SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt

This weekly column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. (Idaho, Montana, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and Wyoming.) Much of the region is also more commonly known as The Inland Northwest. We also mention companies of interest to preppers and survivalists that are located in the American Redoubt region. Today, some sad news of a fatal collision with a moose.

Idaho

Rexburg Man Dead After Hitting a Moose on US20. A quote:

‘Troopers with Idaho State Police are investigating a fatal accident that happened Tuesday morning involving a vehicle colliding with a moose.

The accident happened at 7:25 a.m. on US20 at milepost 354 in Fremont County when a Hyundai Elantra hit a bull moose that was crossing the road.

The driver broadsided the moose and then went off the right shoulder, struck a power pole, and rolled.

The 28-year-old male driver from Rexburg was wearing a seat belt but died from his injuries.”

JWR’s Comment:  Moose collisions can be very dangerous to drivers, simply because moose are so tall, that they tend to go over the hoods of cars, and through windshields. The photo above was taken by Avalanche Lily.

o  o  o

Buyer’s remorse in Boise’s housing market.

o  o  o

Salute to Idaho Agriculture: Twin Falls Farmer’s Market.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt”

Preparedness Notes for Monday — November 7, 2022

November 7th is the anniversary of the death of actor Steve McQueen (born March 24, 1930, died November 7, 1980). The many well-publicized exploits in his tempestuous life and his enduring persona are well known. However, the end of his life is actually the most noteworthy part of his legacy, even though it seldom gets much publicity outside of Christian circles; he came to Jesus after he had been diagnosed with mesothelioma. He died with his forefinger pointing to his key verse in his Bible, Titus 1:2.

—

Our sale on all of our shootable replica black powder revolvers at Elk Creek Company ends tomorrow — Tuesday, November 8th, so order soon! Note that no FFL is required to order, and that cartridge conversion cylinders are available for many of these models.

—

Over at  SurvivalRealty: Five parcels in a survival-oriented rural development near Troy, Montana. 20-35 acres, starting at $325,000: Majestic Meadows.

 

I urge all SurvivalBlog readers to get out and vote, tomorrow.  Pray for the restoration of our constitutional Republic!

—

I’m pleased to report that we’ve established an affiliate advertising relationship with Mystery Ranch backpacks, headquartered in Bozeman, Montana. Check out all of their great gear, including their Gunfighter SB Packs. Mystery Ranch packs are very popular with the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community. Most of their gear is now made in The Philippines, in buildings at the former Clark Air Force Base. It is noteworthy that Avalanche Lily uses a Mystery Ranch Coulee 40-Liter pack for her Bugout Bag/Get Home Bag. We gladly paid the retail price for that pack, long before we ever considered seeking an affiliate advertising relationship with the company.

—

Today’s feature article was written by SurvivalBlog’s Field Gear Editor Emeritus, Pat Cascio.

 

Multi-Tools for Survival, by Pat Cascio

Three are a lot of different “survival” tools on the market, and over the years, I’ve covered a lot of them. I’ve certainly covered a lot of firearms as well as knives suitable for various survival purposes. I know that many of our readers would love to see even more firearms covered. Unfortunately, if I don’t have a firearm actually in my hands to test, I won’t write about it. (Unlike some gun writers who sometimes work from press releases.)

Over the past 30+ years, I’ve tested quite a few multi-tools for articles, some very well-made and others that weren’t up to par – at least not up to my expectations – and I didn’t write articles on those. I still own more than a dozen different multi-tools these days, some are in my BOB or military gear, some in desk drawers and some – well, I don’t even know where they are. This article isn’t about any particular multi-tools – far from it. I just want to let our readers know what to look for in a good multi-tool. When I put on my cargo pants in the morning, there is always a multi-tool on the belt, along with a spare magazine for whatever handgun I’m carrying. I’d feel naked without a multi-tool on my belt – it gets used all the time for various chores. When I was riding motorcycles, I always had the factory-supplied tool kit – which was about useless, but I always hand a multi-tool in the tool compartment of my bike.

A lot of our readers enjoy reading about “tools” for wilderness survival, but there are also a good many readers who are interested in surviving in a city as well. I have certain criteria in what I want in a multi-tool. It must have several important tools on it – tools that I know I can use all the time. I can carry just about any multi-tool I want, but I’ve settled down on just one and that is a Leatherman Blast. I don’t believe this particular model is still being made. However, they have a lot of tools to pick from. The Blast isn’t one of the biggest tools, it is about medium size and it gets all the chores done that I expect of it. Larger tools are simply too big for my needs.Continue reading“Multi-Tools for Survival, by Pat Cascio”

Recipe of the Week: Zucchini Cheese Pancakes

The following recipe for zucchini cheese pancakes was kindly sent to us by SurvivalBlog reader M.N.R..

