The Novice Survivalist
A novice outdoorsmen learning camping, fishing, bushcraft and survival. "KNOWLEDGE IS A SURVIVAL SKILL"
Just 2 words, Winter walkabout
Hello fellow campers, hikers, backpackers. survivalists and outdoors enthusiasts etc.. etc. You know who you are!
Winter is still going strong here in Minnesota. Yesterday my much needed sleep was interrupted by maintenance being performed on the complex. Unfortunately (Or fortunately) I work nights, While most are at work, I sleep. So what to do, I could not get back to sleep, so decided its a good time to walkabout. Checked the time and weather ( Something all Minnesota residents do before going out the door.) The horror.
It was a blistering 2 Deg. F. But hardly any wind and the sun was shinning. Oh well I was committed, So off I went. I decided I would go to my favorite haunt. The Cannon River Wilderness Park in Dundas MN. About a 20 minute drive down the road. In winter it is little used, except by those who brave the cold while snow shoeing etc. Grabbed my always ready to go walkabout day pack and headed out the door. Once again Nature provides.
With all the snow on the ground. (about 12inches accumulated) I found a silent snow covered wonder. The birds ( mainly crows and wood peckers) were out in force. Giving a wonderful relaxing background of natures music. There were hundreds of bunny and deer tracks around, but unfortunately with all my searching with my Polaris monocular I didn’t see any. The monocular is fast becoming a must have in the pack for me. The opportunities I have been missing because the sights are just to far away, are now won with this monocular.
Small compact and light weight it provides me with great magnification and I even went so far as to buy an attachment for it to adapt to my Samsung galaxy note 5. (See my video of the adapter and Phone)
Back to nature, It was so quiet I found myself tip toeing around so as not to disturb the quiet. The Cannon river was still covered with ice although it was melted in [places allowing the gurgling river to come though adding to natures song. Along with the odd popping sound of ice cracking.
As usual I recorded my the walkabout for prosperity and uploaded the video to my You tube channel. The title of the video was “JUST 2 WORDS, a winter walkabout.” I thought it appropriate. Simply because I don’t have the flair for words need to describe the place I was and how It made me feel.
I had stopped to have a quick ‘cuppa”coffee using my canteen set with my Bush box stove. 
I was just there enjoying the quiet time in the wilderness. I could not think of how to describe this walkabout. So was born a video with the title. The only 2 words spoken in the video are…JUST SAYING !.
Be safe out there.
Remember “Knowledge is a survival skill.”
The Novice Survivalist
A new year, A new look
Hello Campers.
Well if you have not noticed, big update to the novicesurvivalist.com.
I spent the last couple hours setting up the new look. The intention is a more outdoorzy look. Hopefully I accomplished that at least. I really like the new look.
Please stop by and have a quick browse through. Leave a comment or just a like. You will notice that a whole new page has been added, MY THINGS. It shows a list of all my tools and gizmos I have and use.
It I includes links to my video reviews, buy buttons etc. The list is ordered in the manner of the 10C’s of survival. It’s a work in progress so bear with me as I update the list. Hopefully it will be helpful to those looking for some ideas. As I find new gizmos and equipment so It will be updated. What joy.
As I said before I started this website to learn survival skills to get me home safely when I am out in the wilderness Solo camping or just doing a walkabout. This little post is a reminder to you and me. You can not predict what will happen in the outdoors. But you can at least attempt to be prepared for the unexpected.
Of course the site has evolved. Not only is it now concerned with surviving the unexpected, but become a place for me to share my passion for the outdoors. Nature has much to offer. We just have to stop by and visit…o.r maybe stay awhile.
I have had more fun, adventure and some sketchy times in the last 2 years, than in the last 20 years.
I have challenged myself, gone where I never been before, done things and learnt more about myself. All because of the outdoors.
I am thankful for this but just so you know……
I am only just starting.
Come along and adventure with me as I go outdoors to learn and challenge myself. Of course I’ll blog it all just in case you cannot come along. Oh and should you need visual aids….well there is my You tube Channel.
Thank for your support.
Feel free to share your adventures. Just go to the contact age send me a link or note.
Remember. Knowledge is a survival skill.
“Just saying”
The Novice Survivalist
2nd Chance George
For those of you who don’t know. I have a You Tube Channel. Actually two. But I post videos on the “2nd Chance George channel”, of my camping and survival ideas and dirt time tests of it.
