Lost In The Woods: 5 Tricks For Finding Your Way … Without A Compass

The article Lost In The Woods: 5 Tricks For Finding Your Way … Without A Compass was originally seen on Total Survival

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After numerous fishing, hunting and backpacking trips, I’ve found myself lost more times than I’d like to admit. Over time I learned the hard way and spent a good amount of effort learning some basic techniques for those occasions when I simply assumed I wouldn’t need a compass.

We all know a compass points north. At least to magnetic north, which is close enough to true north to help you get where you want to go. But if you don’t have a compass, there are a few other ways to make sure you stay on course:

1. Know that the sun rises in the east. Or at least very close to true east. Figure out where the sun is rising and the opposite is west. If the sun is rising to your right then straight ahead is north. You should be able to figure out south and west from there. The same rules apply as the sun sets in the west, but if you’re still lost you’ll probably want to make camp rather than wondering around after sunset.

2. Know that the North Star is in the north. It’s actually true north. If it’s not cloudy, then you’ll find it at the tail end of the Little Dipper. Lay a stick on the ground with a couple of small sticks to make an arrow so you can wake up in the morning and remember the direction. The sun rising to your right in the east also will confirm that your arrow is correct.

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3. Drive a stick into the ground about 12 inches high. Assuming it’s sunny, it will cast a shadow. Put a small pebble at the end of the shadow. Wait about 15 to 30 minutes and the shadow will have moved. Put another pebble at the end of the shadow. Now draw a line through the two pebbles. You now have an east/west line. Look at which side the shadow is pointing over that east/west line. It will be pointing in a northerly direction given the sun favors the south side of the sky. Draw a line through the east/west line at a 90-degree angle and you’ve got your coordinates: north, south, east and west.

4. Make your own compass. You’ll need a needle, a piece of wool or silk, a leaf and a puddle of water. Rub the needle with the wool or silk about 100 times and the needle will actually acquire a magnetic charge. You also can (carefully) rub the needle through your hair. Place the leaf delicately on the pool of water and place the needle on top. If there is no wind, the needle should align with magnetic north. The thicker end of the needle (the side with the eye) will favor the northern direction. You also can use shadows (shadows tend to favor north) to determine which way your needle is pointing. From there, you can figure out your coordinates.

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5. Look for moss on (certain) trees. There are a lot of skeptics about this technique, but it can work if you find the right tree. Look for a solitary tree that is openly exposed to the sun. Moss likes shade, and the northern side of a tree is typically in shade most of the day. If the tree is deep in a forest, it will be a far less reliable source to base direction on, as shade is more common there and the appearance of any green or moldy growth could surround the trunk.

One Last Thing

Knowing which way is north, south, east or west has little value if you have no idea what lies in any direction. Before you depart for that casual walk in the wilderness, take some time to understand the general location of key landmarks like a road, river, lake or highway. If you know there’s a road to the north and a river to the south, you’ll at least have a chance of finding your way back when you arrive at that landmark.

What survival advice would you add? Share your tips in the section below:

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How To Make The Hive BuzzBee: Disney Birthday Cake Tutorial

How To Make The Hive BuzzBee: Disney Birthday Cake Tutorial See more on: http://ift.tt/1nr27gs

Is there an upcoming birthday party in your family and you’re out of original cake ideas? In case this is a kid’s party, then we have a great idea for you. If not, you can still try to make this cake and bring a smile to every guest’s face. This is a cute Buzzbee cake and children are going to love it! To make this cake you don’t need to be a professional cake decorator, you just need some patience to create the Buzzbee. Make the cake (you decide the flavor) and decorate it with mostly black and yellow frosting. To learn more about this sweet idea, visit the link below and let your creativity flow.

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11 Clever Ways To Grow Vegetables In A Drought (No. 5 Always Trips Up People)

11 Clever Ways To Grow Vegetables In A Drought (No. 5 Always Trips Up People) was first published to Total Survival

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Drought is a serious concern for gardeners. As water supplies dwindle across much of the country, we are left wondering how long we can continue to provide a healthy supply of food for ourselves and our families during such difficult conditions.

You can still grow a garden, but the days of free-wheeling water use may be over. Gardening in drought conditions requires careful planning and wise water-usage strategies, such as the following:

1. Create healthy growing conditions. Add plenty of compost or other organic material. Healthy soil retains moisture longer and helps plants build deep roots. You also can use manure, but be sure it’s well composted. Add manure four months ahead of planting time, or wait until the season is over and use the rich stuff to improve soil quality for the coming year.

