There’s No Such Thing As Bad Weather...

….Only bad clothing and bad gear.  In any type of camping, bushcrafting or survival situation, it is always made worse when you aren’t properly prepared.  “BE PREPARED” is the old Boy Scout motto for good reason.  Only a foolish person or someone training and testing their skills would go out into the wilderness empty-handed.  Even our Native American forebears had a minimal kit they carried with them everywhere.  Plus, they could drink from rivers, creeks and streams as well as the fact that they were aware of the caves and overhangs on their route. Many today do not realize that there were Native American trails that criss-crossed this continent long before the settlers, pioneers, long-hunters and mountain men arrived. They were prepared mentally, physically and actually for the trips they took.

Today, we are blessed with many options both old and new for exploring the wilderness that we have left.  The problem is that we have become mentally and physically soft to the point where we are no longer able to endure discomfort, much less actual hardship.  The reason that we practice our skills and train for survival is so that we can test our metal and see what we are truly made of.  Once you have camped below zero several times or hiked through a rain storm etc. you become familiar with what you need in such situations.  You learn that a poncho is better than a rain-suit as it covers you as well as your pack, it can be strung up as a shelter or used as a ground sheet and on and on. You learn that wool has properties that keep you warm even when soaking wet and you can cozy up next to a fire in wool, something that would melt most synthetics.

So, there is really no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes and bad gear.  When you are properly prepared and experienced, the outdoors experience becomes a delight in the Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall.  You are able to go into the wilderness to “smooth it” not rough it!  “We do not go to the green woods and crystal waters to rough it, we go to smooth it. We get it rough enough at home“. (From Woodcraft, by George Washington Sears, aka Nessmuk).  So do your research, get out and test your gear and yourself and you will find that you may just enjoy yourself a whole lot more!

Spiritually speaking, being prepared is also a way of life for the Believer.  Jesus did not wait to fast and pray, he was already fasted and prayed up when spiritual power was needed. (See Matthew 17:21 in the Bible)  We too need to live in such a way that we are ready for spiritually rough weather.  Hard times will come, just like bad weather when you are outdoors. But the person who has a strong, experienced and tested faith will be able to weather any storm and come out the other side with victory and joy.  Remember, the storm will subside, the sun will shine again and your smile will come back.  Keep trusting Him!

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James B