Two weeks ago three hundred WCC service members descended upon Cispus Learning Center just west of White Pass for elective training. I chose Introduction to Wilderness Survival put on by Alderleaf Wilderness College. Some of the more interesting things we went over were making fire with friction, debris shelter construction, water filtration, and wild edibles. I spent one damp night in my sodden shack and learned how you can't have too much insulating material. While I shivered through the night I learned how great fire is. I also learned that fire ants must have the same chemical composition as Shock Tarts. I doubt I'll ever find myself in a situation where I need to set up a new life for myself in the woods, but now I pack extra matches.
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| Taylor, an empowering moment. |
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| Sam, hunkered down for the night. |
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| Tripod filtration, grass, sand, charcoal, mixed with Oregon Grape to combat Giardia. |
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| Looking for protein packed grubs. |
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| Fire ants, squish the head, these guys bite back. |
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| Cucumber of the woods, Indian Plum. |
