What did you do to prepare today?

bonniebede · 12-12-2011 3:08am #1

Thought it might be interesting and motivating to share what we are doing to prepare.

Today

I bought a new urban farm, completely turned it over to have it full of beautiful composted soil, and planted my first crops. Expect first harvest tomorrow. (Ok so i bought a patio planter and some ready to plant herbs. But hey, I've got to start somewhere) I am now officially a farmer.
Concealed my farming activities in case of hostile reactions. (okay so its up in the back bedroom, which is waiting to be painted. Don't know how himself might react;))
Started my food storage collection with foods i currently use and can therefore rotate out to keep a fresh stock. I now have stored away 4 cans of peaches and 1 litre of oil. I also have my selection of fresh herbs, and forage foods - dandelions, nettles and garden snails.
bought 100 metres of wire and learnt how to make a snare. so add one rabbit snare and wire for about 130 more to the stockpile. It was a very empowering feeling.
Bought some seeds. More herbs, some salad greens all to be grown asap in containers. Will try to harvest seed from them.
Started my long term seed bank, with 4 pkts very cheap seeds from woodies, beet, carrot, cabbage, lettuce. Says will store till 2014. Root crops could be good for carbohydrates, if i get tired of lettuce and escargot a la jardine.
bought 4 books on how to start gardening, forest gardening and food storage, to add to my survival library. real stuff not kindle for when the lights go out. well not so far out i can't see the print. you know what i mean.
Read some stuff to develop knowledge base. Knowledge is most portable surivival asset of all.

so very happy all in all. I know its daft, but i feel like i have moved from just being an observer and day dreamer to action. And i can build from there.

Next wish list, more gardening, , decent knife, fishhooks, try some fishing and snaring if its legal, develop a menu/recipe/foodstorage plan and regular schedule to buy in and build it up.

kildare.17hmr · 12-12-2011 10:17am

fair play to you. On the fishing and snaring both are legal but you May need permission to access some land for fishing and defo need permission on the land you want to set snares. Look for runs in the grass and set your snares in them, wire fences are a good place to set them. Be very careful of other animals in the area, a sheep with a leg caught in your snare is not goin to end well so always keep that in mind when your setting them. It takes alot of practice and trail and error. Good luck with it

Doc Ruby · 12-12-2011 10:36am

kildare.17hmr wrote: »

fair play to you. On the fishing and snaring both are legal

I thought snaring was illegal?

34.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act apart from this section but subject to section 42, a person shall not—

(a) hunt any wild bird or wild mammal by means of a trap, snare, net, line, hook, arrow, dart, spear or similar device, instrument or missile, or birdlime or any substance of a like nature, or any poisonous, poisoned or stupefying bait, or

(b) affix, place or set—

(i) any trap, snare or net for killing or taking a wild bird or a wild mammal, or

kildare.17hmr · 12-12-2011 10:55am

they sell snares for fox and rabbit in nearly every hunting shop in the country and also nets for rabbits for ferreting. larson traps are used for crow and magpie.

that legislation does not cover vermin species like fox, rabbit, gray squirrel and mink or birds under derogation

if you keepr eading down your link to (2) subsection(1) it will tell you, i cant copy it because im on the phone atm

krissovo · 12-12-2011 11:20am

bought 100 metres of wire and learnt how to make a snare. so add one rabbit snare and wire for about 130 more to the stockpile. It was a very empowering feeling.

I am shoite with snares, I have been trying for years and my results are mostly disappointment:o I just do not have the knack, I also hate returning to captured animal in a snare...enough said!

Snares are handy in survival as they take up no space in your kit and can be set in seconds. For more static locations I now use box traps with some great results plus its humane for the animal.

My traps are mostly rabbit sized, I have improvised and used a wheely bin to capture some stray tom cats and even a fox using figure 4 trigger and some bricks on the lid to keep it shut once set.

krissovo · 12-12-2011 12:02pm

Don't know how himself might react)

My misses thinks I am nuts, some of my activities have caused her to reach for the phone to the funny farm but I am hanging in there for now.

Its a topic in its own right, we have talked on a need to be ready for almost anything. We both agree that its a good idea but in reality she is a little put off and considers my behavior strange strange at times.

kildare.17hmr · 12-12-2011 12:08pm

krissovo wrote: »

My misses thinks I am nuts, some of my activities have caused her to reach for the phone to the funny farm but I am hanging in there for now.

