Fire-snow-cooking

Fire, Snow and cooking
Re-Blogging and Linking to two separate articles here. Rogers Blog where he explains how to setup a campfire and a new to Youtuber, a prepper and self reliant buddy of mine who has a done a series of videos to show people how to make a winter shelter and how to build a winter fire. 

This is a skill that anyone who lives in any climate where there is cold and winter should know of. This post will have some of my own info included, some re-blogged info from Roger’s blog along with a re-blogged video series from a ex Canadian Military buddy of mine who lives way out in the flatlands of Canada!

This winter campfire photo was taken in January a couple of years ago. The next photo shows the same fire pit in the summer time.

A great way to build a fire in winter if you have a camping spot for year round use or look for established camping spots along any trail or campground. Remember you do not have to always re-invent the wheel, just keep it simpler and it works.

Same firepit in summer time as the winter shot above.

A blog post by RMACTSC where he explains how to setup a campfire
…. excerpt.. KINDLING is the foundation of any fire. It is made of lightweight materials that are capable of burning quickly and igniting heavier materials. Kindling can be made from a mixture of twigs, tiny sticks, slivers of shaved wood, dried leaves, paper, cardboard, cotton balls, dryer lint, birch bark, dried grass, dried pine needles, etc. You’ll be using small sticks to then form a tepee and get your fire started. …. read more….

http://rmactsc.wordpress.com/2014/01/03/campfire-cooking/

The following link is to the topic of winter fire on the CanAmPreppers.net forum
excerpt … If you are in the bush and had nowhere to make a fire but on the snow, and no rocks were available because they’re all under the snow and ice, what would you do? … read more…
http://canampreppers.net/forum/index.php?topic=1091.0

The new YouTubers in action, building a winter fire and winter shelter heated by fire

Canadian Candle Fire on snow

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5j4M5deU5cC-xt_HYiZgSA/videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-ZZFtEktXE

The next is a series of photos created while I was at Buroak Wilderness Adventures this summer. The owner of the camp a buddy of mine created a stunning all season fireplace/pit. Just look at all the features this cooking camp fire pit has;

• flat rock for use as a warming centre and for putting objects on like the kettle
• lots and I mean lots of hanging hooks all created from hardwood branches
• excellent over the camp stand
• excellent front and back projection areas
• not seen in the photo is a canvas cook’s tent which is close enough to the fire to catch heat from this in the fall/winter/spring making your old bones just a bit more comfortable!

Excellent campfire setup.

This shot shows the ease at which cooking at various heights is accomplished.

Dinner is almost ready, can you not just smell the yummy goodness! Fresh field potatoes, fresh picked corn (non gmo), fresh farm raised free range chicken.

Kinda making me hungry all over again! Plus the smell of freshly brewed coffee all cooked on hard and softwoods.

Remember the old ways, remember this is how Humans have lived for thousands upon thousands of years.

This is one of the reasons your computer screen saver is of the outdoors and not your bosses cubical or office! just saying !

Hopefully these skills will be appeal to you, so get out and learn or get out and practice but above all just get out and have some fun folks!
Until next time Cheers ~wild_E

Come on out to the forums at CanAmPreppers.net where we talk about this stuff and so much more for prepping, self-reliance, homesteading and survival skills.

Sudden News

It is with sad news that I say goodby to an old Army Buddy and friend, a fellow Lover of the wilderness, at home with a paddle in his hand and a fire in his eye.

Please raise a glass of cheer to a special person, how passed 2 days after his Birthday, and a week after one of the best Canoe trips ever to be recorded and shared with everyone in FB  with the Northern Canadian Rangers and Troops along for special training.
Here is to Jim Melsom, a True Soldier, Army Buddy, fellow lover of all things wilderness,
Blessings to you and your family in this time of sudden remembrances, sudden thoughts and sudden emotions.
We were better for knowing you in so many ways Jim, take care as well as to his family !
~Wild_E

.

 sorry needed to add; sad, tired, emotionally tired, physically tired and well wondering why.. why why why..

hug your family

love your family

look up old friends and reconnect

never let anyone get in the way of your dreams

your more important that you think you are, your dreams are your goals

go and get them, now! 

UPDATE:

since found out Jim died doing what he loved, boots on and 4×4 ing..

US Navy Captains Take on Canada

Some Canadianism from an American Sometimes there are little items that are really worth sending on, I think this is one of them..

One American’s View –
David Meadows is a retired US Navy Captain and the author of numerous books and articles on military subjects.This message was on the U.S. Military.Com website. It appears that Mr. Meadows knows one helluva lot more about what our military is doing than most Canadians.