2. Mulch, mulch, and still more mulch. Gardening pros estimate that three to four inches of mulch can reduce watering requirements by half. A layer of mulch, such as chopped bark, dried leaves, straw or pine needles, keeps the soil moist and helps keeps weeds in check. You can also use dry grass clippings applied in thin layers, but never use grass clippings in your vegetable garden if your lawn has been treated with herbicides or pesticides during the last month.

3. Plant a cover crop in fall. “Green manure” such as alfalfa, vetch or clover improves water retention, adds nutrients to the soil, prevents erosion and discourages weeds from coming through. Till the dead plant material into the soil in early spring. (Be sure to mow if the cover crops flower before they are killed by frost; otherwise you’ll be faced with a weedy challenge in a few short months.)

4. Plant vegetables close together to prevent evaporation. By planting closely, you can also take advantage of companion planting to enhance growth and control pests.

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Similarly, plant in blocks instead of rows, with plants grouped according to their water requirements. Some plants are relatively drought-tolerant, while others, including all the cruciferous vegetables, tend to be notorious water hogs.

5. Go easy on the fertilizer. While fertilized plants are lush and green, they require considerably more water. Additionally, fertilizing in drought conditions always presents a risk of burning the roots.

6. Weed your vegetable garden regularly. Pull or hoe when the plants are small. Weeds are greedy plants that draw water and nutrients from your vegetables.

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7. Plant your garden in a sheltered area so winds can’t dry the soil as quickly. Take advantage of a spot next to a building, fence or adjacent to tall plants. For example, sunflowers serve as attractive natural windbreaks, and once established, require very little water.

8. Consider a smaller garden. Plant only what you can use.

9. Create a no-till garden and avoid cultivating the soil whenever possible, as tilling breaks down soil structure, disturbs beneficial microorganisms that process organic matter, and affects the soil’s capability to retain moisture for longer periods of time. (Read about alternatives here.)

10. Install a rain barrel to take advantage of any rainfall. Many gardeners also use a rain barrel to store “grey” water from household use.

11. Plant drought-tolerant vegetables. If you aren’t sure about the best choices, ask at a reputable greenhouse or call your local Cooperative Extension office. One tip: Consider heirloom plants originating from Mediterranean or desert climates, which tend to be naturally more drought-tolerant.

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Finally follow these tips for watering in drought conditions:

• Water in the morning; moisture evaporates rapidly when temperatures are higher later in the day. A timer or automatic shut-off is a tremendous benefit if you work or need to be away from home for long periods of time.
• Swap your inefficient hose and sprinkler for a drip irrigation system or a good quality soaker hose that places water exactly where it’s needed – at the roots. Place the hose under mulch if you’re concerned about the appearance.
• If you aren’t sure how much water to provide, use a soil probe to determine how long it takes to soak the top six inches of soil. Another tip: A handful of soil should stick together when squeezed. If it crumbles, it’s time to water.
• Avoid overwatering; most vegetable plants require less water once established. Others, such as relatively drought-tolerant plants such as melons, cucumbers and squash, require generous irrigation during fruiting, but only light watering otherwise.

What advice would you add for gardening in a drought? Share it in the section below:

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The 7 BEST Fixed Blade Knives On The Planet

The following blog post The 7 BEST Fixed Blade Knives On The Planet is courtesy of http://ift.tt/1Qfw8v0

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…a survivalist is only as good as his tools. One tool that is ESSENTIAL to have—not only in your BOB (Bug Out Bag), but also as an everyday carry—is a good knife, specifically a fixed blade full tang constructed knife.

Choosing which fixed blade knife to carry is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. For one thing, most survival knives (the good ones anyway) aren’t exactly cheap. If you’re investing in a piece of gear, you want to be sure it will get the job done when the time comes.

Your survival knife will be your lifeline when SHTF. From cutting wood and building shelter to skinning game and self-defense, your knife will save your life in more ways than you can count.

We’ve reviewed a lot of survival knives over the years, both fixed blade and folding. Now, don’t get me wrong, a folding knife has its place and it’s definitely convenient but, in a survival situation, you need a sharp, sturdy fixed blade that’ll take all the use and abuse you can throw at it.

But where do you start? Which knife is the best? How much should a good knife cost?

Before you EVER walk into a store or go to Amazon, YOU NEED read the list of seven of the BEST fixed blade knives that will never fail you in a survival situation consisting of the top fixed blade knives we’ve reviewed over the years here on Survival Life.

Do you have a knife to add? Did we leave out your favorite blade? Let us know in the comments!

