Summer Mock Bugout Contest Entry Thread (winners announced)

[xxxDarksidexxx]

scurvy -

i agree with the others, great trip man! great use of local resources! i really enjoyed the photos. the spoon kicked ass as did the fishing action! great all around tripn IMO.

[Mags]

Ninja-elbow, its all good. Bottom line for me is to continue to push and learn. Post what you can when you can! There's a pretty good chance somebody looking at ZS wil say, I'll be damned, never thought of that!

[Woods Walker]

CipherNameRaVeN and Everprepin.

Is that a new MSR Ti kettle? The fishing looked good but the same can't be said about that finger. Nice collection of alky stoves. Great trip!

Mags.

Ninja-elbow currently holds the ZS record for best field made chopsticks. After that all other skill are redundant.

Blackdog.

I checked on Google. Nope those are indeed blueberry pickers and not walkers. Wow that sounded windy. Looks like bear scat to me. How do you like that SF headlamp?

[ninja-elbow]

My chopsticks bring the bushcrafter boyz to the yard.

[xxxDarksidexxx]

mags -

good looking trip! man you went through some water. the dehydration headache sucks the big one. once you start going down that road its hard getting back turned around in the right direction... good thing you had water available. did you take anything for the headache? gatoraid makes some small powder pouches that you just add to water. i used them a few times now and they help out a lot! ive started adding them to my kits.

nice write up! wtng for the second half!

[xxxDarksidexxx]

blackdog -

another great post! i like the wood water trough for some odd reason...

that photo of the chopper at the end gave me a warm fuzzy feeling inside!

thanks for posting!

[Regulator]

You guys have posted some really great trips so far. The skills, gear, scenery etc is very cool! It’s gonna be tough to judge this one boys.. Hope to see a few more get in before the wire. And speaking of waitin till the last minute, I got out this weekend for a little while too

So it was about 150 degrees when I left the house Sat. My thermometer must have been broken cause it only said 108, in the shade.


I didn’t pack anything since I had access to my EDC, my truck BOB and the supplies in the truck itself. Drove to the river thinking I’d just leave the truck and follow the creek up a couple miles to an old roadbed.

Found a good spot to park behind a corn field. Filled a CamelBak with bottled water from the case I carry in the truck. Threw a few more bottles and a MRE in the pack and headed up the creek.




Fortunately it didn’t take long to get to partial shade. If this were a real survival situation I’d have holed up somewhere and waited for cooler temps before moving, but I had lotsa water and know my limits.




There were a few fish in pools like this along the creek. Easy pickings for anyone who wanted to put the time into building a fish trap. Or even a net, but I had neither and didn’t need a fish that bad.


A mile an a half or so in I caught this old road. There used to be a bridge at the far end many years ago, before my time, but that’s where I was heading.





Found a nice little grassy spot with good shade and decided to make this my camp.


After dropping my ruck I went down to the creek and relaxed for a bit with my wrists and feet in the cool water. I don’t know if it lowered my body temp, but it sure felt nice. I noticed there were a lot of Basswood trees growing here and knew what I had to do.

I chopped down a few smaller trees and drug them back to camp. Basswood is a great wood for cordage and bark containers. The wood is easy to work with and valuable to wood carvers and furniture makers as well. It has an easily identifiable leaf and grows almost everywhere. The young leaves are pretty tasty also.


The smooth bark will peel off in strong strips and can be corded or used as is for lashing.


Once back to camp I cleared a spot


Since it seemed like a tropical rainforest and I still had about 3 hours before dark, I decided to build a tropical style shelter. I dug out holes in a round pattern and set in some saplings. Using strips of Basswood bark I lashed them into a dome shape.




A close up of the lashings.


And a good example of a strip of bark. They don’t all come off this nicely but the fresher your trees are the easier the bark comes off. As a side note, Basswood will basically become strings if left in flowing water for a few days.


At this point it was starting to get dark. I made a couple feather sticks more for fun than necessity. A fire could probably be had by giving some grass a dirty look as hot an dry as it is here, but I used my fire steel and quickly had fire. I didn’t need the heat, but the smoke helped keep the mosquitoes at bay.


A quick dinner of MRE, yay beef stew. Ok, it actually tasted really good for some reason. It may have been my military training kicking in, I didn’t look in the bag, I just ate it.


I quickly put up my cot tent and eventually fell asleep while marinating in my own juices. I only used the netted part and intended to take pics in the light of morning but was woken up by rain. I was up an had the tent broken down in 2 minutes and in 5 minutes or so it quite raining. It was light and a bit cooler so I got back to work on the shelter.

Cutting grass with the machete and trying it bundle by bundle onto the frame with bark strips.


Tied bundles seen from the inside.


