Square Foot Gardening

I started building the frames for my raised-bed square foot garden.  www.squarefootgardening.com

I got the idea from Mel's website and what sets it apart from other raised beds is his particular formula for the soil.  1/3 parts compost, vermiculite, and peat moss.  He has experimented and claims that only 6 inches of soil are needed to grow most plants.

I made three 4x4 frames out of 2x10s.  I used untreated pine and stained them a nice brown color (the gallon pail was on sale at Lowes for $10 (normally $30).  No pics yet - the kiddos broke my camera- so it might be a while before I have photos on my site again. :)

I am getting the vermiculite and peat moss from a garden center, the compost (I don't have any) from the city compost.  I have 16 square feet per box and three boxes.  That's 48 plants!  If this goes well this summer, I'll add more frames next year.

Also, I purchased the mini-greenhouse peat moss kit from Lowes to start my seeds.  For most of Texas and the South, now is the time to get the seeds sprouted and the garden prepped.  Seedlings will be ready to go into the ground in about 3 weeks.  The little peat moss containers are handy.  I know I can make them myself out of newspaper too.

What you don't know about axes.

I grew up in the south and being a fairly warm climate, never had to chop wood or cut down trees.  So, my education on chopping tools is fairly new and I am by no means an expert, but I have learned a few things that I would like to share.

First off, an ax is is not a felling ax and it's definitely not a splitting maul.  "What's a splitting maul and why can't I use my utility ax to split wood or cut down a tree," you ask?  Well, for starters you can, but I don't recommend it.  An ax designed to cut down trees is designed to cut down trees, not split wood.  A splitting maul is designed to split wood, not cut down trees.  Your general purpose utility ax can do each of those, just very inefficiently.

Take a gander at this felling ax:

 

It has a very thin blade and weighs only about 3-4lbs.  This is so that it can be hefted sideways and cut deeply against the grain.  Some felling axes are double bladed and that's fine.  Blades dull and two blades will last twice as long as one.  The down side to the double bladed (double bit) ax is that the handle must be straight and may not be the most efficient swinger out there.  This fiberglass handle from Northern Tool is more durable than wood and easier on the hands in the event of a splinter.





Next, here's a splitting maul:

This maul is heavy at 8-12 lbs and is designed to deliver a lot of downward force.  The blade is fat and rounded to prevent the blade from sticking into the grain of a stubborn log.  Generally, you will spit logs much faster with one of these than any other ax-type hand tool.  You should never use the back of the maul as a sledge hammer or use it to drive in splitting wedges.  The type of metal used in this tool is very brittle and can send off shards of metal causing injury.




Splitting wedges:

Just when you thought you had it figured out, there are different types of wedges too.  Metal wedges are for splitting logs.  Don't use them for anything else.  Generally, if you are trying split some seasoned hardwood you will run into some that just won't split with the maul- that's when you use the wedge with a sledge.  Start the cut with the maul and finish it off with the wedge.

Plastic wedges are used for felling trees.  Never attempt to fell a tree with a metal wedge. Plastic ones are safer especially when you are dealing with a chain saw.  So for big trees, you run the risk of pinching your saw blade between the cut in the tree- that's when a plastic wedge comes into play.  you can use a hatchet or a splitting maul to drive one of these in- it really doesn't matter.  When you use it with a  chain saw it won't damage the chain if you accidently touch it. You could use them for splitting wood, but the metal ones are more durable.

Finally, my little stint here on explaining wood cutting tools is just the first chop at a 100yr old oak.  There are LOTs of different types of tools and many varieties in between for different applications.  Fireman's axes, hatchets, throwing hatchets, camping ones, killing ones... you get the idea.

So, the moral of the story is, if you only have one type of ax in your survival tool kit, you might want to check and see what kind it is and then go and get another one.

I recommend at least a felling ax and a splitting maul in addition to a camp hatchet for limbing.  Also, some advice:  when you buy an ax, it doesn't come sharp.  You will NEED to sharpen it either with a hand sharpener or a bench grinder.  Also, they don't stay sharp- be prepared to sharpen your tools (including shovels) with hand files and stones.

