Franke Schein

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Cold Weather Survival

[ Mount McKinley Alaska January 14th 2012 Photo: Franke Schein ]

Being afraid of extreme cold weather is a natural thing. Most people have the tendency to stay indoors next to the wood burning stove when the temperatures dip into the sub-zero ranges. But, some of us enjoy the challenges of facing the extremes—a Man against Nature challenge. Most people think that I’m nuts when they hear that I’m heading 150 miles into the Northern interior of Alaska. Sometimes I believe them too…

Nonetheless; being out there in the thick of winter is both a way to test my gear, and myself. It allows me the quiet time that I need to recharge myself, and the opportunity to get my survival mind-set used to the frigid weather.

But it starts at home through meticulous selection of the gear that I will be trusting to keep me safe…

Clothing:

Base Layer:

Fleece (Stretch) Union Suit
Polypropylene Socks
Thermax Sock Liner
Polypropylene T-Shirt

Mid Layer:

Wool Pants
Wool Pull-Over Sweater
Polar-Tec Insulated Jacket

Outer Layer:

Gortex Parka
Gortex Gaiters
Gortex Gloves
Fleece Face Mask
Fleece Watch Cap
Snow Goggles
Cold Weather (Bunny) Boots

The list above includes everything that I wear. It looks like a lot of clothing, but in reality, it is three layers that help to trap body heat, and keep the cold wind, as well as the wet snow from the “creeping chill” that signals the start of hypothermia.

Choosing my gear is very important. If my life will depend on a piece of equipment, or clothing, you can be assured that a lot of thought has went into it, before I lay down my money. The Parka is one such piece of gear that is essential. I don’t play around when choosing what Cold Weather Parka.

Snag proof Zippers
Multiple Inner-Pockets
Multiple Outer Pocket
Draw String Waist
Snow Skirt
Adjustable Collar That Reaches To The Nose
Fur Trimmed Hood
Nylon Sleeve Skirt: (Keeps the snow and wind off the wrists)
Waterproof (Not Water Resistant)
Armpit Venting Zippers

The multiple inner-pocket hold the survival gear that I consider essential out in the cold weather.

Extra Insulated Socks are layered in both (large) lower pockets. Having them rolled-up creates unwanted bulk, so I keep one sock in each pocket. It reduced the bulk; most times it’s easy to forget about them until they are needed.

Extra Cell-Phone Battery is stored in one of the upper zippered pockets. The battery is wrapped in wool, and then placed inside of a small zip-lock bag. The wool helps to protect the connections from snapping, and in a pinch, the wool can also be used as an emergency fire starter. The zip-lock bag can be used to melt snow for water.

A Mini-Flashlight is kept in another chest pocket. During the Alaska winter months there isn’t much daylight. The sun rises about 10:30 AM, and stats setting around 3:30 PM. By 4:30 it is already dark. Having a flashlight handy is a blessing.

Disposable Lighter & Waterproof Matches are likewise stored in a zip-lock bag inside of the Parka.

In one of the upper-pockets an Emergency Blanket rides along in case I am forced to hunker-down and get warm. I carry both the standard blanket, and the Emergency Space Bag. Both are essential survival gear that I don’t want to get separated from.

Zipper-Pull Mini-Compass and Temperature Gauge complete the ensemble. Sometimes it’s beneficial to know what the temperature is, and during darkness or white-out conditions, the little compass might help to determine travel direction. But, during a blizzard, hunkering-down is the only way to survive. It’s easy to get lost out there, or walk right off the edge of a cliff, or stumble into an ice filled stream.

A small Water Bottle that is kept half-filled rides near my chest. Keeping it half-filled insures that in the event that I fall down, the water bottle isn’t crushed, and end’s up exploding inside of the parka. Keeping it next to my chest insures that it doesn’t freeze.

A pair of Extra Gloves are not only an essential item, but a part of the survival gear. Gloves get wet, or ripped open on sharp ice. Having a spare set of gloves insures that my time out in the woods is uneventful.

Oftentimes a few granola bars, and chocolate bars are stashed away in the pockets for added energy during the arduous trek across the frozen landscape.

Peppermint candies gives a little energy boost. A few soft tissues will help to defray the “runny nose” problems that are associated with cold weather. Soft Berber Fleece works really good, as does pieces of Marino Wool from worn out clothing.