And lots and lots and lots of grass later we have a finished hut.




A view from the inside.


I could stay here for a few days.

Tools used to make the hut, machete and a knife.

A fun little trip. Can’t say I learned anything new, but it’s always nice to practice what you know and I enjoy just spending time in the outdoors.

[Hunt4lyf]

Very nice Regulator, I always enjoy your posts as they are full of good info.

[Woods Walker]

103 Fahrenheit in the shade + high humidity + rattlesnakes + mosquitoes = fun.

I went out again last weekend and it was hot with high humidity. Packed a gallon of water with the hopes of filling up on the fly. The area was the same as my 7-4-11 trip but with intentions to cover more ground. I had hopes for a round trip of 16 miles. In the end only finished 12 and felt lucky to pull that off. There are lots of exposed rocks on all sides and it felt like an oven. It actually hurt to remain too long in some areas exposed to the sun.

So I was pushing along at a greatly deduced rate hoping to cut the odds of either heat stroke or the dreaded heat rash. It was getting into dusk and heard a now familiar load rattle. I must say few things will stop a person in their tracks faster. For some reason dropped my hiking poles when backing up. I was so beat even bending over with my pack on to pick up the poles was a pain. The below video says it all.



Also took these photos. The camera flash was going off as dusk crept up.







It looked a bit like the last snake from 7-4-11 and was found within 1/4-1/2 mile however appeared fatter and maybe darker in the tail and upper body though could be related or even the same snake. In any case it was getting dark and had to move on. Speaking of dark I swore to myself I would never night hike this area again after last year's night hike/rattler fiasco but the heat wave slowed me down more than expected. Time to crack out the headlamp. The Fenix HL20 lost its diffuser and been though a few headband changes but still rocks. I got my uncle the newer HL21 with smooth reflector and frankly I like the older model better.



I forgot to change the batteries from the last trip. One pro to a single battery flashlight/headlamp is fast changes in low light conditions on the move. There is a reason why I pack backup batteries and other gear items. Also pack a Nitecore headband with 4/7 Quark Mini AA. Night hiking like walking in the full heat of the day isn't really the best play to be honest. More so if you have to avoid trampling rattlers that don’t always rattle.



I drank all my water and with a general desire to end my night hike ASAP stopped at the next available water 2-miles short of my goal. The water resembled a collection of very small pools than a stream. Fought the frogs, mosquitoes and water bugs for my share.



I didn't take my pump filter as wanted to practice with backup options. To be 100% honest this wasn't the trip to play around and the lack of a faster filter was felt. I had 2 Platy bags and a Nalgene canteen with tabs, filter straw and my trusty bandana.



Filtering out some of the dirt and bugs using an old school method. The mosquitoes were taking full advantage of the situation and DEET wasn't working given the massive numbers. Don't forget that a bandana only removes some of the larger particles and does nothing to make this water safe.



For that I would have to use the Frontier pro filter straw, boil or Katadyn Micropur tablets. Had a two tabs bubbling away in this Platy. Given the 4-hour time for 100% effectiveness I treated water for the hike out with a combo of tabs and bandanna filtering. Water for camp was bandanna filtered and boiled or drank with the filter straw.



If thirsty even hot tea can be a wonderful thing.



I kept hearing something working the campsite over and checked for rodents but to my surprise found frogs. Maybe the humidity was to their liking?



Sometimes nature provides my favorite fire starting material right in camp. If careful bark can be harvested off most birch trees without harm.



I sweltered in my hammock until about 2 am then got out for a piss. Dumped a cup of cold water over my head and that helped cool things down. The mosquitoes buzzing near the netting kept me up for anther 30 minutes before drifting off. It just wasn’t a good sleep. The next day it was cooler in the AM and looked like rain would be moving in. I was expecting heavy rain overnight and decided to bring the new 10x12 Equinox siltarp.





I like the new color compared to my older 8x10 but it pains me to say their work has gone downhill big time. I returned the first one for a seam, which was sewn back on to the tarp. This is hard to explain but was very poor. The replacement looks to have been sewn by a blind monkey. Notice the bunched up front right corner? That’s because it wasn’t sewn flat. The primary seam has multiple folds and messed up creases. It will function just fine but for 110 dollars made in the USA tarp I expect more. Sorry as Equinox was one of my favorite gear makers. The site was a bit too small for such a large tarp to be pitched tight but when it comes to tarps bigger is very often better.

Just some views of the terrain. I hanged out near the swamp but the bugs said no so moved on.



Lots of rocks and hills most of which crossed the trail. During the hottest part of this trip these areas really cooked. The high country scrub was also toasty







The rain started and it helped to cool things off until the sun came back out. An army of newts showed up for the party. Good times had by all.





