Bugging out to national parks: yes or no?, page 1

Originally posted by 00nunya00
reply to post by prexparte

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So what I'm looking for is input on what I should consider for the two specific location types I mentioned, given that I will need to be managing children the whole time as well. Carrying them is obviously one drawback of the deep-woods location; easier access to the "enemy" is a drawback of the historic structure location. That's kind of what I'm looking for help with----things I haven't though of having to deal with for MY chosen locations and requirements.

That's the problem with most ideas on the one-size-fits-all bug out location. It really will come down to the type of scenario playing out.

If the revolution scenario goes down, you'd likely be safe enough for a while, perhaps a year or so, at a location like what you're describing. People that you run into will more than likely be "nice", "friendly" types, many with kids and loved ones, just trying to escape the nasty going down in the cities. These people will be more likely to help than hurt, and will likely be looking to become part of a community rather than just "rape and pillage", etc.

However, if it's an economic collapse, you can bet your ass that someone is going to come along trying to take your shelter and reserves of food/water/etc in a matter of weeks (if they don't beat you to the easy-to-find location you chose). Many of these people will be ready to kill you and everyone with you to take your stuff, and you'd need to be mentally/spiritually/emotionally ready to kill them to stop them from taking it...a better way to do things would obviously be to choose another location that you believe will be safer from that kind of threat should it arise (further from roads and harder to access, more hidden from zombie/cannibal gangs looking for loot and women, etc). Also, invest some thought into how to make yourself and your chosen location look like less of a target. Either serious visibly intimidating border security or moves to make it look completely ransacked/abandoned come into the equation.

Kids factored into the mix mean that security from these kinds of threats is even more important, as a gun fight with a gang of idiots looking for a replacement for their foodstamps isn't something you want your kids anywhere near, but also means more time/effort/planning needs to be invested in getting to such a safe location.

Now, the Orwellian takeover scenario would call for either a VERY secure "hide out" location, such as the cave system way off the beaten path, or the ability to stay mobile for long periods (no permanent camps), neither of which would be easy for most even without kids. That situation will certainly start in cities and small towns with the initial lockdown, but quickly spread to the countryside as they get a handle on the cities. This gives you a good amount of time to GTFO before they'll be hunting you down, but they will get to that part of the plan. The further you get away from population centers and main roads, the better, but the drones will be a major factor along with regular sweeps and possibly even remote sensors placed strategically throughout wilderness areas. Any signs of habitation, down to and including leaving charcoal from cooking fires on the surface of the ground, becomes a major oversight. Anyone who's not part of the system, in this kind of a scenario, becomes a threat.

That makes this kind of SHTF scenario one of the most terrifying to face as no amount of planning, stockpiling or smarts can ensure you wont happen to miss something small someday and end up bringing all hell down upon yourself and your loved ones. This is the one I think all of us dread. It combines many of the worst case scenarios into one big "oh crap", and literally no where will be safe until the "takeover" is over.

If/when it happens, you'll have a better idea of what's needed in the situation, but planning on a one-size-fits-all bug out location is probably not the best idea, especially in your situation.