Charcoal cooking

Charcoal is the least expensive fuel per BTU that the average family can store. Remember that it must always be used out of doors because of the vast amounts of poisonous carbon monoxide it produces. Charcoal will store for extended period of time if it is stored in air tight containers. It readily absorbs moisture from the surrounding air so do not store it in the paper bags it comes in for more than a few months or it may be difficult to light. Transfer it to airtight metal or plastic containers and it will keep almost forever.

Fifty or sixty dollars worth of charcoal will provide all the cooking fuel a family will need for an entire year if used sparingly. The best time to buy briquettes inexpensively is at the end of the summer. Broken or torn bags of briquettes are usually sold at a big discount. You will also want to store a small amount of charcoal lighter

To light charcoal using newspapers use two or three sheets, crumpled up, and a #10 tin can. Cut both ends out of the can. Punch holes every two inches around the lower edge of the can with a punch-type can opener (for opening juice cans). Set the can down so the punches holes are on the bottom. Place the crumpled newspaper in the bottom of the can and place the charcoal briquettes on top of the newspaper. Lift the can slightly and light the newspaper. Prop a small rock under the bottom edge of the can to create a a good draft. The briquettes will be ready to use in about 20-30 minutes. When the coals are ready remove the chimney and place them in your cooker. Never place burning charcoal directly on concrete or cement because the heat will crack it. A wheelbarrow or old metal garbage can lid makes an excellent container for this type of fire.

One of the nice things about charcoal is that you can regulate the heat you will receive from them. Each briquette will produce about 40 degrees of heat. If you are baking bread, for example, and need 400 degrees of heat for your oven, simply use ten briquettes.

To conserve heat and thereby get the maximum heat value from your charcoal you must learn to funnel the heat where you want it rather than letting it dissipate into the air around you. One excellent way to do this is to cook inside a cardboard oven. Take a cardboard box, about the size of an orange crate, and cover it with aluminum foil inside and out. Be sure that the shiny side is visible so that maximum reflectivity is achieved. Turn the box on its side so that the opening is no longer on the top but is on the side. Place some small bricks or other noncombustible material inside upon which you can rest a cookie sheet about two or three inches above the bottom of the box. Place ten burning charcoal briquettes between the bricks (if you need 400 degrees), place the support for your cooking vessels, and then place your bread pans or whatever else you are using on top of the cookie sheet. Prop a foil-covered cardboard lid over the open side, leaving a large crack for air to get in (charcoal needs a lot of air to burn) and bake your bread, cake, cookies, etc. just like you would in your regular oven. Your results will amaze you.

To make your own charcoal, select twigs, limbs, and branches of fruit, nut and other hardwood trees; black walnuts and peach or apricot pits may also be used. Cut wood into desired size, place in a large can which has a few holes punched in it, put a lid on the can and place the can in a hot fire. When the flames from the holes in the can turn yellow-red, remove the can from the fire and allow it to cool. Store the briquettes in a moisture-proof container. Burn charcoal only in a well-ventilated area.

Last chance to prep before Iran does something

On the off chance that Iran decides to do something crazy- be it an EMP, conventional nuke, or oil denomination policy change, you have until about 10:30 tonight Central time before that window of opportunity starts to disappear.  In about 4 hrs Iranians will be waking up to start the 11th of Feb.  I have no idea when they plan to do what they are going to do... we will likely be sleeping when it happens (so they can be awake to enjoy it).

Hoping I'm wrong,

Jimmy

More on Feb 11th

"Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Monday that Iran is set to deliver a "punch" that will stun world powers during this week's 31st anniversary of the Islamic revolution.
"The Iranian nation, with its unity and God's grace, will punch the arrogance (Western powers) on the 22nd of Bahman (February 11) in a way that will leave them stunned," Khamenei, who is also Iran's commander-in-chief, told a gathering of air force personnel."
Read entire article here.

We now have had two warnings from Iran that intends to deal "Western arrogant powers" a blow.

Couple this with the news that Syria withdrew their apology for killing civilian Jews last fall- immediately following the announcement, Israel announced they would be willing to enter peace talks.  Sounds like some political posturing.  How would it look to the world if Israel is waiving a white flag of peace and then are bombed by Iran?  Israel is hoping that the posturing will prevent an attack.

