Preparing for bad weather, therefore, is a high priority for the adven
turer. Preparation may be as simple as moving your firewood to a dry spot
or as complex as building a shelter that will protect you against a coming
blizzard. Whether I’m in a survival situation or just on a camping trip, I’m
always doing one of two things regarding the weather: taking advantage
of the good weather to prepare for the bad or hunkering down during bad
weather and doing what I can “inside.” Bad weather can present a per
fect opportunity to take care of little jobs that don’t require you to be out
side. Given the proper amount of materials, space, heat, and light, you can
accomplish tasks like sharpening knives, building traps and snares, creat
ing fishing implements, mending your clothing, or working on a signal
device while a storm rages around you.
Once the weather brightens up again (and it will), you will have your
chance to gather those wild berries you know are in a particular spot, travel
to another location, hunt, or fish.
Weather Versus Climate
WEATHERANDCLIMATE ARETWO DISTINCTBEASTS. While weather can change
on a dime, climate is the average weather that predominates in an area
over a long period of time. It’s a variable that’s largely known and under
stood, and one that can and should be prepared for well in advance of your
trip. Preparation could mean the difference between life and death.
If your local research uncovers the fact that weather can
change quickly in a region, don’t underestimate it. Be ready.stroud’s Tip
I knew before visiting the Amazon jungle that it rained a lot. There
are basically two seasons: wet and wetter (it is, after all, a rain forest).
Though I visited during the “less wet” season, I discovered that it could
still rain for three days at a time. The pretrip research I did on the cli
mate made a huge difference to my survival for the next seven days. I also
(^278) | Survive!