So you may find it useful. Check out the play lists. I have been putting them in some kind of order. There are camping ideas, survival tips and some misc. Of interest. Make a cup of coffee and give it a look. Some very good channels listed. And of course if you like the content. Subscribe or share it with a friend you think maybe interested.
The easy way is to go to my references page and choose a video and it will take you to my channel
Enjoy and let me know what you think.
Stay safe and as always be prepared for the unwanted
Knowledge is a survival skill
The Novice Survivalist
No Trace…a good practice
A pet peeve….outdoors and trash
Hello all,
Yes I am about to talk about a pet peeve. No Trace….what you say. Well I’m glad you asked. Ever since I returned to the outdoors, the saying “leave no trace” has been on my to do list when out camping, walkabouting or scouting . 
Its an obvious idea and needs to be said again. Its practiced by most outdoor enthusiasts, campers, hikers, hunters and even the military.
LEAVE NO TRACE.
What got me here. Well You Tube to be honest. Yes You Tube. Especially over the last couple of months or even the last year.
As most of you know I am a “Tuber”. I have a small channel, Ok a tiny channel on you tube that I originally started as a way to get videos to my Children who live in California. It was a quick, easy and the big one free way to for me…
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No Trace…a good practice
Hello all,
Yes I am about to talk about a pet peeve. No Trace….what you say. Well I’m glad you asked. Ever since I returned to the outdoors, the saying “leave no trace” has been on my to do list when out camping, walkabouting or scouting . 
Its an obvious idea and needs to be said again. Its practiced by most outdoor enthusiasts, campers, hikers, hunters and even the military.
LEAVE NO TRACE.
What got me here. Well You Tube to be honest. Yes You Tube. Especially over the last couple of months or even the last year.
As most of you know I am a “Tuber”. I have a small channel, Ok a tiny channel on you tube that I originally started as a way to get videos to my Children who live in California. It was a quick, easy and the big one free way to for me to get the videos to them. (my children). As with all channels I found more people began to watch my videos of me camping etc. The channel has grown some what and I have about 200 subscribers. As I said its tiny, very small even to the smaller channels on You tube. I have grown to like using it. And have fun posting and interacting with the people who watch my videos. I have met a lot of good people. Well not actually met but consider them “Tube friends”. People who watch and interact with my videos. I use it to look for tips and tricks on survival, camping, hiking and all outdoorsy stuff.
What’s my point here. Well lately You Tube has come under fire. Press has been not so good to say the least and now You Tube has changed policies for those who have a channel big enough to advertise and be paid for views. It has affected a lot of “tubers”. There is a uproar about these changes that have been implemented. Did it affect me. Not in the least. Yes it would be nice to make a couple bucks from You Tube. But I don’t feel the need. I make the videos for fun and my children’s enjoyment and now to share my love of the outdoors. This website is a off shoot of it.
The whole mess right now on You Tube has been made even worse by a select few “Tubers”. These “tubers” are big, very popular channels. Unfortunately they have had some “oops” lately and advertisers are threatening or already have left YouTube. And that’s what got me to thinking how so few can affect so many. Their Opps’s have affected a lot of other people who are tubers.
This same applies to the outdoors. For most outdoor users, those who choose to go out and enjoy the quiet and solitude, 
Spectacular views or the many other opportunities, whether hiking cross country, camping, fishing, hunting or just doing a day or quick walkabout the outdoors offers, They often find that it has been spoilt by a select few. I a no exception. And its a PET PEEVE.
Nothing miffs me more than to be out walkabout or camping and to come across a pile of trash left willy-nilly around a camp site, picnic spot or just on a random trail. It amazes me how often this happens. And the closer to dense population you get the worse it gets.
The National, State and County parks throughout the magnificent United States constantly promote “leave no trace”. I have had numerous opportunities to talk to local rangers and employees working the many wonderful parks and forests. The stories told of what has been left behind would amaze you. I will say this is less obvious here in Minnesota, where the majority of Minnesotans have grown up in the outdoors. The “look after the outdoors” mantra, is passed on through generations. How ever having moved from California…… The first camping trip I recorded on my channel was in North Central California, a local popular lake/reservoir. When I arrived in was wonderful. However after 2 days and many, many visitors it was a mess. Trash everywhere. The local ranger said this was normal. They would be spending the next 2 days cleaning up in preparation for the next weekend. Sad to say at the least.
