Prepper Lifestyle
Trying to practice and live this prepper lifestyle as a personal experiment has given me a lot to think about when it comes to preparation fundamentals. I mention this because if a major event does occur, you are going to have to make a lot of changes to your lifestyle and a lot of tough decisions.
I have been residing her a ML mines compound for about two and 1/2 months now trying to understand and practice the prepper lifestyle. My hats off to the scientist who were in the Biosphere Dome experiment and to guys and gals up there in the International Space Station. They have to give up a lot that we take for granted to be in those situations.
Staying Occupied Helps
First there is isolation from lack of or limited human contact. I have only been off reservation 4 times since being here, to return my rental vehicle, grocery shop and vet visits resulting in very little human conversation stimulation. We get the occasional visit from a fellow miner stopping by to visit CH and JD but not much conversation for me as I do not have a lot in common with them.
To stay sane I Google mapped the terrain and go for regular recons with my Ruger Blackhawk and dog Lucy. My only contact during the excursion is with the big eared jack rabbits running from out presence. The nearest store is at least five miles one way on foot. Driving is much further.
Setting Goals
I have DIY projects, skills that I am researching for when the weather is better because they require being outside in the fresh air and the recent weather has been hard on the Florida boy. I Took a dive during a 2a.m. dog walk and rammed my wrist into the ground breaking my fall which resulted in practicing my first aid techniques.
The outside news is through internet contact. The wi-fi connection is spotty at times during the day but is better in the evening. No television and no need for it as most everyone turns in early after dark. We save on power and money that way. I do miss the MHz International detective series.
Challenges of being secluded
No United States Postal service out here because the actual residence address does not show up on Google Maps which will make it interesting when I do get and register a vehicle with DMV. Shopping once a month is an eye opener as you watch supplies dwindle off the pantry shelves.
I’ve learned to plan a main meal for each day of the week. Right now I know I can replace supplies at the store but after a major event, the stores will be closed if they exist at all. Coffee plants don’t grow in this environment and I have never heard of a Doritos’ plant. Get ready to really tighten the belt.
The things we take for granted
I went from having a working cell phone to limited and at times no service once I entered the San Luis Valley. This has to do with my service originating out of Florida. I will have to change to a local service provider contract meaning more money down the road.
As part of this experiment I have gone 9 months without air conditioning, one month washing cloths by hand in a bucket then hanging them on a cloths line only to have mother nature place them on the ground and cooking off a Coleman two burner stove. How fun!
I love how the “Little House on the Prairie” makes the women pretty, shirts so bright and everybody is so clean and happy. Let me recommend learning what plants in your area are natural air fresheners and buying dark color clothing for end times sake.
Murphy’s Law
Another issue will be unwanted guests, IE “Murphy” the one guy I did not invite into my End Prep circle. Murphy always shows up invited or not and he will always bring his skills “hardship” and “mishap” with him. With him everything breaks, depletes or wears out.
With everyday life comes responsibility and “Murphy”. For me its my rescue pets, three of the five dogs were senior with special medical needs everyday and one of the Vet visits was to put one down because of her age and worsening medical condition. (Bye GiGi)
Prepare now or suffer later
I bring all this to your attention as food for thought in preparing for end times. All the chores you have now will continue but times will be tougher, belts will be pulled tighter, dollars stretched further and people will have to toughen up. McDonald’s, Grocery stores and Vets will be a thing of the past.
That is why I harp on practice, practice, practice. Even if it is one weekend a year the experience will lessen the shock and make you appreciate what your forefathers went through developing this great country. Making preparation of long term food storage and water purification will increase you’re chances of survival.
Always be safe and healthy my friends.
Ralph Tcat