I'm not saying that Iran will strike us (America) or Israel, only that the chances of something bad happening on the 10th-11th of Feb (that's in 2 days) are increased.

I honestly DON'T think anything will happen, but on the off chance that it does, I encourage all of my readers to prepare today and tomorrow.  Gas, food, laundry, phone calls, water...  I hope I'm wrong and you can just chalk me up as a loony.

Prophets warn of coming danger

This is nothing new; but its refreshing to hear it from the prophets' mouths, both old and new.

For those who aren't familiar with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint church, here's a link: www.mormon.org

Just one more reason to prepare- if you are Christian, and you know the scriptures and what the ancient prophets taught, you know what is coming and that what the current prophets are teaching coincides perfectly.

East Coast snow causes rush on food stores

The east coast is going to be up to their necks in snow this weekend.  People always freakout in the east whenever there is snow- but this time it looks like it's justified.  2 1/2 feet are predicted.  Hope you guys affected by the snow were prepared.

http://www.foxnews.com/weather/2010/02/05/snowstorm-mid-atlantic-scrambling-staples/

Here's an excerpt from the article:

Shoppers jammed aisles and emptied stores of milk, bread, shovels, driveway salt and other supplies. Many scrambling for food and supplies were too late.

"Our shelves are bare," said Food Lion front-end manager Darlene Baboo in Dover. "This is just unreal."

Airlines canceled flights, churches called off weekend services and people wondered if they would be stuck at home for several days in a region ill-equipped to deal with so much snow.

Several thousand people in West Virginia, Virginia and Pennsylvania had lost electricity and more outages were expected as the snow began to bring down power lines. A hospital fire in D.C. sent about three dozen patients scurrying from their rooms to safety in a basement. The blaze started when a snow plow truck caught fire near the building.

dead battery

I have a trickle charger on my jeep that sits in my garage.  It's been charging for about a year (or so I thought).  I went to crank it up today and the battery was dead.  I checked under the hood only to find that the negative battery jumper had come loose who knows how many months ago.  Lesson: check your stuff more often than once a year.

Iran launches "dirty" missile

This is a follow-up post to yesterday's. This morning, Iran reported launching a missile into space that contained a payload of turtles, worms and mice.


http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,584660,00.html?test=latestnews

Of note, turtles, worms and mice are ALL non-halal or non-kosher.

What does that mean?

Well, Iranian Shiites teach that if a believer was to touch one of these and die before repenting, it would damn him to hell.

Why would they choose to send these particular animals into space- why even handle them? This missile is supposed to represent the great achievement of the Islamic Revolution and the return to the true religion. Why then represent it with "unclean" animals?

If there was a warhead on this missile, it would be the equivalent of dipping bullets in pig's blood to damn the enemy to hell.

Food for thought. Now go and buy some food for storage.

Are you ready for Feb 11th? You'd better be...

First off, I need to warn you that what I'm about to write is pure speculation on my part.  I have no inside knowledge that leads me to the conclusion I'm about to share.  Secondly, I hope I'm wrong.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, declared yesterday in the commencement speech celebrating the 1979 Iranian Revolution that his nation will deliver a harsh blow to the "global arrogance" on this year's anniversary of the Islamic Revolution (11 Feb).

Let's rewind just a bit to put this in proper perspective. News flash- September 29, 2009: Iran Admits it has developed Uranium - a key ingredient for nuclear weapons.

Three months later on Dec 23rd, Iran's Minister of Defense announced that during the 10 Day Dawn (the first 10 days of Feb) it would launch a new breed of satellites with it's indigenous missiles.

This brings us to present day.  Let's just say that Iran has developed a few nuclear warheads.  It would not survive a symmetrical nuclear war.  To use the weapon effectively, they would likely use it as an EMP- al a "One Second After"

Suppose the "satellite launch" is only a cover for the missile that will "deliver a harsh blow" on 11 Feb.

But wait- suppose I'm wrong on the nukes.  How else could Iran deliver a harsh blow?  They could announce that they will no longer sell their oil in US dollars.  They will insist on the Euro instead.  This will bring an immediate  crash to the dollar, oil prices skyrocket.... you know the rest.