1. Benchmade HK Feint – RRP $75.23

SPECS:

Blade Length	9.5″	Overall Length	14.5″
Blade Width	1 3/8″	Weight (Knife Only)	11.2 oz
Blade Steel	440C	Grip Material	Santoprene
Blade Shape	Drop Point	Guard Type	Half, Molded into the grip
Blade Grind	Saber	False Edge	No
Blade Thickness	3/16″	Spine “Jimping”	No
Choil	Yes	Lanyard Hole	Yes
Made in	USA

BEST FOR:

• Chopping
• Skinning
• Self defense
• Batoning

Benchmade knives can be pricey, but once you see the quality you’ll understand why. Whether you’re cutting cord, chopping wood or defending yourself against an attacker, this knife will get the job done. Check out our review.

2. Browning Ignite – RRP $33.27

SPECS:

Blade Length	4″	Overall Length	8 1/2″
Blade Width	1 1/8″	Weight (Knife Only)	5.2 oz
Blade Steel	7Cr	Grip Material	Polymer, with rubber insert
Blade Shape	Drop Point	Guard Type	Half, Molded into the tang
Blade Grind	Hollow	False Edge	Yes
Blade Thickness	0.15″	Spine “Jimping”	Jimped Thumb Ramp
Choil	Yes	Lanyard Hole	Yes
Made in	China

BEST FOR:

• Trimming/sharpening/smoothing wood
• Firemaking
• Chopping food

Don’t let the price fool you; the Browning Ignite is a great knife for its price point and size. Whether you’re fishing, building a shelter or starting a fire, you can’t go wrong with this compact fixed blade knife. Check out the full review here.

3. The Hoffman-Richter Wolf – RRP $99.95

This knife is made of a 5.5mm thick piece of the best 440C stainless steel on the market, and the ultra tough titanium coating guarantees The Wolf will last a lifetime. This is the knife I personally carry, and it’s the most badass blade I’ve ever strapped to my hip. The specs speak for themselves:

• Full tang construction, making this knife virtually unbreakable
• Fixed edge so you never need to worry about moving parts breaking or wearing out
• Straight edge drop point blade, so that every inch of the blade stays razor sharp and usable (no serrations to become dull and useless)
• 9″ Overall Length, my preferred size for universal use
• 4″ 5.5 MM Thick Blade (that’s just shy of 1/4″) it’s hard to find a full tang fixed blade with this thickness
• Ultra Tough Titanium Coating to make this knife even stronger

Still don’t believe me? Check out this video:

Cool, eh? Want one? You can get it here.

4. Ontario RAT-5 – RRP $78.23

SPECS:

Blade Length	5″	Overall Length	10 1/2″
Blade Width	1 1/2″	Weight (Knife Only)	11.1 oz
Blade Steel	1095	Grip Material	Micarta
Blade Shape	Clip Point	Guard Type	Half, Molded into the tang and grip
Blade Grind	Flat	False Edge	No
Blade Thickness	0.19″	Spine “Jimping”	Yes
Choil	Yes (Both)	Lanyard Hole	Yes

BEST FOR:

• Bushcraft
• Firemaking
• Trimming wood

The 1095 carbon steel on this knife makes it durable, sharp and long lasting while still being an affordable choice. This is a great knife for bushcraft, and you will have no problem using it to perform a variety of outdoor and survival tasks. Click here for our full review.

5. Buck/Hood Punk – RRP $157.95

SPECS:

Blade Length	5 5/8″	Overall Length	11″
Blade Width	1 3/16″	Weight (Knife Only)	7.5 oz
Blade Steel	5160	Grip Material	Micarta
Blade Shape	Clip Point	Guard Type	Half, Molded into the tang
Blade Grind	Flat	False Edge	No
Blade Thickness	0.18″	Spine “Jimping”	No
Choil	Yes	Lanyard Hole	Yes

BEST FOR:

• Bushcraft
• Building shelter
• Drilling
• Chopping food

If you’re looking for a sturdy, reliable bush knife, the Buck/Hood Punk is hard to beat. Don’t let the price tag deter you — this knife is worth every penny. Read our review here.

