Thoughts on Post-event bartering and economy
I have been thinking about the misconceptions of gold and silver investments lately. Specifically how they factor into a post-event world. You see, quite a few PAW-type fiction books neglect this issue, but hey, it's just a story. So let's dwell a little on the hypothetical.
Assuming you are now living in a post-event world where bartering for goods and services is the new economy. Whether currency has no meaning due to no government to back it, or there is no standard in which to determine a note's worth, economy will exist. Worth of goods will be determined by local needs and availability, i.e. supply and demand. Things like clean water, materials and tools for construction, firearms/ammunition, and medical supplies will be standards of trade due to their immediate need and lack of availability. What demand of gold do we have when it doesn't clothe/feed/rehabilitate us? Sure some folks may hang on to the idea that a currency may reappear with gold as it's standard. However, in the immediate, we're talking about keeping ourselves alive.
Also, assuming in this post-event world that manufacturing and fabrication abilities are either non-existent or severely limited, what need is their of gold or silver as a medium for electronics or aesthetics? Now, I can understand if a local dentist melts down scraps for fillings, or a local economy comes to terms with a material standard. But it is far-fetched to realistically see a value in gold that is quantifiable by more than it's simple aesthetic value.
Rather, I suppose we should consider prepping to excess when it comes to standard ammunition like .22lr and 12 or 20 gauge, of which you should also own several firearms capable of using. A 5-gallon bucket of rice is inexpensive, easily stored and could be used for trade or your own needs. Medical supplies will also be at a premium. Not just simple tylenol or vitamin c tablets (which will have worth but is in high distribution) but any extra prescription medications. If at all possible, a small solar panel running a powered cooler full of insulin (for personal/family use) will be priceless should the electrical grid be compromised for any length of time.
Gasoline has it's worth in the short-term assuming roads are clear and traveling is safe, but is difficult to store for long periods of time. Diesel is a more suitable option for vehicles and small machinery though the upfront investment may be a dissuader. In the vein of transportation, once travel is made safe a stock of pawn-store bicycles with extra tubes and patch kits is inexpensive and takes far less time and space than a horse (if you have the land). Of course hand-powered tools and appliances will be in great need whether power is available or not.
Most important is your ability to have your preps at hand, ready to go should we get to "that" point. Post-event all the sheeple will be scrambling and in a fight/flight/avoidance instinctive mode. Your ability to focus on security of your BOL rather than needs being met will increase your ability to persuade any "curious trespassers" why flight and avoidance are both real good choices.
This is just a microscopic view of a much bigger picture but hopefully will outline the investment misconceptions for a pot-event world.
Geocaching for situational awareness
Geocaching is a modern day treasure hunt where people will place a "cache" in an area, sometimes in the sticks, sometimes in a neighborhood, and sometimes requiring some stealth. Then they will post the location and a description of the cache on www.Geocaching.com where us seekers can get the info we need to find it. It's a great way to get outdoors, but a little added bonus for us prepper types, it's a fun way to increase our situational awareness. Fun for kids, too!
All you need to get started is computer/internet access and some decent mapping skills, however, it's much easier to navigate via a handheld GPS. Many phones now have GPS functions but make sure they will accept longitude and latitude input as this is how cache locations are recorded. Sign on to www.Geocaching.com and check for caches in any area you choose, there are plenty! In fact, you'll be surprised when you find so many near you. Record the info for the caches you want and head out on the hunt.
While out be careful to observe possible resources that might be of use to you now or post-event. There are plenty of times I end up saying, "oh, I didn't know there was a ________ here." I've found cool hole-in-the-wall shops, parks, gardens, clusters of fruit trees, new routes of travel, you name it. But I wouldn't have known unless I got out caching.
Think about your day, you travel the same roads while visiting the same places. Of course you would! You've found the most effective and efficient means of performing your daily tasks. You wouldn't have known about that hidden pond or that new fly-fishing shop because guess what (blasphemy!), not everything is on the internet.
Even if you don't consider Geocaching a valuable situation awareness tool, it's a fun way to get out with your family and explore your world. Log on and try one for yourself, you won't regret it. But be warned, its addicting!
Gear Review (video) – 5.11 Rush 12 pack
Note - I didn't realize the lighting was so horrible so I'll be doing another video outdoors in the next day or so.
I've been using this pack for about two weeks for a mix of EDC and some bushcrafting. It is a great size option when you think something like a Maxpedition Condor or Rush 24 is too big. I would use it as a secondary scout bag except for the quality. It's just not on par with Maxpedition. On my 5.11 Rush 24 I had a seam split on the hydration carrier pocket. Not sure how it happened, either.
This bag is from the first production run in which the only color choice was black (not my first choice). I'm not sure if the next production run coming out later this month will have other options.
My experience with this bag thus far has done two things: Reaffirmed my wish of a two-strap Maxpedition Sitka (please guys, I'll put up the preorder money today!), and that 5.11 products should be kept for med/light use. The QC just seems to be hit or miss.
The point - Great EDC bag, but not stout enough for serious bushcrafting.
Organization: 4.25/5
Comfort: 4.5/5
Build Quality: 3.5/5
Value: 4.25/5
Whats wrong with this picture?
This is a gun store in the Daytona area. Click on the picture to enlarge it. A sign on the front door indicates that the store does not allow concealed carry, yet this store facilitates CCW training and sells plenty of handguns. Somewhat of a disconnect, imo.
Now, in no way am I infringing upon one's right to govern his own property, but this seems counterproductive.
Picture now fixed