Can you survive?

[Smokin' Chopper]

I decided I’d experiment with an idea here, mainly directed toward the participation of non-hunters and vegetarians. This isn’t designed to single anyone out, make you look foolish or anything like that, but rather to satisfy curiosity really.

There have been many topics in here related to hunting, different eating habits and survival techniques so I came up with this idea to see who would be willing to sink their minds into the scenario and truly think about what you, the reader, would do in this particular situation. Its written as a first person story, and almost a “worst case scenario” type situation. This is open to anyone, and though I know there will be several smart ass remarks, I’m mainly wanting to see who will take it as a mental challenge and participate accordingly.

Anything in Bold type is a question directed at you the reader. I basically put it there in hopes you will try to answer the question in your response.

Anything encased in ( parenthesis ) is merely a description of a picture or perhaps factual information merely to enhance any learning you might get from this. Feel free to comment in your response on these too if you like.

The objective of this mental exercise is simply survival. Your hints are embedded within the story. Now this is somewhat biased in the fact I’m assuming you the participant is of relative health, and reasonably fit and/or in shape. Also if you have eyeglasses or contact lenses, you do not have them in this scenario. Why? Again, worst case scenario here. Just do your best.

The question is, can you survive, in a mountainous terrain with absolutely nothing?

If you require medication of some sort to sustain your life…. You’re hosed.

No clothes… that’s right you’re completely naked in this situation.

No one is with you, you’re all alone.

No phones, no GPS, no survival tools, pocket knives, etc. I don’t really care how many objects you can stuff in your ass to take with you in case of such emergency, you have absolutely nothing.

How did you get into this situation? Totally irrelevant. Maybe aliens abducted you because you discovered the reason behind the chemtrails and this is where they dumped you off. Maybe you owed the mob, and instead of killing you quickly they took everything you had and dropped you off out here from a helicopter. Whatever the case, HOW you got here, is totally unimportant.

One last note before I present your situation: I happen to live in this particular part of the world I’m laying out for you. I’m an avid hunter, and trained in many forms of survival.

Right now I’m wearing a t-shirt, jeans with a leather belt, work boots and a ball cap. In my pockets are paper and coin currency, a wallet with various business and credit type cards, I.D. etc. And perhaps my most important tool, my CRKT M16-13Z pocket knife.

My chances of survival in this particular situation with all of these is about 85%-90%. Take away everything and my chances are 35%-40%. A drastic difference, and even for someone skilled in this, you’ll quickly find out its no small feat. Even the most skilled would consider this “worst case” and more than likely question their rate of success.

So if you’d like to begin please read on. Thank you for participating and here we go. BTW, in this particular situation its roughly the months of September/October.

________________________________________________

Opening your eyes, it’s a little chilly outdoors here. It appears to be a very mountainous terrain in a temperate climate. No telling how long you were unconscious, but you seem to have absolutely nothing on you, and its difficult to tell if its dusk or dawn. The sky is completely overcast and thunder looms in the distance.

The ground is somewhat moist as if it had been raining. Grass is on occasions sparse revealing many small and sometimes sharp little rocks. (perhaps you know this is called decomposed granite…. Perhaps you don’t.) Mountains surround you and for miles you can see nothing but rolling hills, and trees. The trees in this land are dominantly Pine and Aspen, with several varieties of shrubs and bushes now and then. This would probably be a beautiful location if not for the fact you have no idea where you’re at, and how to get to some sort of civilization.

Walking reveals very little so far, but it does seem to be getting darker. You can see your breath now, and your arms wrapped around you really aren’t doing much to help you out at this point.

Maybe you called out for help, after all, it’s a natural thing to do. The only thing that answered you was your own echo every now and then. No real sounds of birds or anything just yet. The light, drizzling rain now starting to fall might also be slightly obscuring any other sounds. For right now, it makes more sense to try and find some kind of shelter.

The rocks in this general area offer little shading or warmth at all. Sometimes it hurts to take a step because the rocks in this land are often quite sharp.