But am I the only one that thinks this threat is real?  Let's see what the US military is doing about it just this past week.
US raises stakes on Iran by sending in ships and missiles
Anti-Missile Systems Deployed to Middle East Against Iranian Threats

Iran has noticed the build-up too:  Iran Reports Naval Buildup In Gulf

So, like I said in the beginning, I hope I'm wrong.  I probably am.  But, this might be the only warning you get.
I did work for six years as an intelligence specialist and I do have a Master's degree in Strategic Intelligence- for what it's worth. I would say that the chances of an incident are much higher next week than usual.  Not that it is definitely going to happen.

What can you do about it?  Well, for starters finish any preparations you might need.  Fill your gas tanks and do all your shopping on the 9th. - might make it an extra large shopping trip.  Get that extra box of ammo you've been meaning to and call your family- just to make the final plans of what you will do if it does happen. Maybe an extra tank of propane...

I hope that I can look back on this a week and half from now and laugh- Best of luck to all of you.

re-seasoning my skillets

Some will tell you that, if properly cared for, a cast iron skillet never needs re-seasoning.  What that "proper care" actually is- I've yet to discover.  I know some don't use soap on their cast iron due to the soap breaking down the oil that keeps it stick-free.  As for me and mine, we use soap.  Unfortunately, that means that once a year or so, I need to re-season my cast iron.

I have two main 13" skillets that I use on a daily basis.  I love to cook with them.  I found one and bought the other.  One is a Lodge and the other a no-name.  Both are equally good, but I prefer the no-name one.  I re-season them when food starts sticking.

Anyhow, to re-season my pans, I get them hot on the stove with some water in them.  Then, I use steel wool (I use fine) and go to work on it, taking off a good bit of the black.  I rinse well with hot water and then repeat the process.

Next, I get it hot again on the stove (a good 5 min) to be sure there is no water left on the pan.  Then, I cut off the heat and put on a HEAVY coat of Crisco and put that in the oven at 250 for about 15 min.

After 15 min, I pull out the skillet (use a mitt) and pour the excess oil out of the pan into the sink.  Then it goes back in the oven at 280-300 for 2 hours.

This is a long process, and you can repeat the crisco and oven treatment 2 or more times if you want.  The more times, the longer and better the non-stick effect will be.  Let it cool down between each treatment.

Finally, everyone's grandmother has a different method for seasoning a pan.  I've tried a few, but find this to be the most sure fire way to make it happen without the risk of burning the oil.

After Armageddon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlcYpgfI564&feature=related

For those who were looking for it...  Comments welcome.

Air Rifles

Long time no write.  In case anyone was wondering, I'm still alive and kicking.  Enjoyed ourselves over Christmas and am back to the daily grind of life.

During the break, I had a chance to shoot a number of different firearms.  From several models of Glocks, to a revolver, to an AR-15 to an AK-47.  Despite all the fun I had doing that, I'd have to say that the most fun I had on vacation was shooting my nephew's Air Soft gun during a neighborhood grudge match of capture the flag.  He has a higher powered (400fps) AK look a like with full auto.  Man that is some fun- and good training.

So, anyhow it got me thinking about noise and of course, air guns are much more quiet- quiet enough to have a full on war in the neighborhood park without drawing anyone's attention.

The advantage of quietness, means I can practice shooting and using a scope in my back yard without alerting all the neighbors.

This can have advantage's in a less than total collapse situation.  For instance, you could hunt small game like rabbits, squirrels, and birds from a suburban back yard without having anyone be the wiser.

In a total SHTF situation, the air gun could be used for similar purposes when trying to conserve ammo, or don't want the entire surrounding population to know that you a) have a firearm and b)have fresh meat.  You would, of course need to carry a primary battle rifle in that situation- but the air rifle can help you stay hidden and undetected.

Additionally, if the government decides to confiscate all firearms, I may be able to hold onto this one- and use it undetected!

So, after considering the utility of a high powered air rifle in various situations, I've decided to add one to my inventory.  I am considering a Gamo Varmint Hunter.  Does anyone own one?  I've read good reviews and the price is about $200.  That's the most I want to pay for an air rifle.

