Lessons learned in the wilderness... and my backyard

[chief]

And remember: if two or more are in your group, the only thing you need in the event of meeting a bear is a stick about 2-4" in diameter and 3 feet long.... to hit on of your companions across the knee with so you can get away......

#23 - When traveling through bear country, always travel with people slower than you.

[49Reo]

And remember: if two or more are in your group, the only thing you need in the event of meeting a bear is a stick about 2-4" in diameter and 3 feet long.... to hit on of your companions across the knee with so you can get away......

[ChilliDrift]

When I was exposed to such lessons in my youth I "KNEW" they only applied to other people cause they weren't smart like me. 

[DriftinGirl]

I think if we all were subject to those life lessons as a youth, this world would be a smarter place.

When I was exposed to such lessons in my youth I "KNEW" they only applied to other people cause they weren't smart like me. 

[ChilliDrift]

I think if we all were subject to those life lessons as a youth, this world would be a smarter place.

[CDNRatMan]

 those are so good and so true......

[chief]

My time in the wild has taught me a few  things ....

1. When you provoke a grizzly bear expect to get mauled...
2. logic and reasoning will not deter a rabid skunk.
3. If you are going to use leaves for cleanliness, learn how to identify poison ivy/oak first.
4. The thing everyone else said you'd never need in the wild... is the one thing you will need the most.
5. Where there's smoke, there's your face...
6. If you have a backup, you'll never use it... if you don't you will always need it.
7. If you plan to live off the land... bring plenty of food.
8. Water falls from the sky and flows in clear running streams... two miles from wherever  you are.
9. That "bump" In the night is just a bear who thinks you are the cheeseburger you ate yesterday.
10. Wolves never attack healthy humans... right? And besides there are no wolves around here... right?
11. Snakes just want a warm place to sleep... like in your pants leg.
12. That water resistant tent stops resisting at 4am after 6 hours of rain.
13. Batteries only die at 2am in the middle of no place.
14. In an emergency, you always only have two bullets left.
15. That heavy coat you brought is never needed. The one you left at home is always essential.
16. North is never the right direction.
17. Who needs a compass and map when you have gps... see #13
18. A .22 is big enough for anything on the trail... except any creature which decides its meaner than you.
19.  Those ants weren't  there when you rolled out your sleeping bag...
20. Birds chirping in the trees just before dawn... .22 still not big enough.
21. Mosquitoes... 'nough said.
22. Just when you think you are the only human to ever set foot in a place... you find a beer can!