Lets talk about wild edibles.

Once again I found Huckleberries. These like the blueberries were in short supply. Not every area will be equally productive. I prefer blueberries to huckleberries but beggars can’t be picky.

Huckleberries, not to be confused with the similar blueberries.



The huckleberry bush also looks very similar to a blueberry. This can be confusing and have mistaken them for each other before.



Hickory nuts have on and off years. Basically it can be boom or bust and how all the trees in an area stay on the same page is unknown to me. Betting that info can be found someplace on Google. Looks like this will be a good year. Still green but promising.



Not all wild edibles are plants. Some people fish but I have turtle on the menu.



Naa just kidding. I mean come on people just look at this critter. There is just something about a box turtle.



Sent the Eastern box turtle off unharmed. In my view they shouldn’t ever be taken from the wild as pets despite having a box in their name.



Got my Mora setup as a large necker with paracord wrap. Actually use this cordage more often than one might expect. Only used the knife to cut open the water tabs and some webbing for the tarp. Have the camera ready at all times which can be a pain but often pays off.



Gear tip.

If you what to break camp fast often factory stuff sacks are too small. Sometimes I wonder if they don’t employ magical elves to do the factory packing. The HH stuff sack is being used for the 10x12 tarp. An old sleeping bag stuff sack is used for the HH and undercover system.



That’s about it for this trip. Thanks for looking.

[Regulator]

The cool thing 'bout eating turtles is they come with their own bowl

[Woods Walker]

The cool thing 'bout eating turtles is they come with their own bowl

The horror.....the horror.....

[drewder]

I really am loving all of these Field Reports. I really would love to get in on the contest, but physically due to still dealing with appendagitis and now kidney issues, it's not going to happen by the deadline...... So, I have a few things in mind. I plan on hitting the field as soon as I get better and dropping it in here after the comp is over. Also, after a few people have said, I may actually post my Sad-ass attempt from the Winter Comp back on the official Winter Comp Bug Out Contest. Who knows. Depends on how things go.

Still loving the posts from Regulator, W.W., Scurvy, Blackdog, and more. You guys really made this comp awesome.

[Blackdog]

I really am loving all of these Field Reports. I really would love to get in on the contest, but physically due to still dealing with appendagitis and now kidney issues, it's not going to happen by the deadline...... So, I have a few things in mind. I plan on hitting the field as soon as I get better and dropping it in here after the comp is over. Also, after a few people have said, I may actually post my Sad-ass attempt from the Winter Comp back on the official Winter Comp Bug Out Contest. Who knows. Depends on how things go.

Still loving the posts from Regulator, W.W., Scurvy, Blackdog, and more. You guys really made this comp awesome.

Screw a silly contest, just get better. Unless anyone has a large amount of heartburn over it, I will hold back a patch until you feel up to getting out and about.

[Mags]

drewder, it's not about a contest bro! Its about getting out there with your kit. Thats it! Shiney unused gear only looks good on the store shelf. You want sexy gear porn, check out the Pointman Pack that Blackdog chucked off a mountain. Pushing yourself and your gear leads to all kinds of tips and tricks for using your gear more efficiently. Beware it's addicting!

Hold that patch Blackdog!

(IMHO, YMMV)

[ninja-elbow]

I vote Regulator get the, at the least, "I built a frikkin wicciup(sp)" award. Those are awesome shelters and take some work. Good job in not only making one, but it looks like you made a good one at that.

[CipherNameRaVeN]

CipherNameRaVeN and Everprepin.
Is that a new MSR Ti kettle? The fishing looked good but the same can't be said about that finger. Nice collection of alky stoves. Great trip!

Yes, it is! I lusted long enough after it while reading your posts. I love everything about it from weight to size. It was very well thought out IMO. Some other vessels are either a little too small or a little too big. This one is just perfect for cooking and storing gear.

[ninja-elbow]

Hey, would it be cool if I offered up a little side award? Plenty of entries have displayed plenty of bushcraft so I'd like to offer up a little some-some as the "NE's Choice Bushcrafter Award" or something like that. I'm seeing some good stuff here and would like to recognize it. I have a little gift to offer. Of course, I choose, as I am evil.

[Murph]

ZS MBO Summer 2011
July 22nd, 23rd, 24th
Murph, NYKh, Surgecj7
(Nicholson Hollow Hike)

Weekend Highs: Fri: 102*F Sat: 99*F Sun: 95*F

The three of us decided to do a group MBO into the Shenandoah National Park. We selected the Nicholson Hollow Hike up to the Corbin Cabin.


http://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/NicholsonHollow/

We met up at noon on Friday and hit the trail after fill out the appropriate paper work.


