VFTWT S01E13: Winter Survival
Air Date: 2021.12.05
Welcome to the public show notes for VFTWT season 1, episode 13
Introduction:
Welcome to Views From the World Tree. On today’s episode we get ready to journey over the river and through the woods to Grandma’s house; but if the horse doesn’t know the way or can’t pull the sleigh, what happens then? If you want to increase your odds of survival for everything from car trouble to backcountry skiing accidents, this is the show for you.
Personal News:
Adam:
Squirrel stew
Steve:
Traeger
guilty pleasure
Blood Trail by CJ Box
Current Events:
Adam:
Germany will not allow any ICE vehicles made after 2028 to be registeredd.
Steve:
Only 2 inches of precipitation in Denver since April.
lowest amount that I have ever seen in my life.
First recorded rainfall in Greenland.
In a strange way i actually feel a little worried about this. I don’t want to be a doom and gloom guy but this year definitely feels different.
Main Topic:
Rule of 3’s – in any survival situation, these should be your priorities. You can survive
3 minutes without air
3 hours without shelter in extreme heat/cold
3 days without water
3 weeks without food
What to keep in your car
What to put in a pack when skiing/hiking
Basic 1st aid
Frostbite
don’t rub frostbitten skin – the ice crystals in the cells will cause more damage if they’re rubbed
Don’t put it near “hot” stuff, use mildly warm things.
Hypothermia
Sprains/strains
bone breaks
How to light a fire in the snow and/or when things are wet
Check under logs and trees for dry kindling
Split logs when possible, the inside will be drier
If snow is shallow, dig down to bare ground. If snow is deep, make a platform of sticks and put the fire on that, otherwise snow will melt and extinguish the fire
Things that can be used as tinder
dry pine needles
dry leaves
tree bark – birch is great if in your area
fatwood – depending on area
stuffing from car seats
carpet fibers from car
oil/petroleum residue from underside of car
do not attempt to siphon gas
do not cannibalize your vehicle beyond driveability unless no other option
Tips to stay warm and dry
wicking base layer
more layers better than 1-2 thick ones
Surviving an avalanche
You can get dehydrated just as easily in the winter
Winter air is actually very dry, you don’t notice it because you aren’t sweating or if you are it’s being absorbed by your clothes.
Keep an eye on urine, it’s a good indicator as it takes into account humidity, altitude, activity levels, etc. Drink enough water that you pee your “normal” amount.
Finding water
clear running water is generally safe
pack a purifier or lifestraw for even better options
watch stream beds in the snow, the bank is usually covered with snow and is actually closer than it looks
Finding food
Fats have 2x as many calories per gram as carbs or protein
Nuts, cheese, meat
Mindfulness Moment:
Havamal s. 60
Þurra skíða ok þakinna næfra
þess kann maðr mjöt ok þess viðar
er vinnask megi
mál ok misseri
Of seasoned shingles and strips of bark
For the thatch let one know his need,
And how much of wood he must have for a month,
Or in half a year he will use.
Next Episode Sneak Peek:
End of Year holiday customs