Fellow Patriots,
Good morning!!!
Hope you are doing great this Saturday morning. It is hard to believe we are approaching mid-October already. We finally have a weather break here in North Alabama and it is feeling a bit like autumn. I hope you are enjoying some autumn weather at your location. I don't know if you are watching the weather forecast for the Northwestern US of A, but winter weather has arrived with blizzard conditions. I once lived in Great Falls, Montana so I get excited when I see all the snow.
Ms. Lucy and I thank you for sharing your time with us and checking out the Patriot Express News Letter. Your time is never taken for granted so we are blessed that you share your time with us.
With that said...
Let's get moving....
(Reader advisory - This site, the author/owner and the contents of this site are for reading pleasure only. We are NOT responsible for your feelings, happy or sad. As always, avoid fear porn, take what you want, throw away the rest and apply to your own preparedness as you see fit. Keep one foot grounded always. Earthly speaking, the only thing we know for certain is how prepared we are.)
Thoughts for the Week -
Ms. Lucy and I stopped off on the mountain to have lunch with Ol' Festus while journeying to our camping location. It was good to break bread and spend some time chatting about life, family, and preparedness. Of course there is never a time together that we aren't ribbing one another for a good hearty laugh and realization of the world we live in today. He was updating me on the group he meets with at his location and topics of interest that I like to hear about. We tried to lure him off the mountain to the campsite but I think he was afraid he might wash some of his "perty" off hanging out in a tent. Ha. Just kidding, Festus, so don't go getting all spun up and fall off the mountain top.
Festus was telling me about a good article he read and some research he conducted on the topic. I smiled and jokingly said "that sounds like a good article for the website. Why don't you put one together?" I was kidding him, of course. Well, sort of. Low and behold, while Ms. Lucy and I played "camp" the old lad was pecking away at his teletype and when we got back to Bama last night I had a very solid article waiting for me. As I have shared before, Ol Festus is a good man and brother. His article is on a topic that is important to us and he put it to paper in a very solid manner. Even if you are not a person of faith, I know you will be able to relate to the points he is making in comparison to our founding fathers and the world we live in today. It is a topic that Festus and I have discussed ongoing, at least weekly, for the past six to eight years. You will see the article on Monday, most likely. It is ready now but all the upcoming slots for articles to be posted are filled to that point. I try to post one guest writer article per week.
Next...
We had a great weekend away to camp and enjoy the excitement camping brings. Band aids and bee stings for her and MRE's and campsite coffee for me. Life was sorta good. She handled it like a trooper and I'm happy for that much. I know the day is going well when I look over and see her shaking her head and my mind reading skills decipher her thoughts saying "what on earth are you doing now?" I could have stayed for a long time. We had great weather for the most part. Some heavy rain on Saturday evening but we didn't get wet and the gear held up great.
We had the opportunity to spend quality time with some good friends who are true Patriots and love our great nation. We shared numerous discussions and even shared a dinner of MRE's, which they thoroughly enjoyed and liked. On the last day before breaking down camp, Ms. Lucy and I filmed a 45 minute Podcast with our friends to discuss preparedness, faith, our nation's problems and why we all prepare. We send a big shout of "thanks" to our participants in the Podcast.
We enjoyed MRE's, Mountain House, and Chef - Five Minute Meals. I think Ms. Lucy was surprised at how tasty these meals can be....outside the carbs and sodium. We used our full sized (sleeps 6) tent, Coleman sleeping bag and Coleman two burner propane grill, and supporting accessories for the camp out. Next trip we will downsize and go with less to require more skills to prepare meals and survive. I wanted to use the "crawl, walk, run" concept starting out.
Next...
One of the tests I conducted was a day/night test using a deep cycle battery (140 minutes), a 750 Watt Inverter box I purchased at Wal-Mart for $40, and supporting equipment. The box includes two AC plugs and two USB plugs. I used three different light sources, two flashlights and a head lamp, which charge through USB jacks. We could use the lights after dark and then hook up the battery, inverter box and lights to charge in the daylight hours connecting a solar blanket to the battery to recharge. This is a concept to use at a static location such as your Bug In or Bug Out location. Instead of firing up our Generac generator and burn fuel as well as make a lot of noise, we can use the battery concept throughout our home without noise, odor issues and exhaust issues. We would then recharge during daylight hours using solar.
