In my text, I tried to provide a basic framework for preparing oneself for all PO scenarios save a nuclear exchange. While I could have gone on with a very long text explaining every detail, I usually give the broad strokes and wait for someone to ask for details. However, when I see that there were some replies to which I feel like responding in an effort to advance the conversation.
azreal60 wrote:Basically, where are these hills that everyone says they will head too?
I'm sorry, but Head-For-The-Hills, like Get-Out-Of-Dodge is an Americanism for "Leave now, don't bother packing." It is not meant to be a literal instruction. I'm sorry if you did not pick that up.
azreal60 wrote:... but seriously, where do you people think your going to go that's magically under populated.
I said nothing about underpopulated or vacant land (though there is plenty). What I did say was:
jlw61 wrote:If you don't want to live where you are at post-peak then a large scale bug out plan with a safer location as a destination is the final step.
And I followed it up with:
jlw61 wrote:Also, consider that you may not have to bug out. A sudden collapse would tend to make me head for the hills where as a slow collapse would tend to allow people to make adjustments. Again, it depends on your location and where you desire to be after gas prices zoom beyond $10 a gallon.
As you can see, I clearly indicate finding a <i>safer</i> location if <b>rumble</b> feels the need. Like <b>rumble</b>, I'm not sure I want to be where I currently reside post peak but long before the SHTF I will have lost my really good paying tech support job and taken all of my PO skills elsewhere. An RV will help me tremendously in this regard as I clearly stated:
jlw61 wrote:I honestly believe we have at least 5-10 years ...
During this time an RV will give me and mine vast amounts of flexibility in our options for vacation, educational and planning for the future along with the ability to quickly move the small number of things I wish to keep without the expense, hassle or worry of an available U-Haul.
azreal60 wrote:I'm sorry, but if it really hits the fan that bad, it ain't going to be in the US that your safe.
I'm sorry you feel that way. I think you'll find the American people are quite capable, and perhaps more so than some, to handle peak oil. Like any country I expect there to be local riots and problems that will be quite terrible, however I have faith in its people. After all, Americans don't routinely burn down neighborhoods after a sporting event nor do we tend to kill players that accidently make goals for the opposite team or kill refs that make a bad call. We're quite forgiving when someone isn't intentionally trying to do us harm and even after some time, we tend to forgive those that attack us without warning.
azreal60 wrote:There's a reason why in the Terminator 2 extension books, they hid out in Alaska and Canada after Judgement day.
While I have gleaned a lot of insight and knowledge from fiction, I certainly do not think that it's worthy of use in an argument. I tend to look up such assertions should they peak my interest and use the other sources for reference. There's a reason it's called <b>fiction</b>. Besides, while Alaska is fairly nice along the SW coast, it is brutal and isolated in the interior and I certainly think that few would find it livable. Same with Canada. I love some of the areas I've visited, but would certainly not be too interested in anything very far north nor in central the plains where there is nothing but horizon and cold biting winds during the winter. My desire is to live my remaining days, should PO occur sooner than later, in relative comfort and security while providing for future generations.
manu wrote:Forget the motorhome. Too big a target. A good bike is better. Buy a gold chain so you have it in small pieces to trade with.
While this is a good plan C or D and has merit should <b>rumble</b> get caught unprepared, I certainly would not want it to be plan A. Thanks, but being a Road Warrior dependent upon finding gasoline (or using plan Z noted in previous msg) every 150 miles with my wife in the side car and everyting I own stuffed into a tiny trailer does <i>not</i> appeal to me. I own a motorcycle and have plans should it be needed. Plan A does include the motorcycle, but it will be stowed on a trailer behind the RV.
manu wrote:Better if you don't have alot is to buy silver coins. Get a good knife and flint. Also a canteen for water. Get as far away from any big city as possible. Backpacks and tents would also be good.
Again, good advice if you are caught in a disaster with nothing but a BOB and very basic transportation. A light pack that allows you to make 20+ miles a day is better than a heavy food laden pack that limits you to less than 10. In a disaster, those that can move fastest and farthest usally fair best.
manu wrote:As you can see, panic has now set in on the stock markets, party's over, turn out the light's.
Here you lost me. What panic? I don't see people screaming down the streets, nor do I see people doing much of anything other than grumbling about their 401ks taking a hit. The market is not plunging and if I knew ANYONE I trusted saying that I should get out of the market, I would consider cashing out. However, I am sitting tight and seriously thinking about buying should another down event occur.
The DOW has yet to stay below where it was a year ago. And I certainly would not consider it in a panic unless it drops below the 10,000 mark in the next month. I believe capitalism works pretty well when government does not interfere too much and control of the market does not rest with too few.
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"when somebody makes a statement you don't understand, don't tell him he's crazy. Ask him what he means." --- Otto Harkaman, Space Viking