The-Atlantic-thefemalesurvivalist

While surfing, I found this blog and one of the first things he says is Be Yourself, don't try to be me.


http://ghostskamo.blogspot.com/


I like that because in the end each person has different needs, although they do boil down to the four basics he describes as food, water, shelter and rest.

Many times we don't think of rest as a need, but without it, we loose strength, health and the ability to reason.

One of his posts deal with the 12 Cs of survival. Ghost also has many videos on youtube, a great resource, especially in the winter when getting out is much more difficult due to roads and work.

Of course, practice your skills, don't just read and watch. The mark of a true survivalist is patience and adaptability. The more you know and are exposed to intellectually, the greater your field of reference becomes, should you ever get in one of those tough spots.

The Yukon Quest 1,000 mile Race  begins February 1st. The Iditarod Trail Sleddog Race is the well known race which involves sled dogs, men or women and brutal weather over a period of 9 days.

These dogs are a key component to success. They run, eat and sleep to please their masters. The connection is amazing, especially for those of us who have never really owned a dog.

I was privileged to get an interview with owner and trainer, Eric Cosmutto from Muzzy's Place Sleddog Adventures today. Its obvious he knows and loves each one of his dogs. As we walked around, petting and viewing the well kept dogs, Eric explained the nature of each one, how old they were and key signs of health race organizers look for.



You can enjoy a tour, a sled dog ride, attend mushing school or enjoy an overnight tour.
Their phone number is 907-378-7620 or 907-347-8427.

I admit, the longer I was on location, the more I could visualize living in the yurt, feeding the dogs, being part of the support team.

Georganne and I were invited into Eric's home for coffee. He popped in a video called 6 On-6 off, which interviews several multi-race winners, among them famed Lance Mackey. Real footage of the race, meals en route and mushers make this movie a real insight. I'm fascinated by the Yukon Quest, which runs from Whitehorse, Canada to Fairbanks.

A two-part video series of Mountainman Mike setting up his solar panels at his three acre retreat in southern Wyoming is finally done. From pulling the components from the box to connecting the last cables, Mike very patiently describes the process.

I was very impressed with his inexpensive basic power system. It allowed both of us to maintain our batteries on our laptops. He was able to keep his cell phone charged as well, enabling to touch base with his parents living in Colorado.

Mike understood my work, both the filming and writing aspects dealing with survival techniques and off the grid living.

Just read this article and scoped out the 3.2 ton truck, Romania's all purpose Vehicle for the end of the world.

http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/romania-answer-hummer-prepares-end-world-204815032.html

There's a video too, and several awe inspiring photos.
No doubt a line is forming. Better get in it before production ceases.

If there's enough fuel, this thing can go anywhere, flood, land, masses of angry militants.

I liked the paint. Red. Looking good, Romania!

I just finished watching Assault on Wall Street, a 2013 film staring Dominic Purcell and Erin Karpluk.

Its on Netflix, if you get that, and is 98 minutes long.

The story revolves around a man whose wife becomes ill and the insurance company quits paying because they've reached the "cap". Its 2008, Wall Street dumps useless paper on the markets, everyone is loosing all their life savings.

A person can't help but take pleasure in the hero's desperate revenge.
I won't spoil the story, but it gets a very satisfying 5 stars from me. The twist at the end begs for a sequel.

See it if you get a chance. Its fast pace takes you through many themes and soul searching ideas, heavy with emotional impact.

Yesterday I was privileged to spend the day with a renown Alaskan Guide. For the sake of his privacy, I'll call him Sourdough, his online name.


He knows all the back trails, history and valuable survival skills, including where the game is and how to utilize the land. I really appreciate the honesty and openness of this man.
He obviously knows what he's talking about.




The footage in part two is complete with off the wall commentary. Hope you like it.

Its ready! My second book is now available, for the first time ever, in paperback. Be one of the first to have this Second Edition sitting on your nightstand. Please write a review, if you could. I would really appreciate it.

An Ultralighters-True-Trail-Stories-Beyond the Journey

Every once in awhile, I remember to take my camera on my daily hikes. The color is gorgeous, the views outstanding. Snow is on the tops and the ski passes are being bought. I have my backcountry skis with me and will take serious footage as that starts to happen.

I came across this link for a site called Hyperbole and a Half. Its very well written. What drew me there was a link from Wilderness Survival Forum site with a new take on the hospital "pain" charts. Seems we all need to see pictures of things to adequately attach a number to how much pain we are experiencing.

http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/02/boyfriend-doesnt-have-ebola-probably.html

I have some understanding of the pain assessment process. The nurse comes in and asks you to tell her on a scale of one to ten how much pain you're in.

If you say a one, she leaves. If you say a two, she might show concern. If you want to take something to relieve the pain, other than some ibuprophen you got stashed in your purse or jean pocket, you'll say five or more, and please.

Pain is no laughing matter. If it gets out of control, its hard to catch up to it. Panic is the enemy pain management. Tense muscles and fear do nothing to encourage slow steady breathing.

But, if you're trying to get the doctor's attention, you really got to let it out, respectfully,of course.

Check out her rendition of facial pain markers. Her corresponding text is hilarious, too.

Ok, I'm not going to kid you. I'm baffled and angry about this whole Medical Insurance thing. Don't get me wrong, I have coverage, good coverage on a individual plan. Medical emergencies are the number one cause of bankruptcy.

But its a fallacy, this whole affordable care act.
Yesterday we received three pages of printed material drawing our attention to the pending mandate. YOU MUST buy something, now, or be fined.

Some of us are at that nebulous point....we make a living, but barely. I looked at the website listed on the page. Looks like my premium, for a non-smoker is like....like, no, this can't be right, $700 bucks...is that a YEAR...no, no, its per month.

Wait a minute, can't be right.
Thankfully, I already have coverage.
But, wait a minute, says here because of the new laws, my coverage, the current plan, may actually go up.


Groan. I did some online research. The government page explaining all this would not load. Humm, says in another place, some news story, its been unudated with traffic. Plus, the government has shut down. Great, that's great.

Further research produced this valuable resource. Its run by the Kaiser Family. Seems legit. I don't know.

http://kff.org/

After going through the various links and calculators, I'm left wondering if its better to just say, forget it...I'm broke. I'm not working anymore. I'm going to apply for medicare, or Medicaid or what ever the government expects us regular cooks to do.

This isn't going to be easy.
Part of the problem is greed. Greedy insurance companies. Out of control medical costs. Unhealthy life styles resulting in a sick population.


Please, anyone got some good ideas or help for the common man?