Well we have been experiencing some unusually warm weather in Iowa these days. I have been complaining about it. However I have now decided the best thing to do is make use of the good weather while it is here. How can you use the good weather to prep more? I know my garden has hung around longer than I exected and I will be harvesting some cuccumbers and squash soon. I am wondering if my tomatoes will ever turn red. May need to make fried green tomatoes. Oh and my chard which had formally been lace has now started to get past the bugs and is green luscious and yummy.
I know other people who are working away to get wood piled up and chimneys cleaned. I keep hearing people say that the warm weather now is scary because we may be in for a hard winter. If that is true then we will be happy to have the extra time to prep. So Iowa get out there prep, get some outdoor time and just be glad we have a little extra time before the snow flys.
Happy Autumn,,,,,
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Showing posts with label Iowa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iowa. Show all posts
Friday, October 14, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Floods and Gardening
I am new to gardening. I have a tiny veggie garden with 22 plants in all. It has been a great first experience. I was complaining to myself that I picked an awkward place to plant as it is on a slope. As it turns out Iowa is being saturated with rain lately. There is flooding all over the place. Our Bushcraft 101 class was cancelled because the instructor is a Fireman with a specialization in water rescues and was needed close to home to help in the flooding. I always joke that where I am at we don't flood. Well the ground saturation finally caught up to us. Everything was waterlogged. I could not mow the lawn because of the standing water. My back yard was a pond. I know a few friends whose veggie gardens were suffering due to the over abundance of water. Yet to my surprise my garden is doing awesome. It is on a slope so the water has not built up. It is getting plenty of water but not being saturated so everything is thriving. I put up a grate and trained my beans. The cucuumbers and squash has blossoms. The most exciting part is that I have a tomato growing. I was so happy. The first veggie I have ever grown. I don't really like tomatos but figure I would do one tomato plant for the experience and to make some pasta sauce. The sense of accomplishment was immense. So now I am thankful I planted where I did. I also know in the future to consider this possibilty when planting gardens in other locations.
I hope all the Iowans are doing well and that the water is receding. Wondering if the Corn will be "Knee high by the fourth of July" or if it will suffering from the water.
Blessings and keep on prepping...
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I hope all the Iowans are doing well and that the water is receding. Wondering if the Corn will be "Knee high by the fourth of July" or if it will suffering from the water.
Blessings and keep on prepping...
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Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Installment Eight in Rowan's Journey
As they pulled into the Sherman’s yard Rowan was impressed by the variety of old cars and motorcycles lining the drive. Parked all diagonally it looked more like a drive-in theater than a person’s house. It was a spectacular site to see the different paint colors. That certain color green that they stopped using years ago, clear coat long since flaked away. There were also a handful of bikes and to Joshua’s delight even a horse. Rowan could not believe that someone had actually ridden a horse to the “neighborhood watch” meeting. There it was though, tied to a post licking at a bucket of water and panting like it had just ran the Kentucky Derby. The horse was the brown and white that Pintos are known for. Rowan chuckled a little as she realized it was standing not twenty feet from an old Pinto car, blaze orange with rust colored flecks lining the wheel wells. She shook her head as she thought how different things can get in a day. Rowan drew in a deep breath and released it making a sigh noise that spoke volumes to her mental state and desire to find something good out of all of this.
There was a lot of commotion as they entered the large dining room. It was an older Victorian house that had sliding doors separating the dining room and formal living room area. The large Mahogany doors were pushed as far apart as they could be. They smelled of Old English and shined a bit too much for the circumstances. Rowan knew that Mrs. Sherman was most likely up all night working to make her home “presentable”. They were a lovely couple, married almost 40 years now. They were high School sweethearts that never fell out of love. They took great pride in their home and the fact that they raised four strong healthy boys to be good men. Rowan knew their first names but everyone just called them Mr. & Mrs. Sherman. The lovers even called each other that. As that thought crossed through her mind she heard Mrs. Sherman say, “Mr. Sherman get Rowan a chair to sit in she looks tired.” To which the man replied, “Yes Mrs. Sherman right away.” “Would you like a cup of tea dear? We have Earl Grey?” Mrs. Sherman was handing Rowan the cup before she could even answer the question. Rowan sank a little into the feeling of comfort that overcame her. These were real neighbors, coming together in a time of hardship, still being generous and kind. Everyone was shaking hands, hugging, and offering words of welcoming to each other. There must have been over twenty five people there all crowded into that double room. Chairs of all sizes, shapes, and colors all lined as neatly up as possible.