Granted its said you shouldn’t take refuge under a tree in a storm, but maybe you did. Thunder would be you’re only orchestra for this evening. Its getting a little colder, probably low 50s to high 40s or there about. Not quite cold enough to freeze any water and make snow fortunately, but not very comfortable on naked skin either. (Hypothermia is the leading cause of death in this part of the world in the wilderness. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be below freezing to catch it.) Curling up into a little ball and hoping like hell you wake up back in a warm, safe bed is probably the only thing that can be done at this exact moment. Your stomach rumbles a little, and your mouth is just a little dry, but you can go just a little longer. Maybe it will be easier to figure all of this out when the sun comes back up.

Of the thoughts running through your mind, someone is going to start missing you…. If you’re not from this area, how will anyone know to look for you here? Someone will come to find you. They will come to find you….. Right?

 

[Smokin' Chopper]

Part 2. The next morning.

Maybe you slept like a rock, doubtful though. More than likely you nodded off only every now and then, but kept waking to the sad realization you’re still out here in the middle of nowhere. The little sprinkling of rain is dying down some now. You can start to see a little better.

Though the sky is still very overcast, you can tell its starting to get light out again. Everything is wet, its still rather cold but you can’t see your breath nearly as much. You’re shaking, you have a slight headache now, and maybe your ears are ringing just a little. (if you’re not from this area, your headache is more than likely a bit more noticeable due to altitude.) Making a fire to warm yourself would be a great idea, and maybe you’ve learned somewhere in the course of life you can bang two pieces of flint together to create one. But… where is the flint in this area? If you try to smack these rocks together they mostly just crumble and break.

A few birds call out, but the clouds don’t really seem to break very much. How will you ever tell what direction you need to travel if you can’t see the sky? You’re a bit thirsty, and with no Starbuck’s in sight, you might have to settle for something a little more natural. Oh yeah…. This place is just abundant in water isn’t it?…. You know if this were Alaska, you might have watched a t.v. show on survival and discovered all kinds of lichen, moss and vegetation you can eat to sustain yourself just a little. But this doesn’t seem like what you saw on t.v. The land seems almost void of any berries, lichen, moss, etc. The air is quite a bit more dry in this part of the world. Certainly not desert, but probably somewhere along the chain of the Rocky Mountains of the Western U.S.

If you’re not from this area, no one’s going to be looking for you here.

Those mountains from a distance look like giant rocks, but the ones closest to you reveal they are just huge rock piles. With mounds of jagged, sharp, football sized rocks. Down in the tree line here there are grasses now and then, yellow brown due to the time of year… or maybe it always looks like this.

Your stomach rumbles a little more and at least some water would ward off hunger temporarily. The only critters making any kind of noise at all are birds, and when you get closer, squirrels. In one part of the grass area, you can notice a small worn area, kind of like a path. It appears to head toward more Aspen trees and Pines…. Like it would head anywhere else though right? That’s all that can be seen in this area.



A chilling sound calls out in the morning. Maybe you know this is a bull elk calling out, maybe you don’t. Either way it could be a little alarming if you didn’t know it was in the area. In this location though, its almost difficult to tell exactly where it came from.

It is a realization though that other large mammals may be in the area, and not all large mammals are herbivores either. There could be mountain lions, or bears in the area. Is there any real way of protecting yourself should you have to?

In the distance toward where you are heading, you notice a cluster of fir trees. Doug fir and Blue spruce. Why do these grow in a cluster and is this of any significance to you?

Some areas reveal the ground to be marshy almost as you proceed. Eventually you discover you’re in a dry creek bed. Perhaps you’ve seen one of these before, maybe not. But there are sections and spots of water around. In some areas muddy, some clear little pools and some flowing lightly as a very small stream. Would any one of these be better to drink from than another? Should you worry about any kind of bacteria that could make you sick, or just risk it for now?