Having quality Cold Weather Boots is paramount to survival out there in the snow country. I prefer the military “Bunny” boots. They are rated to –60 below zero. Topped-off with a set of gortex gaiters to keep the snow out from the top of the boots—keeps my feet in good condition.

Tinted Snow Goggles are also a must out there. The sun reflecting off of the snow can quickly create conditions called “snow blindness”. Blowing snow, or ice-fog are likewise deflected by the goggles.

Basic Survival Equipment:

Rucksack/Backpack
Cold Weather Sleeping Bag
Gortex Bivy Cover
Sleeping (Ground) Pad
Folding Stove w/ Heat Tabs
Canteen Cup
Arctic Canteen, w/ Carrier
Eating Utensils
Ka-Bar Knife
Sharpening Steel
Leatherman Multi-Tool
Toilet Paper
Fire Making Kit
Parachute Cord
8' x 8' Canvas Tarp
Chemical Lights
Chemical Heat Packs
3-Piece Mess Kit
Individual First Aid Kit
Lensatic Compass
Waterproof Map Case
Lip Balm
Complete Change of Clothing
Small Thermos Bottle
Water Purification Tablets
Poncho

The one thing that I always try to keep in mind when I am out there, is that weight can be the enemy. Humping around a heavy backpack means that walking in the snow requires more effort. Minimal gear which fulfills the requirements for cold weather survival is the only way to go. The added space in the backpack is filled with extra food.

Food Supplies:

Instant Oatmeal
Instant Coffee
Instant Soup
Hot Chocolate
Tea Bags
Raisins
Dried Pineapples
M&M (Crushed) Candies and mixed with Brown Sugar
Emergen-C Vitamin Drink
Sugar Packs
Non-Dairy Creamer Packs
Salt Packs
Pepper Packs
Mountain House Freeze Dried Scrambled Eggs & Peppers
Mountain House Freeze Dried Chili Mac
Mountain House Freeze Dried Beef Stroganoff
MRE Wheat Bread
MRE Crackers
MRE Peanut Butter
MRE Jelly

Emergency Gear:

SPOT-Satellite “Messenger”
Arial Signaling Flares
Signaling Whistle
Orange Signaling Smoke Markers
Fluorescent Orange Marker Panel

When I am “just playing” out in the woods; there’s always a chance that I could get myself into serious trouble. Being alone out there when the temperatures are 30-50 degrees below zero, can mean death if a broken ankle, or deep laceration occurs. Having and extra cell-phone battery is alright as long as there is a signal, but most times there isn’t a tower nearby. The SPOT Satellite device works wonders. It’s easy to summon assistance. But once the search and rescue airplanes are overhead, you have to help them find you. Orange panels, smoke bombs, and signal flares will make it easier for SAR to get to you. All of these items can be wrapped inside of an old Blaze Orange hunting vest, and then secured with rubber bands.

Here in Alaska, a dirt road doesn’t mean civilization. It means that there’s a very long walk in your immediate future. It could be a twenty mile hike to the nearest paved road, or it could be well over a hundred miles—depending on what part of Alaska one is located in.

Whenever I go out into the woods, I always keep in mind that a freak storm can blow in—stranding me out there for several days. That is one reason that I always take more food than what I will actually need. A few dozen home-made fuel tabs are spread out in various pockets in my Parka, and backpack. These fuel tabs can be used for light, heat, starting fires, and cooking my food.

My cell-phone is kept in the small chest pocket of my fleece Long-John suit. The warmth of my body will keep the batteries from loosing its charge in the cold weather. Having the phone on “vibrate” means that I instantly know whenever there is a call coming in. The one flashlight that I carry is also stored inside of my parka. Cold weather is hard on electronics.

Every time that I boil water, I take the time to replace what I have used, and also take the time to refill my thermos bottle. The Thermos makes it easier to grab a hot cup of tea or coffee, without having to dig out the stove and fuel tabs. At night the thermos is tucked in the bottom of my sleeping bag. The water stays warmer inside the bag, as opposed to subjecting it to the frigid night air.

Weapons:
No matter what the season is, I always carry at least two firearms out there. One is a large caliber heavy-hitting magnum rifle such as either the .338 Winchester Magnum, or the .375 Holland & Holland Magnum. Both of these calibers will stop a bear, wolf, or take down a large game animal. Scopes are useless out there; they tend to get fogged-up, knocked around, and actually reduce the sight picture as well as my peripheral vision. Thick trees make the scope useless unless one is hunting out beyond 100-yards, or shooting across open tundra. Forty rounds of ammunition is the usual load-out for either rifle.

