Destination: Self–Reliance
To Rely on One's Own CapabilitiesSelf-Reliance
(self–re·li·ance \-ri-ˈlī-ənts\)
Reliance on one’s own capabilities, judgments, and decisions in
a self-sufficient manner; independence, self-direction, resourceful.
It’s true, I love to practice the many bushcraft and wilderness survival skills you read about in my Fox Walker Novel series. This interest is fueled by the fact that I’ve always been extremely fond of learning ancestral skills. You know, all the knowledge and skills that our grandparents and great grandparents knew about for everyday life. Self-reliance skills that have been all but forgotten over the years, as technology has become more and more a part of our lives.
Self-reliance is not only about how to survive the elements of Mother Nature…it’s also learning how to survive everyday situations, as well. It’s about learning how to adapt to whatever gets thrown our way. It’s about staying strong by finding inspiration in even the most mundane. Even in our careers we often face uncharted territory…where the landowners keep changing and the borders keep moving. But rather than let it overwhelm us, we can embrace a sense of new adventure right around the corner.
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Camping / Bushcraft: The Hike I Lived to Tell About
“You can do it,” my husband said for the hundredth time. I wanted to believe him. We were hiking up (straight up, it seemed) from the Yosemite valley nestled at 4,000 feet, to the back of Half Dome at 8,000 feet. And I had taken on symptoms of asthma and altitude sickness along the way.
Camping / Bushcraft: Fish Bone Knotless Gear Tie
I discovered a most clever piece of equipment this last weekend and couldn’t wait to share it with all of you. It’s called a Fish Bone Knotless Gear Tie. The name says it all. It looks like a fish skeleton and you use it in place of tying knots in cord.
Life Hack: Those leftover TP Cardboard Cores
I’ve always been an avid recycler, which is probably why I’m such a fan of repurposing. I just hate to throw out an item that obviously still has life left in it, even if it’s something easy to recycle. Surely there’s a way to reuse it?
Preparedness: Not Paranoia
In our grandparents’ time, being prepared was simply a way of life. It’s what a person did and was considered common sense. No one would have accused them of being paranoid for stocking up on vital supplies.
Preparedness: Accidents Do Happen
I’ve always been a big proponent of having a first aid kit handy. You can ask my husband. He is mildly amused at the variety of different ones I’ve insisted on purchasing over the years…
Preparedness: Building Your Resource Library
“Knowledge is Power” ~ Francis Bacon
I thought many of you might find it helpful if I begin to share some of the book resources I use for preparedness.
Preparedness: The BioLite CampStove
The BioLite Stove first caught my eye because I love the fact you don’t need to have a canister of propane or white gas on hand to use it. Twigs and small pieces of wood do the trick. Second, you can charge your phone or other electronic gadgets. How cool is that?
Preparedness: Where to Begin?
September 2011, a blackout swept across parts of the U.S. Southwest and Mexico leaving roughly 6 million people without power. There was no warning, no stormy weather, no earthquake. One minute we had electricity – the next – nothing…
Life Hack: Open a Bottle of Wine without a Corkscrew
Check out this short video below on how to open a bottle of wine if you don’t happen to have a corkscrew at the ready.
Life Hack: Efficient Pantry Storage
Moving from a home in the country (with a huge garden & food storage to match) to a home in the suburbs took some adjusting. But at least I still had a garage for storage. A temporary move to an apartment brought on a completely different set of challenges. But I...
About Indy
Being outside in nature is the most basic part of who I am. Besides gaining knowledge about wildlife, I learn lessons about who I am, and surprise myself about what I am capable of achieving. Nature continually inspires me. It is a part of all my writings, no matter the genre or subject matter. 
American Dream
“If America could be, once again, a nation of self-reliant farmers, craftsmen, hunters, ranchers and artists, then the rich would have little power to dominate others. Neither to serve or to rule: That was the American Dream.”