Free your mind

Carpe Diem, one of my favourite latin phrases. We all have to realise we need to make the most of outdoor activities. Just ambling through woodlands on a weekend can release stress and help keep you fit and of course is very enjoyable. There are many people that feel their own stress levels are well below what they actually are. This is the thing about stress, it has a tendency to creep up on us without any warning or ill effects to start with.

The reason for this is we lead a too hectic lifestyle and so miss the important signs that our bodies give out, so leading to further problems that take more drastic action to resolve further down the line.

So I say, do something about it NOW!

Survival isn't just about owning a knife, torch, extra food and bugout bag etc. It is far more wide reaching than just that. It encompasses our whole lives, it is the thing that keeps us alive and well.

If you are too far gone down the stress path you will be in no fit state to take the necessary action if a survival situation does arise. Bah you may say, but the main reason why people fail in these situations is stress. Stress that has built in you over the years (yes years) and the extra stress of the event, whatever it could be that has put you in this position. If you are borderline stressed, a little extra could be what tips the balance, flinging you into oblivion.

On a day to day basis reducing your own stress levels can only be a good thing, right? You will sleep better at night, have more energy and generally be more relaxed about everyday issues that arise.

Breaking the habit

If you have ever has a massage, or alternative therapy, most will tell you that because your body has been locked into that pattern for so long it will take more than one treatment to put it right. I know all about the money makers thoughts out there, but the majority of the time this is perfectly true. Its like what we eat, or drink come to that. If our bodies grow accustomed to consuming large quantities of alcohol, if you ever break the habit you will feel really rough for some time whilst you body re-adjusts to how it should be! This is the reason why so many people fail going cold turkey so to speak. (not forgetting the psychology issues of some addictions as well). So setting your body back into the correct position or pattern can take some doing.

It is completely the same with stress over a period of time. Our bodies get used to the stress in the body, and so will feel strange when you start to release it. This is nothing to worry about, but I hasten to add at these times you should take things a lot easier and drink more water to help clear your system of impurities. Look afer yourself!

So instead of looking at ‘taking that walk’ like a trial, even in the rain, wrap up and go out and explore what you will never see in your house. Learn to enjoy the beauty of natures gift and relax and set your mind free.

Tools of the trade (responsible toileting)

One thing we all have to do is go to the toilet and when the call comes its best to take it sooner rather than later. Being prepared for this when out and about is an important factor for your health and comfort.

Tools of the trade: To help protect the environment take an unscented natural (white) toilet paper. This will have the least impact on the surroundings. For a natural form of toilet paper use large leaves, such as dock or burdock. Smooth stones, grass or twigs and even snow can be used.

Consider taking a small shovel, or hand trowel to dig the hole with. Proper shovels that fold can be purchased for this task. If this can’t be done, or if you find yourself caught short, find a solid stick and maybe flatten one end to aid the digging process. In softer soils the use of flat rocks can be helpful, but be careful if digging with your hands!

In certain sandy areas, it is advised to take a strong plastic bag with you to carry out your waste, or at least for the toilet paper you use.

Additional items called the Shewee are useful for women that don’t like the thought of stooping in the bushes. This clever little devise allows women to stand whilst urinating.

Hygiene: For the task of cleanliness afterwards, washing your hands should always be carried out when you have finished your business. You may think this is less important when outside, but in fact it is even more relevant. For this purpose I carry a small pot of the antibacterial hand wash gel, or you can use the green heat fuel gel at a push! The antibacterial gel can also be used to help light a fire as it is alcohol based. Also, From a purely natural source of soap, you could try soapwort or even the leaves from the Sweet Chestnut tree, scrunched up and rubbed with a little water, produces soapy liquid.

So being prepared is the key to staying healthy and comfortable.

Not advisable: Burning toilet paper, making a toilet site upstream for yours or anyone else’s camp. Burying or burning sanitary products (to long to burn or decompose). Not checking the toilet area on a regular basis. Keep it clean!

Toilet site : This should be at least 200 ft, (60m or 70 adult paces) away from a water source. Also a good idea is to have a place down wind from the camp, and well enough away not to cause any problems, and to give privacy. Also choose a place where it is least likely where anyone will go, ie away from footpaths etc.

Solids or faeces should be buried at least 6-8” deep and deeper depending on the size of log cabin you usually make! If burying isn’t an option a plastic bag should be used and the waste carried out with you! If taking this option, take a little cat litter or sawdust to add to the bag of poop to help deodorise it. In sandy or desert areas, it is best to take toilet paper out with you.

Digging for victory: It has been shown that buried faecal matter will in most cases decompose faster than any left above ground. There are only a few instances around the World where this isn’t the case and may last up to a year before dispersing properly. Once buried underground it can’t be trodden in by anyone else and the spread of any disease kept to a minimal.

So when outdoors two types of latrine can be utilised. The quickest type is classed as a cat hole. This is basically a small hole about 4” wide and 6-8” deep minimum, and used once. The same respect for single use toilets need to be taken as for any other (200ft from water etc)

The other or camp toilet, can be made as long as you like, but is usually, 3ft (long) x 8”-2ft (deep) x 1 ft (wide). The excavated soil should be left at the side of the hole, and be used to fully cover any solids and paper that have been deposited. A trowel or shovel should be left available at all times, as should a light and toilet paper, in a bag to keep it dry.

A properly set up facility can also include a washing area and could be surrounded by a screen of sorts to provide privacy. No need to be uncomfortable when you are outside.

Use a separate hole for liquid or urine, filled with stones or gravel to aid percolation. It is best to train everyone in the camp that is it always best not to urinate anywhere as it can attract animals to the salts and minerals present in pee, something we should strive against.

Privacy: Most women will like to have a private toilet area which means taking a little extra time in preparing the site and maybe use growing bushes or ponchos walled around to give additional cover. In wet seasons a tarp cover will make things better for all and help keep the pit you dig from flooding.

Smearing: Spread your faecal matter out in an inconspicuous place and well away from camp with a flat stone etc.

NB: This technique should only be used in extreme circumstances and best left to hotter climates where the bacteria will dry and dissipate much quicker.

Remember: Your responsibility is to know how to behave properly so that others and their pets stay safe. Dogs eat and roll in any faeces then come across and then come and lick your face!

Leaving the site: When you have finished your visit and filled all holes and tidied the area, mark the toilet area with two crossed sticks. This is a well known old scout trick and unless you find an unrelenting treasure hunter, all should be left well alone.