Survival on the Road

I am heading out on the road to visit family tomorrow morning.  I'm sure many of you will also be out on the roads.  Everyone knows to drive safely and to watch for storms and ice- but, it bears repeating.  What else can you do to survive on the road this winter.  Well, here's what I did to prepare:

• Arrange for the neighbor (a hwy patrolman) to watch my house and also to collect the mail.  He also agreed to turn up our heat the day before we come home.  I have his phone number and he has mine in case of emergency.
• Prepare the truck.  I checked the tire pressure, filled the gas tank and checked the fluids (slightly low on antifreeze) and I also put in a piece of cardboard in front of half of the radiator to help the truck to stay warm.  
• Check the route (I know where I'm going, but I like to have alternates) and pack a road map and GPS.
• Pack preparedness items (this is my bugout tote)- complete with several firearms
• Pack tool set- I have several tool kits depending on the situation- this is an extended trip so I packed my big tool box including my 1/2"cordless impact wrench and volt-ohm meter.
• Check standard items (jumper cables, flashlights, flares, fire extinguisher, tire jack)
• Pack tire chains (for snow and ice) 
• Pack tow ropes/chains
• Pack extra food and water
• Remember to bring some cash in addition to credit cards
• Finally, with all that I loaded up our suit cases which have plenty of clothing

I'm sure I'm forgetting some stuff (I always do) but that's it for the next two weeks.

Have a Merry Christmas.  Remember to include Christ in your holiday celebrations (it's His birthday).

More White House Spending!!!

First Lady Michelle Obama's Servant List & Pay Scale

 First Lady Requires More Than Twenty Attendants

1. $172,2000 - Sher, Susan    (Chief Of Staff) 

2.. $140,000 - Frye, Jocelyn C ..    (Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Policy And Projects For The First Lady)
3. $113,000 - Rogers, Desiree G    (Special Assistant to the President and White House Social Secretary) 

4. $102,000 - Johnston, Camille Y. (Special Assistant to the President and Director of Communications for the First Lady) 

5. $100,000 - Winter, Melissa E. (Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief Of Staff to the First Lady) 

6. $90,000 -  Medina , David S. (Deputy Chief Of Staff to the First Lady) 

7. $84,000 - Lelyveld, Catherine M. (Director and Press Secretary to the First Lady) 

8. $75,000 - Starkey, Frances M. (Director of Scheduling and Advance for the First Lady) 

9. $70,000 - Sanders, Trooper (Deputy Director of Policy and Projects for the First Lady) 

10. $65,000 - Burnough, Erinn J. (Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary) 

11. $64,000 - Reinstein, Joseph B. (Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary) 

12. $62,000 - Goodman, Jennifer R. (Deputy Director of Scheduling and Events Coordinator For The First Lady) 

13. $60,000 - Fitts, Alan O. (Deputy Dir ector of Advance and Trip Director for the First Lady) 

14. $57,500 - Lewis, Dana M. (Special Assistant and Personal Aide to the First Lady) 

15. $52,500 - Mustaphi, Semonti M. (Associate Director and Deputy Press Secretary To The First Lady) 

16. $50,000 - Jarvis, Kristen E. (Special=2 0Assistant for Scheduling and Traveling Aide To The First Lady) 

17. $45,000 - Lechtenberg, Tyler A. (Associate Director of Correspondence For The First Lady) 

18. $43,000 - Tubman, Samantha (Deputy Associate Director, Social Office) 

19. $40,000 - Boswell, Joseph J. (Executive Assistant to the Chief Of Staff to the First Lady) 

20. $36,000 - Armbruster, Sally M. (Staff Assistant to the Social Secretary) 

21. $35,000 - Bookey, Natalie (Staff Assistant) 

22. $35,000 - Jackson, Deilia A. (Deputy Associate Director of Correspondence for the First Lady)


Note: This does not include makeup artist Ingrid Grimes-Miles, 49, and "First Hairstylist" Johnny Wright, 31, both of whom traveled aboard Air
Force One to  Europe .

Copyright 2009 Canada Free Press.Com  canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/12652

Yes, I know, The Canadian Free Press has to publish this because the  USA media is too scared they might be considered racist.   Sorry  America !