Its a topic in its own right, we have talked on a need to be ready for almost anything. We both agree that its a good idea but in reality she is a little put off and considers my behavior strange strange at times.

haha mine is the same, what do ya want a big water tank for she asks when we are without water every winter with the frost! And a generator sure why would anyone need that! She came around to the hunting eventually so give it time and they will get used to it all!

bonniebede · 12-12-2011 4:32pm

yes, i think you are right about the act allowing fro snaring rabbits it doesn't list them on the schedule of prohibited animals. THe only things of interest from a small trapping point of view are red squirrel, hares and hedgehogs.

Now if i want to try squirrel i suppose it will have to be grey, would that taste different? Hares I can taste from the farmed version, and rabbit snaring should satisfy the desire to hunt them. As for hedgehogs too many fleas anyway. If one ever has to eat them in the roll 'em in mud and bake them method I suppose the minister may have suspended the regualtions at that stage from the government bunker.

thanks for the info.

BTW the act also has regs about airguns, which do not seem to specify the same threshhold as the new firearms act. any thoughts?

Badger
Bat species
Deer species
Hare species
Hedgehog
Otter
Pine Marten
Red Squirrel

Badger
Bat species
Deer species
Hare species
Hedgehog
Otter
Pine Marten
Red Squirrel

Badger
Bat species
Deer species
Hare species
Hedgehog
Otter
Pine Marten
Red Squirrel

bonniebede · 12-12-2011 4:33pm

sorry for the repetition of the species list from the act.:o

kildare.17hmr · 12-12-2011 5:05pm

what is the bit about airguns? Cant see it

Tabnabs · 12-12-2011 5:33pm

Folks, please keep the firearms posts for the shooting and hunting forums - thanks.

bonniebede · 12-12-2011 5:39pm

Tabnabs wrote: »

Folks, please keep the firearms posts for the shooting and hunting forums - thanks.

Sure no problem.

Though i think the point being explored was what constituted a firearm in terms of the act, a legal point, you see, not a firearms point,

But anyway i am happy to continue that discussion elsewhere if ti is the preferred option.

bonniebede · 12-12-2011 5:41pm

Tested out canned hot dogs, tesco own brand.

Result, they won't replace my usual type, so no good for store and rotate, but are certainly acceptable though bland, might make my store and give away list.

Red Harvest · 12-12-2011 6:33pm

bonniebede wrote: »

Tested out canned hot dogs, tesco own brand.

Result, they won't replace my usual type, so no good for store and rotate, but are certainly acceptable though bland, might make my store and give away list.

In that case DO NOT try the really cheap Lidl canned hot dogs they're a bit like a pink flour and sawdust mix (someone will say they like them I sure) but the Lidl ones in a large glass jar are quite good.

krissovo · 12-12-2011 6:37pm

Rather than hot dogs how about some German "wurst", much nicer tasting and the shelf life can be measured in years. Bockwurst jars can be baught in Lidl, 75+% meat and will last years.

bonniebede · 12-12-2011 6:38pm

Red Harvest wrote: »

In that case DO NOT try the really cheap Lidl canned hot dogs they're a bit like a pink flour and sawdust mix (someone will say they like them I sure) but the Lidl ones in a large glass jar are quite good.

:P:D

Red Harvest · 12-12-2011 6:45pm

krissovo wrote: »

Rather than hot dogs how about some German "wurst", much nicer tasting and the shelf life can be measured in years. Bockwurst jars can be baught in Lidl, 75+% meat and will last years.

Those were the ones I ment, but I can't keep them in the house as they come in a resealable jar and I just graze on them whenever I'm passing near the kitchen or wherever I've stored them

Extra good with Colmans English Mustard.

Red Harvest · 12-12-2011 6:52pm

isn't that what they are nmeant to taste like?

Its not just the taste its the consistency, "dry flour and sawdust", and the cans are only half full at least 50% water. I tried them last year to see what they are like so they might be different now as I know the companies that make Lidl's "Brands" change.

