Pilot Jungle Survival Course in Iquitos, Peru

R.A.T. said:
Actually no. We teach (and ESSEL teaches) to cross with your pack off your back (or straps loose) and the machete in your hand (without lanyard around the hand) if you have not put it in your pack. Simply drop the machete in the water if you start to fall. I've seen a lot more damage from folks falling with a machete sheath on their side and the machete sheathed (as the guy is doing in front of the one holding the machete). Machete sheaths on the side are something we preach against.
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Very interesting and I can see your point.
I have my doubts about "simply drop[ing] the machete in the water if you start to fall", though. If you slip suddenly and your reflexes take over I think it's quite likely to loose control over where you hack with that machete (unless you have a lot of experience perhaps).

-Connor
 
We could argue absolute safety all day long and it would probably be best to stay out of the jungle period if we're going to go to that extreme. The bottom line in the jungle is to keep your machete in your hand. They are life savers in more ways than just simply cutting a vine or bush out of your path. If you think that doing a log bridge water crossing is dangerous with a machete in hand, then you would hate the way we climb a tree using a machete as a hand-hold. :D
 
I just received a couple other photos from one of the other guys on the course.

This is one of my favourites (my new wallpaper), here is the group heading back to the river. Note the balsa log being carried in the back that we just cut to use for the raft construction.

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Your's truly taking the raft for a test-ride:

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with Jeff after the signal fire making session:

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That's a really cool shot of all of us walking up the trail.
 
wow.. those are some great pics....:thumbup: looks like an amazing experience for sure...
 
I have been looking at this for a while now, and I think I am going to have to go to your school. You men look like you have a lot to offer.

Back in the 80's I went to JOTC down in Panama five times when I was in the service. I learned quite a bit, and something new every time. Each time we went, we spent three weeks at the school, and another two weeks doing squad level training. Heck, I even made a combat jump into Panama on 20 Dec 1989 when we invaded, and I will say that training really paid off.

I go back to Panama all the time, and I have a place down there now. My brother and I both do, and we spend a lot of time out in the bush. I think your school would be great to learn a few new things.

Here is a picture of me on my birthday in a down pour during JOTC.



For your river crossings, have you ever tried making water wings with your pants and a couple condoms? I was just thinking it is easier than making some sort of raft. Please don't get me wrong, knowing how to build a raft is needed, but I was just suggesting another way of safely and quickly crossing water with items you should always have in your kit anyway, and not leaving a trace that you were there.

Once while my brother and I were out camping and hiking in Panama, we found that our crossing for a river was gone. It must have washed away, I don't know. Anyway, I got the idea of using the condoms in our little PSK's we always carry in our pants pocket, and our pants to make an emergency set of water wings. I blew them up and tied them off with a garbage bag twist tie and stuck them in each pant leg. It made a great PFD in an emergency, and the condoms could still be used for water as the twist ties were removed. Just twist and fold the condom over on itself in the same manner as you would tie up a military water proof bag and you are good to go and your condoms will hold air, and will be fine for a crossing. I would even use canteens tied together to help float my butt across and refill them once I was on the other side if needed.

I usually keep my posts informational only, but I just thought I would share some of my experiences and an idea I had with you. I hope you don't mind. :o
 
Bunker,

That's a great tip. Even though we have never used it, it has been mentioned as a way of making an emergency PFD on some of our classes.

Also, cool photo!
 
mckrob said:
I also had the oportunity to use the RC-6 and RC-4 over the past couple of days, and I am sold on these fine blades. My collection will soon have a full complement of RATs!

The fit and finish is very high-grade, and normally I am not one for coated blades, but this coating I like (slick and thin, yet tough). The handles fit my hand perfectly and I love the sheaths, the kydex is tight-fitting with lots of attachment points.

I don't think you could ever go wrong with either of these blades!
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Howdy, Brother! Glad to see you're still getting out and about.

I agree -- I'm almost fully RATTED up myself. Just need that RC-6. :)
 
OldPhysics said:
Howdy, Brother! Glad to see you're still getting out and about.

I agree -- I'm almost fully RATTED up myself. Just need that RC-6. :)
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I've been mostly lurking lately, but yes I am still here. Things are a bit hectic... baby is due in less than a week and we move back to Canada in two months, so I've been busy! Hopefully I'll be able to find the time to make it to Blade this year, you going to be there again?
 
mckrob said:
I've been mostly lurking lately, but yes I am still here. Things are a bit hectic... baby is due in less than a week and we move back to Canada in two months, so I've been busy! Hopefully I'll be able to find the time to make it to Blade this year, you going to be there again?
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I sure hope so.

I'll bring something to play with. And ... I'd like to catch up with you and see how you're doing. Perhaps ogle some baby pics?

I love kids. My youngest are 20 years old. And NO grandbabies yet. :grumpy:

What a dry spell!! :eek:
 
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