2018 Preparedness Goals

Here we are halfway through March but I suppose it’s not too late to post about preparedness goals for this year.  At a time when things seems to be going well it’s often easy to place preps on the back shelf because hey, could spend that money on something other than supplies and would rather head downtown than spend a day working on some skills.  I’m sure we’ve all fallen victim to a little complacency but it’s essential that in some respect we keep plugging along.  What follows are a few of my goals for 2018.

Wood Gathering / Networking

In the year and some change that I’ve lived here in the mountains I’ve gone through roughly 5 cord of wood.  Being busy and also with plenty of locals who split and deliver it per specs, I’m sort of ashamed to say that I’ve purchased all of it and had it delivered.  Sure, the stacking sucks but that’s the easy part.

I’ve met a nice like minded individual who frequents a large ranch every month or so, assists with bringing down trees / splitting and stocking the barn.  They need another good man he tells me, all the dry wood you can haul once the day is out.  I like that plan and am not opposed to hard work, will definitely be participating going forward.

Long Range AR10 Dope

You already know this story.  Spend some money tinkering and build a nice rifle, load catridges for it…barely shoot it (safe queen).  I do train quite a bit with my M4 and especially pistol(s) but have neglected my AR10, I need to get out and get some data on it this year and there are no shortages of places I can get out to 500+ yards.  Fortunately I’ve found another buddy who has a chrono and also loads, we are going to head out together soon.

Concealed Carry: Full Steam Ahead

2017 was a great year for training, I hosted quite a few pistol and rifle courses as well as traveling to the east coast to train with my recently retired GB (Green Beret) buddy to hone my skills.  2018 will mean more courses but I’ve already secured a space and have gone full steam into teaching and certifying for CCW.  I enjoy empowering responsible citizens and helping to make them more self sufficient.

Wood Stove Cleaning

I need to clean my stove after the weather warms up, I paid around $250 for a chimney sweep crew to come out and inspect / clean it last season and after observing them I think I’ll be good to go.  Climbing up on the roof shouldn’t be an issue, one man up top shoving the brush down and another at the stove with a shop vac.  Just one of those self reliance things that I never had to do before but want to pick up on.

Gasoline Storage

Currently I have four 5 gallon containers and a 5 gallon safety can which stays in the back of my truck.  I’d like to have all safety cans stored in a lockable container but once again, there are costs involved with that.  Each one is around $50, x 4 and a $300 or so locker.  All in due time but I’d feel much better about that setup than my current one.

More Wood Working Projects

Last year I picked up a compound miter saw and table saw to compliment my other tools and have been hitting several projects around the house.  Everything from small tables to exterior well covers, I really enjoy buiding these sorts of things and hope to do more in the future.

The Bottom Line

Life has changed since moving out to the mountains but it’s all been for the best.  The conveniences are less, the drives to town are longer and the *somewhat* isolation is real.  I enjoy it and am happy to share it with my family.  2018 will be another year where we continue to gain more skills and prepare for something that may or may not come.  It’s the way we choose to live and are definitely thankful for it.