On April 22, 2006 four Canadian soldiers were killed in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb. Respects and heartfelt sadness go to the families of those heroes who stand alongside the U.S. In the Long War half a world away. While we focus on the war in Iraq , the fighting continues in Afghanistan where side-by-side the U.S. and one of its most loyal allies, Canada , engage there-emergence of the Taliban.

Canada is like a close uncle who constantly argues, badgers, and complains about what you are doing, but when help is truly needed, you can’t keep him away: he’s right there alongside you. We have a unique relationship with Canada . We have different political positions on many issues, but our unique friendship has weathered world wars, global crises, and the ever-so-often neighborhood disagreement.Canada has been with us since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism.

In February 2006, without fanfare Canada , leading a multinational force combating growing Taliban insurgency, increased troop strength in Afghanistan to 2,300. With the American military stretched thin against rising instability in both Iraq and Afghanistan , an ally that increases its troop strength is inspiring and deserves our respect.

Katrina was another example of our close family-like relationship. Katrina struck the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005. Two days later, the Vancouver Urban Search and Rescue Team rushed from British Columbia , Canada to Saint Bernard Parish, Louisiana . In this Parish of 68,000 Americans, the first responders were Canadians. Overall, within the devastated Gulf Coast area, it appears Canada was the first responder outside of local efforts. They worked 18-hour days, going door-to-door alongside Louisiana State Troopers, rescuing 119 Americans. While FEMA ramped up to surge into the catastrophe; while the administration and Louisiana fought for the politically correct way to respond; Canadian aid was already at work.The Canadian Forces Joint Task Group 306 consisting of the warships HMCS Athabaska, HMCS Toronto, NSMC Ville de Quebec, and CCGC William Alexander sailed to the Gulf Coast to deliver humanitarian supplies. They stayed,working alongside U.S. Navy and Mexican warships, to provide aid to Katrina victims.Katrina was not an anomaly of our close relationship.

When Hurricane Ivan devastated Pensacola , Florida in October 2004 Canadian humanitarian help was there also. Canadian power trucks roamed the streets and countryside helping restore electricity where Americans had a unique experience of running into workmen who only spoke French. Canada took a lot of undeserved flak for failing to leap into Operation Iraqi Freedom when our administration sent us galloping across the desert. But Canada remains one of our staunchest allies in the war.

When United States military forces were fighting up the highways in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Canada quietly increased troop numbers in Afghanistan and continued Naval operations with U.S. Warships in the Persian Gulf .I was at the Pentagon on 9/11, stationed on the Joint Staff. During the early hours after the attack, the United States closed its air space and ordered every aircraft within our borders to land immediately at the nearest airfield. Canada immediately stood up an Operations Support Post. With civil aviation grounded, aircraft destined for the United States were forced elsewhere. Most landed in Canada .

Re-routed travelers and flight crews were hosted at Canadian Forces facilities in Goose Bay , Gander, and Stephenville , Newfoundland ;Moncton, new Brunswick, Halifax , Shearwater, and Aldershot , Nova Scotia ; Winnipeg , Manitoba ; and Yellowknife , Northwest Territories . Canada rapidly mobilized its forces. Within hours,the Canadian Navy was on alert with ships preparing to cast off immediately for any U.S. Port to help victims of the 9/11 attacks. Canada ‘s Disaster Assistance Response Team prepared to deploy from Trenton , Ontario . Canada dispersed CF-18 fighter aircraft to strategic locations throughout Canada .No politics. No negotiating. No questions. They were just there. Canada would have fought any adversary that approached the United States that day.

Canada has been such an integral partner with the United States in the Global War on Terrorism that on December 7, 2004 when President Bush awarded the Presidential Unit Citation to Commander Joint Force South for combat success in Afghanistan , he was also recognizing the secretive Canadian Joint Task Force 2 commando counter-terrorism unit.The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded 30 Bronze Star medals for heroism in combat to Canadian Forces personnel. Some of those 30 died in action. Many of the others were wounded. These Canadians earned this American medal for heroism fighting alongside Americans. When we recall our own dead heroes, we must remember that these warriors gave their lives not only for Canada , but also for the United States .Canada is more than a neighbor. It is a close family member with the gumption to disagree with its brother to the south but always be there when disaster strikes and America needs help. For that, I salute you, Canada , and extend my respect for the sacrifices given by members of the Canadian Forces. What an awesome Country you are Canada.

