Last week I discussed some of the spiritual aspects of going off to live in the wilderness as a means of self-discovery and growth. Such experiences can be very rewarding, but many readers wonder about the practical aspects of survival during such a journey. This week’s column will examine how to prepare yourself physically and mentally so that there are no surprises when you set off on your adventure.
The first consideration is how isolated you intend to be, and for how long. Hiking deep into a national forest for a month or two will require different preparations than going on a primitive camping trip for a week at a campground. Both experiences have their values, and a little nature is better than none at all. It’s up to the individual to decide how much is enough.
If you’re planning a longer stay with more isolation, you’ll have to figure out how much you can carry and how much you can live off the land. In any case, you should never go off into the woods without letting someone know exactly where you intend to be and for how long. I’d recommend carrying a cell phone or some other type of GPS locator device in case of emergency. It’s also a good idea to scout the area you intend to stay in first so you can make sure your cell phone will work in a remote location.
If you plan to be in a remote location for an extended time, it’s a good idea to have a physical exam. Tell your doctor what you plan to do. You don’t want to be stranded alone in the woods during a major illness or other trauma. It might also be beneficial to engage in some sort of exercise program for a few months before you go. Hiking in the woods is a physically demanding activity, and it’s not easy if you’re not in shape, especially if you’re carrying a backpack full of supplies. Make sure your supplies include a first aid kit!
The next step is to become an expert on the local flora and fauna. It helps to know what is safe to eat and what is not. You can supplement your food supplies with fruits and vegetables that grow wild in nature. I wouldn’t recommend hunting unless you know that the animals you kill are free of diseases. And of course, if you plan to hunt, you’ll need the proper permits and weaponry. When I had my wilderness experience, I ate only vegetables and fruits. Buying meat at the grocery store is an entirely different experience from having to kill and field dress an animal yourself. Going through such an experience makes becoming a vegetarian a lot easier!
If you own the parcel of land you plan to camp on, you might want to clear an area for a small garden in the early spring, plant some fruits and vegetables, and return during the summer for an extended stay. That way you can be reasonably sure that you will have enough food for your adventure.
The most important consideration is having a fresh supply of water. There's plenty of online info about where to find fresh water and how to purify the water from streams or springs. Practice finding your own water and purifying it before you go.
Another consideration is the timing. It's better to make such an excursion in the spring, when most of the native plants are at their peak. Buy several field guides and prepare yourself for at least six months beforehand by studying the local plant life. Be careful that you know the difference between poisonous plants and edible ones. Stay away from mushrooms unless you've had at least a year of training from someone who's an expert in edible mushrooms.
Once you feel confident that you have mastered all the challenges of a wilderness experience, set off on your journey. Keep a diary or a journal so you may share your experiences later. If you make such a journey, I’d love to know how it turns out!
The first consideration is how isolated you intend to be, and for how long. Hiking deep into a national forest for a month or two will require different preparations than going on a primitive camping trip for a week at a campground. Both experiences have their values, and a little nature is better than none at all. It’s up to the individual to decide how much is enough.
If you’re planning a longer stay with more isolation, you’ll have to figure out how much you can carry and how much you can live off the land. In any case, you should never go off into the woods without letting someone know exactly where you intend to be and for how long. I’d recommend carrying a cell phone or some other type of GPS locator device in case of emergency. It’s also a good idea to scout the area you intend to stay in first so you can make sure your cell phone will work in a remote location.
If you plan to be in a remote location for an extended time, it’s a good idea to have a physical exam. Tell your doctor what you plan to do. You don’t want to be stranded alone in the woods during a major illness or other trauma. It might also be beneficial to engage in some sort of exercise program for a few months before you go. Hiking in the woods is a physically demanding activity, and it’s not easy if you’re not in shape, especially if you’re carrying a backpack full of supplies. Make sure your supplies include a first aid kit!
The next step is to become an expert on the local flora and fauna. It helps to know what is safe to eat and what is not. You can supplement your food supplies with fruits and vegetables that grow wild in nature. I wouldn’t recommend hunting unless you know that the animals you kill are free of diseases. And of course, if you plan to hunt, you’ll need the proper permits and weaponry. When I had my wilderness experience, I ate only vegetables and fruits. Buying meat at the grocery store is an entirely different experience from having to kill and field dress an animal yourself. Going through such an experience makes becoming a vegetarian a lot easier!
If you own the parcel of land you plan to camp on, you might want to clear an area for a small garden in the early spring, plant some fruits and vegetables, and return during the summer for an extended stay. That way you can be reasonably sure that you will have enough food for your adventure.
The most important consideration is having a fresh supply of water. There's plenty of online info about where to find fresh water and how to purify the water from streams or springs. Practice finding your own water and purifying it before you go.
Another consideration is the timing. It's better to make such an excursion in the spring, when most of the native plants are at their peak. Buy several field guides and prepare yourself for at least six months beforehand by studying the local plant life. Be careful that you know the difference between poisonous plants and edible ones. Stay away from mushrooms unless you've had at least a year of training from someone who's an expert in edible mushrooms.
Once you feel confident that you have mastered all the challenges of a wilderness experience, set off on your journey. Keep a diary or a journal so you may share your experiences later. If you make such a journey, I’d love to know how it turns out!
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