Ah I had not thought of that! It is full of rot and has been dropping branches so I'd dare say so. I will check that out, thanks for the suggestion! :)

Hello group... I read about the perfect drying shed idea - converting that old car on the lot that no longer has working parts... into a drying shed, provided it still has windows. Weatherproof, window adjustment for ventilation etc. Also works as a mini hot house / greenhouse for seedling and tender plants - protected from elements and hungry beasties. As for smoking fodder, old teabags work the charm for small batches. We are fortunate to have a herbal tea in SA which is flavored naturally, but I reckon any old baggie will do. Just keep dumping them into an old coffee tin until the stock is big enough to burn. They also make great fire starters, when soaked in a bit of parrafin / kerosene.

QUOTE "Is it allowed to go off-grid after the 60c rate finishes?" Sorry Jan, but I don't understand this part. Regards, Keith.

Hi LeLoup glad to see ya busy educating these lovely folk (wink) regards Chester (Daisysmum)

Thanks for commenting Martika. There has not been much discussion here of late. Yes well worth thinking about. Unfortunately I have already been there, but on the other hand it has given me some experience. In a post SHTF situation it could get a lot worse. I have given it a great deal of thought & being on the alert 24 hrs a day, plus having to reenforce/barracade the house would be very trying. Fortunately for us we have other people who will move here for their protection & ours & we can supply enough food & water for those people. However, each of us also have knapsacks packed so we can just walk away if we have to & survive in a safer wilderness area. Because we are members of a local 18th century living history group we are also equiped with skills & all the right equipment. Regards, Keith.

Right, so im stocking up on Water next week... but i have a question about rotating..? Some one said every 6 months, does that mean that i have to replace the entire lot every 6 months? I think for me, it would be better to stock pile less and try to increase my sufficency more? So that if the time comes, i already have all the systems in place to support us. As im beginning to think that it will be impossible to move us all, plus stock all the things we'd need to cover even 4 weeks...

Okay Crystal, I will move this topic to the discussion forum. Keith.

Well done Maden!

Wow, Excellent information. Thank you. Maden

Thanks for the information Maden.

Yes HT it feels like it weighs a ton. Has to be 'seasoned' with oil I seem to remember. Cooks like a dream. Roasts, stews, cakes etc.Bobbs

I used to wet the fur side of the skin, spread the ashes all over the fur side, then roll up the hide fur side inside & bury it in the earth. After a couple of days I dig it up & check if the fur will pull out. If not, I bury it for another couple of days. I repeat this until the fur slips.