After hiking along a paved road into the Park, we got to our first landmark. It was then we realized we had missed the trail head for our trail and we actually hiking off into elsewhere.


We backtracked and found the actual trail head and continued on.


Most of the trail looked more or less like this the entire hike.


Here is our packs as we took a break. We all had a wide arrange of gear.


One of the reasons we selected this hike is because we knew there would be an ample water source. This creek ran along the trail nearly the entire time.


Along the way we ran into a Timber Rattler that was camped out in the middle of the trail. I was out in front, which was kind of funny, because last year on a different hike I also encounter two Timbers. "Get these MF'n snakes off my MF'n trail!!"


The first day our goal was to make it up to the Corbin Cabin and find a place to setup camp. We made it!


Dinner was Beef Stroganoff Mountain House. After hiking all day, nothing tasted soooo good!


Here is a splatter of the gear I brought with me, and my pack.


We had some inquisitive wild life too.


Here's my hasty setup for the first night. I was exhausted, and despite how bright it looks, the sun was going down fast. I wasn't trying to win points for the prettiest setup.

The first day the trail was nearly all uphill. Despite it only being a 4 mile hike from trail head to the cabin, I was exhausted. The heat and humidity took it's toll on how fast I could hike and for how long. Setting up camp the first night that tired made every little task so much harder. I had some left over beef stroganoff for breakfast. We broke down camp and headed down hill to find another place to setup camp about half way out. Being able to take my time hiking and setting up camp for the second night was a much needed relief after the hard first day. We brushed up on our outdoors skills in the afternoon. On the 3rd and last day, we packed up camp in the morning and hiked out.

During the whole adventure I took some short notes about some of the gear I had, or would have liked. Nothing to earth shattering. The three biggest things I learned where:
1 - Being in good physical condition for the environment is a must. I am in decent shape, but work a desk job. I was not ready for the kind of heat we had to handle.
2 - Learn knots. It's a skill I don't use very often but can make a world of difference in the outdoors.
3 - Never underestimate the power of bug spray. I didn't use very much because I was trying to be sparing with it. It wasn't until I got home that I realized I had gotten eaten alive.

Thanks!

[NYKh]

As Murph already noted it was hot and not only hot but that special kind of humidity that rears it’s ugly head in the mid-Atlantic when there is no breeze and the heat index has been over 100degF for almost a week.
After many water and refresh stops, that were very needed, we made it to our first camp as the sun was setting. Quickly set up at and promptly crashed.
The morning of the second day we decided on a light hike, set up camp, cool down and have the opportunity to practice some field craft. I had the fortune of finding a white birch with two nice sized clumps of tinder fungus. I spent the afternoon sparking some pieces with a fire steel and having moderate success with creating some nice glowing embers. I also had the opportunity to put my “beer can” alcohol stove to good use and it worked very well.

Stove:





Some essential gear rigged with 550 and in my pocket.


Our camp on the second day:

[xxxDarksidexxx]

Regulator

awesome hut!

not much water in your rivers there, but thats the case here in a lot of places... not much rain.

[xxxDarksidexxx]

woods walker -

the rattler video freaks me out! is this what i have to look forward to?

your line about fighting the frogs and bugs for water made me laugh. turtles are cute in their own way, but i would eat one if i had to. anotehr good looking trip!

[xxxDarksidexxx]

I really am loving all of these Field Reports. I really would love to get in on the contest, but physically due to still dealing with appendagitis and now kidney issues, it's not going to happen by the deadline...... So, I have a few things in mind. I plan on hitting the field as soon as I get better and dropping it in here after the comp is over. Also, after a few people have said, I may actually post my Sad-ass attempt from the Winter Comp back on the official Winter Comp Bug Out Contest. Who knows. Depends on how things go.

Still loving the posts from Regulator, W.W., Scurvy, Blackdog, and more. You guys really made this comp awesome.

Screw a silly contest, just get better. Unless anyone has a large amount of heartburn over it, I will hold back a patch until you feel up to getting out and about.

nice blackdog, i say do it!... you da man!

[xxxDarksidexxx]

Murph

nice looking trip! i like the photos, and the area looked cool. i also like the cabin. the river so close during the hike must have been nice. i would not have been able to help myself.... being so hot i would have laid in the river a while.

how did you deal with the snake? did you just go around, or did he take off on his own? also woods walker has you beat with the rattler pictures, nice try though!

again, good looking trip!

[Woods Walker]

woods walker -

the rattler video freaks me out! is this what i have to look forward to?

Yes the Hudson heights has them. They can be found on Bear Mt and around West Rock. The William Brien Memorial shelter has a resident rattler.

Edit

They tend to move off slowly. Sometimes you will get a rather load rattle other times nothing. They're hard to see and often people pass by and ever know about the encounter.