Remember, "one is none and two is one" is a primary focus and cost is a secondary focus. What can the average person put together for minimal cost. It is not for "in-transit" concepts. During our next outing I will test an "in-transit" concept using a solar pad that straps to a backpack with USB ports.
The first light tested was the O light - 130 Lumen Tiny Rechargeable LED Keychain Light with built-in battery and USB cable. (For the price and size, this light was outstanding). It is small, lightweight and offers two light strength levels, low and high. It is approximately two inches in length.
The second light was the Holicfun solar powered roadside emergency car flashlight with window breaker and seat belt cutter. This light has dual charging options: 5W 50ma Solar Panel & 5V Micro USB Charging; Built-in 2000mAh 18650 battery. This light is water resistant. This is a 6 modes emergency light - Main beam: high/low/strobe; Work light: high/low; Red & blue warning strobe. Both of the mentioned lights are hand held type lights.
The third light used is a motion sensor Headlamp, Loyal fire 9000 Lumen XM-L2 LED Headlamp Bright Light 4 Modes Waterproof Headlight Flashlight with Induction Power Bank 18650 Battery USB Rechargeable for Camping Running Hiking.
The final result was all light sources remained charged for the duration needed. All three lighting sources provided enough light to do the task put forth. We focused specifically on light availability, size, cost, quality, durability, weight, ease of use and not light discipline during hours of darkness.
Next ...
Another test conducted was using a lightweight tripod mounted monocular spotting scope that weighs about 3 lbs and is about 16 inches in length.
The scope does not operate on batteries. The phone or equipment filming through the scope is battery dependent. A battery recharge may be required on the phone so either have extra batteries recharged and available or the use of solar recharge would be required. The spotting scope cost is roughly $120. It is possible, for more money, to buy a spotting scope with Night Vision and Infrared technology for a lot more money. If cost is not an issue for you then go with the single scope with the built in technology.
The concept I wanted to try is using the scope in zoom mode to identify the objective and then hold my phone camera lens (video mode) to the eye piece of the spotting scope and record. What for?
Multiple concepts. If the scope is used in an LP/OP concept, the sentry on duty can spot threats and record them and then email the video back to the security leader for observation (internet dependent). If internet capability is not available, a runner can be used to carry the video footage or single picture mode, to the security leader for review.
Or, if mobile, the person can use the scope to observe routes, resources, adversary numbers and areas ahead for threats. If the person believes a threat exists at the objective location, the person can remain out of sight physically and film the objective site through the lens and then review the footage while remaining behind cover. This concept is not internet dependent. The latter concept can be used while mobile and/or by RECON teams, or by mobile security teams.
Next ...
I conducted a night test using two different monocular components offering night vision with infrared technology. Both components cost range from $120 to $200.
The second component is the Bushnell Equinox Z model NVG with IR capability. This component has a 4.5x magnification and 1-3x digital zoom and a 40mm objective lens. It has viewing range up to 738 ft with a field of view at 28 ft at 100 yards using the infrared and record capability. It weighs about 2.5 lbs. Additionally, you can feed the view from the component to a laptop monitor for viewing. Though this is a nice feature, the light bleed from the monitor can mess with your day/night eye adjusting between the monitor and component. The Bushnell NVG comes with a built in picatinny rail. The Bushnell runs on four -AA batteries, however it can be powered via the mini-USB port. You can use a Limefuel Blast L60X ($30) and it lasts for hours at the highest settings. Any USB charger should work. The Bushnell is tripod mountable.
The second test was the Firefield Nightfall 5X50 NV Monocular at $120 NVG is a basic model. On/off, and a second button for IR. You basically look and aim to your objective. This component weighs about 1.5 lbs and is about 8 inches in length. This component runs on two-AA batteries and is tripod mountable. It did not offer a picatinny rail for mounting. The view was usable but a bit grainy beyond 50 yards and the cone width was narrow compared to the Bushnell. I could walk in the dark on level and hilly surfaces without tripping. I was also able to hear a deer barking through this device. (wink) This component did not offer the ability to cable the view to an external monitor like the Bushnell Equinox NVG below.
Just like with any other resource, quality is best and money makes a difference in what a person can afford. To purchase a high quality NVG component, one will most likely spend in excess of $3,000 for a PVS level system. It would be great to own a PVS set of night vision goggles, however weighing out reality, you are more likely to endure a natural disaster than a full blown event requiring a PVS system. So, to me, having a more cost effective night vision ability fits the need in most cases. I am a firm believer if you can't see and communicate at night you will be in deep trouble during SHTF scenarios.