Survival Seeds Review

I got my seeds in the mail today from http://hometownseeds.com

I haven't planted them yet- so I can't honestly comment on whether they will germinate and grow...but if the service and high quality packaging are any indication, they will be just fine.

The seeds came speedy fast via priority mail and came packaged in a vacuum sealed durable metallic bag.  There was also a thank you note as well as a good-sized information pamphlet that had details on each seed type included and information on soil preparation.  There were 16 different types of seeds included- they claim that there is enough to plant 3/4 of an acre.  That's a lot of seeds- the bag was quite hefty for the size.

I will likely plant some of these seeds this spring and will give you an update as that progresses.  They are all non hybrid seeds.  So, if you're looking for some survival seeds, but the $100 can is just too much, try out this company- with a survival package at $34.99 you really can't go wrong.  I always thought that growing from seeds was going to be tough- I found out that really isn't the case.  Also- it's WAY cheaper to do it from seeds than from buying the potted plant at Wally World.

Airline Travel with defensive weapons...

I travel quite a bit and this can be a little tricky when traveling with guns and knives.  However, it is very possible to travel with a pistol and knife (except for when you are actually in the airport).  Just lock your pistol in a hard case and pack the ammo in the original box and put your sheathed knife in your checked luggage. BE SURE to DECLARE it at the baggage check.  After you get to your destination, pull it out and stick it in your pocket.

There are some stipulations though- click here to read the special instructions from the government about bringing a firearm onboard. 

TWA says: Knives including sabers, swords, hunting knives, souvenir knives, martial arts devices with blades are accepted in checked baggage. NOTE: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

Just keep in mind that if you travel overseas, guns and some knives may be considered illegal- so, check first to avoid problems.

My ideal survial group

No, I hadn't forgotten about my promise to post this.  I've been traveling for business and then have company over and last night I went hunting.  It gets busy around the holidays.

• First off, I would like for everyone to be of the same faith and be strong in the faith.
• Second, I would like for everyone to be motivated to prepare for the same or similar reasons.
• Next, I prefer that everyone prepare in all categories of preparedness and be generally self-reliant.
• Fourth, everyone in my group should be married with children.
• Finally, everyone should be roughly at the same level of preparedness- that is I wouldn't exclude any new comer or long-time prepper- but everyone should be budgeting roughly the same amount of money towards preparedness.
• My ideal group would meet once or twice a month or as needed.

More on this later- gotta run.

eXRS? Anyone try it?

So, I was looking in the store today and ran across this walkie talkie that caught my attention.  It's by a company called Tri Square but that's not what caught my eye.  It is like FRS, but it's digital and uses frequency hopping technology to help make it secure.  This is pretty exciting technology and its been around for years.  The radios have to be sync'd together beforehand and decide on a number.  Then, when you want to talk, you put in that number and it calls the other radio.  Once you start talking, the radios start changing frequencies based on a common algorithm- so, even if someone else does find out a frequency your on, it changes in a less than a second, so they don't get the whole conversation.  We used similar radios when I was in the police department to stop citizens from using scanners to listen in on us. Also, with this higher end model it will record the last transmission from the other person so if you miss their radio call- they can leave a message!  I'm not trying to advertise for them- I don't care if you buy one or not, but from a COMSEC point of view, this could be a very valuable tool for communicating with those in your group.  This was advertized for $100 and includes 2 units, batteries, wireless headsets and a base charging unit.  They also make it in real-tree.

This is from their site:

eXRS (eXtreme Radio Service) is the new digital two-way radio service operating in the 900 MHz band [Jimmy: this means it can travel through building better than the HF waves but requires more line of sight]. eXRS goes beyond FRS and GMRS. eXRS uses frequency hopping to make it possible to have private and secure communications. eXRS puts an end to annoying interference from other users on the same channel. Because eXRS radios constantly hop from one frequency to another, your conversation cannot be overheard on a scanner or another radio. In addition, eXRS radios, unlike FRS/GMRS radios are license free and are legal for all users of all ages and for personal and business purposes.


eXRS TWO-WAY RADIO RANGE


EXCEEDS 100 MILES!

