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Diving In The Philippines & S.E. Asia./World
Post #442- Some images from the dives today at Lobster Rock 🦞
"It's a good day to dive". 🤿
🤿 "Something wicked this way comes"
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#dive #scuba
"It's a good day to dive". 🤿
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36 Off-Grid Uses for Duct Tape.
Just like any other group of passionate people, preppers can certainly argue with one another until the end of time about products and which ones are better. For example, take the old firearm debate of 45 caliber or 9mm, that one has been around for decades!
Most of the time these arguments are done in good humor, but sometimes they are not and every so often you stumble upon a product so good, so versatile, that nobody can really argue against it. Today’s article is about one of those products.
It’s an item that is known worldwide as being able to fix almost anything and you can almost always find it in just about every vehicle, toolbox, garage, or home. And even though NASA and militaries around the world use this stuff, it's affordable and so common that it can be picked up at any hardware store and most general stores.
Have you guessed the product we’re talking about yet? No? We’re talking about Duct tape!
Yes, duct tape. It’s one of those products that all preppers, and non-preppers love to have and recommend. This tape is so useful that many people don’t stop at buying just one roll but will in fact stockpile bulk duck tape like it’s gold.
In a disaster situation, or being off-grid, having a stockpile of duct tape will be more valuable than you can imagine. Don’t think so? Well, let’s take a look at just some of the ways you can use duct tape to better a bad situation.
36 Uses For Duct Tape
1. Temporary Patching Material
Temporary Patching is the most obvious use for duct tape so let’s just get it out of the way. Got a hole in your tent or jacket? Slap a piece of duct tape over it and it will be as good as new, or as close as you can get anyway. For the best results use two pieces of tape, one on each side of the hole.
2. Carrying Handles
If one of the carrying handles on your bags or toolboxes has busted, you can use duct tape to form a new one.
3. Straps
Just like the previous example, duct tape is even durable enough to construct longer straps, such as those you would see on shoulder bags or packs.
4. Cordage
If you can use duct tape to make straps, can you use it to make something longer? Like cordage or rope? Absolutely! Just remember that when you’re making it, keep the sticky side of the tape on the inside of the cordage.
To see how to do this, check out these two different approaches to making duct tape rope. Click here, or here.
5. Fire Starter
You may not realize this but duct tape takes a flame and burns really well. This makes it an excellent material for DIYing your own fire-starting aids.
6. Fire Tinder Collector
Any outdoors person knows that one of the most important elements to creating a fire is tinder. The problem though is that sometimes it can be next to impossible to find a natural suitable dry tinder. But that’s not the case if you have a piece of duct tape, all you have to do is simply turn to your clothes.
Grab yourself a piece of tape and use it like a lint roller all over your clothes. Dab it on your shirt, pants, and even your socks until you’ve collected a small amount of loose fibers. These fibers will catch a spark exceedingly well. Socks tend to be the easiest to collect from and the lint will work better if they are cotton socks.
7. Fix-A-Shoe
When you’re off-grid it’s a good bet that you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Shoes or boots will eventually begin to develop holes and sometimes even the soles will break away. These issues can be mended and mended quickly by wrapping several lengths of duct tape around the affected area.
8. Water Collector
Did you lose your water bottle or do you need a way to collect water? Not a problem if you have a roll of duct tape. Stick two pieces together so that the non-adhesive sides are on the outside.
Make many lengths of these, form them into the shape of a camp cup, water bottle, or bucket, and hold all the pieces together with, you guessed it, more duct tape. Finish it off with a duct tape carrying handle to make transporting it easier.
9. Fishing Net
Yep, you can make a pretty effective fishing net with duct tape and a frame. One easy way to do this is to wrap a long length of tape over one part of the frame, drop it down to make the net, come up and over the other side of the frame, and seal the tape back onto itself.
10. Watercraft
It may sound crazy but people have proven that not only can you make a small watercraft out of duct tape, but more importantly it works and floats! Kayaks, small boats, or rafts can all be crafted if you have enough duct tape.