Continually looking for a food source, you have yet to find any berries. And these water sources don‘t seem to offer much in the way of fish, much too small. Does that mean bears won’t be a problem in this area?

In this area are signs of chopped Aspen trees. At first you might be very hopeful knowing that man kind has used axes for centuries to cut down trees. But these Aspen are not significantly big around to build much with, and if they were cut down for warmth why not cut down a pine instead? Glancing around, and paying close attention to the ground you notice occasional piles and what can be described as stacks of cut and sectioned Aspens. Perhaps you know what beavers are, and their habits. Perhaps you also know that the mound over there is an old lodge, and by the looks of it, abandoned for several years now. But if not, it’s a curiosity worth looking at.



No planes in the sky to signal, and what could you possibly signal them with? No real edible vegetation in the area… and although the squirrel seems all about gnawing on that pine cone, it doesn’t look very appetizing to you. But who knows, days more of this and you’ll probably try anything. But how cold is it going to get? At least in this dry creek bed there are small shrubs and bushes probably ideal for helping to create a fire. You’ll more than likely have to rub sticks together or something. Do you know a very good way to start a fire with this kind of material? And though the rocks haven’t produced much in the way of good sparks, some of them can possibly be used to make some crude tools capable of cutting apart some wood, and other small tasks.

A shelter is going to be another necessity for a while. Some of these Aspen are brown and easy to push down. Lean one over a low branch of a pine and maybe stack some things up around it to make a decent lean-to. If you didn’t know that… you probably won’t be making it through the week.

_____________________________________________________

So there’s a start for you to think about. I’d like to see a few responses and get some feedback. Just think logically about your situation and what you think you’d do. After hearing some of the comments I’ll write a third and final part for you describing potential altitude apnea and such. Enjoy

SC

 

[VictoryGardener]

I know how to survive in the wild and I have done it many times. I don't hunt, (I fish) and I eat meat, and I have survived with little to no resources, but no clothes? Nothing but skin? Unless you can find immediate shelter or clothing, NOBODY could survive such a desolate place (as you describe)... If the weather was on your side, you might have a sliver of a chance. If you could take that sliver and easily find sustinence with it, you have a bit of a better chance, but not much. But if the weather is against you, and the land is desolate, you won't survive more than a few days.

I take meds. That's the topping on the cake.

Even with strong will, I wouldn't make it more than a week. If I could find clothing, I might make it. If I could track down a river to follow and drink from, and a little food, I could make it.

 

[Pops]

I grew up in an area like the one you suggest.I spent many years hunting in that area, and have had mountain and winter survival training in the military. Even still, to be dropped there naked with no tools or clothing, I don't believe that I could survive more than a few days. If you could find vines to make a bow drill and peel some inner bark off the aspens, you could get a fire going. If you could find the right kind of rock, moderate flintknapping skills could provide you with weapons.Bark clothing,while cumbersome, might keep you from freezing to death. Food will probably have to come from small fish and grubs.

All in all, an interesting experiment, but not one that I would be willing to take, even if I were 30 years younger. With Forest Service lookouts in many areas like this, your best bet is probably a very large fire in a cleared area, and hope for rescue before you froze or starve to death.

 

[VictoryGardener]

right... it really all depends on what time of year the aliens leave you in the woods. (and how close to human life you are)

late fall through early spring and no nearby human life- no chance

 

[inverse]

the no clothes thing makes this incredibly difficult. I would try to head down hill - down the mountains.

 

[Guest]

Okay, I was watching this special on the national geographic channel the other night on skinheads in america. They had a segment on the group called the Keystone State Skinheads (http://www.kss88.com/main.html). They had these flags with black, white, red and a pitbull in the middle & I was like I know I've seen that before then I just opened this thread and there it was Smokin' Chopper 's avatar is their flag in the middle of PA state symbol.

If you go the website go to media section, click photos and there it is. Also the 88 in their web address stands for HH (Heil Hitler)

Check out dudes gallery and click the bubbler

Just thought you all might want to know what type of dude you are taking to.