I was recently out doing a scouting walkabout looking for a winter camp site prior to winter. As you know (from a previous post) I like to snap nature pictures that catch my attention. I saw a picture opportunity and took the picture. Later when editing my video and pictures, I was shocked to see something I had missed.
This is the edited picture below is the unedited picture.
I had to do some nasty editing to cover the mess I had included in the picture.
The more I consider this, the more concerned I become. Eventually it will affect all of us. Just as what is happening on You Tube. The constant growing work load for the administrators and employees of our parks will become overwhelming and the cost of upkeep is and will increase. Lets face it, nobody wants to go outdoors to view trash left behind. If it cannot be maintained, outdoor enthusiasts that use the many parks and trails will go else where.
Taking with them much needed money used to keep the parks beautiful. Cost of use of these outdoors will increase. Eventually to the point of limiting who can afford to use the outdoors as much as we are able to now.
Am I preaching doom and gloom. Maybe. Are my concerns legit. I don’t know. The whole point of this little rant of mine is a reminder. When using the outdoors, always carry with you a trash bag. Pick after you are done. Even to the point of picking up others trash. Carry it out with you. It sounds like a small effort but if we all do it, we maybe able to preserve the outdoors for our future generations to enjoy.
Take the time to teach “NO TRACE” to you family and friends. Pass it on.
Just saying!!
Rant over.
Remember knowledge is a survival Skill, as well as a nature preserver!
The Novice survivalist
Dirt time 4. CONTAINERS
Well finally got to do some dirt time on the series 10 C’s of Survival. My learning curve of survival in a emergency situation. Something , as you know I have been interested in. Actually the reason for the website.
So with the weather being un-cooperative I spent some time going through my camping, walkabout “stuff” I carry with me, looking at CONTAINERS that would be useful should I find myself in an unplanned situation where survival knowledge would get me home safely.
I have added this video to the Reference page under dirt time . Its been wanting for a while so check it out. Maybe you have some ideas on container’s you carry that would be useful and how you would use it should it become necessary. Check out the other dirt time videos while you are there.
Containers part of the 10 C’s of survival. You will be surprised what you carry with you and with a bit of thought use for survival. Give you “kits ” a look from a container point of view…
Knowledge is a survival Skill
Just saying !!!!!!
The Novice Survivalist
The Walkabout.
Since moving to Minnesota I have renewed my passion for wandering the outdoors. I did it before but never as much as here. I love the outdoors. It settles a bad day or just lets me spend some alone time walking about. I have yet to go on a walkabout and be disappointed. Nature is a strong resource for me.
It (Nature) offers just about all the quiet time, interesting views, scenes of wonder, animals and birds you can shake a stick at. Love that expression….finally got to use it on a blog. Ha ha. Seriously though the outdoors can offer anybody and everybody something.
I try to get out as much as possible. Any opportunity or spare time I have I am out there. Some times its just a quick fifteen minutes. Some times a good couple hours. Either way I get the most out of it.
I look for places to go where ever I am. I go on-line and search for local trails and parks. I have a number of apps I use to find even more and have started to travel further and further out of my “local” area.
This year I plan on going even further.
In Minnesota I see a lot of families and couples walking the trails or even biking. Some thing I never had the opportunity to do.
I have one regret. The fact that it took a serious medical issue to get me back out. I had lost my way to the outdoors, And this helped be find my way back.
Life is busy especially in this day and age. Don’t let the outdoors go unappreciated. Get out and say hello. Show your children and friends just all the wonderous things it has to offer. Walk about, camp and explore. You wont be disappointed ….
JUST SAYING
The novice Survivalist
Here’s a quickie I had to opportunity to squeeze in. Check it out
First Solo camp in the snow
Well, as the title suggests, I have just returned from my first ever solo camp in the snow. Why I said solo I don’t know, I have never camped in the snow alone or with others for that matter. But who’s checking ? right.
I have been planning this trip for awhile. Waiting patiently for the right time where I felt the weather and snow on the ground would be ideal. I was concerned about keeping warm. Yes I know, Its Minnesota in winter, its never warm.
