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SURVIVAL, I suspect you'll either read this chapter in desperation or for general entertainment. But either way, don't expect it to turn you into Robinson Crusoe. My belief is that it's pretty darn hard to be stranded for much more than a couple of days in the contiguous 48. However, that's not an excuse to go unprepared. Figure you may have to tough it out for a week or so. Beyond that, you've most likely ventured off legal trails and deserve to sweat a little. I obviously don't endorse that. My kind of survival is more a state of mind rather than training and resources. There was a day when I went prepared for all eventualities, or so I thought. I carried a full gasket set, spare starter, pistons and parts beyond imagination and 50 pounds of rice. On one occasion a broken crank, and on another, a cracked suspension component, drove home the fact that you can't be prepared for everything. To be fully equipped for every eventuality means staying home! Five basics will go a long way toward survival. FIVE BASIC RULES 1) Stay calm. 2) Carry and drink water. 3) Stay with your transportation. 4) Stay on the roads. 5) Signal for help. Our state of mind is our most significant survival obstacle. Panic, fear, terror, hysteria and anxiety all work against us. They interfere with clear thinking. The better prepared we are, the calmer we will be. Preparation builds confidence, which results in calmness. Calmness produces better problem solving. Problem solving "brings 'em back alive" every time! At it's worst, a calm confident attitude lets you patiently wait until help arrives. Go prepared and keep a level head. |