Rowan spotted Mac in the corner, reading from some handwritten list. They made eye contact and smiled. Mac silently mouthed the word, “Wade?” and raised an eyebrow. Rowan shrugged her shoulders shaking her head “no”. Mac gave a chirper wink and mouthed, “he’ll show.” Judging by the people who kept talking to him, Mac had obviously taken on a leadership roll. Him and Mr. Sherman conferred on something and seemed to agree. Mac stood up and in a voice Rowan had not heard in years said, “Folks let’s get this meeting started. We have a few things to discuss. As you know the Drieffer boys went in to City Hall Yesterday. They found out what they could and brought back a list of items the Mayor would like us all to report to them.” There was a lot of snorting and grumbling and a few comments made about fascism and martial law. Mac quickly took charge and said, “Now listen up. They have not issued martial law yet, but they will. The items they are asking to be reported are working radios, solar generators, vehicles that run, any deaths that occur, and any radiation detectors.” Gasped brought silence to the room as Mac continued, “As I said they have not declared martial law yet so they are just asking us to report these items. It is up to you to decide if you will or won’t. They are reporting that it indeed was nukes set off above the U.S. that caused the EMP, which knocked out the majority of electronics. They do not believe there is any danger from radiation but they would like the equipment to keep an eye on it just in case. They have two, but with a town this size that won’t help much. By the door there are booklets listing things you can do to help avoid radiation sickness in an event of a Nuke strike. Now this was not an actual Nuke strike, so you most likely won’t need them, but take one home and read it regardless. Be prepared. The Drieffer boys will go in again next week to check in again.” Miss Tarcon jumped up and cried a little as she asked, “Next week?” Mac smiled and shook his head. As calmly as he could he said, “I am sorry folks, it looks like this is gonna be a long haul for us. But we will get through this. There are fifteen farms and houses in this area of town. We are all good neighbors, if we work together we will get through and life will get back to normal eventually. Until then we must work together, support each other, and protect our homes. Mr. Sherman and I have been putting together some thoughts on how to run things within our neighborhood. We have a lot to discuss so let’s go through the list one at a time.” Mac seemed refreshed in his roll as Chief of the neighborhood watch group. Rowan was astonished at how so readily everyone let him and Mr. Sherman run the show. Mac had an air about him that had been missing since his wife died. It seemed as though he had a purpose and a job outside of his house and Molly. People needed him and Rowan could see in his eyes that he was up for it. Mac started out, “First off let’s talk about security....."
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There was a lot of commotion as they entered the large dining room. It was an older Victorian house that had sliding doors separating the dining room and formal living room area. The large Mahogany doors were pushed as far apart as they could be. They smelled of Old English and shined a bit too much for the circumstances. Rowan knew that Mrs. Sherman was most likely up all night working to make her home “presentable”. They were a lovely couple, married almost 40 years now. They were high School sweethearts that never fell out of love. They took great pride in their home and the fact that they raised four strong healthy boys to be good men. Rowan knew their first names but everyone just called them Mr. & Mrs. Sherman. The lovers even called each other that. As that thought crossed through her mind she heard Mrs. Sherman say, “Mr. Sherman get Rowan a chair to sit in she looks tired.” To which the man replied, “Yes Mrs. Sherman right away.” “Would you like a cup of tea dear? We have Earl Grey?” Mrs. Sherman was handing Rowan the cup before she could even answer the question. Rowan sank a little into the feeling of comfort that overcame her. These were real neighbors, coming together in a time of hardship, still being generous and kind. Everyone was shaking hands, hugging, and offering words of welcoming to each other. There must have been over twenty five people there all crowded into that double room. Chairs of all sizes, shapes, and colors all lined as neatly up as possible.
