This weeks preps check-in

[DrHenley]

You shouldn't have needed to go get more food and diesel. Was you not prepared? Now we going to have to remove that prepping God title, lol

He was prepping for when there isn't any more diesel to be had.

 

[Maverick]

It took me a while to figure out how much fuel we used in a year before I purchased bulk tanks then one winter it got bad that blew my calculations to **** after I purchased bulk diesel then more equipment was added after the calculation further eroding my numbers. Each season every year brings new challenges that really shows the weak areas, with me it was diffidently fuel's, it took about 5 years before we settled on a good number that worked in the worst of times (currently) but things change creating that oh-**** moment.

 

[Brent S]

It took me a while to figure out how much fuel we used in a year before I purchased bulk tanks then one winter it got bad that blew my calculations to **** after I purchased bulk diesel then more equipment was added after the calculation further eroding my numbers. Each season every year brings new challenges that really shows the weak areas, with me it was diffidently fuel's, it took about 5 years before we settled on a good number that worked in the worst of times (currently) but things change creating that oh-**** moment.

Yeah, from what I’m seeing on the weather reports you are certainly able to test out your preps this winter Mav. I am envious of your location during the warmer months but you can have it during winter.

 

[Mountain trapper]

It took me a while to figure out how much fuel we used in a year before I purchased bulk tanks then one winter it got bad that blew my calculations to **** after I purchased bulk diesel then more equipment was added after the calculation further eroding my numbers. Each season every year brings new challenges that really shows the weak areas, with me it was diffidently fuel's, it took about 5 years before we settled on a good number that worked in the worst of times (currently) but things change creating that oh-**** moment.

I'm thinking about going with a 300-500 gallon diesel tank for the generator and tractor. And 250 gallon tank for gasoline. As long as the road is open I can still haul 60 gallons in the transfer tank on my truck. Since last night we had close to another 2 feet of snow and high winds. Our road is now officially shut down. I can't even tell where it is.
Your right, it is hard to calculate just how much fuel is needed to make it through the winter. I don't want to run short again.

 

[tmttactical]

I'm thinking about going with a 300-500 gallon diesel tank for the generator and tractor. And 250 gallon tank for gasoline. As long as the road is open I can still haul 60 gallons in the transfer tank on my truck. Since last night we had close to another 2 feet of snow and high winds. Our road is now officially shut down. I can't even tell where it is.
Your right, it is hard to calculate just how much fuel is needed to make it through the winter. I don't want to run short again.

And now Ladies and gentlemen, these are the kind of surprises waiting for us in the future. Arcticdude is a big time prepper and very aware of is climate and environment, but still gets surprises. We have to try and match his level of expertise, if we really plan to be ready for the SHTF events of the future. This is the kind of games Mr. Murphy has planned for us, when we do prep, just what will he be able to toss at us if we only semi-prep.

 

[KateMTx]

Your right. I'm a bad prepper. I had plenty of food at home, but not enough diesel for both the generator and the tractor. I know, I should have put a higher priority on bulk fuel storage. I'm just one man though and can't do it all alone. I'll try to redeem myself.
I did pick up a pizza yesterday just in case I had to walk home. Does that count?

At least you're still alive. That's a lot better off than I'd be in those conditions. We all learn new things everyday, some bigger or more important things than others. I vote that you can keep your title.

 

[Maverick]

I have a lot of equipment that uses diesel from a husqvarna log splitter to a D7 cat, I have (2) 400 (1) 250 gallon tanks, depending on fire season and winter I can have anywhere between 50 to 150 gallons left.

 

[Brent S]

I’m having 10 trees dropped today. Normally I would drop them myself one at a time but 5 are right next to and over one of the sheds here and need to be roped down in pieces. It’s just not worth the time for me. Even with this it will take days to cut up and stack all of it. Anyways, I’m good with firewood for next season now. This year I have been burning mostly pine but all these trees are oak and hickory, yeah! It burns much longer into the night than pine.

 

[user 5745]

I seem to have bought a house. Despite looking at a few lovely cottages c.250 years old, I've ended up with a fantastic beast built in 2000 and with a large garden (maybe 900 m2 or so) that has a brook running across the far end. Plenty of space for veg, soft and top fruit, hens, quail, bees. Bags of storage inside, a good greenhouse, garage and work shed (and a neighbour thinking of selling their lathe!). I'll be able to sit in the conservatory to watch buzzards, sparrowhawks and badgers. The hamlet is about half a mile from the coast, a mile from the nearest loch, surrounded by farm and woodland. Should be settled sometime in April. Huzzah ☺

 

[Doreena]

I seem to have bought a house. Despite looking at a few lovely cottages c.250 years old, I've ended up with a fantastic beast built in 2000 and with a large garden (maybe 900 m2 or so) that has a brook running across the far end. Plenty of space for veg, soft and top fruit, hens, quail, bees. Bags of storage inside, a good greenhouse, garage and work shed (and a neighbour thinking of selling their lathe!). I'll be able to sit in the conservatory to watch buzzards, sparrowhawks and badgers. The hamlet is about half a mile from the coast, a mile from the nearest loch, surrounded by farm and woodland. Should be settled sometime in April. Huzzah [emoji5]

Sounds wonderful! Congratulations!


