"Survivor" ZION

(A quite peaceful fire)

(Taylor L, tries to convince us all that she has discovered a rare "Dinosaur Dung"... I wasn't buying it...)

(Taylor L, heads down to the recently completed "Barn" that kept us warm and dry after the second nights downpour)

(These were some of my fish I cleaned and ate the second night)

(Stephen shows off his knife defenses, and how to clean fish!)

(OOP's, it appeared that Sandy "Cheeks" got in the line of fire chasing after Squidward and Spongebob Squarepants.)

My brother in law Stephen, shows his marksmanship skills with both his rifles and pistols during the shooting seminar...)

(Even as the RSO, range safety officer, I was able to show off my rifle and pistol skills with the SKS and scope, and my Glock 40.)

(Chris, fires at cans and bottles on BLM land with the use of the telescope in a sitting position..)

(My brother in law and 20 year AirForce Veteran explains the use of firing a weapon to "Steve" who had never shot a gun before this survival trip..)

(Breaking Camp, Monday morning)

(Navajo Lake, preparing for an evening of fishing)

All wasn't well in Paradise this Memorial Day weekend, but all in all we were able to execute a near flawless "Family Preparedness" extravaganza. Friday night we were late in arriving to the property as we had our daughter's Las Vegas 51's Baseball night at Cashman field for her Elementary school. We got to the property around 12:30 A.M. but the ToyHauler was fired up and ready for us to head right to sleep.

Saturday morning what seemed to be a ton of eggs and bacon were cooked as everyone prepared for a day long course in cooking, fishing, camping, fire building, shelter building, in climate weather techniques, meal preparation, awareness, safety issues and all around fun.

I was the first one to catch a fish Saturday morning, at Navajo Lake, and spent the majority of the rest of the time, showing how to cast, bait, reel and secure caught fish on the line. A lot of us were surprised how many of the younger crowd had never been fishing and had minimal camping experience. Never the less, it was fun and exciting seeing everyone catching decent trout one after another. Everyone seemed to do well and be enjoying learning the new skills and techniques being taught. Away from camp, the menu called for MRE's, (meals ready to eat) the military answer to Ruth's Crist Steakhouse. This part was exciting for me as I had heard of a new "heater" that was developed specifically for the MRE, but had not existed during my years in the Marine Corps. We ate the C-rats, then when the MRE came into being we ate them cold.

No one seemed to complain and everyone who wanted to try and or eat them did so. Against my wishes, Sandi had purchased a ton of Steaks and Hamburgers, Pancake mixes etc. just in case the fishing and MRE deal didn't pan out with all the families. Saturday night, we were surprised by a sudden down pour at the campsite. We were nearly unprepared but quickly improvised by tieing tarps with rope all around the cooking areas. This all started as twenty or so steaks were just put on the grill to cook. The food ended up tasting delicious or we were all just tired and hungry but all went well, nothing was left...

It became apparent that all the tents and camping supplies had become soaked in the three hour downpour so it was decided to move everyone into the recently completed barn (garage). With the tractor parked right in the middle, everyone laid out their sleeping bags and gear all over the floors. Sandi and I gave up our extra sleeping bags and blankets and air mattresses as we had beds available in the ToyHauler where things were dry... We were actually able to get everyone (except me) several "Smores" before retiring.

It was somewhat uncomfortable for me escorting campers to the out door port-a-potty located in the middle of the campsite once at 3:30 in the morning. Although not cold, I had a lantern and my weapon at the ready each time... I didn't get much sleep being in charge of the security.

Sunday Morning my Brother in Law took over and after breakfast, demonstrated techniques in knife tactics, fishing skills, fire building techniques, and food preparation.

Church services were announce for Kanarraville and New Harmony, to allow family's to attend before the men and sons went to the BLM land for the Pistol and Rife shooting.

The women hung out and some went into Cedar and sneaked into the KOA for a quick shower and off to the movies.

Sunday night we caravaned back to Navajo lake for another successful evening of fishing. (We wrapped them in foil and baked them in the coals, yummy with butter). Another round of Smore's, Thank you Sandi for stopping in Cedar and grabbing more than enough dry wood and other supplies, and of course the Smores... (I never did get any the whole trip)... It was up late around the huge fireplace pits and stories galore. Beautiful sky's full of stars... me sitting there loaded to the teeth wondering if we had any critter visitors lurking around...

Since the ground was still wet, we sent everyone back to the barn for a dry nights sleep.

Monday morning we must have cooked what seemed like a thousand pancakes and drank those little orange juices...

We discussed a few more survival tactics and then broke camp for another year... Everyone pitched in... I was busy most of the time but was able to click off a picture or two and a video or two..

Were not sure about repeating the huge undertaking next year... A lot of work, not a lot of rest but total satisfaction knowing people were more prepared for the worst... Thanks to all the participants who honored our privacy policy and for those that allowed pictures for my blog.

"A special Thanks to Richard and Lori for all their love and generosity in making this happen."

God Bless you!

I was able to actually spend time with Taylor L and teach her how to cast out...

Stephen shows of his expert rifleman skills, and did as well at the pistol range.

Steve goes over Range Safety issues with the new shooters!