Next...
Lastly, one of the nice things about having a Patriot family is the ability to reach out and communicate. Specifically, the ability to email small groups to ask questions, share information, and cross check sources and stories. This week I received multiple emails on a specific topic that was circulating around the alternative media voices. Personally, I crossed over the subject several times on my own. So, I forwarded the topic to a handful of Patriots to cross-check the topic for their opinion. Staying on target with both feet on the ground, we can check sources, double-check information, and then file the topic for future use or deletion. It's always good to get opinions from your trusted agents to weigh out your conclusions. Good stuff.
Okay, let's move ahead...
Preparedness News -
1. From Alex - Survival Blog - https://survivalblog.com/use-fiction-become-better-prepared-alex/ - Excellent article that every true "prepper" should read and take to heart. If you read my book, "Hope For Survival" you will probably be reflecting on a lot of the authors words when discussing mindset, training, fight or flight, brain freeze... Understanding yourself and how you will react to situations. Reading, planning, training, and practicing.
2. From Denis Korn - Learn to Prepare - http://learntoprepare.com/2019/09/a-comprehensive-guide-to-long-term-food-reliance-updated/ - Excellent article. I think one of the things we don't think about very much is maintaining the integrity of "pouch" food like MRE's which is very dependent on the pouch concept and integrity of the pouch not being breeched with a pinhole or other type of degradation to the pouch. This quote from the article caught my attention... "You must investigate the companies making these claims to verify their credibility. Some companies might be correct, most are not, and most have not been in business long enough to validate their claims." Great point that is often taken for granted.
3. From Heidi - Homestead Survival Site - https://homesteadsurvivalsite.com/preserve-store-eggs/ - Eggs are one of my favorite foods. Aside from the great nutrition eggs provide us, it can be used in so many recipes.
4. From Tricia Drevets - Urban Survival Site - https://urbansurvivalsite.com/trees-survivalist-should-know/ - Excellent article providing good uses for resources taken from the seven trees listed. I recently offered Ms. Lucy something to to eat and she told me she would rather try tree bark than to taste the product again. I must admit, she may be on to something.
5. Survival Life - https://survivallife.com/survival-preparedness-diabetics/ - Many individuals I meet in the Preparedness world suffer from diabetes. The number one thing they worry about is what will they do post SHTF to survive without medication.
6. Mac Slavo - SHTF - https://www.shtfplan.com/headline-news/new-study-the-best-places-to-hide-from-a-pandemic_10032019 - Good information to have. Everyone should have included steps in their checklist to obtain resources included in the article.
7. From Gray Wolf - https://graywolfsurvival.com/1758508/10-tips-to-add-to-your-weather-forecasting-knowledge-after-shtf/ - Very good skills to learn and hold close. When the internet is down or gone and you are faced with a decision of "do I state or do I go" you best know the potential threat of weather you could be facing.
8. From Samantha Biggers - Backdoor Survival - https://www.backdoorsurvival.com/the-hard-reality-of-bartering-during-shtf/ - A few years ago I taught a class on bartering. It was very interesting to hear some of the questions. It didn't take long to form an understanding of the mindset of what people thought bartering was about. As great as it may seem to use one of your silver coins you secured in your pre-SHTF planning, without holding out and then taking many precautions before you approach bartering. The true prize may not be the milk, eggs, ammo, or material you gain from your silver coin, it may be for the person watching you and then follows you back to your home. If you have one, you most likely have more of what you traded for barter.
9. From Tyler Durden - Zero Hedge - Good old California. The citizens just fail to learn and recognize the web they are caught in. The rest of our nation should remain to the rear and watch, take note, and adjust accordingly.
Other worthy news from the week ...
1. From Tyler Durden - Zero Hedge - https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/major-policy-shift-us-pulls-out-syria-ahead-imminent-turkish-invasion - For those of you old enough to remember, the US of A has a long history of turning a blind eye on our previous support to our allies, the Kurds. There is a long history of promised security for Kurdish support to US policy in the Middle Eastern region and then US policy changing leaving the Kurds in danger. From Nixon to our current leader, one must ask, how can the Kurds continue supporting US policy in the region. We hear a lot about the Palestinians but very little about the Kurds. They are non-Arab Sunni Muslims. From the end of WW I when Western powers promised the Kurds a homeland, yet divided regions of Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey. Now, we must wait and see, if at all, US policy will protect the Kurds as we pull from Syria or else bail on them again. Time will tell. This is a good read and will lay out the history through today. There is some biased from the author, but it does tell the basic story of the Kurds.