________________________________________

That’s a bold statement and true, but of little practical value to the user.

The truth about Radio Range on the planet Earth

The actual range of eXRS and all other UHF two-way radios including FRS and GMRS (walkie-talkies) is effectively the same, regardless of transmit power. The total range is greatly diminished by the effects of the atmosphere, trees, buildings, hills and all other environmental conditions in the area of use.

Portable UHF radios are effectively straight-line communications devices. It is the path that establishes usable range, not the transmit power.

The Earth is not flat.

Even the curvature of the Earth limits the straight-line path. The average curvature of the Earth dictates an average maximum range of 6 miles.

There are certain conditions that will extend the straight-line path to more than one hundred miles (mountain top to valley, for example) and there are many conditions that will obstruct the straight-line path to less than one mile.

Shorter Range Conditions

Longer Range Conditions

Beware of advertised range claims. Advertised range has grown over the last few years from a couple of miles to 30 miles and more in an effort to distinguish product pricing. All good quality portable UHF radios, regardless of range claims, will perform essentially the same under the same conditions. It is unlikely a user will normally experience a set of conditions conducive to long range operation, but under those conditions, radios with advertised range of 2 miles will perform equally as well as those advertising greater than 30 miles.

Realistically, under most conditions, typical range for all eXRS, FRS and GMRS radios will be a few thousand feet to several miles.

eXRS radios have been independently tested head to head with the top of the line GMRS/FRS radios and up to five Watt commercial radios and the results demonstrate that they are all range equivalent.

Forming a Prepper Group

So, you've ID'd some folks who have similar goals as you and you all would like to form a benificial group to prepare against whatever it is you feel the need to prepare for.  I suggest starting with only one or two other initial members.  That way, after you've hammered out what the group will be, you can each then recruit more members with a goal in mind.  (easier to get group concensus with fewer members)

Step 1- Research and plan your group type.  Figure out what you want to get out of your group.  This can change over time and may have phases built in.  Do you just want a group to bounce ideas off of?  Do you want a group that all chips in money to buy a retreat in Idaho?  Do you want your group to pool resources in times of emergency (one person buys the nice reloader another buys the big flour mill, another buys the diesel generator)?  Try to define what it is you want to join.  Everyone's idea may be different- and you will have to compromise.  As cheezey as it sounds, a mission statement may help give direction- a one sentence statement that defines the purpose of your group.  Everyone needs to know what the group is for.  Otherwise your just hanging out.  After you agree on what it is you are going to do, it's time to plan.

Step 2- Get organized. Give the group a name.  Try to keep notes on what was discussed.  Decide where and how often the group will meet.  What will happen at these meetings will largely depend on the group's mission statement.  If you are primarily a weapons and tactics group- you may meet at the range on a regular basis.  Others may meet in the home of a member- or a public location.  Decide on membership requirements or limits.  Be curtious of others and don't exclude potential members simply because they have a busy work load and can't meet every other Tuesday.  Decide who the leader is.  Every group needs a leader- though it may not be you.  Be prepared to be a follower if a better leader is present. Decide early on if decisions are going to be democratic in nature or not.  You can create an agenda of activities or goals.  For instance, one month may be get CPR certified month (you could host a CPR instructor for the group or maybe a member is already qualified to instruct).  Another month you could talk about food storage- or cooking techniques, or knife sharpening or gun cleaning, or gardening... Be sure to decide about new members- what it takes to let a new member into the group. Respect the privacy of other members.

Step 3- Stay Active.  Whether you are the group leader or not, if you want the group to continue you have to be supportive of everyone.  Be encouraging to others.  If you value their membership, make them feel wanted and important.  Do fun things- not just discussion meetings.  Go for hikes, to HAM radio club events, to the gun range, to gun shows, help other members dig in their gardens...

Question- is it alright to join multiple groups?  I think so.  Each group may have different goals and offer different benifits of membership.  I also think in terms of circles.  I have a circle of friends that believes strongly in food storage, yet abhors guns.  Another circle that loves guns, yet places little emphasis on anything else.  Eventually, I hope to get enough people who have similar goals, circumstances and perspectives as me and we can form a real tight-nit group.

Next post I will define I want out of my ideal survival group.