When this issue hits your mailbox, most kids in the U.S. will still be in school; physically, anyway. Like the rest of us at this time of year, they’re more concerned about what they’ll be doing during the summer than on the work at hand.
For many Americans, the summer escape means heading to some sort of shoreline, whether it’s a cool clear mountain lake or our almost endless ocean and gulf coasts. These areas have historically, almost genetically, been where millions of people go to get away from the tedium and stress of their everyday lives. As you’ll read in a couple of pieces from Brian M. Morris, they should also be on your short list for bug-out destinations.
While the stereotypical bug-out plan has folks “heading to the hills, ”Brian wants you to remember that there are other options and that the seashore, in particular, might be more suitable for many people whose wilderness survival skill sets are not fully honed yet. For many of the same reasons that we flock to these rich and verdant oases, tiki bars not included, they can make good destinations when we need to leave the mounting dangers around our homes and bug out in the face of disaster.
While no destination is without drawbacks or concerns, this is one we don’t talk about much so it’s worth a look to see if it makes sense to add this option to your plans.
Speaking of making it on your own, Matt Graham is a well-known and highly regarded survival expert and primitive skills instructor who has literally walked the walk to develop his expertise. As you might expect from someone who has spent up to six months alone in the wild, his is quite the interesting story. Michael D’Angona’s interview gives us an open and honest look at what got Matt started and his philosophy for approaching the challenge of staying alive when you don’t rely on the safety net of modern civilization.