Greetings!
I stumbled on this fine forum searching for survival stuff, bushcraft. I live in Okinawa, Japan with my Japanese wife and our son. I work as a US Department of Defense Civilian for the US Marine Corps.
Here's my bushcraft resume:
-Used to go camping and fishing with my parents often when I was young.
-Was enrolled in the Boyscouts for about 2 years.
-Joined the US Marines at age 20, learned quite a few survival tips there.
-Didn't actually gain an interest in bushcraft until I saw Survivorman while visiting my parents back in 2004--the ember was created. Then got back to Japan a month later and saw another survival-type of TV show on Japanese TV--the tinder ignited!
-December of '04, after doing some internet research, I tried my hand at the bow-and-drill fire. 1 hour of practice per day for 2 weeks straight, I finally produced my first flame. I howled at the moon and greeted my ancestors! I believe doing all the research myself (and not being shown how to make one by a real-life instructor) and creating my own has given me a deeper love for fire-by-friction than would have otherwise been possible. Unfortunately, the wood I used was store-bought.
To this day, I have been unsuccessful in using local wood here in Okinawa. Lantana is supposed to work great, and I've got a nice twig drying out as we speak.
Lantana
I've been unsuccessful with hybiscus, and another bush that grows in my yard. Also have been unsuccessful with another sumac-looking plant that grows locally.
Since my first self-reliant fire, I have also been able to perform the following:
-Cooking with a "keyhole" fire.
-Solar still
-Field water filter
-Magnifying glass fire
-Figure-four deadfall trap
-A few others I'm sure I'm forgetting
Some experiments on my plate:
-Pig spear shaft
-Lean-to shelter
-Fire plough
-In the process of researching the various plants that grow here
I'm always looking for excuses to practice what I've learned. I keep in my car a backpack containing a hand ax, 2 folding knives, colapsable shovel, and How to Survive Anything, Anywhere by Mr. Chris McNab. I also have on me at all times:
-a mini-Maglite and a Leatherman Micra on my keychain
-a Dakota Angler II watch with flashlight, hook sharpener, thermometer, and compass on one of my beltloops
-and a 17-tool Leatherman Wave on my belt
So far, I like what I've seen on this site and I'm sure I'll learn a lot from the knowledgeable people here! I will admit though, it will take some getting used to all the Original English!hahahaha
Respectfully,
Bill "Broke"
I stumbled on this fine forum searching for survival stuff, bushcraft. I live in Okinawa, Japan with my Japanese wife and our son. I work as a US Department of Defense Civilian for the US Marine Corps.
Here's my bushcraft resume:
-Used to go camping and fishing with my parents often when I was young.
-Was enrolled in the Boyscouts for about 2 years.
-Joined the US Marines at age 20, learned quite a few survival tips there.
-Didn't actually gain an interest in bushcraft until I saw Survivorman while visiting my parents back in 2004--the ember was created. Then got back to Japan a month later and saw another survival-type of TV show on Japanese TV--the tinder ignited!
-December of '04, after doing some internet research, I tried my hand at the bow-and-drill fire. 1 hour of practice per day for 2 weeks straight, I finally produced my first flame. I howled at the moon and greeted my ancestors! I believe doing all the research myself (and not being shown how to make one by a real-life instructor) and creating my own has given me a deeper love for fire-by-friction than would have otherwise been possible. Unfortunately, the wood I used was store-bought.
To this day, I have been unsuccessful in using local wood here in Okinawa. Lantana is supposed to work great, and I've got a nice twig drying out as we speak.Lantana
I've been unsuccessful with hybiscus, and another bush that grows in my yard. Also have been unsuccessful with another sumac-looking plant that grows locally.
Since my first self-reliant fire, I have also been able to perform the following:
-Cooking with a "keyhole" fire.
-Solar still
-Field water filter
-Magnifying glass fire
-Figure-four deadfall trap
-A few others I'm sure I'm forgetting
Some experiments on my plate:
-Pig spear shaft
-Lean-to shelter
-Fire plough
-In the process of researching the various plants that grow here
I'm always looking for excuses to practice what I've learned. I keep in my car a backpack containing a hand ax, 2 folding knives, colapsable shovel, and How to Survive Anything, Anywhere by Mr. Chris McNab. I also have on me at all times:
-a mini-Maglite and a Leatherman Micra on my keychain
-a Dakota Angler II watch with flashlight, hook sharpener, thermometer, and compass on one of my beltloops
-and a 17-tool Leatherman Wave on my belt
So far, I like what I've seen on this site and I'm sure I'll learn a lot from the knowledgeable people here! I will admit though, it will take some getting used to all the Original English!hahahaha
Respectfully,
Bill "Broke"
