breaker. No problem there…….. Well Ok so it failed me. I had to go to another hole to break the skunk.
It was nothing special just a couple small strippers and was enough to let me know I can still fish…. and catch. Feeling a little better of myself, While secretly rubbing the Alfa Towel on my arm I headed back home safe and secure in that I had completed one task of my challenges. It took me awhile to catch a fish , but hey I caught some. To late to go walkabout. so set a date and repacked my daypack…again.
Fast-forward…..July 2nd. Got my backpack and set off for Cannon River Wilderness Area. A favorite place for me to walkabout. Has all I need to get the Mojo going. A perfect day , 85deg, slight breeze and not a cloud in the blue sky. Decided to add some food to make a early dinner while on walkabout.
I normally will pack my military canteen pouch, it has a canteen, my folded up bush box and small side pockets where I keep my tea makings. I like to stop along the way and indulge in a cuppa tea when ever possible on my out and about’s. Adds to the walkabout. 
Something you should consider adding to your outings. Anyway added a quick easy to cook simple meal. It consisted of some vegetable pasta, some peas and chopped carrots, salsa and some parmesan cheese. All I needed to do was boil the Pasta and the peas and carrots and the other stuff and bingo, dinner is served.
I arrived at the CRWA and headed out on my walkabout. I wanted to check out another camp site I found on the map of the area and thought it would have some potential for a hammock camp over nighter.
15 minutes and 88 bug bites later, I realized that I had packed bug spray but had not put any on. Fortunately I had packed a hand spray in a easy accessible side pocket on my LL bean day backpack. 
Couple sprays later I was back on my way. The bugs were horrified and although I was totally surrounded by them They kept their distance, Well most of them. The woods were in full display. Wonderfully green all over.
There was a lot of standing water from recent rain and that accounted for the huge amount of hungry bugs about. Although the area is known for bugs in summer there were more than I expected. But I persisted. and it paid off in spades. What a day to be out in nature. Lots of birds ( bugs to eat) butterflies and even saw a couple dear.
After stopping at the camp site I used for my solo winter snow camp. (video)
I wanted to see how it looked in summer and there was quite a difference. I headed out to look for the other camp site. I did find it but was disappointed to find no place for hammocks. So headed back to the old camp and made some tea.
Looked around the area again and set about making dinner. I only had my military canteen cup and had to finish my tea before making the pasta.
But all was well and after a good dinner and relaxing a bit and enjoying the views of the cannon River I packed up and headed back. All in all a good walkabout. It was worth the effort, and a huge moral booster for my beaten down trodden ego.
What did I learn you ask? well here it is….
- When your MOJO is beaten up, look to friends to help you through the hard times. Whether its their intention or not their support can well be the turning point.
- Breaking a skunk can be a test of your metal. Persistence pays off.
- The outdoors offers a great moral booster.
- Don’t forget the bug spray…..
One thing I should mention. It was humid under the tree canopy. I lost 4lbs hiking that day. Sweated up a storm, Probably the best diet I’ve ever been on. So Ill add that to the list
- Found a great way to lose weight without dieting
The MOJO is back, feeling strong and energized again. Amazing what silly things can turn your bad times around. Even a simply red Alfa towel from a good friend.
Want to see the result. click here for the video from my you tube channel.
Remember, Knowledge is a survival skill. a good friends are a great resource when times are a little challenging.
Be Safe out there
The Novice survivalist
Dealing with low Mojo
Well Campers Here I am…Sitting at the “puter” banging away at the beaten up keyboard.(Yes, I bang at the computer, I am a 2 finger terror). Besides dealing with calluses on my 2 index fingers I persist. Although at times unsuccessfully I do persist. One thing I was taught was that “nothing succeeds like persistence”.Almost! I find myself having to fall back on some limited “mojo”. To get me through the tougher times I some times find myself dealing with.
