Iceman
2005-02-08, 01:14
I have been going afield for the past 22 years hiking, hunting, fishing etc... and each time I am away, I make sure to prepare for and care for my loved one(s). What is meant here is going the extra mile in preparing for my absence. Each time I leave for a day or a week, (if my wife is not going with me) I leave a complete itinerary of where I intend to be, including map coordinates, trailheads, drainages, ridges, ect... We each have the same quality map of the area, and I will phone in any changes in plans. IE: "I will be relocating to Delorme' map page 60, B-4 thru B-6, Johnson Ridge area, drainages are Kettle Creek, Smith Creek, and Putnam Creek."
I provide a list of what vehicle is to be driven,vehicle description, vehicle survival equipment list, license plate, my driving route, my anticipated launch point. I also provide my wife with a detailed list of what I have packed on my back or sled, including a detailed breakdown of what survival gear is packed, and a copy of my survival plan, including emergency FRS/GMRS radio frequency to be used. I provide the phone number of area search and rescue authorities of each area I travel and explore. I keep foil boot impressions of every pair of boots I own and identify which pair I will be wearing on given trip. I finish with a "do not worry until" time, for which she can rely on. IE: "I will be home by 6pm Sunday evening, worry if no call to you by 6pm." or, 7pm, or 8pm, the point is to define something for your loved one, so they are not worried unneccesarily while you are away.
For longer trips, I will hide goodies around the home, or leave something special under a pillow. I have pre mailed a special note or gift to arrive soon after I leave. I have mailed a clue, to start my family on an extensive "wild goose" chase thru the home and yard, looking for other clues left in advance, to then find a special gift or treat. You can pre-order a flower delivery to occur while you are away. Have a friend mail a package to your loved one while you are in the bush. Mail a post card from the last town you pass. Hide a special note or two in the fresh towels, tape a note to the peanut butter, place note in a ziplock baggie and hide in the ice cream.
I consider myself an expert in most areas of outdoor survival. I make sure my wife is up to speed with what I know, so she knows what my skill levels are. Often I take a friend along, maybe on their first hunt, or hike, and she has received more than one late night phone call from a worried wife, and my wife has calmly explained that "Bob" is in good company in the backcountry.
Most of my information is stored on my hard drive, so I simply print out and tape to the fridge before my trip. The point of all of this work is to relieve your loved ones of the stresses of having you away.
What are some of the special ideas you have to make sure your family has peace of mind while you are away?
I provide a list of what vehicle is to be driven,vehicle description, vehicle survival equipment list, license plate, my driving route, my anticipated launch point. I also provide my wife with a detailed list of what I have packed on my back or sled, including a detailed breakdown of what survival gear is packed, and a copy of my survival plan, including emergency FRS/GMRS radio frequency to be used. I provide the phone number of area search and rescue authorities of each area I travel and explore. I keep foil boot impressions of every pair of boots I own and identify which pair I will be wearing on given trip. I finish with a "do not worry until" time, for which she can rely on. IE: "I will be home by 6pm Sunday evening, worry if no call to you by 6pm." or, 7pm, or 8pm, the point is to define something for your loved one, so they are not worried unneccesarily while you are away.
For longer trips, I will hide goodies around the home, or leave something special under a pillow. I have pre mailed a special note or gift to arrive soon after I leave. I have mailed a clue, to start my family on an extensive "wild goose" chase thru the home and yard, looking for other clues left in advance, to then find a special gift or treat. You can pre-order a flower delivery to occur while you are away. Have a friend mail a package to your loved one while you are in the bush. Mail a post card from the last town you pass. Hide a special note or two in the fresh towels, tape a note to the peanut butter, place note in a ziplock baggie and hide in the ice cream.
I consider myself an expert in most areas of outdoor survival. I make sure my wife is up to speed with what I know, so she knows what my skill levels are. Often I take a friend along, maybe on their first hunt, or hike, and she has received more than one late night phone call from a worried wife, and my wife has calmly explained that "Bob" is in good company in the backcountry.
Most of my information is stored on my hard drive, so I simply print out and tape to the fridge before my trip. The point of all of this work is to relieve your loved ones of the stresses of having you away.
What are some of the special ideas you have to make sure your family has peace of mind while you are away?