Rowan spotted Mac in the corner, reading from some handwritten list. They made eye contact and smiled. Mac silently mouthed the word, “Wade?” and raised an eyebrow. Rowan shrugged her shoulders shaking her head “no”. Mac gave a chirper wink and mouthed, “he’ll show.” Judging by the people who kept talking to him, Mac had obviously taken on a leadership roll. Him and Mr. Sherman conferred on something and seemed to agree. Mac stood up and in a voice Rowan had not heard in years said, “Folks let’s get this meeting started. We have a few things to discuss. As you know the Drieffer boys went in to City Hall Yesterday. They found out what they could and brought back a list of items the Mayor would like us all to report to them.” There was a lot of snorting and grumbling and a few comments made about fascism and martial law. Mac quickly took charge and said, “Now listen up. They have not issued martial law yet, but they will. The items they are asking to be reported are working radios, solar generators, vehicles that run, any deaths that occur, and any radiation detectors.” Gasped brought silence to the room as Mac continued, “As I said they have not declared martial law yet so they are just asking us to report these items. It is up to you to decide if you will or won’t. They are reporting that it indeed was nukes set off above the U.S. that caused the EMP, which knocked out the majority of electronics. They do not believe there is any danger from radiation but they would like the equipment to keep an eye on it just in case. They have two, but with a town this size that won’t help much. By the door there are booklets listing things you can do to help avoid radiation sickness in an event of a Nuke strike. Now this was not an actual Nuke strike, so you most likely won’t need them, but take one home and read it regardless. Be prepared. The Drieffer boys will go in again next week to check in again.” Miss Tarcon jumped up and cried a little as she asked, “Next week?” Mac smiled and shook his head. As calmly as he could he said, “I am sorry folks, it looks like this is gonna be a long haul for us. But we will get through this. There are fifteen farms and houses in this area of town. We are all good neighbors, if we work together we will get through and life will get back to normal eventually. Until then we must work together, support each other, and protect our homes. Mr. Sherman and I have been putting together some thoughts on how to run things within our neighborhood. We have a lot to discuss so let’s go through the list one at a time.” Mac seemed refreshed in his roll as Chief of the neighborhood watch group. Rowan was astonished at how so readily everyone let him and Mr. Sherman run the show. Mac had an air about him that had been missing since his wife died. It seemed as though he had a purpose and a job outside of his house and Molly. People needed him and Rowan could see in his eyes that he was up for it. Mac started out, “First off let’s talk about security....."
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Monday, May 30, 2011
Camping this weekend
I got to go camping at a beautiful spot in Iowa. Most people will tell you there is no places to "back country camp" or primitive camp in Iowa. We all believe the camp grounds are the only option. This weekend I went up to Chain of Lakes Wildlife Management area. Part of the area is County ran and part is State Run. The State run portions can be camped with out a camp site with the philosophy of "leave no trace". We set up camp in a stand of timber. Very sweet spot. We were bushcrafting it so we had tarp set ups no tents. The place had ample dead fall to use as fire wood. It was mostly smalled stuff though. We had pine needle tea, that was yummy. Yesterday morning we got hit with the storm. I heard later that a woman was killed at Lake Macbride camp ground from the high winds. I heard this through a friend but have not read the news yet. The storm was intense but we weathered it and broke camp in the wind.
It was a beautiful place by Palo, Iowa. We only saw one other person while we were there. We saw a couple of deer. In fact one came into camp early in the morning and woke us with grunting noises. We heard coyote, fox, and many many birds. Over all a great time. I almost got an ember using a bow drill but not completely so I lit the fire with natural tinder and a fire steel. Blessings to the family of the lady who lost her life.
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It was a beautiful place by Palo, Iowa. We only saw one other person while we were there. We saw a couple of deer. In fact one came into camp early in the morning and woke us with grunting noises. We heard coyote, fox, and many many birds. Over all a great time. I almost got an ember using a bow drill but not completely so I lit the fire with natural tinder and a fire steel. Blessings to the family of the lady who lost her life.
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Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Arkansas
I was sad to hear about the tornadoes in Arkansas this morning. My prayers are with the people who are still missing and those who have lost loved ones. I am also keeping in my heart those that are starting to search, clean up and rebuild.
It seems like we have had some weird weather this year. Or at least we have had some intense high profile storms, like the one that tore up the St. Louis Airport. Those of us living in the midwest know how devastating and frightnening storms can be. We had a severe storm last week that brought huge hail stones. I have a bucket full of hail in my freezer. What can we do to be prepared for such an event?