Were is a gagging smiley when you need one

bonniebede · 12-12-2011 6:54pm

Although I prefer to see my excess weight as a wisely acquired and very hard to be separated from (:() personal teotwawki calorie buffer, it does raise the question of what would happen if i went on a mad binge with :eek:ONE YEARS SUPPLY of food. OMgoodness!

maybe bland sawdust is the way to go after all.

slowburner · 12-12-2011 8:23pm

bonniebede wrote: »

Although I prefer to see my excess weight as a wisely acquired and very hard to be separated from (:() personal teotwawki calorie buffer, it does raise the question of what would happen if i went on a mad binge with :eek:ONE YEARS SUPPLY of food. OMgoodness!

maybe bland sawdust is the way to go after all.

Impossible.
You would be so unbelievably sick of tinned food. Not to mention mad with thirst from all the sodium and sulphate and nitrite.
Three days of tinned food and you would quite happily get down on your hands and knees and graze on green grass just for the freshness of it

bonniebede · 14-12-2011 12:03pm

~Okay today I practised survival thinking.

in a survival situation you have to stop and think about your survival priorities, so as to use your time and energy efficiently, three minute rule and all that.

So how are my daily priorites?
1. Eternal survival. Ok I know how to sort that, but need to pick up on the daily fine tuning of this essentail long term survival skill.

2. Most likely immediate survival needs.

family member has a heart attack. Happens to people every year, young friend of mine died that way this year. URGENT PRIORITY need to get first aid skills up to date and maybe home defibrillator, ambu bag, dissolvable aspirin.
House fire, have fire alarms, and extinguisher, some upstairs escape routes planned. NEED smoke hoods, very useful piece of kit to keep in bedrooms, and more fire extinguishers. URGENT check fire alarms are working and set up a schedule for it.
Personal safety. NEED to study self defence, anyone any opinions on Krav Maga?
:rolleyes:
Emergency supplies NEED bug out bag, and just general lists of numbers policies etc. IF the house burnt down I know I'm insured but policy number? Don't make me laugh.

Preparedness resolution for the day: first get my ordinary life zipping along so as to allow time to do some prepping. Second prep for scenarios in order of likelihood (likeliness?). One of u having a heart attack more likely than a zombie attack, you know what i'm sayin'?

krissovo · 14-12-2011 12:45pm

Personal safety. NEED to study self defence, anyone any opinions on Krav Maga?

I cannot advise you on anything but Jujutsu as that is what I was tought in the military. The basic moves are easy enough and often the basis for "self defence" courses. Krav Maga is interesting, I spent time in Isreal where their forces are tought this skill and its highly effective but may take longer to get the basic moves. I had a few "pen fights" with the soldiers that usually ended 50/50 between me and them.

Personal safety in case of zombie attack.

Prepairing for zombie style attack will prepaire you for most eventuallities. The liklihood is nil and people will look down their nose at you but its the most broad subject as it covers home and bugging out.

Grizzly 45 · 18-12-2011 4:22pm

bonniebede wrote: »

~Okay today I practised survival thinking.

iPersonal safety. NEED to study self defence, anyone any opinions on Krav Maga?
?

Exellent choice ,IF you can get somone to teach you some basic moves and practise them until you can do them instinctively.Be it Krav,Judo,Jiu jitsu,street fighting.The trouble with most of thes martial arts is they have degenirated into sports and long drawn out training sessions. Great if you want a sport.
You need somthing that you can use the moment you walk out of the Dojo and you get mugged or attacked.It needs to be somthing effective and very violent as well as there are NO rules in a street fight.Obviously,the best martial art is the ancient art of running away skill:eek:...But that might not be an option either somtimes.
I dont practise any particular type of martial art skill,I just use Bruce Lees idea.Absorb what is useful to you and disregard the rest.IOW borrow and learn from all disiplines what you feel you can use comfortably and practise those well.

kildare.17hmr · 18-12-2011 4:38pm

trained for years in ninjutsu and boxing, the ninjutsu is pure street fighting stuff and grappling we train full contact and some of us practiced self defence scenarios also full contact and using real weapons. Everyone should know how to fight in real situations, like grizz said no rules in a street fight. Iv seen many times a "black belt" ofsome martial art or another get his head kicked in because they were not prepared for the sure violence of a scrap. A martial art that involves grappling would be a great start imo

Doc Ruby · 18-12-2011 5:25pm

kildare.17hmr wrote: »

Iv seen many times a "black belt" ofsome martial art or another get his head kicked in because they were not prepared for the sure violence of a scrap.

