Glad to see I?m not the only one with a twisted since of humor! One of my fondest memories is the incredulous looks my brother and I got from our fellow hikers when on a day hike we pulled out of our fanny pack a full meal and stove to cook it on. Somehow I guess their granola bars and yellow water did not look as good with the smell of fresh steamed vegetables, quick bread cooking and what ever other mouth watering smells were coming from our cook pots. Thought we were going to have to hold them off with the old walking stick for a minute. Almost as much fun as cooking frozen pizza over the fire 10-12 miles in while the others are deciding between gorp and Moose Goo. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Are the rights to Tabasco included in the mineral rights? Cause if Alain buys it, Tabasco would be sold in a fancy bottle with a cork in it.

I swear!, if one more of you picks up their coffee cup with their pinkie sticking up in the air I'm going to barf (Don't you dare give me protocol for barfing.). <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

Cliff:

You better be careful about offering to sell Alaska.

If it cuts into the sales of .44 Remington magnum ammunition, Remington might look to put someones butt up their flagpole. <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Honestly I like toys. I like equipment and having confidence that I can go an extra mile because of the quality of the stuff I'm using. Everything I own I had to test out and is part of my everyday carry. I'm sick if something is sitting in my drawer collecting dust and most of the time it ends up on ebay because redundancy is not part of my preparedness unless it is necessary. Now I use my stuff either on the street working or during everyday chores. I was lucky during WTC and no equipment I carry would have saved me short of BASE parachute. But my luck maybe not present during another disaster. I rather have basics covered and by that decrease the number of uncontrollable factors.

I’m prepared for most of the things that come my way better than average person. It doesn’t mean that I’m superior to them in any way but I just took time to go over some stuff before heading out (kinda like doing life homework). I do not carry a fishing kit in the city, neither rations of food or shelter since that stuff is saved for my outdoors trip. I will share with others, lead if necessary and not shove my equipment in their face trying to show them that they are wrong.

Also I opt for the best when $20 Buck folded on me and almost took of my finger. When dropped Maglight didn’t want to work anymore and I was 5 miles night hike away from the camp. I want the best that I can afford. Yes I draw a line somewhere but what is fun of making money without ability to spend it? I want my Surfire, Inovas, Sebenzas and Microtechs… I want the best steel with the best light… I want reliability and convenience and if I have to pay for it I will. I’ve already described my experiences during blackout but to repeat my self.: being prepared increases your chances of going back home. And home may not mean much but try spending 100 hrs a week on the street far away from your bed, try being out a lot and you start value your home. Like good old Hank said... House is just a home without love. And all this equipment and stuff I learned here thanks to the guys increases my chances of going back home after hard 16 hour double.

Do you mean there really is something worth under bayou's swamps ???!!?? <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
I thought the only valuables were above water level, and I mean cajun cooking & zarico music... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

My reasons for coming here and being "Equipped to Survive:"

1) I love to learn and this forum is a great place for information. Learning these new skills has reawakened my wonder in nature and the world around me.

2) I want to be able to help myself and my loved ones if disaster (or just plain inconvenience) strikes.

3) Being prepared feels really good. So of course, I keep coming back here to pick up something new.

Scout,

Wow! Thanks for asking. I wasn’t expecting it.

First I must state that I am likely answering this first because you asked and second because I am a native Idahoian. Born in Moscow lived in Potlatch and Lewiston. N. Idaho essentially. (seriously we are probably related….You know Idaho?!?)

Really I can bottom line it for you. I live in Chicago and work in the financial world. The only thing that puts me to sleep at night is the fact that I know ….baring another 9-11. I can walk out of my apartment in 90 seconds flat and make my way back to the farm in Idaho without any help.

I am sure I don’t need to go into detail about the benefits of the farm in Idaho with you.

I sleep well knowing I can always make it “home”.

Cameron

I am sure we can all agree that we learned more from our grandparents than any other people on earth. HAIL GRANDMA!!!!

I can actually cook because of her.

Cameron

Hey come to chicago if you have time and i will take you to Chez Paul. We will try your pinkey holding abiltys.

Cameron