Unbelievably there was a break in the temperature and it had snowed 2 days before. Perfect seeing as it fell on my 3 days off from work. Weather report said 38Deg. as a high and 23 as a low. Perfect for me, as a first timer. I felt Ok. Left work and went home picked up my equipment. (Pre packed about 17000 times over the last month or so.) No seriously it felt like I went through it (equipment) that many times. Nervous you say . Yes I was.
I had some problems over packing my Medium Alice pack. As usual I tended to over pack. I eventually got it down to being able to get it on my back with out pulling a muscle. 
Not an easy task. It still turned out to be to heavy but I managed. That was one of the many lessons learned on this trip.
The hike in was about just over a mile, in snow. Yes some thing I had not done before. That is backpack in the snow. It was heavy going, and to make matters worst I got over heated and sweated a up a storm. So much so my thermal underwear, and light jacket under my heavier warm jacket was soaked through by the time I got to the camp site. Taking off the heavy jacket just made me cold right away as the under garments were soaked. Lesson 2 learned. Plan your clothing better. Use better layers. I should have taken the heavy jacket off as soon as I noticed I was starting to sweat. However I recovered, cooled down (quickly) and put the heavy jacket back on. All was good. Fortunately the weather cooperated. It was actually pleasant out.
As I said previously, I had been planning this trip for awhile. It was just a overnight camp. I had planned the whole “what I was going to do”. I wanted to video the whole trip for my You Tube channel. Going by the plan, I set up my French Army F1 Surplus 2 man pup tent. Which did not take long, 
As although I had never actually used it on a camp, I had put it up before for a video review. I will say its a great tent. Although it says 2 man, it was roomy and allowed me to put all my gear inside, while leaving enough space to live and sleep in. That done I started gathering fire wood.
The temperature was perfect and I really would have been fine without the fire . But hey, Its camping and having a blazing fire in your camp site is required. Anyway I wanted to cook my dinner on the fire. I have always used a portable one burner stove. Using my leather gloves I packed (Learnt the hard way, Not having gloves to do wood prep chores around camp.) I went about some basic bush crafting (made me proud to see my research and practice had paid off). I gathered enough wood for dinner and a couple hours of fire time to stare into after. I proceeded to prep it. Using my folding saw, camp axe (Chogan camp tomahawk) and my trusty belt knife ( Knives of Alaska camp knife) I got the wood prepped into the required sizes for making fire. That task completed, without sweating up a storm. I had learnt by that time to take things slowly. Actually more because I am not as young as I was and trying not to get into the sweat problem. Worked out just perfect.
It was my usual walkabout time. I left and did a SLOW walkabout in the snow exploring the local area. 
How different it looked from my previous visit. Don’t get me wrong, green is good, but all the trees and ground covered in a 3-4 inch blanket of snow was breath taking.
I hoped to see some deer and small game as the area was known for this. But alas none about. A lot of tracks but nothing really fresh. I returned to camp and using my trusty Peak one single burner camp stove, I make a welcome cup of coffee.
Did some more bush crafty stuff getting the fire going for dinner and set about making it. This time I had prepared the dinner ahead with some fresh onions, peppers, mushrooms and garlic. 
Sprinkled with some olive oil and spicy spice. Made the boil in the bag rice and cooked the mix I brought. One of the better meals I have camping. So I did do something right. Sat and watched the fire burn out, went to bed and watched a Netflix down load and got a good nights sleep. I was warm and had no issues there. However…
During the night I managed to break the zipper on the bottom of my sleeping bag by my feet. No problem except I had taken a subscriber advice regarding batteries dying in the cold. I put my spares in a small bag with a hand warmer and put them in the bottom of my sleeping bag. They fell out and in the cold they died .Woke up to no batteries and about 5 seconds of recording time. The humanity.
I made a cup of coffee, had some fruit and packed up and headed back to the truck. suffering the same issues I had walking in.
Even with all the issues I had, It was a great overnighter. I am sure Ill be going out again. Hopefully with the lessons learned it will be even better.
If you have not done this, give it some thought. Well worth the effort and a great sense of accomplishment. After all I made it back home which is the ultimate goal.
Remember knowledge is a survival skill.
Be safe out there.
If you want to see the You Tube video click on the picture below. or go to my reference’s page and see it in my camping list
The novice survivalist
The Novice Survivalist 