First off it is a good idea to talk with everyone in your household and discuss a plan of action. Better yet run a drill or two practicing these plans. When I used to work at a residential fascility we had quarterly drills. We would have pretend fires and go through the process of getting everyone out and checking all of the rooms. Now this was in California so we did not do tornado drills but we did have earthquake and fire drills. Also we were down stream (in the flood plane) of a dam. Yes we had "Dam Break" drills. We would get everyone out and on the buses an evacuate to our safe spot. I know drills seem tedious and boring but running drills can save lives. People learn best from repetition. If you practice, when and if an event occurs you will react automatically. On 9/11 hundreds of lives were saved because one man insisted that the company (in one of the towers) run practice drills so when the planes hit they were prepared and responded appropriately. Drills and practice can save time and lives. Especially with children practice can help. Not only will it help them follow the plan it will also help them stay calm if they have practiced it before since it won't be totally unfamiliar to them.
Another thing to remember is supplies. I jokingly call myself a "closet prepper". All of my preps go in my bedroom closet. The tornadoes of this last couple of weeks got me to thinking. I don't have supplies stored in the basement. There are two apartments in my basement so I do not really have access to them. I do however have my Bug Out Bag which I can practice grabbing and taking down stairs with me. I remember tornado warnings when I lived in Waterloo Iowa. Most of the time no one wanted to go downstairs and we would have to gather together supplies before we did anyway. With my new mindset this seems outrageous. Tornadoes and other disasters don't wait for you to find the flashlight. If possible have some things stores in your tornado safe area. Know where your tornado safe area is. If you do not have a basement you want to be in an interior room with no windows. Stay away from window and other breakable things. A bathtub can also help in a pinch.
Do some research about what disasters can strike in your area. Are there power plants near you? Dams? Flood Zones? Earthquakes? Tornados? Hurricanes and Tsunamis? Know your area. A little research can go a long way. Fires can happen anywhere so be prepared for that as well. It is helpful to know where the local police stattions, hospitals, and fire stations are. That may seem like a silly questions but you would be surprised how many people do not know where the nearest fire station is. Do you?
In review
1. Know your areas
2. Have plans in place
3. Have supplies ready and stored near your safe place or ready to go
4. Practice the plans regularly, run drills don't just talk.
5. Always remain calm and act instead of react.
Thank you for reading and good luck to you if your ever find yourself in an emergency situation. Blessings, FreedomFox
------------------------------------------
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It seems like we have had some weird weather this year. Or at least we have had some intense high profile storms, like the one that tore up the St. Louis Airport. Those of us living in the midwest know how devastating and frightnening storms can be. We had a severe storm last week that brought huge hail stones. I have a bucket full of hail in my freezer. What can we do to be prepared for such an event?
First off it is a good idea to talk with everyone in your household and discuss a plan of action. Better yet run a drill or two practicing these plans. When I used to work at a residential fascility we had quarterly drills. We would have pretend fires and go through the process of getting everyone out and checking all of the rooms. Now this was in California so we did not do tornado drills but we did have earthquake and fire drills. Also we were down stream (in the flood plane) of a dam. Yes we had "Dam Break" drills. We would get everyone out and on the buses an evacuate to our safe spot. I know drills seem tedious and boring but running drills can save lives. People learn best from repetition. If you practice, when and if an event occurs you will react automatically. On 9/11 hundreds of lives were saved because one man insisted that the company (in one of the towers) run practice drills so when the planes hit they were prepared and responded appropriately. Drills and practice can save time and lives. Especially with children practice can help. Not only will it help them follow the plan it will also help them stay calm if they have practiced it before since it won't be totally unfamiliar to them.
Another thing to remember is supplies. I jokingly call myself a "closet prepper". All of my preps go in my bedroom closet. The tornadoes of this last couple of weeks got me to thinking. I don't have supplies stored in the basement. There are two apartments in my basement so I do not really have access to them. I do however have my Bug Out Bag which I can practice grabbing and taking down stairs with me. I remember tornado warnings when I lived in Waterloo Iowa. Most of the time no one wanted to go downstairs and we would have to gather together supplies before we did anyway. With my new mindset this seems outrageous. Tornadoes and other disasters don't wait for you to find the flashlight. If possible have some things stores in your tornado safe area. Know where your tornado safe area is. If you do not have a basement you want to be in an interior room with no windows. Stay away from window and other breakable things. A bathtub can also help in a pinch.
Do some research about what disasters can strike in your area. Are there power plants near you? Dams? Flood Zones? Earthquakes? Tornados? Hurricanes and Tsunamis? Know your area. A little research can go a long way. Fires can happen anywhere so be prepared for that as well. It is helpful to know where the local police stattions, hospitals, and fire stations are. That may seem like a silly questions but you would be surprised how many people do not know where the nearest fire station is. Do you?