(edited to put back in paragraphs, sorry if they are not 100% in the right place)

Picnic spot

My Combat Arms lunch spot

Recent events and Connections have made me very nostalgic lately.
So many memories, so many regrets, so many life changing events.

Find peace where you may, find happiness where you can, enjoy life while there is breath in your lungs and a song in your heart.

To me lunch here is peaceful

Demons

In the last two weeks I have now found out that 5 comrades in arms 5 military brothers have taken their own lives. Some within, this two-week period, some before. This brings the total to over 50+ troops dead, post military actions, dead post Demons in Ottawa letting them down.

Their Demons were from military missions, not that any of us were not good soldiers, we were trained to be the very best of the best soldiers. We were not trained or ready for kids shooting at us, or having to shoot kids, were not trained enough for genocide and abasing cruelty to animals or humans. Lastly we were not ready or trained for the worse part of all, the top brass of the Canadian Military or the Canadian Government lack of compassion and downright refusal to support us, other troops, combat troops, PTSD or any returned troops or their families.

Demons come in the night, sneak into our dreams but other demons come through the front door, arrive in the mail or sit in offices doing accounting. This is what happens when you let bean counters run the country, bean counters run the Veterans Affairs and bean counters run the military!

Demons come in many shapes and forms I wish the Canadian Government and the US Government would support the troops who support them and their countries.

 

On top of all of this bad new, I have been very sick, yesterday I had to go to the Hospital, treatment and pay for meds. If I was on Welfare or a Government flunky, it would have been free meds. Since I choose to walk my own path in this world, it cost me $160 for the meds. All former Military should be entitled to free meds, why not as some shit assed politician or flunky government worker who only works for a short time in the government is given free meds for life, who not the men and women whom serve the country for real and are willing and able to put themselves in harms way to defend this great country.

Pro Patria

Update and Misc post

Sick update

This morning was rough, coughing for 30 min. straight with flem and other things, right through the time I woke till past my shower time. I dressed for work, went to the kitchen but decided to tell them I am taking a sick day. So the big boss sent me to the Medics, not too bad he is ex Military Medic and now a PA (Physicians Assistant, next step is full Doc) so I trust him.

Temp 99.9, so close I asked him if he could do it again, and I would try to raise it that one paltry point to make it an even 100 deg far, so close. He laughed and said, yup your ex military al right!

Medical Thermometer showing temps

So, bed rest for the day, I slept about 8 hrs today and am still feeling tired so not too worried about sleeping tonight. He also gave me some free Tylenol Cold, as the package I bought here cost me $23 – yikers!

Tomorrow is another day, I already feel better, but if I ask for another day off, out I go and I need the money, so suck it up princess, as they say in the military.

Cold Weather Clothing

A person I know posted in the Canadian Preppers site on cold weather clothing, here is my answer to help some others as well;

*They can not wear processed wool,

alternative is Alpaca wool and products,
there is a store near Oshawa/Bowmanville and they say people with processed wool allergies (like myself) can use this product as an alternative.

Polypropylene or Capilene see the sporting goods and hunting sections for these products. Layers, layers, layers. There is a army surplus store out your way, they did the interview with the Canadian Prepper shoot as well, they have the wool overshirts. Damn warm, works awesome, put the polypro underneath with a regular Tshirt etc and you will be very warm.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polypropylene

http://www.rei.com/product/801816/patagonia-capilene-3-long-underwear-bottoms-mens
That way, you take off the heavy coat when working, so you do not overheat, now that is the real problem for most people as they keep the coat on. You work, you heat up, you sweat, then as you cool down the body cools off quickly and the cold causes the sweat to freeze, with the poly/capilleran which is moisture wicking, as well as the wool which is moisture wicking, it helps to protect you from this by pulling the sweat away from the skin. Remember Cotton Kills.

Might also look into Hemp clothing, there are some great Hemp and Bamboo/Hemp combos coming out as well.
Edit – I agree with the Polar Flees as well.

Here is the direct link to the clothing page.

Now I am allergic to processed wool, so I used to wear long sleve Polypro under the wool, it is an unbeatable combination.
http://www.providencesupplies.com/Produ … tegory=113

They are nice folks, he is Ex Cdn Military and they are Preppers.