6. Kabar BK&T Machax – RRP $93.57

SPECS:

Blade Length	9 3/8″	Overall Length	14 5/8″
Blade Width	2″	Weight (Knife Only)	15.7 oz
Blade Steel	1095 Cro-Van	Grip Material	Zytel
Blade Shape	Kukri	Guard Type	Half, Molded into the grip
Blade Grind	Saber	False Edge	Yes
Blade Thickness	0.188″	Spine “Jimping”	No
Choil	No	Lanyard Hole	Yes
Made in	USA

BEST FOR:

• Building shelter
• Cutting cord
• Trimming/sharpening/smoothing wood

This is a sturdy, manly knife that’s as functional as it is cool to look at. Whether batoning wood, starting a fire or building other weapons, you’ll never go wrong with this knife. Check out the full review.

7. Ontario RTAK-II – RRP $200

SPECS:

Blade Length	10.5″	Overall Length	17″
Blade Width	2″	Weight (Knife Only)	22.6 oz
Blade Steel	5160	Grip Material	Micarta
Blade Shape	Drop Point	Guard Type	Half, Molded into the tang and grip
Blade Grind	Flat	False Edge	No
Blade Thickness	0.2″	Spine “Jimping”	No
Choil	Sort of	Lanyard Hole	Yes
Made in	USA

BEST FOR:

• Firemaking
• Shelter construction
• Batoning

This is a solid, affordable choice for a field knife. It’s especially good for chopping wood and firemaking. You could also use it to build a survival shelter or animal trap, as this knife excels at trimming branches and cutting wood. Read the full review here.

As I said before, a survivalist is only as good as the tools he carries. And there’s one tool I have total faith in. CLICK HERE to see my personal favorite fixed blade knife — the one I carry with me everywhere.

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Two Ingredient Cheese Recipe – Easy Farmer’s Cheese

The following post Two Ingredient Cheese Recipe – Easy Farmer’s Cheese is republished from http://ift.tt/1nr27gs

Home Skills Cooking & Food Cheese and Dairy Two Ingredient Cheese Recipe – Easy Farmer’s Cheese

Ever heard of Farmer’s Cheese? If not, it’s something you should start making on your homestead!

Two Ingredient Cheese Recipe – Easy Farmer’s Cheese

Believe it or not, you can make a simple soft cheese from only two ingredients – and I bet you have both of them in your kitchen already!

This cheese, also known as Farmers Cheese, is great for spreading or cooking with, and can be blended with a variety of herbs to produce a delicious soft cheese for enjoying on crackers. This recipe takes no time at all. Let’s get started!

Supplies:

• Large stock pot
• Slotted spoon
• Colander
• Cheesecloth

Ingredients:

• Whole milk – either Vitamin D milk from the store or farm fresh milk
• Vinegar – Apple Cider Vinegar is my favorite, but you could also use White Vinegar

Step 1

Heat your milk slowly, then, as it begins to froth, add the Apple Cider Vinegar. Use 1/4 cup for every gallon of milk.

Step 2

Stir thoroughly until the milk begins to curdle.

Make this one next!

Step 3

Line your colander with cheesecloth and gently ladle the curds in to drain.

Step 4

Hang your curds to drain for 3-4 hours, depending on preference. Don’t allow them to drain for too long, or they will become dry.
Refrigerate the cheese, it will keep for 7 days in the fridge.

There you have it! Combine your cheese with herbs, spread on crackers, or use in your next meal. Whatever you choose, you now have easy cheese that you made yourself.

Want to see another version? Then check out this video tutorial from KerrisChannel1:

Are you going to give this farmer’s cheese recipe a try? Let me know how it went below in the comments!

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Solar Terracotta Water Filter Distills 5 Liters of Water a Day

The following post Solar Terracotta Water Filter Distills 5 Liters of Water a Day Read more on: http://ift.tt/1Qfw8v0

Fresh and clean water is still an issue today, although we live in a modern, highly industrialized world. Large parts of the population still don’t have access to clean water, but this innovative product can be a part of the solution. Named Eliodomestico and developed by Gabriele Diamanti, an Italian designer, this is a solar-powered water filter that is made out of accessible materials, such as terracotta and recycled plastic. The Eliodomestico has the capacity to clean 5 liters of water per day with just only a minimum investment of $50, as that’s what it costs to make this product. This is not only a very cheap and efficient way to clean water, but also one that can become available to almost anybody who is in need of drinking water…

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How Do You Spot A False Teacher Within The Church?

How Do You Spot A False Teacher Within The Church? Find more on: http://ift.tt/1nr27gs

Think about the last time you felt different. You know, when you were on the outside of something wanting to be on the inside? We all deal with the desire to fit in.

When it comes to matters of right and wrong, this herd-mentality is perilous. How do we know what is right and wrong? How do we spot false teachers? Second Peter 2:1-9 helps us answer three questions to know what truth is and what is not.