In review
1. Know your areas
2. Have plans in place
3. Have supplies ready and stored near your safe place or ready to go
4. Practice the plans regularly, run drills don't just talk.
5. Always remain calm and act instead of react.
Thank you for reading and good luck to you if your ever find yourself in an emergency situation. Blessings, FreedomFox
------------------------------------------
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Thursday, April 7, 2011
Practicing Skills
I have been working on my Bushcraft skills as you all know. I had the opportunity this weekend to get out and practice some stuff. I went camping with some friends in Vinton Iowa. It was a great 140 acres camp ground right on the river. We had a group of teenagers and a couple of good teachers helping us out. I got there late, just as the sun was going down. I got my tarp set up (with help from some of those awesome teachers) and was ready for the night. In the morning one corner of my tarp came loose and was whiping around like crazy. The wind had picked up a lot and we had gusts up to 45 mph. Lesson learned there is never assume the wind/ weather will stay the say all night. Take the extra time to secure your tent or tarp tightly.
In the morning I got the chance to practice some fire starting techniques. You should practice starting a fire at least five different ways. We also practice using 5 different man made tinders (jute twine, cotton ball, dryer lent etc) and five different natural tinders (dried grass, cat tails, dry leaves etc). On this occassion I practiced the bow drill method. I was not successful but I was starting to get the hang of it and get smoke. I also tried the fire steel method. I did get that one going.
Things to remember.......Practice- Just because you have it in your kit or bag does not mean you will be able to use it if and when the time arrives. It is important to get out there and try things out. Try out your pack. Test drive your GOOD route, and practice purifying water. The time to try and fail is before you really need it. That way you become comfortable with it. Have back ups- In Bushcraft I love the saying "One is none and two is one". Don't just have one way of starting a fire, have a few. Have a couple of different methods of purifying water available (even if it is just the knowledge in your head). Remain Calm-- No matter what you are doing it will go much more smoothly if you stay calm. This will help you think and allows you to flow with the situation more easily.
Here was my tarp set up
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Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Iowa Weather
Well slap my knee and call me pink Iowa, It's snowing. Yet again I woke up to snow blanketing the yard. It snowed Friday while I was in Des Moines and now it is snowing here two hours East. I am trying to recall if it is normal to have snow this late in the season. Being Iowa I am sure it is, but for some reason it is not sitting with me well. The weather report says it will be 46 degrees today so the snow will not linger long. I am getting nervous for my campout this weekend. Two weekends ago I drove 8 hours, hiked to miles to camp in Southern Illinois on The Trail of Tears down by the Shawnee National Forest. It was beautiful. This coming weekend I will kick off my camping/ hiking tour of Iowa. Let's see how the experience holds up. We had thunder and lightning and I slept in a tarp set up (no tent. Yeah I am a Bushcrafter). It will be interesting to see what the Iowa weather does this weekend. The forecast looks good, but then it does change it's mind moment by moment. When I first moved to Iowa I was told repeatedly, "If you don't like the weather in Iowa wait five minutes." I suppose it is nature's way of making sure all of the new growth has plenty of moisture to start us into Spring.
This is the first year that we are attempting a garden at my house. We have our seeds planted and they are starting to sprout. What a rush, right? We brought them in because of the weather last week. Looks like they will be stuck inside with us for a while. This is one thing to consider when prepping in Iowa. If your life depends on your garden, timing will be important for planting. Looks like I have a lot of learning to do. Gardening is not as easy as it looks on Youtube. :)
Well enjoy the white stuff today Iowa. Hopefully we won't see too much of it the rest of this season. I have the "Hiking Iowa Guide" which is going to be my starting point for hiking and backcountry camping in Iowa. If any of you Iowans know of some great spots to hike/ primitive camp give me a shout. I would love to explore this amazing state. I know we have more than corn fields here, can't wait to prove that fact.
Stay warm and Keep prepping, FreedomFox
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This is the first year that we are attempting a garden at my house. We have our seeds planted and they are starting to sprout. What a rush, right? We brought them in because of the weather last week. Looks like they will be stuck inside with us for a while. This is one thing to consider when prepping in Iowa. If your life depends on your garden, timing will be important for planting. Looks like I have a lot of learning to do. Gardening is not as easy as it looks on Youtube. :)
Well enjoy the white stuff today Iowa. Hopefully we won't see too much of it the rest of this season. I have the "Hiking Iowa Guide" which is going to be my starting point for hiking and backcountry camping in Iowa. If any of you Iowans know of some great spots to hike/ primitive camp give me a shout. I would love to explore this amazing state. I know we have more than corn fields here, can't wait to prove that fact.