Yeah, back in my misspent youth I watched a proper sloping forehead cream cracker back a half dozen ponytailed and tattooed eastern european security guards into a corner as I munched a chicken burger in a well known fast food outlet after a night club. One of them was weeping, from the looks of it. I take after me oul granny I think, she always did love to watch a good scrap, god rest her.

waterfordham · 18-12-2011 7:20pm

Got the frame of a second hand (free) 8x6 Aluminum glasshouse together, a grand youngfella in B&Q sorted me out with a bag of stainless steel bolts that are used to hold them together.

Also collected two boxes of Augmentin and Britapen,

Forgot, collected 2 x 5 Gallon drums for holding water.

Grizzly 45 · 18-12-2011 7:37pm

[

QUOTE=kildare.17hmr;76063470]trained for years in ninjitsu and boxing, the ninjitsu is pure street fighting stuff and grappling we train full contact and some of us practiced self defence scenarios also full contact and using real weapons.

As in Ninja??Black masked guys climbing walls with swords and throwing stars??

kildare.17hmr · 18-12-2011 11:42pm

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

[

As in Ninja??Black masked guys climbing walls with swords and throwing stars??

haha yup those guys. We did train with swords and nunchaku but that was just for demonstrations, we did alot of them in shows. The self defence was getting attacked with knives, bats and multiple attackers and the likes and We fought in full contact mixed martial arts competitions in ireland and the uk

ShadowFox · 27-12-2011 12:38am

FIRE
I taught my kids how to use a fire extinguisher and what each type was used for

OneGoalNoSoul · 28-12-2011 1:00am

Searched through my old things and found a Firesteel, a Petzl Headlamp and Ray Mears Essential Bushcraft, not much but a nice start. A source of Fire and Light.

waterfordham · 29-12-2011 4:59pm

I made up a paracord bracelet last night, and when I finish this cuppa, i'll get some cotton wool/vaseline tinder's sorted. I'll see if I can light the stove with one using a firesteel later.

Picked up a cheap (5Euro) alcohol burner the other day, just drinking a cuppa made with it now. I found 50ml and 100ml bottles for the meths in Boots. I can't seem to get the bearcans to work right for me, anyway, I think I made my 'stand' to low. How high above the jets should the stand hold things?

I'm going back through old posts for ideas for a get home bag, thanks for the info thus far.

bonniebede · 04-01-2012 11:09am

Extended my urban farm ; one more window box.

Bought a bag and started collecting gear for get home and bug out bags and carry kits.

OneGoalNoSoul · 04-01-2012 1:46pm

bonniebede wrote: »

Bought a bag and started collecting gear for get home and bug out bags and carry kits.

Do you mind if I ask what bag you bought?

Im in a similar situation at the moment, looking for a bag for a GHB/BoB but one that won't stand out while I commute and at the same time is as durable as some of the military spec brand name bags out there, after all I want it to last me a life time.

At the moment I've bookmarked 3 options.

http://www.ebags.com/product/the-north-face/mainframe/218068?productid=10143910

http://www.kelty.com/p-416-redstart-26.aspx?category=backpacks&color=cypress

http://www.kelty.com/p-415-redtail-30.aspx?category=backpacks&color=cypress

Any recommendations advice would be greatly appriciated

bonniebede · 06-01-2012 2:00pm

emmm... they are some lovely looking bags. I bought one for 8 yoyos in dunnes, just a small haversack.

Because, firstly i can't afford anything else.
SEcondly what money i do have i would rather spend on vital equipment than a bag to put it in. After that i will worry about quality carry bags.

Ok I know some people are going to point out that a bag is essential, but..
My bob's are to sit on the floor at home and in my car. They won't get high usage that way, so FOR THE MOMENT a cheap bag is an ok option.

I have a sturdier day bag for hill walking.

If it hits the fan, then i expect my bob to get one use only, like to get me home or away to the country. THen I'll be staying put, not roaming around playing commando. And if I do have to take cover then my smallest daybag will be a better carry than a big huge camping item.

So thats where i'm at at the moment.

