- Joined
- Feb 27, 2011
- Messages
- 1,020
Hey peoples,
I've been hoping someone would post some Urban Survival/skills threads. I enjoyed reading Mistwalkers threads and his urban observations. When or if you think about it, in a disaster, alot of us would likely be caught out and about..work, school (college), shopping, visiting, loafing, farting around..etc. Maybe we could all share ideas and skills here. I, for one, would appreciate anything new I could learn and am happy to read anything anyone wishes to share. I've seen posts on hobo stoves, urban lamps (I think Mistwalker did that one), hobo fishing tubes, gangs, edible plants ala urban, edc tools and items, and found that those posts really kept me coming back. They really piqued my interest. I probably can't share too much, never having been to a really big city, but I will share all I can.
Walking around my hometown with my goofy dog and wife, we've seen our fair share of the urban environ. We've come to meet and know quite a few people--LEO's (always good to have LEO pals), firemen, shopkeepers (again, always a good thing), grocers, etc. I've found that having contacts like that in a place is quite a benefit. A shopkeeper we know was kind to my dog, bringing a cup of cool water on a hot day, when I'd ran out. They often have treats ready for the dogs regular visits. Our butcher often gives us samples of deli meats and cheeses we'd like to try before buying (I like mine fresh). Our grocer has often given us better deals on produce. In turn I've returned the favor whenever I could. Anytime they've needed wood or bramble removed, I've been there and helped them for little to nothing, and in turn I always get to keep the wood.
Also, in the Urban Environ I've learned to keep my ears and eyes wide open. Much like my grandda taught me, "Wait, watch, listen. You never know what's around you, boy, til' you learn that simple rule!" I've seen people I prefered to avoid (people whom were highly aggitated about something or other), seemed nervous or jittery and possibly up to no good, and others whom just clearly wanted to be alone. I've learned to carry myself with a confidence, but at the same time approachable and friendly. Head up, back straight, shoulders back. I keep my hands by my sides, I nod if someone looks at me and tend to give a polite smile. I was told by a LEO I dated some years ago, that a person's body language speaks louder than words. Leaning back, arms folded, will tend to give an arrogant if not aggressive vibe, clothing also tends to exaggerate this.
Also, the hands being hidden or tucked away, can draw suspicion or give an unfriendly, standoffish appearance. Walking at a slouch or bent also tends to be noticed language--especially to predators. In my experience, people like that will go for those whom appear sluggish, less resistant,
distracted, or meek as a good target.
Those whom go about confidently, clearly observant of their surroundings, and obviously more willing to resist are less frequently a target. Again, from my experience. If I notice someone looking at me, I look back eye to eye, allowing them to realize I notice them, acknowledge and am aware of his/her presence. I also take note of that person's face, clothing, and body language. If their looking continues, often I will stretch, raising my hands to just below my neck to pop my back, turning slowly side to side, in this taking in what is around my flank and positioning my hands where I can move them into position in just a blink. This also displays my seventeen-to-eighteen inch thick upperarms, and my large shoulders as body language. I'm sure many of you stretch much the same way, I do it also as body language. In terms of body language, to a predator, it should say.."I'd move on, if I were you. Find an easier mark." Of course, I lift weights 3-4 days a week, and have practiced self-defense for over seventeen years, but just the same...body language reads easily and you may be speaking in terms of body language and not even realize it. On another note, if I am out and about, and not feeling the best or am sick--I do my best to hide it, being sick and under the weather...makes a screaming target.
My dog also accompanies me almost everywhere. A big dog but a sweetheart. The dog often enjoys the attentions of passersbys, compliments, pats on the head and even treats. (Spoiled little turd..
) I've come to understand that when the dog gives a bark or growl at someone, better to avoid them. She's never growled or barked without a reason. She never barks if someone is afraid of her, she never barks at other dogs, she never barks at anyone...unless they are up to something. So, fortunately, she rarely barks. Great dog and a great friend. At a hundred ten, maybe hundred twenty pounds she walks on a stout leash and follows my commands to stop, sit, or come with full obedience. I've often, to the surprise of passersby, scooped her up in one arm and carried her over my shoulder to avoid less well-behaved dogs, more aggressive dogs. Easier for me to do that, than deal with her being attacked by some uncontrolled dog. You know? 
I just hope I don't end up with a hirnea.
No, I don't take her with me for protection, I take her along because she enjoys the scenes and walks and people. I take her along because her senses far, far outweigh my own.
If you all have any Urban stories, photoes, EDCs, skills, ideas..please share--I'll be more than happy to read and reply. That's how we learn, by sharing and doing. I hope to hear some good stories soon!