Stay warm and Keep prepping, FreedomFox
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Sunday, January 30, 2011
Winter Storm Coming
It appears that we are expecting a large winter storm that will affect a large area. The weather channel is reporting that this storm could affect a million people. See the link below. I checked the weather report for SE Iowa and it seems like we will be getting snow Monday and Tuesday. The temps should warm up in Time for our winter overnight in Sigounery Iowa February 5th. With more snow rolling in Sunday afternoon on the 6th. Seems like we are being given a window of opportunity for our campout. That is way cool. Also it looks like the midwest will get hit with the storm, but check the weather report for your local area as SE Iowa often has less severe weather than Northern Iowa.
Also I will be posting the second installment of the Fiction series soon. So check back to find out what Rowan does next.........
Stay warm Iowa, Freedomfox
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Also I will be posting the second installment of the Fiction series soon. So check back to find out what Rowan does next.........
Stay warm Iowa, Freedomfox
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Saturday, January 15, 2011
Upcoming Fiction Series
Hello All....I wanted to let you know that I am starting a series on the blog. It is the story of Rowan (an Iowan) who goes through a SHTF scenario. In a couple of days I will post the first installment. After that twice a month I will post a new/ next installmant. Keep checking back for more of the story. I will also continue to post on the blog other cool stuff relating to preparedness, survival, and Iowa. Thank you all....I am looking forward to this. FreedomFox
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Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Hiking Iowa
“Let’s go hiking in Iowa.” “Really where?” That’s the reaction most people have to the suggestion they might enjoy walking around our presumably flat state. Their impression of Iowa is one founded on underestimation of its landscape. Taught to judge scenic beauty by the grandeur and enormity of landforms, they have no gauge to measure the subtle beauty of Iowa.
That is how Elizabeth Corcoran Hill starts out her book “Hiking Iowa: A guide to Iowa’s greatest hiking adventures.” The truth of the statement still rings in my ears. I was born and raised in San Diego California. When I moved to Iowa I was in mid-twenties. At first I was out of place. After a year of living here I had gone “Home” for a visit. I could not wait to get back. As I flew in to Iowa I remember saying, “My God it is beautiful.” I felt glad to be home.
One of the things I have been getting into recently is Bushcraft. I originally started because I wanted to improve my skill set and practice my survival skills. According to Wikipedia, “Bushcraft is about surviving and thriving in the natural environment, and the acquisition of ancient skills and knowledge to do so. Bushcraft skills include; firecraft, tracking, hunting, shelter building, the use of tools such as knives and axes, foraging, hand-carving wood, container construction from natural materials, rope and twine-making, and many others. These are the kinds of skills well known to our ancient predecessors, many of which are still practiced today as an everyday skill amongst aboriginal and native peoples around the world.” In looking for information on Bushcrfat I came across the Midwest School Of Bushcraft. http://www.midwestschoolofbushcraft.com/
Part of what I was looking into is where in Iowa to practice these skills. In my area if you want to camp you pay $11 and park it at the local county park next to 30 other campsites. I had heard about the Hiking Iowa book a while back. I got a copy for Christmas. It is a very well done book and breaks hiking spots down in a few different ways. One of the Exciting things the book talks about is what Hill calls “Back Country” camping. Terry Barney the instructor for the Midwest School of Bushcraft likes to take groups to the Loess Hills and Stephens State Forest. Hill points out that Iowa has “seventy state parks and four major forests.” Iowa’s landscape changes depending on where you are in the state. It occurred to me that it would be beneficial to learn more about the variety of resources Iowa has to offer.
My suggestion to readers is to start learning some Bushcraft skills and to also start getting to know the terrain. The first key to survival is mindset, the second key is practice. Don’t wait until SHTF to try and learn how to start a fire. Now is the time to start learning and practicing skills. Not only that but it is fun. I never thought I would be excited to be “in the Bush” but I can’t wait to get out there.
Thank you, FreedomFox
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That is how Elizabeth Corcoran Hill starts out her book “Hiking Iowa: A guide to Iowa’s greatest hiking adventures.” The truth of the statement still rings in my ears. I was born and raised in San Diego California. When I moved to Iowa I was in mid-twenties. At first I was out of place. After a year of living here I had gone “Home” for a visit. I could not wait to get back. As I flew in to Iowa I remember saying, “My God it is beautiful.” I felt glad to be home.