Still trying to work out what scenarios I am really preparing for. Like rabbit snares are nice to have, but I am probably going to find a spare change or a wind up phone charger more use

My strategies are based on...get home safely, get to rural bug out place safely, hunker down and eat stored food for a year, have the resources to become a self sufficient small holder safely and defensively,with a network of likeminded individuals.

Long periods of living off the land scenarios don't seem that likely to me.
Why be a hunter gatherer when you can be a farmer, at least in the long term.

however I do want to have skils and equipment enough to forage until the harvest is ready and to supplement what can be grown.

bonniebede · 06-01-2012 2:02pm

Today I...
replaced my walking boots. New boots! I feel the hills calling:D

Got a victoinox folding knife/swiss army knife type thing, for my key ring.

Bought paracord, walking socks, 2 sporks.

Thought about containers for a survival tin.

6 candles for the supply stores.

evilmonkee · 06-01-2012 3:04pm

Bought two small fire extinguishers for €10 each - one for the house, one for the car.
Bought a small pack of high calorie dog treats to put into my pack for my little girl.

Decided to extend my rations packs - in case I get stuck for more than a day/2day (depending on if it is me / me +1) also to try make my bag smaller.

Decided on new rations:

2 x tinned salmon
2 x packet noodles
2 x quick snack pot (pasta + tomato / pasta + mushroom)
6 x granola bars
4 x tea bags (2x normal tea / 2x herbal)
4 x sugar sachet
6 x uht milk sachets

TODO:
find reasonably priced water purification tablets.
restock main first aid kit.
find/buy new camping stove.
buy more safety pins.
buy paracord

ShadowFox · 06-01-2012 3:09pm

bonniebede wrote: »

emmm... they are some lovely looking bags. I bought one for 8 yoyos in dunnes, just a small haversack.

I started off with a cheap bag too until i got a cheap surplus bag What I did with the cheap bag was restiched the straps top and bottem juat to make them stronger then used it on a couple of day hikes just to be sure if i had to carry it it held up
Check out ebay or some of the airsoft shops for military surplus bags and pouches I got a 120l bergan on airsoft advert here on boards for €40 this bag new is over €100 and its perfect

crackcrack30 · 07-01-2012 12:41am

bought a tarp today in ikea....at the tills area , only 6euro, good size too....there must be more for us here in this monster of a place??

Tabnabs · 07-01-2012 9:43am

crackcrack30 wrote: »

bought a tarp today in ikea....at the tills area , only 6euro, good size too....there must be more for us here in this monster of a place??

If you want to make yourself a little hobo stove, then the cutlery strainer in Ikea is ideal. There's even a YouTube video by a guy who made a fire drill from ikea bits and bobs.

bonniebede · 07-01-2012 4:35pm

to day got a bivvi bag. building towards a good bob.

checked out my new edc knife for my keyring, a victorinox. think i know what everything is for.

Decluttered a bit at home. I find clutter is the enemy of preparedness.

colonel-yum-yum · 07-01-2012 5:37pm

Not on the same quality line as others, but picked up a multitool in aldi today for 4.99 which will go in the bob i'm trying to build up. Will upload pics later.
Also started putting together other contents such as first aid, lights, batteries, matches (some wax dipped for waterproofing) and a spare mobile with no sim card (though I must look for a spare top up card and throw a fiver on it).

Money's a bit tight at the mo, so most of what I'm putting in is cheap stuff, but once I have the bulk of what I want in the bag I'll be slowly replacing each piece with better quality versions.

johngalway · 07-01-2012 6:01pm

I didn't do it today but I've ordered a firesteel.com firesteel, thought it would have come by now but it seems they shipped nothing over the Christmas period.

Gathering up wood on the farm if that counts

Got a few bits and bobs from my hillwalking days, not sure what's in the backpack at the moment but I must have a rummage.

bonniebede · 07-01-2012 6:13pm

johngalway wrote: »

I didn't do it today but I've ordered a firesteel.com firesteel, thought it would have come by now but it seems they shipped nothing over the Christmas period.

Gathering up wood on the farm if that counts

Got a few bits and bobs from my hillwalking days, not sure what's in the backpack at the moment but I must have a rummage.

Fire wood is very important!

My plans for it at the moment are
1. burn the sofa.
2. burn the bed.
3. Burn the neighbours sofa.:o

But only if they've all died of a plague of something.