Smokin' Chopper Avatar

 

[trumie04]

Interesting find ThirdEye.

 

[BrainBoy]

ummm wtf he is right^

 

[NOKUY]

well I believe that i could survive anywhere.

the mountains far better than the city tho.

drop me w/out provisions and I'll calmly "hole up" 'til i figure out whats goin on.

to be dealt the hand you dealt being in a virtual high mtn . desert (afghanistan basicly) would suck compared to most of alaska or canada wilderness....but not a death trap. ...farmers and ranchers are taking care of your needs. (you just gotta take the next step)

sort of on the topic is a notorious alaskan named "wild gene" aka "mayor of hippy cove" cordova alaska.

here are a cpl stories about him taken from a cpl different books:

have just read an incredible story that I believe is worth sharing. It is about a wealthy North American by the name of Gene Rosellini. In the 1960's Gene was a young man described as "a good athlete and a brilliant student". He attended the University of Washington and Seattle University and studied anthropology, history, philosophy and linguistics without collecting a degree. He believed that the pursuit of knowledge needed no external validation and thus a degree held no value for him.

He arrived in Cordova (Alaska) in 1977 and began a remarkable anthropological experiment in which he wanted to find out if it was possible to live independently of modern technology. He became convinced that humans had devolved rather than evolved and to prove this he used only food available in the wilds of Alaska and tools made from native materials with his own hands. Just surviving would be beyond most of us, yet Rosellini also exercised compulsively when he wasn't busy hunting, building or foraging. He did calisthenics, weights and running, often with a load of rocks on his back. He claimed to cover on average 18 miles (29km) per day in the summer months.

In his own words : "I began my adult life with the hypothesis that it would be possible to become a Stone Age native. For over 30 years, I programmed and conditioned myself to this end. In the last ten of it, I would say I realistically experienced the physical, mental and emotional reality of the Stone Age. But to borrow a Buddhist phrase, eventually came a setting, face to face with pure reality. I learned that it is not possible for human beings as we know them to truly live off the land."

Rosellini appeared unphased by the result of his experiment and resolved to become a professional wanderer, a "supertramp". However, in November 1991, he was discovered lying face down in his shack with a knife through his heart. The Coroner determined that the wound was self-inflicted. There was no note and thus no reason given by Rosellini for his actions.

The moral of this tale ? Maybe there isn't one, but let's face it, our modern lives are so physically comfortable (emotional and spiritual comfort are another matter all together), that we have lost touch with the survival ethic, where simply surviving to the next day is the greatest of achievements. Perhaps we have too much time to dwell on our problems and thus we inflate their seriousness when we should be concerned only with survival. Maybe this is what happened to Rosellini after his experiment ended. However, his extraordinary life and death prove that true conviction knows no bounds.




cousin of albert rosellini, immensely popular gov. of wash. state '57-'65

read obsessively, practiced yoga, expert in martial arts.

4.o gpa in hs and college

hundreds of credit hrs w/ no degree


the pursuit of knowledge , was a worthy objective in its own right and needed no external validation.

he was forever experimenting w/ dif. eras ---roman times, the iron age, the bronze age. by the end his life had elements of neolithic.


he appeared to accept the failure of his hypothesis with equanimity. at age 49 he cheerfully announced that he recast his goals and next intended to walk around the world living out of a backpack....

he dined on roots berries and seaweed, hunted game w/ spears and snares, dressed in rags, endured bitter winters...he seemed to relish the hardship

his home above hippy cove was a windowless hovel, built w/ out saw or ax ..he's spend days grinding through a log w/ a sharp stone

 

[genkisan]

Okay, I was watching this special on the national geographic channel the other night on skinheads in america. They had a segment on the group called the Keystone State Skinheads (http://www.kss88.com/main.html). They had these flags with black, white, red and a pitbull in the middle & I was like I know I've seen that before then I just opened this thread and there it was Smokin' Chopper 's avatar is their flag in the middle of PA state symbol.

