Why?

Heh...I've been asked that question many times. My response has always been:

"It's better to have the skills and not need them, than to need the skills and not have them."

The same quote is used when explaining why I carry so much stuff.

Personally, I got hooked on it after my SERE course. I realized that these were skills that could save my life. As in, "Learn this stuff and have stories to tell at the bar. Ignore this stuff, and they'll talk about you at your wake."

Granted, time has gone by. Those who know me laugh outloud at the thought of me 'roughing it'. These days, outdoors is where the car lives, not me. But still...I know how to survive *if*...and that's a big *IF*...I ever need to.