and chose well.days and nights, covering 15 miles (24 km) in deep snow. When
in doubt, Tamitha repeated her mantra, “One more day and I’ll be
home.” On the 12th day of their ordeal, the couple spotted a bright
yellow snowplow in the distance and flagged it down.
Because of their resourcefulness and sound decisionmaking,
the Garners—and Medusa—made it out alive. At that critical moment
when they were forced to choose, they weighed their options carefullyTravel Considerations
ONCEYOU MAKE THEDECISIONTOHITTHETRAIL, there are many factors you
need to consider.
Weather and Climate
How will shortterm weather conditions affect you? This is a vital consid
eration. If a violent storm is brewing in the distance, stay put, at least for
the time being. Most big weather—especially violent weather—comes and
goes fairly quickly. Traveling all day in the rain with poor rain gear is a sure
recipe for hypothermia.
Carrying Gear
When you’re on the move, you’ll likely need a way to carry the things that will
help keep you alive on the journey (hopefully your survival kit is one of them).
The less equipment you have to carry in your hands, the better off you’ll
be. You’re going to need your hands to protect you from falling, to move
obstacles from your path, and to mark your trail. If you’re fortunate enough
to have a backpack, great. But what if you don’t?
With a few raw materials and a little time and effort, you can con
struct a makeshift carry bag. All you need is a blanket or similar item and
some rope. Make your carrier sturdy so that you can travel as fast and as far
as possible. It would be tragic to arrive at your destination after a grueling
day of wilderness travel to find that you’d lost your lighter because it fell
out of your makeshift bag.
(^220) | Survive!