A few years ago we boarded up the fireplace. Big mistake. Hoping to get it reopened this year sometime.

baords dyslexic · 07-01-2012 7:09pm

bonniebede wrote: »

Fire wood is very important!

My plans for it at the moment are
1. burn the sofa.
2. burn the bed.
3. Burn the neighbours sofa.:o

But only if they've all died of a plague of something.

A few years ago we boarded up the fireplace. Big mistake. Hoping to get it reopened this year sometime.

If you can don't just open up the fireplace fit a woodburning (multifuel) stove and chimney liner (the liner is quite important with a woodburing stove).

The point of using a woodburning stove is that you get at least twice the amount of heat into the room from the same amount of firewood. An open fire puts at least 60% of the heat up the chimney but a stove can loose less than 30% of the heat that way.

evilmonkee · 07-01-2012 8:47pm

crackcrack30 wrote: »

bought a tarp today in ikea....at the tills area , only 6euro, good size too....there must be more for us here in this monster of a place??

4 candles, ~15hr burn time each ~€2!
Also I have an ikea can opener, think it cost ~€2 much easier to use in the cold than the little stabby ones.

Today:
Bought some new gear online (I found an Irish online shop which has good prices, am I allowed post link up?)

Bought:
1 x Emergency Survival Bag
1 x Reflective Survival Blanket (mylar)
1 x mini fishing kit
1 x Gaffa Tape
1 x Chlorine Tablets (free with purchase!)
1 x Neutralizing Tablets for Chlorine and Iodine (free with purchase!)
1 x 190 Cartridge
1 x Instaflam 190S Gas Stove
1 x 5 in 1 Emergency Whistle, (whistle,compass,matches,flint,mirror)

TODO:
Figure out more ways to minimize my kit - I want tot fit it into the boot of my car (hatchback) without it taking over (It currently uses quite a bit of space in my bedroom)

ShadowFox · 07-01-2012 10:03pm

evilmonkee wrote: »

4 candles, ~15hr burn time each ~€2!
Also I have an ikea can opener, think it cost ~€2 much easier to use in the cold than the little stabby ones.

Today:
Bought some new gear online (I found an Irish online shop which has good prices, am I allowed post link up?)

Bought:
1 x Emergency Survival Bag
1 x Reflective Survival Blanket (mylar)
1 x mini fishing kit
1 x Gaffa Tape
1 x Chlorine Tablets (free with purchase!)
1 x Neutralizing Tablets for Chlorine and Iodine (free with purchase!)
1 x 190 Cartridge
1 x Instaflam 190S Gas Stove
1 x 5 in 1 Emergency Whistle, (whistle,compass,matches,flint,mirror)

TODO:
Figure out more ways to minimize my kit - I want tot fit it into the boot of my car (hatchback) without it taking over (It currently uses quite a bit of space in my bedroom)

Can you post or pm me the link to the on line shop you found cheers

baords dyslexic · 07-01-2012 10:07pm

evilmonkee wrote: »

TODO:
Figure out more ways to minimize my kit - I want tot fit it into the boot of my car (hatchback) without it taking over (It currently uses quite a bit of space in my bedroom)

Any space around or inside the spare wheel? Handy place if the spare wheel is inside the boot to fit a decent length of rope if nothing else.

colonel-yum-yum · 08-01-2012 12:53am

evilmonkee wrote: »

Today:
Bought some new gear online (I found an Irish online shop which has good prices, am I allowed post link up?)

Think it's ok as long as you are not blatantly trying to promote the site, but I could be corrected.

krissovo · 08-01-2012 2:42pm

crackcrack30 wrote: »

bought a tarp today in ikea....at the tills area , only 6euro, good size too....there must be more for us here in this monster of a place??

I bought some cardboard roofracks and some very strong webbing straps from ikea. Handy for a quick getaway on any vehicle.

Also used some kitchen units in my van.

I am sure there is a lot more but by time I get to the homeware section I have lost the will to live

Highnoon · 08-01-2012 3:43pm

Come on Grapeape whats the website address. I've been searching for a good place to get my prepper stuff in Ireland. Mayhaps this website thoust speakith of could be it.:D

KrustyBurger · 08-01-2012 6:53pm

Is it this place? www.beprepared.ie

What did you do to prepare today?

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