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11. Bow and Arrow Quiver
You could find yourself in a situation where your quiver is beyond repair, lost or you just need to improvise one in the field. A quiver is a useful item to have if you have more than a few arrows you need to carry around and they are not all that difficult to make out of duct tape.
12. Knife Handle
If you have a fixed-blade knife for long enough or use it a lot, there's a good chance the scales, or handles, will break or become damaged at some point. Wrapping a few layers of duct tape around a knife or tool handle will solve most problems with a bad handle.
13. Shoe Traction
Being in a slippery situation without any kind of traction is not only incredibly frustrating but can be very dangerous as well. In the absence of crampons or proper cleats, small solid objects can be taped to the bottom of the footwear to act as improvised cleats.
Objects like twigs or rocks for example. Hopefully, you don’t have too far to go because this may not hold up for a long time but it should provide the traction you need for a little while.
14. First Aid Arm Sling
A dislocated shoulder or broken arm is quite painful and they’re even more painful if you can’t keep them from moving around. A proper first aid kit should have an arm sling or a triangular bandage that can be used as one. If none of that is available, a simple sling can be improvised from a few lengths of duct tape.
15. First Aid Bandage
When your skin gets cut, it's usually best practice to cover it immediately. This helps to reduce bleeding and to prevent infection. But what do you do if you don’t have a first aid kit? One option is to grab a piece of cloth, preferably as clean as possible, place it over the wound, and secure it in place with a piece or two of duct tape.
If you don’t have any bandage material available and you are desperate, do your best to pinch the cut closed and keep it closed by securing it with duct tape like you would with butterfly bandages or by wrapping it. Caution, if you are wrapping duct tape all of the way around a limb, such as an arm, be careful not to wrap it too tightly otherwise you can cause further damage.
16. Knife Sheath
Having a fixed-blade knife without a sheath is undesirable for several reasons. It’s unsafe, it’s more difficult to carry conveniently and safely, and it’s more likely that the blade will get damaged. Making a knife sheath for any knife is super easy and quick if you have some simple materials and a roll of duct tape by your side.
17. Arrow Fletchings
Fletchings are the ‘wings’ on the backends of an arrow and they help to stabilize it during flight. Traditionally these were made from feathers. Nowadays, they are made from synthetic material but if you find yourself in a pinch, they can be made from duct tape.
18. Waterproof Footwear
Duct tape is very water resistant, which means it can be used to help keep your feet dry. If you are expecting to walk through some wet ground, simply cover the outside of your footwear in several layers of duct tape to prevent water from getting in.
19. Seal Up Clothing
When you’re outdoors, vegetation and insects always seem to find their way under your clothes. Common entry points are the end of sleeves around the wrists and the bottoms of pants legs. Shore these areas up by sealing them shut with a few wraps of duct tape.
20. Biohazard Seal
HAAZMAT SUIT
Similar to the previous example, duct tape can also be used to seal up the areas around gloves and boots when you wear a hazmat or biohazard suit. Doing this will give you an extra layer of protection.
21. Vehicle Repairs
When it comes to vehicle repairs, duct tape is the miracle temporary fix-it tool, which is why you should always have a roll in your car. From sealing leaking hoses to holding together a broken window to holding up broken bumpers, duct tape can be a vehicle’s owner’s best friend.
22. Snow Goggles
Snow blindness happens when the sun is out and there is bright white snow on the ground to reflect it. In the absence of any sunglasses, you can use duct tape to make a pair of snow goggles to help shield your eyes.
23. Make a Splint
Keeping an injured limb or bone immobile is as simple as duct-taping a piece of wood to the injured area. Duct tape and a piece of straight material equal an instant first-aid splint.
24. Make a Hammock
Some people just can’t sleep on the ground and honestly, who can blame them? Elevate yourself from the muck and any creepy crawlers on the ground by making yourself a comfortable, swinging hammock to lay on.
25. Make A Sled
No, not the kind of sled you use to have fun on the side of a snowy hill. We’re talking about a sled that resembles a travois, which is used to haul gear and supplies. You can use duct tape to join all the pieces together or the tape can be used to create the cross beams themselves.