On this page you will see some links to other countries Wool Pants and Wool Shirts. The best are the Dutch and German ones, unless you can find the Canadian ones, especially the older WWII or Korean War Wool kit.

gc_mountainman posted (he is ex CDN Military as well)

oldschool wrote:I can’t wear wool. Is there anything that will work as well as the wool?

oldschool,

Two thoughts here. If you want to have wool as an option, use a silk or poly-pro set of long sleeve shirt with a long john pant. This should prevent skin to wool contact. I would also recommend a poly-pro liner sock, they wick without absorbing moisture like cotton socks. Then wear a high quality wool sock over them for cushion and warmth.

The other thought was to try Merino wool, it is a very high quality wool from New Zealand if I recall. It has a finer texture, not itchy to the touch. Now, if you have wool allergies, I am not sure what this would do. Worth looking at and researching.

If wool is a total no-go, then I agree with JustABear, use polar fleece. It comes in at least four thicknesses, 100 lightest/thinnest, 200, 300, & 400 thickest/warmest.

Of course, maybe you could use a wool outer layer overtop of a polar fleece middle layer???

Best of luck on your search.

Mountainman.

http://mtnmanblog.blogspot.ca/

Living in Tents and Alternate Structures

Q. How long have you stayed in a tent?

A. What do you want to know about living in a Tent in the Winter?
I have done so in the past on more than one occasion, and will do so again soon.

Lived in Tents,
all told total time or per occurrence?

Experience From Artic Warefare and Artic Survival, pre military including Cadets, military training in the Prairies and Northern Ontario, post military in BC and Mid level Ontario, quite a bit of time. Now to be fare some of the time in the military was in Tents, in Underground Shelters, in Vehicles and in some shell scrapes, under ground sheets and in Bivi Bags, all told, about 2.5 yrs total under tents or ground sheets. Longest stretch was aprox 4 months, though there were some times in Vehicles and trenches as well.

Least comfortable was the time in the hammock and time on the side of the Mountain in the Peranies/Peraneese (sp) Mountain Range in France. In France I had a new sleeping mat and it was slippery, although warm if you stayed on it all night! The Hammock was the get in and it wraps around you type, not the type with the wooden rod top and bottom that keeps the mesh away from your face and makes it easier when you have to get up quickly to pee in the middle of the night 0_o

Now, thinking on it some more, the total might be about 2 yrs higher as I forgot to add in Winter Camping and Spring, Summer and Fall camping both during my time in the Military and Pre Military and post military. Really not 100% sure, but from 3.5-6yrs total??

That also includes the times that I made Debris Hut / Wickup and other related survival shelters, during the summer and winter months.

At wake funeral for my Uncle a WWII Vet

Sad days,

In Cambridge at my Folks getting ready to go to the wake of my Uncle Del.

One of my Favourite Uncles died this afternoon, Uncle Del.

He was a WWII Vet, two weeks to his 91st birthday, and he lived 40+ yrs longer than the Docs told him he would because he had Malaria from being in Africa with the 1st CDN Div., Big Red Patch, as is my recollection of what he told me years ago.

He was a Tank Driver, his tank was hit 4 times by enemy projectiles, and he survived!

England to Africa, Africa to Italy, Italy to Holland, Holland to Canada

What a spirited, funny and good Man he was. He was also part of the CDN forces who stayed behind in Holland after the end of the war for a year to help in rebuilding the Country of Holland from the War Damages.

He will be missed! By Me, and many others,

Love you Uncle Del, take care be at peace, rest.

What I did for Preeping this week 8 April 2011

I did not do much really as still not fully recovered. Writing this actually hurts my shoulder and arm!

Received the Edible Plant Playing Cards; they are a bit smaller than I thought, but the content and colour pics are 10/10

Finished working out the details for two of my bush projects.
1st have now finished making a hay box for the cold season, once I started thinking outside the box.. pun intended it was easy and cheap to boot. Will post pics soon.

2nd Finished working out the details for a portable Rocket Stove. Simple design and light. I will also take some flat fire bricks to line the bottom of the stove, so the metal will not melt and hopefully it will transmit the heat better. pics soon as well
b. I have also thought about making it a light porty that I can add in material on site to give it more thermal mass so it retains heat better. Still looking for the right barrel, but will get one soon. I just need to go to the right auto garages and grab a used one.

A memory for 6 Canadian Solders killed this day 4 years ago.

reposted from my old army buddies facebook post we served in 3RCR together..

from Greg Alkerton;
Four years ago today a roadside bomb took the lives of 6 excellent soldiers in H Coy 2RCR. Sgt Donald Lucas, Cpl Brent Poland, Cpl Aaron Williams, MCpl Chris Stannix, Pte Kevin Kennedy, Pte David Greenslade. Tonight i’ll raise my glass to the soldiers from 22B. Pro Patria