There Are Pandas, and Then There Are Pandas.
And this isn't either of them! The Pandas we're talking about here, are watches, not bears. And what got me thinking about them (again) was a link posted this morning by @cm.rook who pointed a few of us to the very attractive (and not terribly priced) Yema "Rallygraph" Panda which, in it's most traditional arrangement, looks like the one on the left, but can also be had in the version on the right: The model on the left is a true Panda, while the model on the right is called a reverse Panda. The reason for that distinction is clear--Panda bears, only come in the first arrangement. Now at this point, everyone should be thinking about the most well-know Panda, The Rolex Panda, which is actually a Daytona, and among Rolex Daytonas, the most famous of which is the Paul Newman Daytona, which was famous first, because it was Paul's, and second because it sold at auction for $17.8 million (US Dollars). The story of that auction is well-known so I'll only...
Nov 8, 2019
Plan Ahead, Know Your Route, and Be Self Sufficient
We live in an age where digital access to maps, reviews, and other online resources are at our fingertips. As result, not many people use(or know how to use) an old fashioned atlas, map or other “hard” means of trip planning. Learning to use a map, learning to use and read a gps device and being able to navigate without an online digital resource is a first and easy step to becoming self-sufficient while traveling.
If you are able, you can also enable “share my trip” on your smartphone with someone you trust so that they can track your progress via a gps signal on your phone. Devices that do not rely on a cell signal, but can send messages and gps signals are a good addition to an emergency kit: a device like InReach or a SPOT device can signal an emergency beacon to emergency responders, and some models can send text messages, and track your location.
Make sure to carry enough food, water, warmth, dry clothing to be able to stay in your vehicle if needed (something unexpected happens and help is a ways out). Know how to change a tire (make sure you have the tools needed to do so, and make sure your spare is inflated). Learn how to check oil and fluid levels in your car, and consider carrying spare gas if you are planning to be in an area that will not have frequent gas stops. On long trips, and when I have the time to do so, as an added measure I like to go to Les Schwab or local mechanic to get a pre-trip check to make sure all car fluids are appropriate, tires well inflated and brakes are safe.
On long roadtrips and in remote areas, I try to always carry an emergency power supply for my phone in the case that I can’t use my car to charge it.
This is what I would recommend for portable and compact car care:
Flat Tire Kit:
Here is a list of some other things that I often carry on an extended or backcountry road trip:
- Portable Water Filter + A couple of gallons of water
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Wool Blanket
- JetBoil + Emergency Food
- Emergency Cash
- Headlamp + Flashlight
- Warm Clothes (Socks, Jacket, Long pants)
- Bear Mace/Other Defense
Think Defensively & Acquire the Skills and Tools Needed to Protect YourselfI am not advocating for one way or the other to personal-defense, but no matter the method you choose it is important to know how to use the tool. Bear Mace, Mace, Tasers, and handheld weapons are more commonly chosen for personal protection in front and back country. If you choose to use a firearm, taking a class to learn how to use it is very valuable and will give you both confidence and competence, enabling the prevention of incorrect use if you are ever in a situation that you may need to use it.
Know the Local Culture & Attitudes
If you are going into an area where you feel that for whatever reason you may be subject to differential treatment, and especially if you are alone, take into consideration ways that you can reduce the chances you might have of an undesirable or dangerous encounter when away from home.
An example of this for me is when I was working in an area where the locals disliked raft guides, and after guiding a trip, came back to have found the fuel lines on the company van cut - because they knew the car belonged to rafters because of the markings on the car. This left the group in a helpless and somewhat scary situation in the middle of a remote area. I am not sure if it could have been avoided, but has caused me to think about ways I could have reduced the chances of that happening in the future.
If you are going into an area where you feel that for whatever reason you may be subject to differential treatment, and especially if you are alone, take into consideration ways that you can reduce the chances you might have of an undesirable or dangerous encounter when away from home and far from help.
These are just a few of mine, and there are many more methods and lessons to be learned. What are the tips or lessons that you have found to be particularly useful when it comes to personal safety while traveling?