Originally Posted by
Muley Hunter
What is the other option? Live in the city and starve?
Nope. If you read what I posted, the most viable option is to head for a southern river bottom. You can hunt big game, small game, waterfowl, catch fish, have good timber available, plentiful water and milder weather.
I'd get it done even if I lived in a tent. I wouldn't just give up like the majority would. I'm into the mountain man era. I have skills, and nobody said I have to do it all alone. I wouldn't be the only one with the same plans.
In a true SHTF scenario everybody will be pretty much on their own at first. Supplies and equipment will be in short supply and you have no idea just how savage a human can be. Face it, at 70+ years old you would most likely be more of a hindrance to a group trying to survive. As soon as the group had used up whatever assets you bring to the table they will cast you out. After all, even the Indians did that. And, if you try to live way up high for an extended period of time in a tent, you will die. Even the Army during the Indian Wars put up rough cabins if they would be anywhere for any length of time. Same for the trappers and the early ranchers. A tent isn't sturdy enough or warm enough for extended survival in the high mountains.
You can "be into the mountain man era" all you want and you can claim to have "skills" but how many times have you had to put those "skills" into play with no fall back plan? If I took you into the back country right now with only what you have in your pockets right now could you build a fire? Make tools? Snare game? Be honest. Doing something to amuse yourself or as a part of play acting is a lot different than being thrust into a true survival situation. I believe you when you say you wouldn't just give up, but I seriously doubt you could actually do what you say you want to do.
The funny thing about many people claiming they could just magically survive is that almost none of them have any real training or experience in doing so. I had to go through some pretty extensive survival training when I was on active duty and the first thing you realize is that your "great plan" is the first casualty. Take your "plan" and throw it away because things happen that you will not have planned for, then what do you do? Hurry up and make a decision because your very life depends on it.