I've been hoping someone would post some Urban Survival/skills threads. I enjoyed reading Mistwalkers threads and his urban observations. When or if you think about it, in a disaster, alot of us would likely be caught out and about..work, school (college), shopping, visiting, loafing, farting around..etc. Maybe we could all share ideas and skills here. I, for one, would appreciate anything new I could learn and am happy to read anything anyone wishes to share. I've seen posts on hobo stoves, urban lamps (I think Mistwalker did that one), hobo fishing tubes, gangs, edible plants ala urban, edc tools and items, and found that those posts really kept me coming back. They really piqued my interest. I probably can't share too much, never having been to a really big city, but I will share all I can.
Walking around my hometown with my goofy dog and wife, we've seen our fair share of the urban environ. We've come to meet and know quite a few people--LEO's (always good to have LEO pals), firemen, shopkeepers (again, always a good thing), grocers, etc. I've found that having contacts like that in a place is quite a benefit. A shopkeeper we know was kind to my dog, bringing a cup of cool water on a hot day, when I'd ran out. They often have treats ready for the dogs regular visits. Our butcher often gives us samples of deli meats and cheeses we'd like to try before buying (I like mine fresh). Our grocer has often given us better deals on produce. In turn I've returned the favor whenever I could. Anytime they've needed wood or bramble removed, I've been there and helped them for little to nothing, and in turn I always get to keep the wood.
Also, in the Urban Environ I've learned to keep my ears and eyes wide open. Much like my grandda taught me, "Wait, watch, listen. You never know what's around you, boy, til' you learn that simple rule!" I've seen people I prefered to avoid (people whom were highly aggitated about something or other), seemed nervous or jittery and possibly up to no good, and others whom just clearly wanted to be alone. I've learned to carry myself with a confidence, but at the same time approachable and friendly. Head up, back straight, shoulders back. I keep my hands by my sides, I nod if someone looks at me and tend to give a polite smile. I was told by a LEO I dated some years ago, that a person's body language speaks louder than words. Leaning back, arms folded, will tend to give an arrogant if not aggressive vibe, clothing also tends to exaggerate this.
Also, the hands being hidden or tucked away, can draw suspicion or give an unfriendly, standoffish appearance. Walking at a slouch or bent also tends to be noticed language--especially to predators. In my experience, people like that will go for those whom appear sluggish, less resistant,
distracted, or meek as a good target.
Those whom go about confidently, clearly observant of their surroundings, and obviously more willing to resist are less frequently a target. Again, from my experience. If I notice someone looking at me, I look back eye to eye, allowing them to realize I notice them, acknowledge and am aware of his/her presence. I also take note of that person's face, clothing, and body language. If their looking continues, often I will stretch, raising my hands to just below my neck to pop my back, turning slowly side to side, in this taking in what is around my flank and positioning my hands where I can move them into position in just a blink. This also displays my seventeen-to-eighteen inch thick upperarms, and my large shoulders as body language. I'm sure many of you stretch much the same way, I do it also as body language. In terms of body language, to a predator, it should say.."I'd move on, if I were you. Find an easier mark." Of course, I lift weights 3-4 days a week, and have practiced self-defense for over seventeen years, but just the same...body language reads easily and you may be speaking in terms of body language and not even realize it. On another note, if I am out and about, and not feeling the best or am sick--I do my best to hide it, being sick and under the weather...makes a screaming target.
My dog also accompanies me almost everywhere. A big dog but a sweetheart. The dog often enjoys the attentions of passersbys, compliments, pats on the head and even treats. (Spoiled little turd..
) I've come to understand that when the dog gives a bark or growl at someone, better to avoid them. She's never growled or barked without a reason. She never barks if someone is afraid of her, she never barks at other dogs, she never barks at anyone...unless they are up to something. So, fortunately, she rarely barks. Great dog and a great friend. At a hundred ten, maybe hundred twenty pounds she walks on a stout leash and follows my commands to stop, sit, or come with full obedience. I've often, to the surprise of passersby, scooped her up in one arm and carried her over my shoulder to avoid less well-behaved dogs, more aggressive dogs. Easier for me to do that, than deal with her being attacked by some uncontrolled dog. You know? I just hope I don't end up with a hirnea.No, I don't take her with me for protection, I take her along because she enjoys the scenes and walks and people. I take her along because her senses far, far outweigh my own.
If you all have any Urban stories, photoes, EDCs, skills, ideas..please share--I'll be more than happy to read and reply. That's how we learn, by sharing and doing. I hope to hear some good stories soon!
LOL!! All in friendship and the learning for both partys. The "Will".