2. From Patrick J. Buchanan - https://buchanan.org/blog/is-china-the-country-of-the-future-137564 - Another good read. This article lays out a 100 year history of China through today. Like China or not, they are rapidly expanding around the globe, to include south of the US border and across Africa which is loaded in natural resources and minerals. Today, China is the world's premier manufacturing power. Anyone not familiar with China's New Silk Road project should check it out and get up to speed with it. You will hear more and more as time passes. Here is a link to learn more on the project. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/06/china-new-silk-road-explainer/ . Here is another informative article on the continued expansion of the Silk Road Project. https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/china-launches-hd-satellite-monitor-belt-and-road-projects
3. From John Whitehead - The Rutherford Institute - https://www.rutherford.org/publications_resources/john_whiteheads_commentary/john_lennon_vs._the_deep_state_one_man_against_the_monster - Good read if you are old enough to remember the famous former Beetle, John Lennon, and his anti-activism. It is interesting to contemplate if anything has changed since his death 39 years ago. I think not.
4. From Robert Gore - Straight Line Logic - https://straightlinelogic.com/2019/10/01/the-illusion-of-control-part-two-by-robert-gore/ - Excellent article. Violence, the military and militarized police forces and domestic insurgents and our streets today.
5. From Brett Stevens - Amerika - http://www.amerika.org/politics/periscope-october-1-2019/ - Are we witnessing the last stages of Capitalism?
6. From Herschel Smith - Captains Journal - http://www.captainsjournal.com/2019/10/02/expert-jacob-d-charles-on-assault-weapons/ - Very good read on understanding what the "2nd Amendment" is and isn't.
7. From Charles Hugh Smith - Of Two Minds - http://charleshughsmith.blogspot.com/2019/09/could-pricey-urban-meccas-become-crime.html - Anyone thinking of bugging out to the rural area or outskirts of suburbia may want to keep this information in mind. You can trust, when things reach the massive erosion point within urban America, those who can flee will flee before or during the initial stages of collapse. From the standpoint of preparedness, how far away is far enough?
8. From Simon Black - Sovereignman - https://www.sovereignman.com/trends/golds-long-term-gains-have-even-outperformed-warren-buffett-25699/ - Interesting perspective by Warren Buffett on paper vs gold.
9. From Tyler Durden - Zero Hedge - https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/turkey-joins-russias-ruble-based-alternative-swift - I thought the script read" if they don't do per the agreement, we will destroy their economy." First we have the Russian S-400 Air Defense systems deployed in Turkey. Then Turkey talks about purchasing the new Russian fighter jets, and we are told they are a good ally?
10. From Aaron Kesel - Activist Post - https://www.activistpost.com/2019/10/chinese-citizens-will-be-required-to-scan-their-faces-to-use-the-internet.html - The single source of the world's meeting place is being weaponized to control the ability to function in society.
11. From Kurt Nimmo - The SHTF Plan - https://www.shtfplan.com/headline-news/steve-bannon-youre-a-nut-case-if-you-believe-in-the-deep-state_10082019 - If the ball is square and the hole is filled solid with nuts, what shall we believe afterwards? If Bannon is correct and no deep state exist then who hides behind the golden curtain, OZ? Bannon's statements definitely leaves the reader in a schemozzle.
Okay my Patriot friends, we have reached the end, the Patriot Express must move ahead. Thanks for your time to check out the weekly newsletter.
Stay safe this week. There's lots of crazy things happening around the world. A little birdy says keep your eyes on California. Maybe Long Beach Port area. There's lots of "stuff" filling the airwaves these days .
Dust off your plans and adjust accordingly. A plan is only as good as you make it and verify it to work for you.
Please continue keeping our fellow brothers and sisters in your prayers. We have several folks who are battling health issues or dealing with a spouse with major health issues. Prayers are powerful and I know these folks would appreciate them much.
A Patriot brother texted me this past week and asked if we needed to talk. I told him the only thing I know for certain is what I don't know. What say you?
Thanks!!!
Keep charging and have a great weekend.
Blessings,
Bravo Echo Out
