About a quarter century ago I went out to the woods to see how I would fare. This was central Florida on the southeastern edge of the Ocala Natl Forest. I managed to hold my own for about 6 months before I came crawling back up on the porch half dead ... literally. Lesson learned. I did NOT have my wife and kids with me. And, that is a central point to this post. It was just me ... trying to survive. There was no competition ... no rules or restrictions ... no one to defend myself against ... but, it was just me too.
How many prepper dudes do you know who haven't invested in a plate carrier and armor for their wives and kids? Are you (just asking out loud to the general reader) one of 'em?
I've setup a homestead here. One with real live animals that need to be taken care of. Most people have zero concept of how much work all that involves. I hurt my back a little and have been laying-off for a week now. My 'foreman' looks like he's about to go under while I'm recovering. Keeps picking up 'help' from the local Walmart parking lot <heh heh>.
Yeah ... it's a big job ... horses, mules (a donkey now), cattle, goats, hogs, a dozen new lambs and a gaggle of chickens (because they sure don't flock). Plus, I've got two fields I've been working for two years (we're talking serious commitment and investment) to get ready for planting. All too easy with a tractor and loads of money from my savings account. But this year, I'll finish collecting the tools and rigs necessary to keep the place going if I can't run the tractor. Hopefully, next year we'll have a cash crop and can call the place a working farm instead of just a homestead.
As for prepping, I'm okay with all but one of the neighbors around here and lots of community members. Some of 'em have the same mindset I have if SHTF. I also think we're far enough off the beaten track to be left alone should the grid go down. Still have a rally point and a secondary. It'll really be SHTF if we have to go there.
I have to echo that good advice from InfoLurker: No matter what you do, don't get on the FEMA bus. And, I'd add: Do what you know needs to be done ... and don't talk about it after. SSS
How many prepper dudes do you know who haven't invested in a plate carrier and armor for their wives and kids? Are you (just asking out loud to the general reader) one of 'em?
I've setup a homestead here. One with real live animals that need to be taken care of. Most people have zero concept of how much work all that involves. I hurt my back a little and have been laying-off for a week now. My 'foreman' looks like he's about to go under while I'm recovering. Keeps picking up 'help' from the local Walmart parking lot <heh heh>.
Yeah ... it's a big job ... horses, mules (a donkey now), cattle, goats, hogs, a dozen new lambs and a gaggle of chickens (because they sure don't flock). Plus, I've got two fields I've been working for two years (we're talking serious commitment and investment) to get ready for planting. All too easy with a tractor and loads of money from my savings account. But this year, I'll finish collecting the tools and rigs necessary to keep the place going if I can't run the tractor. Hopefully, next year we'll have a cash crop and can call the place a working farm instead of just a homestead.
As for prepping, I'm okay with all but one of the neighbors around here and lots of community members. Some of 'em have the same mindset I have if SHTF. I also think we're far enough off the beaten track to be left alone should the grid go down. Still have a rally point and a secondary. It'll really be SHTF if we have to go there.
I have to echo that good advice from InfoLurker: No matter what you do, don't get on the FEMA bus. And, I'd add: Do what you know needs to be done ... and don't talk about it after. SSS