For a back-up weapon I carry the Taurus “Raging Bull” .454-Casull Magnum. This hard-hitting revolver is my last ditch weapon, and one that is easier to reach in the event I am awakened in the middle of the night. The handgun is strapped into a chest holster that also carries an additional twelve rounds of ammunition. Eight extra rounds are stored in the backpack.

Shelter:
Tents are heavy, and once exposed to snow and ice, quickly become unmanageable. I have found that the best way to get out from under the weather, is to use a eight foot canvas tarp. It’s relatively easy to find a couple of saplings, and bend two of them across each other in order to build a field expedient shelter-frame.

The saplings should be bent close to the ground; providing enough headroom to get into elbow position while laying down. The taller the shelter is, the harder it will be to keep it warm. Keep the shelter small, and close to the ground. The opposite end of the saplings can be driven into the snow, or heavy logs and rocks can be used to keep the frame solid. Scoop out the snow from underneath the saplings. get out of the wind as much as possible.

An Emergency space blanket is spread out across the frame. This allows heat from the stove to warm the air. Body heat will also bring the temperature up a few degrees as well. The space blanket is them covered with the canvas tarp. Combining both of these pieces of gear, will make for a comfortable night in the snow.
Pack the exposed edges of the tarp with snow. This will keep the wind out, and prevent blowing snow from entering the shelter. But leave a small doorway on one end. Snow Shoes placed up against the opening will keep the blowing snow out; but you will need to have cross-venting to keep from being suffocated by fumes from the stove.

If this shelter is properly constructed, it will maintain a moderate snow weight. The wind is the one thing that will take this shelter down. High winds will definitely turn the tarp and emergency blanket into a parachute. Build this shelter among the trees, or behind some wind-fall. Packing the edges with snow will also help to keep the shelter tied to the bent saplings. Both my canvas tarp, and the emergency space blanket has their respective para-cords already tied to the corners. I use a small stone in the corners of the emergency blanket; this allows me to have a place to knot my para-cord.

Sleeping Gear:
the one thing that cannot be minimized is the cold weather sleeping gear. head out into the bush cold weather with a cheaply made sleeping bag, and it will quickly turn into a very miserable night. Get used to the idea of running back and forth gathering firewood to stay warm—that will be the result of an inferior sleeping bag.
I like to keep an extra space blanket inside of my sleeping bag for those really cold nights. The emergency blanket helps to retain the warmth inside of the bag.

One important thing to remember about sleeping in cold weather: Unless you keep your boots and socks in the bottom of your sleeping bag at night; they will be frozen in the morning. Those heavy and wet boots will ruin the sleeping bag, and the transfer of moisture will reduce the efficiency of the bag itself. For that reason, I change my socks before calling it a night, and then slip into my sleeping bag, with the boots hanging out from the bottom. Another reason for the emergency blanket. It also makes things easier in case I have to exit the shelter to relieve myself in the middle of the night; and in case I am awakened by a predator, I’m not trapped inside of a zippered sleeping bag.

It is also necessary to have adequate insulation from the cold ground. A sleeping pad helps to eliminate the cold earth from sucking the warmth out of your body. There are several varieties available on the market. It’s simply a matter of choosing one that suits your own particular needs. I use my backpack as a headrest, and this also helps to keep my gear close to me.

Before going to sleep, I make sure that every piece of gear is repacked into my backpack. In case the wind knocks down my shelter, or I am forced to leave in a hurry; I won’t have to stop and look for my things. They are already packed.

I’ve used this shelter many times, and in all of the different seasons. This type of shelter has protected me from rain, snow, sleet, and early morning dew. It has never let me down. I've built this shelter with canvas and ponchos alike. It works in any situation, as long as the shelter is kept close to the ground, and protected from sudden wind gusts.

A single home-made fuel tab will keep the inside of this shelter toasty, even in sub-zero temperatures. The stove’s small flame quickly heats-up the shelter by reflecting from the emergency blanket. It only takes a few minutes to make it comfortable inside—even while a nasty blizzard is blowing outside of the shelter.

