An Excerpt From "Fun in the Backwoods, Step by Step"
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With all these considerations, and armed with a good topological map, you should be able to find the perfect spot.
Chapter 3 : Hiking In and Site Preparations
Having covered basic preparations in Chapters 1, and choosing your site in Chapter 2, now we get to the fun stuff- hitting the trail and prepping your site. Most of your load will be securely fastened in your sled, but remember that you should always carry water, bug spray, bear spray (if in bear country), flashlight, and rain gear on your person.
Firmly grasping the ropes of the sled, start your journey on the trail. To distribute the weight evenly between your arms, cross them over your chest, and lean slightly forward. You've got a lot to carry, but keep in mind, it'll be a breeze hiking back out. Take a deep breath of that fresh air- you've never felt so alive!
After half a kilometer or so, throw the first of your distraction bags as far off the trail as you can. It doesn't matter which side you choose, so long as you pick the same side each time. Each quarter of a kilometer, throw another bag. If there is a stream, try to get it in there- it might drift a long way on its own.
After five kilometers or so, it's time to turn off the trail. This is the hardest part, where most people make the biggest mistakes. They think it is enough to just kick the sled into the woods after unloading it. That's a big no-no! You must hike it out, in the direction you threw the distraction bags, making as much of an impression into the undergrowth as you can. The sled is light at this point, but no worries, you can weigh it down with a large rock or log to get the desired effect. How far do you have to go? That's something you'll have to judge for yourself, depending on how dense the woods are and how rocky the terrain is.
Repeat the mantra now, quietly. Scuff up the ID card with some dirt, and bury it halfway under the sled. That should do it. Carefully retrace your path, stepping only in the depression you made by the sled.
Back at the trail, load up and set off into the wilderness in the opposite direction of the sled. Keep the weight balanced across both shoulders. Be sure to drink plenty of water! Dehydration is a serious danger under extended physical exertion. Stop for breaks repeatedly.
Picking a good site is definitely tricky. You will want something extremely difficult to reach, with lots of firewood nearby and a stream, if possible. Don't be hasty; it all rides on how careful you are. Look for animal sign (see Appendix A for detailed descriptions) so you don't accidentally stumble into some creature's den. Strong canopy cover from the trees is essential.
You've found the perfect site. Congratulations! Put down your load and stretch. Eat an energy bar and drink your electrolyte beverage. It won't be long now. Can you hear the Moon?
Ponder how death goes down to the soil to bring forth new life. So it shall be tonight, and always. Give the earth her due, and be sure to top it all up with as much soil and debris as you have handy.
Now's a good time for some dinner. Practice fire safety, and most importantly: leave no trace.
Chapter 4: Setting up Shelter, and Inclement Weather Strategies
It's a sad fact that we can't control the weather, at least not yet. Depending on latitude, time of year and weather patterns, your shelter needs will change ...
With all these considerations, and armed with a good topological map, you should be able to find the perfect spot.
Chapter 3 : Hiking In and Site Preparations
Having covered basic preparations in Chapters 1, and choosing your site in Chapter 2, now we get to the fun stuff- hitting the trail and prepping your site. Most of your load will be securely fastened in your sled, but remember that you should always carry water, bug spray, bear spray (if in bear country), flashlight, and rain gear on your person.
Firmly grasping the ropes of the sled, start your journey on the trail. To distribute the weight evenly between your arms, cross them over your chest, and lean slightly forward. You've got a lot to carry, but keep in mind, it'll be a breeze hiking back out. Take a deep breath of that fresh air- you've never felt so alive!
After half a kilometer or so, throw the first of your distraction bags as far off the trail as you can. It doesn't matter which side you choose, so long as you pick the same side each time. Each quarter of a kilometer, throw another bag. If there is a stream, try to get it in there- it might drift a long way on its own.
After five kilometers or so, it's time to turn off the trail. This is the hardest part, where most people make the biggest mistakes. They think it is enough to just kick the sled into the woods after unloading it. That's a big no-no! You must hike it out, in the direction you threw the distraction bags, making as much of an impression into the undergrowth as you can. The sled is light at this point, but no worries, you can weigh it down with a large rock or log to get the desired effect. How far do you have to go? That's something you'll have to judge for yourself, depending on how dense the woods are and how rocky the terrain is.
Repeat the mantra now, quietly. Scuff up the ID card with some dirt, and bury it halfway under the sled. That should do it. Carefully retrace your path, stepping only in the depression you made by the sled.
Back at the trail, load up and set off into the wilderness in the opposite direction of the sled. Keep the weight balanced across both shoulders. Be sure to drink plenty of water! Dehydration is a serious danger under extended physical exertion. Stop for breaks repeatedly.
Picking a good site is definitely tricky. You will want something extremely difficult to reach, with lots of firewood nearby and a stream, if possible. Don't be hasty; it all rides on how careful you are. Look for animal sign (see Appendix A for detailed descriptions) so you don't accidentally stumble into some creature's den. Strong canopy cover from the trees is essential.
You've found the perfect site. Congratulations! Put down your load and stretch. Eat an energy bar and drink your electrolyte beverage. It won't be long now. Can you hear the Moon?
Ponder how death goes down to the soil to bring forth new life. So it shall be tonight, and always. Give the earth her due, and be sure to top it all up with as much soil and debris as you have handy.
Now's a good time for some dinner. Practice fire safety, and most importantly: leave no trace.
Chapter 4: Setting up Shelter, and Inclement Weather Strategies
It's a sad fact that we can't control the weather, at least not yet. Depending on latitude, time of year and weather patterns, your shelter needs will change ...
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