Went to sleep one night about nine years ago. Woke up to find myself living in the suburbs, with a wife, 2 kids, and a mortgage. The only survival technique I've found that works is to wait 'til everyone is asleep, sneak down to the basement, put on the headphones, crank the Clash, and bang my head against the wall 'til I feel like a human being again.

Is that what you mean by a "real" survival situation?

Empathy with Mr Misanthrope! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Led Zep in my case

Monetarily it?s quit OK but I?ve made so many friends in different parts of the world through out the years that below the line it?s the pleasure that drives me. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Oh, of course I?ve considered to get another job but they are soooo boring (mostly) and/or underpaid. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I adore my wife but I love my job either...

Hmm, ever consider a Baghdad assignment? There's lots of work there.

I understand the making friends part. I may be headed back to Iraq for a bit just cuz I miss my sadierkis.

Though I offer this sentiment, after being away from the wife and kids and suburb home for a year, I want more than anything to have it all back. As much as I miss my buddies back in country, I've missed family and home significantly more. It's a tough balancing act to try and get the best of both worlds. I've felt very alone.

Ben,

Above post was meant tongue-in-cheek by a middle-aged suburban father, late in coming to the realization that the Keith Richards physical fitness plan wasn't cutting it anymore. Didn't mean to drag ya down.

Have faith that everyone appreciates and respects the sacrifices you, and all who serve, have made. This includes those who disagree with the current administration.

Gerry

PS Don't think Baghdad is in dire need of balding, middle-aged, pissed-off worker's comp lawyers.

Well, I wouldn't say I was in a situation that I had to "survive", but with the proper preparation it sure would have been more comfortable. It's part of the reason I found this website and now a days carry a basic kit everywhere I possibly can.

Of course, this is no adventure like Molf's (dude, you're crazy <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />), but I did learn a LOT this day.

Long (long!) story short, I was white water kayaking with a good crew on a fun class IV (V) river. We're fairly experienced but quite conservative boaters compared to some of the community. This day was chaos. Couple of us just had a bad day, and luck was not in the cards.

I ended up swimming. Now, since about 2001 I've been all proud of my nalgene bottle kit that I always have in my boat. Water purification, basic first aid, signals, etc. Always clipped in my boat. In this case the boat was traveling down river with friends in chase while I stand on the bank, with just what's in my PFD pocket (damn little or nothing back then) and my throw rope. I have to hike out.

Luckily there was a road within a mile or two, generally paralleling the river. Un-luckily we were in a bit of a canyon. So there I am, alone, hiking down this river hopping rock to rock trying to find a way out.

An aside- I mentioned I'm a somewhat conservative boater. I've done a good amount of class V, but I like a long safety margin and tend to boat very safely, taking time to scout, going on rivers that I'm comfortable with, etc. This day I realized my safely margin was getting much thinner than usual. I was still alright, and in good spirits, but while on a cliff, 100ft above the shallow water, just trying to get downriver and still hoping to find a way out of the canyon, I realized- holy moly, I'm just one or two bad moves away from what we call a "bummer".

Thirsty as hell, I took a few sips of the river water. Sure could used a purification system.

Finally find a way up the canyon. Victory! Then I realize, how funny would it be that now I get lost with just a mile or two through a flat (and dense) forest to the road. Great. Sure could have used a compass, as it was a very cloudy day.

I started lining out my rope, planning on trailing that behind me so I know I'm walking a straight line. Just then the clouds thin enough I can make out the sun, no prob keep it over my left shoulder for the short walk.

Found the road, and 10 seconds later my car drives up. One person who didn't paddle that day just up and decided to go for a drive, and happend to find me. A good amount of water, and some beers later, and I'm happy.

Shortly after I found this website and have been trying to remain prepared since. Lessons learned.

Hey, no worries. Most of the time things are going well, and since I'm not in country anymore, but now here exploring the greater Denver area, life is gravy, even if I am still going it alone for a bit longer.

As far as a Baghdad assignment goes, well, I think you might fit right in with some of the folks I had to sit across the table from, or beside. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> In a target rich environment like Baghdad, with all those ex-pats getting shot at and blown up, you're sure to find plenty of clientele. I know of at least a couple guys that got blown up, lived to tell about it, but incurred long term disabilities that they haven't filed a claim for yet.

Of course, it's never that simple, is it?

I have been in several real survival situations. Luckily it was always while properly equipped. I have carried a backpack whenever in the woods for decades now and will always do so. Having the right equipment and more importantly how to use it all is paramount. The last time I had to spend an unintended night out was when snowmobiling here in Montana. I and two others were back near Carpp Ridge next to the Pintler Wilderness area of SW Montana when my machine went "chi-chi's arriba"........I was not going to leave my sled out there, and had enough gear so I told my friends to come back in the morning with the equipment I needed to get going and they left. I spent the night under a large spruce in relative comfort. I had food, water, and my Wiggy's -20F bag with me, so I just relaxed and waited for them to come back the next day. Being prepared prevents survival situations! JB