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del.icio.us Tags: Franke,Schein,Franke Schein,Alaska,Survivalist,Bugging Out,Winter Survival,Winter Cooking,Winter Gear,454-Casull,375H&H Magnum,338 Win-Mag,Sleeoing Bag,Cold Weather Survival,Primitive Shelter,Snow Shelter,Parka,Gortex,Bubby Boots,ECW Sleeping Bag

Friday, January 13, 2012

The Arrival Of 2012: What Can We Expect

The Mayans have been counting down to the year 2012 for centuries; as have many other societies, cultures, and religions. To many people around the world; the year 2012 has held a certain mystique, and for some, the arrival of an apocalyptic era that which brings with it chaos and death.

The most important events that will occur are the Inter-Galactic Planetary alignment, and the anticipated Solar storms of 2012. These two events are significant in their own respects, and when combined, could create some difficulties for all of us in the year ahead.

In a recent article Titled “2012 Worse Case Scenarios” I explored the different aspects of how these two events could play out; and quoted several sources to confirm my own research.

Galactic Alignment:

Coastal tides and/or water levels influenced
Strange animal behavior
Strange human behavior
Polar Magnetic field degradation
Potential increased seismic activity
Potential increased volcanic activity

2012 Solar Storms:

Disruption and/or degradation of wireless communication devices
Global Positioning System failures
Reduced radio-wave propagation (sun spot) activity
Increased Aurora Borealis activity
Potential Power Grid failure
Potential computer system failure

“Is there a possibility that both of these events will coincide to wreck our world?” Nobody knows for sure—it’s all just guess work when you break it down into the elemental stages.

I do know this much:

The earth’s crust that we live on is only about fifty miles thick. Underneath all of that, is a mixture of rock, steel, and magma.
All of the world’s continents are literally surrounded by oceans.
All of the oceans have undersea volcanoes and hot-spots.
The Tectonic pates are constantly in motion.
All volcanoes are inter-connected by the magna-chamber which feeds the molten lava to the surface at enormous pressures.
If sea water is introduced to the lava—a violent eruption occurs.
Earthquakes are due to plate-shifts; and that in turn creates tsunamis that roar inland at 500 MPH.
Earthquakes generally follow fault-lines.
Fault-Lines create a conduit for earthquakes. They travel up and down the fault lines, in near sequence.
The coastal areas of the United States contains a large population that is AT RISK, regardless if something happens in 2012 or not. These events make it just a little more riskier for coastal dwellers.

There are many possibilities for these two events to lead us all down a path of destruction. Each event creates its own unique set of possibilities, and requires a unique response from a survival perspective. I tend to look at this things in a “Worse Case” scenario. Planning is accomplished along those lines…

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Survival Perspective: Biological Terrorism

Tuberculosis and Cholera; two infectious diseases that have jumped the scientific gap developing into a Totally Drug Resistant strains which could be used as a WMD by jihadists in their ever-increasing war against the west.

Given that jihadists are willing to adorn themselves with explosive laden vests or belts, would it not then be prudent to assume that a suicide bomber would readily agree to be infected with a deadly form of a virus.

The Transportation Security Administration screens passengers and baggage for all kinds of things, but I’ve never heard of a medical screening or quarantine area for those travelers that could be carrying a deadly disease.

It wouldn’t be difficult for these jihadists to mastermind a devious plot that sends several of their agents onto international airlines. The mere fact that this contagion is not a threat that can be screened by machines, makes this type of biological warfare all the more plausible. A dozen jihadists could infect everyone that comes into contact with them at the airport, and within a few days those people could infect others. A sequence of events that could start a chain reaction across Europe, America, and the Western nations.

In recent days the internet news has reported two significant events related to this:

Totally Drug-Resistant Form of TB Emerging in Second Country

UN Soldiers Brought Deadly Superbug to Americas

America is AT RISK by terrorist that have learned how to adapt their style of warfare. These jihadists don’t necessarily all come from countries located in the Mideast—some of them are Caucasians immigrating from Yugoslavian countries and the Baltic states of the former USSR.

