A Little Awesome Philosophy

The Bannock Awareness page was suggested on a Survivalist forum by a guy describing how to make this easy bread. I read the page, came to the  little six step plan called: To Build a Bridge

This excerpt from the page was exceptional if you think in terms of human encounters.

To Build a Bridge

The necessary assumptions in any bridge building project include:

1. The existence of the other side - There is no point in building a bridge to nowhere. The other side exists and has a right to exist.
2. Solidity of both sides - The base or basis of a bridge must be accepted at both ends.
3. Existence of a gap (river, canyon, etc.) - If there is only one piece of ground, there is no need for a bridge.
4. The gap is not too wide to bridge - No one tries to build a bridge across an ocean.
5. The gap is not too deep to bridge - Although deep gaps may exist - and they are very real and not mere illusions - still a bridge can be built.
6. The value of a bridge - They are mutually helpful and beneficial. Bridges are costly but worth it.

Check out that page for recipes on Native American and Aboriginal breads. I've used hard tack for day hikes. You can add spices and create interesting hard breads. The philosophy behind using native recipes and methods of gathering wild foods can be very stimulating for those of us who love nature.

New Gear and Remakes

This new stove was made from a candle container. The directions and testing results will be available soon on a youtube video.
My friend, Flo, had one of these little guys out on the Four Loop Pass in the Maroon Bells National Forest. It is very fuel efficient and fits my 3 oz. cook set perfectly. The initial test fire turned the lid bronze colored.

The holes were punched into the lid with a large nail and hammer. Its important to have a tray below the stove. In order to prime the stove and avoid lighting it without the lid on, one must squirt the stove on the outside with fuel, then light it. The actual demo is pretty interesting. The entire stove is on fire for a few seconds while the interior catches fire.
At first, I lit it without the lid on, but that meant putting the lid on a flaming fire. Not good.

 

The clouds up at 10,500 feet can be extraordinary at sunset. Storms roll through nearly every afternoon.

 

I remade my old down bag into a sleeping quilt. Check out my youtube channel, or http://thefemalesurvivalist.blogspot.com

for the embedded video. It was quite a project that only took about an hour. I rate it as a success. Actual trail testing soon to follow with a report. I removed about 3 ounces and increased the density of the down in the process.

My new friend and I hiked up Medicine Bow Peak. The very top is covered in huge boulders and snow. The hike begins at Marie Lake and swings back around, covering 7 miles of gorgeous Wyoming Snowy Range Landscape. There is good camping at any of the many pristine lakes in this National Forest.

 

 

 

 

Video of Backpacking Trip in Maroon Bell Wilderness, Colorado

My good friend Flo flew into Denver from Alabama. She's a firefighter and dedicated outdoors woman.

We headed right out to the highest peaks of Colorado because we only had a week to play.
She picked out this trail, one of the most beautiful in the country. I loved every bit of it and she says she did too, in spite of headaches and an initial period of nausea.

Many young people were backpacking this trail as well. It is recommended to go clockwise, thereby avoiding the huge ascent up Buckskin Pass.

It sprinkled and rained a couple times, but we never got soaked. Campsites were pretty abundant.
I was amazed at the friendliness of the hiking community here. During these four days we made many friends.

It seems the entire I-70 corridor is a haven for bicyclists, rafters, kayakers and hikers. For serious recreation in a gorgeous place, check out Colorado.

Book Two Free Promotion

Starting tomorrow until July 14, you can get book two of the River Survival Series, All Hell Won't Wait, free at Amazon.com
You don't have to own a kindle, either. There is a free download for those who want to get started with e-books. This modern method of increasing your library is fantastic. It doesn't take up book shelf space and you can change font size and back lighting to suit your tastes.

Book Two of the River Survival Series is full of action. The River Patrol takes on cannibals bent on revenge. Carla's darkness resurfaces, but Apache is not moved. Find out what has made him a killing machine.
Book One, An End of Days, is available for $1.99 if you missed the promotion on that. Amazon.com allows authors this avenue to promote their work. Please leave a review for me at amazon.com to tell me how you like it. Thanks. I appreciate it.

Photos From Medicine Bow

 

Reminds me of the Colorado Trail, still snow above, rocky and lushly green.

 

A rare sign on the back country trail is truly sweet.

 

    The mountain bike is useful, but the uphill is still challenging.

 

The bear spray on a carabineer clip is easy to remember when things get tight. 

Book Two Promotion Starts Soon!

 

On July 10th through the 14th, the second book in the post-grid collapse thriller River Survival Series will be totally free.

 

Just go to All Hell Won't Wait and get your second book during that promotional period.

 

If you haven't read the first book in the series, you will have some questions on what is going on. Why are the Chicago Contributors and the Chicago Outliers intent on raiding Rivertown?

 

How does the Sheriff justify the extreme violence taken against squatters?

 

Why is Apache the violent man he is, given to dark passions?

 

 

I know summer is the time to get out and play. For those of you reading, hope you enjoy this series. Please leave a review for me at amazon.com. Thank you.