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[DrPrepper1]

I ordered the Ultra Fire flashlight sk68 as mentioned in another thread. I also got some some Coban for my first aid kit, and a quick clot sponge.
I have wanted a water bladder for my bathtub, but I settled for a pack of 4 plastic jug bags I found on Amazon. You could still fill them up from the bathtub, but they would also be portable. That maybe better in the long run.

 

[Petoski]

I seem to have bought a house. Despite looking at a few lovely cottages c.250 years old, I've ended up with a fantastic beast built in 2000 and with a large garden (maybe 900 m2 or so) that has a brook running across the far end. Plenty of space for veg, soft and top fruit, hens, quail, bees. Bags of storage inside, a good greenhouse, garage and work shed (and a neighbour thinking of selling their lathe!). I'll be able to sit in the conservatory to watch buzzards, sparrowhawks and badgers. The hamlet is about half a mile from the coast, a mile from the nearest loch, surrounded by farm and woodland. Should be settled sometime in April. Huzzah ☺

That's great news, congratulations.

 

[Brent S]

I bought a penny on eBay, (for a lot more than a penny), and ordered a subscription to Grit magazine just now. The coin collecting is just something I’ve always liked my whole life but ties in with prepping as far as having tangible things to store some money with. I’m still thinking about the average citizen in Venezuela and their money being worthless. The Grit magazine is a great reference material in case we loose the internet/electricity one day. I had ordered a script for Mother Earth news recently too. They are both interesting to read but I like having them in the hard copy for future reference if needed.

 

[Mountain trapper]

I haven't been doing much in the way prepping lately, just plowing snow every day. Here's a picture of our road. Yeah, I can't see the road either. But I did manage to get it open today finally.

 

[Maverick]

I haven't been doing much in the way prepping lately, just plowing snow every day. Here's a picture of our road. Yeah, I can't see the road either. But I did manage to get it open today finally.
View attachment 9368

Any deeper it's going to be snowmobiles only.

 

[Mountain trapper]

Any deeper it's going to be snowmobiles only.

Yeah. Actually I passed that point about 3 feet ago. If it wasn't for the house construction I'd just let the road drift over. I think for next winter I'll pick up a tracked vehicle for getting in and out. Trying to keep 3 miles of road open is hard on the equipment, and myself. I can use the tracked vehicle for trapping too.

 

[DrPrepper1]

Yeah. Actually I passed that point about 3 feet ago. If it wasn't for the house construction I'd just let the road drift over. I think for next winter I'll pick up a tracked vehicle for getting in and out. Trying to keep 3 miles of road open is hard on the equipment, and myself. I can use the tracked vehicle for trapping too.

I wish you had your own tv show... I would watch for sure. There is no way... NO WAY.. I would be able to make there.

 

[Maverick]

Yeah. Actually I passed that point about 3 feet ago. If it wasn't for the house construction I'd just let the road drift over. I think for next winter I'll pick up a tracked vehicle for getting in and out. Trying to keep 3 miles of road open is hard on the equipment, and myself. I can use the tracked vehicle for trapping too.

That’s our only way of travel if need be at the moment

 

[DrPrepper1]

My flashlights came in and I am happy with them. My husband liked them as well, so he ordered a few for himself

 

[Maverick]

About all I did over the weekend was check all the generators for issues which all checked out ok and the out-buildings. Today we are servicing two snowmobile and checking our fuel storage, Tuesday we checking the pump houses and Wednesday taking supplies to the line cabin where the cattle are at below us. That's about all for this week, the wife is flying back Friday and should be on her way back Saturday, a neighbor will drive her to the snows edge and the boys will pick her up on the snowmobiles and bring her back.