26. Snowshoes
Snowshoes are a must-have item in regions that receive a lot of snow. If you have a frame of some sort and some duct tape, you can easily and quickly make yourself a pair by using the tape as the webbing material.
27. Portable Chair
Small folding chairs are great for people who are on the move because they are lightweight and compact. Create your own by making two connected and swiveling pieces of wood topped with a duct tape seat, which looks very similar to the mesh on a lawn chair.
28. Oar
Have you lost your oar overboard? Or maybe you didn’t have one to begin with because you are building a boat in the field. Either way, you are going to need an oar. To make an improvised oar, find yourself a sturdy forked branch and fill in the Y-section with duct tape.
29. Firewood Collector
Collecting firewood can be a tedious and sometimes uncomfortable process if you have to haul armload after armload of wood. You can make this task easier by making a duct tape wood bundle strap.
Simply lie a long length of tape on the ground, stack your firewood in the center of the tape, and close the loop of tape around the bundle when you’re done. Use several stripes of tape if need be.
30. Joint Pads
Wrap duct tape around areas of your skin that will be exposed to rough surfaces in order to protect them. For example, wrap tape around the knees if you expect to be crawling on rough and jagged surfaces for an improvised joint pad.
31. Shoe Insoles
It can be extremely uncomfortable walking in footwear that has no insoles or ones that are extremely worn down. Create your own shoe insoles by folding strips of tape onto itself to create layers that can be stuck into a shoe or boot.
32. Make Butterfly Bandages
For slightly longer cuts that a regular band-aid won’t hold shut, we usually turn to butterfly bandages. If you don’t have any, these can easily be made out of small pieces of duct tape.
33. Use As Moleskin
Moleskin is a first aid material used to cover hotspots on the skin and to help deal with blisters. Don’t have any moleskin around? No problem, just slap a piece of duct tape on the area to help prevent your skin from rubbing on other surfaces.
34. Seal A Leaky Boat
This doesn’t work if water is rushing through the hole in the boat. For the best results, remove the boat from the water, thoroughly dry the area around the hole, apply tape to both sides of the hole, and allow the tape time to set before getting the patch wet.
35. Setup A Clean Room
You can easily and quickly set up a clean room in your home with just a bit of duct tape and plastic sheeting.
36. Detain Criminals
If you don’t have any handcuffs or cordage available, you can always use some duct tape to detain criminals until the authorities arrive.
Conclusion
There are a lot of different things that people prepare for. Natural disasters, economic collapse, societal collapse, wars, and even aliens from outer space, just to name a few. But no matter what you are getting ready for, you’ll be much better prepared if you keep a roll of duct tape around, or even better. a stockpile of it!
P.S. There are actually several different kinds of duct tape available nowadays and it’s not just the brand that’s different about them. Some actually have better properties than others, such as high tensile strength or water resistance. So, don’t forget to check out the different kinds of duct tape available such as traditional duct tape, gorilla tape, and T-rex tape.
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Bug Out Bags for Dogs & Cats.
When disaster strikes, it’s important that you are prepared to take care of the ones who mean the most to you: your spouse, your children, your parents, and other relatives or friends that might need your help. But what about your pets? Although most people love their pets, they still tend to forget about them when preparing for a disaster.
If you haven't already, you should make sure to stash away supplies to keep your dogs and cats alive in a SHTF scenario. Of course, that could be complicated if you have to bug out, but it's still possible. All you have to do is put together a bug out bag for your pets. That's where this article comes in.
Now I know some of you are probably laughing at the idea of bug out bags for dogs and cats. If you're trying to survive doomsday, you won't have time to worry about Fido and Mr. Whiskers. But I'm not talking about an all-out doomsday scenario here.
Obviously, in a bad enough disaster, you would have to leave your pets behind. I'm talking about a situation where you are forced to evacuate your area for a few days or weeks. In that case, you don't want last-minute concerns about your pets to slow you down. You want to be able to grab their things and hit the road at a moment's notice.
To that end, here's what to put in your pets' bug out bags.