Ingredients
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • I/4 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini (using more or less is okay)
  • 3/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar is a yummy choice)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
  • Enough milk to make the mixture the consistency that you desire
Directions
  1. Mix all ingredients together.
  2. Heat butter in skillet.
  3. Pour pancake-sized amount io batter into a skillet.
  4. Cook until light brown.
Chef’s Notes:
We prefer one larger (5-inch diameter) thicker pancake per person, but you make them any way you like.  We get about 5 large pancakes out of a batch of this batter.  It’s a yummy way to use up that extra zucchini, or the zucchini that you still have shredded and frozen from last year’s harvest.

—

Do you have a favorite recipe that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers? In this weekly recipe column, we place emphasis on recipes that use long term storage foods, recipes for wild game, dutch oven and slow cooker recipes, and any that use home garden produce. If you have any favorite recipes, then please send them via e-mail. Thanks!

Economics & Investing For Preppers

Here are the latest news items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. We also cover hedges, derivatives, and obscura. Most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today, we look at the rise of telecommuting and relocation trends. (See the Economy & Finance section.)

Precious Metals:

You might have noticed that spot silver bounced back nicely on Friday. In just one day, it was up  7.67% to $21.18 per Troy ounce. That underscores one key aspect of silver investing: It is a thin market, so it can see some large daily price swings. The physical market is still very tight, so dealers are charging hefty premiums. Buy low and sell high, folks.  Oh, and please note that the silver-to-gold ratio is now below 80-to-1.  It is not too late to do some ratio trading — that is, out of gold and into silver.  If you wait until a reversion below 50-to-1, then you’ll feel like kicking yourself.

o  o  o

Governor Of Dutch Central Bank States Gold Revaluation Account Is Solvency Backstb op.

o  o  o

Central Banks Are Quietly Buying Gold At The Fastest Pace In 55 Years.

o  o  o

How Global Markets Fail And Gold Succeeds: Debt, Derivatives & Politicized (I.E., Dishonest) Central Banks.

o  o  o

Gold Market Roiled As Mystery Buyer Waves In 300 Tonnes.

Economy & Finance:

At Breibart: Homebuyers Fleeing Big Cities Due to High Inflation and Rates.

o  o  o

Home Buyers Are Moving Farther Away Than Ever Before.

o  o  o

Census Bureau: The Number of People Primarily Working From Home Tripled Between 2019 and 2021.

o  o  o

Video: Zoom towns are booming across America — USA TODAY.

o  o  o

Shipping firm Maersk, a barometer for global trade, warns of ‘dark clouds on the horizon’.

o  o  o

2025: The Government Is Set To Spend More On Debt Payments Than The Entire Defense Budget.

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

Preparedness Notes for Sunday — November 6, 2022

Today in 1977, the Toccoa Falls Dam in Georgia gave way and 39 people died in the resulting flood. The dam was an earthen dam constructed across a canyon in 1887 and had a 55-acre lake that was 180 feet deep. The dam had recently been inspected and approved, but in the early morning hours it gave way. Water flooded down the canyon at speeds approaching 120 mph. Below, residents of the Christian and Missionary Alliance College had no time to evacuate as the small community was wiped out.

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 103 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  5. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  6. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

Second Prize:

  1. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three-day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  2. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  3. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  5. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  2. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  3. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $750,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. Round 103 ends on November 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Mitigating the Drone/RDF Threat – Part 3, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 2. This concludes the article.)

A Low Cost, and Simple-to-Operate Simplex Repeater

We can use a simplex repeater such as the Argent Data Systems ADS-1 Simplex Repeater. This is essentially a sophisticated digital voice recorder that is superior in quality to the Surecom, and other cheap Chinese renditions. We must have a reliable system especially when it is relatively difficult to access and a linchpin in importance. Using a simplex repeater in conjunction with a cross-band repeater can confuse the RDF analysis further.

This ‘repeater’, is actually a digital voice recorder that provides many useful functions. For the sake of this article, it rebroadcasts seconds after receiving a transmission. It rebroadcasts on the same frequency as the sending station. This means we can use transceivers that are not repeater capable. Transceivers that are not ‘repeater capable’, such are most GMRS/FRS radios, and all MURS radios (transceivers). Common transceivers, including CBs, can use this kind of repeater system. A repeater for CB is less likely to be necessary as CB propagates much better than UHF in mountainous terrain and uses 4 watts of power. This simplex ‘repeater’, the ADS-SR1, will be used in my AO to ‘connect’ three small mountain communities that will use very low-power GMRS transceivers.