 

[Mountain trapper]

That’s our only way of travel if need be at the moment

I'm looking at our options now. After this winter the construction of the house will be completed and I won't need to kill myself trying to keep the road open with my tractor. I'll just let it snow in, but I still need a way out in case of emergency or to take my wife to the airport.
So what I'm considering for next year is:

1. Front mount snow blower for my tractor. Least favorite
2. D4 size dozer. Could use one
3. Tracks for my 4 wheeler. Maybe
4. Snow Cat. Very expensive
5. Snow machine. Least costly option
6. Argo 8×8 amphibious vehicle with tracks. Best choice

I'm leaning towards the Argo as it could be used year round. I had one in Alaska and it went anywhere I wanted to go. I put tracks on it for winter and I was warm and comfortable, even in -40 degs. Great vehicle for trapping too.

 

[Brent S]

My checklist for winter;
Shorts,
Sunblock,
Flip flops,

Yes, it’s good to live in the south

 

[Brent S]

I ordered 12 pairs of jeans from Walmart.com. I couldn’t find my size in store so checked on line and they were available. These are the George brand that I use for working in. For 10.44 each if I trash a pair I don’t feel too bad. I kind of feel like this makes sense for prepping to stockpile stuff that you know you allready use.

 

[DrPrepper1]

I am picking up my LED light bulb replacement project again. My other prepping goal is to save more money. I have been focusing on this for a couple of months.

 

[Brent S]

I am picking up my LED light bulb replacement project again. My other prepping goal is to save more money. I have been focusing on this for a couple of months.

I switched everything to led a while back now. If I leave a light on now I don’t feel guilty! When I add solar to the house sometime this year I will connect the lighting circuits to it first.

 

[Mountain trapper]

We lost a weeks work on the house due the last storm that dropped over 6 feet of snow. But once I finially got the road open everone was able to make it in to work on the house. The plumber finished the plumbing, the dry wall guys got all the sheetrock hung and are taping it now, the electrician added a couple more lights, and we got the siding up on three sides of the house. Something that I noticed today is that I'll have to add a couple more feet to the top of the chimney. The snow has built up over the top of the chimney cap.
They're calling for up to another 3-5 feet of snow starting tomorrow so today I went to town to stock up food and fuel. When I got home I started shoveling the roof of the cabin until it got dark.
Since the wife is coming home next Friday I'm going to park one of the Jeep's a couple miles down the road, just in case the weather man is right.

 

[DrPrepper1]

I pulled out my car bag and found a couple of ways to make it better. I ordered an organizer for my first aid kit. I had 3 small containers of supplies. It will be better if it is all located in one.

Went through my linen closet and tossed out a lot of expired medications... some old sheets and other things. It doesn’t look any less packed in there, but it’s okay because it is almost all preps.

I ordered a small bag to keep all of my hygiene items together in my bag.

We are having a guy come out an put a ladder in the opening of our attic in the garage. Not sure if this will lead to more prepping space or just storage.

 

[Mountain trapper]

I pulled out my car bag and found a couple of ways to make it better. I ordered an organizer for my first aid kit. I had 3 small containers of supplies. It will be better if it is all located in one.

Went through my linen closet and tossed out a lot of expired medications... some old sheets and other things. It doesn’t look any less packed in there, but it’s okay because it is almost all preps.

I ordered a small bag to keep all of my hygiene items together in my bag.

We are having a guy come out an put a ladder in the opening of our attic in the garage. Not sure if this will lead to more prepping space or just storage.

One thing that I've learned is that you can't have too much storage space. That extra storage space can hold a lot of your prepping items. Just be careful of putting anything up there that might be sensitive to the heat.
In my shop I added a 4'×28' storage loft and in the barn I built a 12'×24' loft. I've got plans to build 3 more (at least) out building's to store tools and equipment out of the weather.

 

[KateMTx]

I pulled out my car bag and found a couple of ways to make it better. I ordered an organizer for my first aid kit. I had 3 small containers of supplies. It will be better if it is all located in one.

Went through my linen closet and tossed out a lot of expired medications... some old sheets and other things. It doesn’t look any less packed in there, but it’s okay because it is almost all preps.

I ordered a small bag to keep all of my hygiene items together in my bag.

We are having a guy come out an put a ladder in the opening of our attic in the garage. Not sure if this will lead to more prepping space or just storage.

I'm getting a new bag to organize some of my car stuff too. After putting together a bag for my sister's car for Christmas, I decided I wanted mine organized the same way.

 

[Brent S]

I started building two closets in the master bedroom over the weekend. They are not finished yet but have the doors up and shelves cut at least. I’m installing three shelves in each with just enough room for shirts and pants to hang on the rod. This way I can use the entire vertical space for storage. I like to laugh at my wife for hoarding clothes and shoes, then when I go out to the pole barn and look at all my stuff I have to laugh at myself too. We all have our weaknesses. As mentioned above, you can never have too much storage.