1. What do false teachers do (2:1-3)?

These false teachers betray and injure Christians. They claim to have a “word” from God when they really don’t. Indeed, they may be heartfelt, but, really, they are an instrument of the evil one. They succeed for a time (2:2).

Surface-level Christianity will always be popular, but extremely dangerous. So much of false teaching comes down to the same thing: Final authority becomes something other than the objective standard of God’s Word.

Christians understand that some of those who say they are “Christians,” well, really aren’t. Indeed, the Scripture doesn’t state Christians are the greatest people. It’s those who grasp their lack of virtue and find their only confidence in the God-man, Jesus Christ—in the perfect life that He lived and the death He died on the cross, receiving the punishment of God for sins of ours and for all of those who turn from their sins and trust in Him. A true Jesus-follower is someone who repents of their sins, very unlike the false teachers in 2 Peter.

Don’t be duped, but be alert. Ponder cautiously how well-equipped you are to watch yourself against false teaching and teachers.

How do you recognize a false teacher? Or, how do you tell “bad sheep” from “good sheep”? Bad sheep:

• Have bad fruit. We will never have the luxury of laying discernment aside.
• Exhibit greed. Often, they minister only for monetary gain.
• Lead depraved lives. Teachers should strive to live up to what they preach.

False doctrine will always be good-looking to some. If you’re frequently giving into greed and sin, you’re arranging your mind to want false teaching that will bless you in your sin. You want it to be true. You don’t need to read a doctrine or theology book that is wrong to prepare your mind and heart to desire what is wrong. You simply need to be unconcerned about your sin, content and developing in your waywardness, all the while appearing to follow Christ. This is how heresy (false teaching) grows in a church.

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This is why fellowship is so important—because it leaks our lives to others. Drive yourself to that uncomfortable area to let others know you well—spiritually, above all—in your local church.

We’re aware that there’ll be frauds in the church. We are all guilty of sin (Rom. 3:10-23), but hypocrites are committed to remaining in sin. Don’t think that because there are so many hypocrites or fakes that real, genuine Christians don’t exist. You don’t stop shopping at the grocery store because there are hypocrites there, do you? Then don’t draw false conclusions that all Christians are fake. Scrutinize Christianity by getting to know a Christian.

As Christians, the decisive reference for all our actions is the three-in-one God. What would your friends and family say about the God that you say you serve based on your actions this week? What can we do to bring Christ honor? We want our lives not to be distractions, but to be attractive for Christ’s sake (2 Cor. 2:15). We want our standing in the community to be a good example of Christ. The battle against false teaching is won not just by decrying false religion, but by practicing true religion.

2. What will be done to these teachers (2:4-6)?

They’ll be punished. God will judge sinners.

So who’s to say what’s right and wrong? Were the Nazis or slave-owners right just because designated officials were in charge? Only God can say what is ultimately right and wrong, for He is perfectly holy and good.

Because God is good, there’ll be condemnation for sin. Judgment may not be instant—many in the Bible existed for a time prior to being judged (Sodom and Gomorrah—Genesis 19). A postponement in sentence is part of God’s grace, but a delay in judgment is not a denial of judgment. Do you really think you’ve seen all of God’s judgment on your sin?

3. What happens to those who truly know Christ (2:7-9)?

Christianity teaches that we don’t have our best life now. Actual, real Christianity doesn’t disguise problems, but challenges, and acknowledges, rejects and heals. Don’t be discouraged because of trials. God will continue to be kind through them. We will be rescued (2:9). Christians have hope of eternal fellowship with Christ; He made us for Himself. When we’re in the closest communion with Him, we are most satisfied.

In another letter, Paul tells Timothy (2 Tim. 4:1-6) to detach himself from false teachers who define their own gospel and surround themselves with false teachers. As a result, Timothy was told to preach the truth at all times.

This is why churches can’t be built on popular fads or pastoral personalities. The church must be based on the truth of God’s Word. Has the world ever wanted to sit and listen to be rebuked by God’s Word? No! Discomfort with God’s truth in the world isn’t a new spectacle. We know that speaking Christ crucified is a stumbling block—it has been since the start of time—but it is the truth and wisdom of God, and must, therefore, be proclaimed.

Scripture contains all that a Christian needs to preserve the church from false teaching (2 Tim. 3:16). Are you building the Bible into your life in every conceivable way, Christian? Does the account of Scripture have a place in your mind and heart?

The Scriptures are all-sufficient and they won’t disappoint, especially when knowing biblical truth from falsehood.

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