The ADS-SR1 recorder is presumably legal for use on GMRS and MURS, since this device is not actually a repeater. These communities would otherwise not have communications between them. I use this on line tool to conduct a virtual Radio survey to identify a repeater site, or propagation ‘problem’ areas, or RF holes, or ‘dead spots’. The utility of this tool can not be overstated.Continue reading“Mitigating the Drone/RDF Threat – Part 3, by Tunnel Rabbit”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!

And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,

Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?

And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.

But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

And the gospel must first be published among all nations.” – Mark 13:1-10 (KJV)

Preparedness Notes for Saturday — November 5, 2022

On this day in 1605, King James learned about the Gunpowder Plot. Hence there is Guy Fawkes Day.

“Remember, remember the Fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.”

—

Also on this day, 300 Santee Sioux were sentenced to hang.

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 103 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  5. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  6. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

Second Prize:

  1. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three-day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  2. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  3. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  5. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  2. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  3. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $750,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. Round 103 ends on November 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Mitigating the Drone/RDF Threat – Part 2, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 1.)

Down and Dirty, Remotely Controlled Transceivers

Armed with the axiom that if something is ‘stupid, but works, then it is not stupid’, we can become creative. In the most austere environments where field expedient and unconventional means are the only means, I should mention that a Citizen’s Band (CB) radio with a Public Address (P.A.) function, or a hard wire intercom can also be used with the VOX feature of a transceiver to cause it to transmit. Using these means, we can transmit remotely, yet we can only receive via a transceiver located at the base station. This is not optimal, yet in many situations, it could be perfectly good enough. When it comes to field expedient means, keep in mind that “perfection is the enemy of good enough”, especially if it can save lives.

We can also operate two separate CB radios over two separate runs of WD1a wire as a crude phone system whereby each station can communicate. An intercom can perform similarly, as well. And we can use a C.B radio’s P.A. function to deliver instructions remotely at a checkpoint safely from an LP/OP. Field phones can assist at a checkpoint as well and in conjunction with a P.A. system. It would be good to be able to interview (interrogate) persons at the front gate from a safe distance, especially if overwatch is not available.

RF Propagation Techniques as RF Camouflage

Historically, RF propagation techniques were practiced extensively on the battlefield and were once SOP for our military, from WW2 through Vietnam and a bit beyond. Nothing I’ve mentioned is new under the sun, but proven. How we use it, could be another matter, so it would be good to define what it essentially is: RF camouflage.

Moving beyond field phones, we can use propagation methods as part of a defense. As a metaphor, these methods should be considered as a sort of electronic/RF camouflage that can be deployed on an electronic battlefield. Using one’s imagination, we might be seen or heard, yet we may not necessarily be identified or located. That is what camouflage does in the physical/visual realm. Camouflage does not actually make us invisible. Rather, it confuses the viewer about what he is observing. What kind of camouflage should be used will depend on the terrain, and circumstances.Continue reading“Mitigating the Drone/RDF Threat – Part 2, by Tunnel Rabbit”

Editors’ Prepping Progress

To be prepared for a crisis, every Prepper must establish goals and make long-term and short-term plans. In this column, the SurvivalBlog editors review their week’s prep activities and planned prep activities for the coming week. These range from healthcare and gear purchases to gardening, ranch improvements, bug out bag fine-tuning, and food storage. This is something akin to our Retreat Owner Profiles, but written incrementally and in detail, throughout the year.  We always welcome you to share your own successes and wisdom in your e-mailed letters. We post many of those –or excerpts thereof — in this column, in the Odds ‘n Sods Column, and in the Snippets column. Let’s keep busy and be ready!

Jim Reports:

My sprained ankle has much improved, so I’m now back to doing most of my regular chores around the ranch.

I’m continuing the carpentry work, adding partitions and shelves to our workshop. And adding the insulation panels is quite time-consuming. Those projects will surely occupy much of my spare time for most of the winter.

The rush of holiday orders has begun for my sideline mailorder business, Elk Creek Company. The large number of orders that I’m getting for pocketknives suggests that folks are already shopping for Christmas and Hanukkah gifts.

We received our first snow this week. The two quite useful weather sites that I check the most often the WeatherStreet Jet Stream Map, and the Forecast Models at TropicalTidBits.

Lily will fill you in on our local weather.Continue reading“Editors’ Prepping Progress”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired;

Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the Lord‘s anger come upon you.

Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord‘s anger.

For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up.

Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the Lord is against you; O Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant.

And the sea coast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks.

And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the Lord their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity.

I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified themselves against their border.

Therefore as I live, saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.

This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the Lord of hosts.

The Lord will be terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen.” – Zephaniah 2:1-11 (KJV)