The last couple of weeks have been hard and very frustrating. I did break that up with a visit to my children, brother and sister-in law and some good friends in San Diego, Always a moral booster. Other than that wonderful time, the weather here has not been very co-operative at all. Lots of rain, thunder lightening, work schedule etc. etc. Frustrating all my attempts to get outdoors and relax and blend with nature. We have all been there. And that brings me to today.
After a long day at work I got home and collapsed onto the couch (OK its a fold out thingee, I forget the name.). I sat there exhausted. Thinking I have a long week to deal with. Only one day (night actually, work nights) off. Whoa is me. I was pitiful to see, a grown man beaten and bloodied. Not pretty. I sulked for awhile and was staring at the boob tube when I looked down at my expensive coffee table. (Not really, got it at Walmart for a 20.) However it matches my foldout thingee. (Still cannot remember what its called.) Ok so I looked down and saw something that was sent to me from a You tube friend. Steve from Adventure outdoors. A favorite channel I am subscribed to. Very fun and always upbeat. Good for my well being. Any Hooo. He had made up some red hand towels which he named ALFA TOWELS. He is always ( tongue in check) referring to himself as the ultimate ALFA male.
He said he would send these to deserving , budding or wanna be ALFA MALES. Low and behold one arrived in the mail. He said they had his mojo on them. His Ultimate Alfa male scent wiped from the sweat of his brow.
So, Yes I actually did this, I rubbed my arm and said to myself lets see what happens. I immediately passed out on the couch thingee….(I’ll eventually remember the name of that darn thing). I awoke about 4 hours later with a really bad rash on my ar…..No not really. I woke up from my exhausted nap. I thought well that feels a little better and maybe just maybe Steve has something here. What would a ALFA male do in this situation I have found myself in these last weeks. He would ADVENTURE OUTDOORS.
Basically, I decided to get off the couch thingee and get my butt in gear. I went into my cave and started going through my camping, kayaking and walkabout stuff. Yes I have a lot. And as I said in previous posts I like to play with them. After rummaging around for awhile I decided to pack my walkabout ( LL Bean) day pack .
After doing that and sharpening all my knives and my Camp tomahawk. 
I decided I will go walkabout tomorrow and you know what, Ill stop on the way and get in some fly-fishing. After all, I have a skunk to break. After I spent 5 hours on my kayak over the week end while camping and caught ZIP!!!!!.
So having packed all the necessaries into my backpack. (72 hours survival, some coffee for the walkabout, along with a quick meal I’ll cook on the walkabout) I charged my batteries , No not mine, my Gopro camera and other video things I use. Packed all up and set it by the front door.
Not true , I repacked about 4 times ,you know me. I am now set. I hit the couch and back to the Boob tube. Every time I felt sorry for my self I looked at the ALFA TOWEL then over to the front door to my pack. (If you wondering my fly fishing “stuff” is always in my truck) and realized this.
When you are down, The mojo low, look at your friends and give them a thought. Maybe, just maybe, reminiscing about them will pick up your mojo and get your butt in gear. Get out and do something. Nature calls, the outdoors hail for your presence. Do not disappoint it. (Nature) give them a visit, prepare correctly, just as you should always do and you never know what will happen.
So stay tuned for the after action report. Will the ALFA TOWEL do its alleged thing or is there something else at work. We will….wait I remember its call a FUTON, you know the couch thingee…….
We will see.
Always be safe, be prepared and remember KNOWLEDGE IS A SURVIVAL SKILL. That includes knowing people who unwitting can get you through some tough times.
Till I return, triumphant from my successful fly-fishing and walkabout….
The Novice Survivalist
ADVENTURE OUTDOORS is a great channel. Please stop by and check out some fun videos and give Steve a like or 2. tell him I sent you.
A tip for those pesky damp fire pits.
In just 2 minutes here’s a quick fix for those damp fire pits…..
Check it out.
The novice survivalist
The Novice Survivalist 