Here’s another one of these nefarious bastards that was arrested last week by the FBI because he wanted to kill Americans in his own version of Jihad against the “Big Satan” America.

del.icio.us Tags: Tuberculosis,Cholera,Biolgical,Attack,Jihadist,Islamoffacists,Taliban,Terrorist,TSA,Security,H1N1,H5N1,Virus,Homeland Security,Airport,Airlines,Survival,Survivalist,Survival Strategies,Critical Thinkinghinking,Jihad,Iran,Radical Islam

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Thursday, January 12, 2012

Russian Seismo Weapons

This is a new Soviet weapon that is designed to create earthquakes in a localized zone. It's also used to detonate land-mines across a wide area.

Russia's SU-2000 Missile

Watch this video: Near the end it shows a downed American jet, as well as a flight helmet belonging to an American Jet Pilot.

Russia is considering selling some of these missle to Iram, as well as other Islamic countries. This is one of the reason that America has installed the Missile Defense Shiled in countries around Iran.

Russia's Psyhotron weapons

Nearly every government in the world has been expermenting with people that have ESP powers. Russia was one of the first in the world to actually declare this to the world back in the early 1950's.

Russian EMP Bomb

Russia's Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP) Bomb.
This weapon is currently deployed within their Division and Army Group Theater's and can be deployed by Divisional Battle Field Commanders.

Russian EMP Bomb

Monday, January 9, 2012

The North American Survival Alliance

In recent months I have been deluged with request from people from all across the globe to help them find survival groups, or to help them start their own group. Requests that keep pouring in with no end in sight. But, I understand; we are after all--living on the cusp of the 2012 Prophecies.

I’ve tried to answer everyone that has taken to time to send me a message. I’ve done my very best to help them with whatever that they were asking of me—short of having them come to Alaska and occupy the spare bedroom in my home.

After giving it much thought, I believe that the best thing that anyone can do, is to reach out to those people in their own area, and get busy making some serious survival plans. Now is NOT the time to be distant from your neighbors. I’ve learned that there is probably one survivalists that lives on every street, in every city. The job is to find out who they are,

So, I’ve tried to make it easy to find “likeminded” people. But, I need your help in getting the job done…

The link below is the portal to a brand new survival forum that I have put together in the last week. I’m hoping that each of you will take a moment to register, and then introduce yourself. Even Better—post some of your own skills, experiences, and survival knowledge, so that others can learn from our collective skillset.

The North American Survival Alliance Forum

Get the word out about this forum. Post it wherever you can; and let people know that we exist. It’s a free forum that doesn’t cost me a dime, and I don’t make a dime off it. It’s strictly to share the information, and get people together before the collapse of society.

Already I have spoken with a few people about setting up survival groups in New Jersey, Iowa, California, Texas, and Colorado. There are others, but we haven’t reached the actual agreement, so I will not post their states until I know for sure that they are on board.

Each of these State Groups will start from scratch. The Group (Interim) Leaders will be busy getting everything set-up, and will receive lots of instruction from me, and some of the people from my own group here in Alaska. We will try to emulate the success that The Alaska Watchmen Group has experienced, among those State groups.

But, I also have to tell you this: Each of the State Groups will operate under the exact same guidelines that my group does:

The Group will not be a security blanket or welfare department for the unprepared. Just because a potential new member isn’t prepared, doesn’t automatically mean that they are rejected. But it does mean that they must show progress every month in getting their food supplies in order.
The member must be able to stand on their own two feet when it comes to acquiring food, water, and supplies. Like I tell my new candidates here; “Don’t show up at our Rally Point or Safe Area empty handed” The group will vote whether we want to feed you, or send you packing.
Each member will have to understand when they say “I Got Your Back !”; it means just that, and nothing less!
The Group operates as a TEAM, trains as a TEAM, and plans as a TEAM. There is no petty dictatorship or Type-A Personality Control Freaks allowed. (The world already has enough of those…)
There will be a small monthly due. Without dues, the Group cannot purchase Long-Term food supplies, communications gear, or medical kits. Any survival group that doesn’t ask for dues to cover these issues, has a problem with communications.

Folks; I think that sometime between March and June the world will start feeling the initial effects of the 2012 syndrome. It’s not going to happen all at once. It will happen like a summer rain-storm; it will mist into our lives, and then blow like hell when it gets dark…

We have 11-Mont's before the Galactic Alignment, and 11-Months before the Solar Storm reach their peak cycles. There isn’t much time to start bickering, or side-stepping these issues. No matter what you do today; make sure that you and your family will have the ability to eat,drink, and keep war. December 21st 2012 is in the middle of winter.