If you go the website go to media section, click photos and there it is. Also the 88 in their web address stands for HH (Heil Hitler)

Check out dudes gallery and click the bubbler

Just thought you all might want to know what type of dude you are taking to.

Looked at that bubbler pic.......a pipe, a pistol, a collection of Hitler books and what looks like some vintage memorabilia.....wow, wotta nice chap.


Hmmmm....and I thought all good White Power types were anti-drug......funny findin 'em on a cannabis site....

 

[Smokin' Chopper]

As far as my avatar and previous pics go, as I've explained in other threads (old ones even), I'm an amature historian. (Not somekind of supremesist, ask others in here that know me.) Posted much other factual information along such lines as well.

How about back on topic?

I've given one massive clue within the storyline, to assist those who have the skills, and yes probably courage to attempt it. And like I said, even with the training I've had, my chances are 35% to 40%. Our clothing really does make a difference, and it also makes people think. "Take nothing for granted" is an old saying that comes to mind.

I'd also like to mention "baiting" as a means to acquire what one needs in the wilderness. I suspect very few, even hunters, will know specifically what I'm referring to by this, but curiousity makes me ask anyway.

As I've mentioned, all the clues one would need to survive are written in the story above. Just want to see if anyone mentions the thought of it.

SC

 

[NOKUY]

alaskan bear bait is dog food mixed w/ bacon grease.

 

[gmb]

Depends....

You think I'd get cell phone reception out there?

 

[Guest]

As far as my avatar and previous pics go, as I've explained in other threads (old ones even), I'm an amature historian. (Not somekind of supremesist, ask others in here that know me.) Posted much other factual information along such lines as well.
SC

Amature historian??????...LOL........Are you or are you not a member of the Keystone State Skinheads? If not why are you flying their colors bro?

You're avatar is clearly the symbol of the Keystone State Skinheads not the Keystone State Historical Society.

And I went through your posts.....hardly any them are about cannabis and none of them are about growing....mostly about guns & survival........just because you don't spread your hate around because you know you'd be banned doesn't mean you're not a supremesist.

people around here "know" you.....i doubt it.......nobody "knows" anyone

This is no place for racists and honestly that's what I think you are!




Smokin' Chopper Avatar


Image off Keystone State Skinhead's website

 

[smellthefunk420]

no doubt

 

[Pops]

Since he hasn't spread any racist hatred,let's give the man the benefit of the doubt and stick to the topic at hand. I could put up an avatar of a giant penis, but that wouldn't mean that I have one. Verite has an avatar of 2 flies ****ing, but that doesn't mean that he is a fly****er.

 

[Guest]

Since he hasn't spread any racist hatred,let's give the man the benefit of the doubt and stick to the topic at hand. I could put up an avatar of a giant penis, but that wouldn't mean that I have one. Verite has an avatar of 2 flies ****ing, but that doesn't mean that he is a fly****er.

Come on Pops are you serious...I'd expect a little more wisdom from you having read alot of your other posts....as far a I am concerned his avatar represents racist hatred and therefore he is spreading it... just under the radar..... I wish you had seen the NGC program I saw. The organization he is representing in his avatar is a skinhead organization not two ****ing flys....

from their website...

Your logo is cool. May I use it?
No you may not. It is for members only. Variations of the pit-bull face are fairly common and used all over, but our logo is special to us only. We ask that you respect this.

Now post all you want I'm done



Smokin' Chopper Avatar


Image off Keystone State Skinhead's website

 

[Guest]

There is no place for skinheads here, i think his avatar is a violation of the TOU.
He does express his racism through his avatar.
A good skinhead is a dead skinhead and i fight every single one i meet.
FUC K SKINHEADS

EDIT ironic but true, last fight with a skin started over smoking MJ in the street at night. These people don't support our agenda, and i sure as hell hope we don't support theirs. Having a skinhead organisation avatar and not being a supremacist doesn't mix, i think we can all see that.

 

[DrHydro]

Dumb shit....