One of the things I have been getting into recently is Bushcraft. I originally started because I wanted to improve my skill set and practice my survival skills. According to Wikipedia, “Bushcraft is about surviving and thriving in the natural environment, and the acquisition of ancient skills and knowledge to do so. Bushcraft skills include; firecraft, tracking, hunting, shelter building, the use of tools such as knives and axes, foraging, hand-carving wood, container construction from natural materials, rope and twine-making, and many others. These are the kinds of skills well known to our ancient predecessors, many of which are still practiced today as an everyday skill amongst aboriginal and native peoples around the world.” In looking for information on Bushcrfat I came across the Midwest School Of Bushcraft. http://www.midwestschoolofbushcraft.com/
Part of what I was looking into is where in Iowa to practice these skills. In my area if you want to camp you pay $11 and park it at the local county park next to 30 other campsites. I had heard about the Hiking Iowa book a while back. I got a copy for Christmas. It is a very well done book and breaks hiking spots down in a few different ways. One of the Exciting things the book talks about is what Hill calls “Back Country” camping. Terry Barney the instructor for the Midwest School of Bushcraft likes to take groups to the Loess Hills and Stephens State Forest. Hill points out that Iowa has “seventy state parks and four major forests.” Iowa’s landscape changes depending on where you are in the state. It occurred to me that it would be beneficial to learn more about the variety of resources Iowa has to offer.
My suggestion to readers is to start learning some Bushcraft skills and to also start getting to know the terrain. The first key to survival is mindset, the second key is practice. Don’t wait until SHTF to try and learn how to start a fire. Now is the time to start learning and practicing skills. Not only that but it is fun. I never thought I would be excited to be “in the Bush” but I can’t wait to get out there.
Thank you, FreedomFox
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Sunday, December 12, 2010
Bushcraft Training in Iowa
Hello in Iowa.....well it looks like the Iowa Winter has finally made it to us. Just in time for the Holidays. Keep warm and keep safe everyone.
By Tabathaw1
I wanted to tell you about a great Iowa resource. The Midwest School of Bushcraft lead by "A former Air Force Survival Instructor." Terry Barney (a.k.a IAWoodsman) has an extensive background in Survival and training. His Bushcraft 101 training has met with rave reviews. He offers them a couple of times a year. He also offers advanced trainings. He has proven to be helpful and responsive. We are going to be setting up some trainings in the SE Iowa area. Let me know if you are interested and we can take into account locations etc. The prices for the Midwest School of Bushcraft are very reasonable. Over all Terry seems to have a heart towards service and helping his fellow man. I think we can say that Terry and his school are a great asset to Iowa. You can also check out his Survival Videos at Youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/iawoodsman?blend=2&ob=1
Check out the Midwest School of Bushcraft at http://www.midwestschoolofbushcraft.com/
I will keep you posted on the training date for this area.....Let me know if you are interested. The class has limited number of spots available so we will want to register early.
Good luck, stay warm.........
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Join the APN Forum at http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/
Visit the Iowa Forum at http://www.iowapreppersnetwork.net/
By Tabathaw1
I wanted to tell you about a great Iowa resource. The Midwest School of Bushcraft lead by "A former Air Force Survival Instructor." Terry Barney (a.k.a IAWoodsman) has an extensive background in Survival and training. His Bushcraft 101 training has met with rave reviews. He offers them a couple of times a year. He also offers advanced trainings. He has proven to be helpful and responsive. We are going to be setting up some trainings in the SE Iowa area. Let me know if you are interested and we can take into account locations etc. The prices for the Midwest School of Bushcraft are very reasonable. Over all Terry seems to have a heart towards service and helping his fellow man. I think we can say that Terry and his school are a great asset to Iowa. You can also check out his Survival Videos at Youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/iawoodsman?blend=2&ob=1
Check out the Midwest School of Bushcraft at http://www.midwestschoolofbushcraft.com/
I will keep you posted on the training date for this area.....Let me know if you are interested. The class has limited number of spots available so we will want to register early.
Good luck, stay warm.........
------------------------------------------
Join the APN Forum at http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/
Visit the Iowa Forum at http://www.iowapreppersnetwork.net/
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