How to Prepare a Dog’s Bug Out Bag
Much like a human being’s bug out bag, a dog’s bugout bag is going to contain all of the essentials needed for survival as well as a few comfort items to make the experience less traumatic. To get started putting together a bug out bag for dogs, here are the items you will need:
Saddlebag
One benefit of preparing a bug out bag for a dog is that, if your dog is very big at all, it will be perfectly capable of carrying its own supplies. By purchasing a dog saddlebag and putting supplies in it, you can have a bug out bag that quickly and easily attaches to your dog’s back, saving you from having to carry its supplies as well as your own.
Dog Food
One of the most obvious supplies that your dog will need is food. However, when packing dog food for a bug out bag, storage space and weight distribution must be kept in mind. One thing about saddlebags is that you will need to keep the weight well balanced between both sides of the bag or it will shift and slide off the dog’s back.
Since food and water are likely the heaviest items you will be packing in your dog’s bug out bag, you will need to take the weight distribution of these items into account. One easy way to do this with food is to separate the food out into multiple Ziploc bags and place an even number of them on each side of the saddlebag.
If you happen to bring any canned dog food, make sure you have a can opener.
Water
Once you’ve got dog food packed, next up is water. As mentioned, weight distribution with water is important as well. The easiest way to pack water in your dog’s bug out bag is to purchase large bottles of water and carry a couple of them in each side of the saddlebag. Obviously, only a large, strong dog can carry a lot of water.
In most cases, you'll want to find water and purify it. But in order for them to drink it you'll need…
Collapsible Food and Water Bowls
You can feed your dog food off the ground and water out of your hand in a pinch, but food and water bowls are so much more convenient. If you buy these collapsible bowls then you'll hardly add any weight to your dog's bag.
Medicines
Obviously, any medicines your dog is already taking will be important to include in the bug out bag. However, some medicines your dog doesn't normally take will be good to bring along as well. For example, fleas and ticks may not normally be a concern, but if you are taking your dog out into a rural area, then you will want to have flea and tick medicine packed.
Extra Leash and Collar with ID Tags
If your dog is on a leash most of the time, you probably won't lose it, but you never know. Plus, the leash or collar could be damaged or lost. Unless your dog is very well-trained, you should have extras on hand.
Pictures and Documents
In case your dog is lost, you'll want a few good pictures that you can show to people. You should also make copies of your vet health records and vaccination documents in case the ones back at home are destroyed.
Dog Sweater
Since most dogs have plenty of fur, a dog sweater is only necessary if you're in a particularly cold area or are forced to bug out in the middle of winter.
Comfort Items
Bug out scenarios can be as stressful on your dog as they are on you. To help calm them down, it’s a good idea to bring along a few comfort items such as a chew toy, dog treats, and a brush.
Premade Kit
You could also purchase a dog evacuation kit such as this one. Just be warned that it doesn't include everything mentioned above.
Items Needed for a Cat Bug Out Bag
In many ways, a bug out bag for a cat is quite similar to a bug out bag for a dog. However, there are a few key differences. One important difference is that a cat will not be able to carry its own bug out bag, meaning that you will have to carry it yourself.
For that matter, given most cats’ utter disregard for obeying commands, you’ll probably have to carry the cat itself in a cat carrier.
The good news is that, since cats are smaller, you should be able to pack a much lighter bag than is required for a dog. As for what to put in a cat’s bug out bag, here are the items you should consider:
Cat Food
No animal can go without food, cats included. Since you won’t be using a saddlebag, weight distribution of food and water for a cat’s bug out bag isn’t a concern.
However, saving space and keeping weight down still is, so you may want to pack food in a large Ziploc bag rather than taking an entire bag of food. If you have cans without a pull tab, don't forget a can opener.
Water
Another essential is water, so be sure to throw in a couple bottles of water in your cat’s bug out bag.
Collapsible Food and Water Bowls
Giving a cat food and water out of your hands isn’t any easier than giving it to a dog, so be sure to invest in collapsible bowls.
Litterbox Supplies
Instead of packing your cat’s litter box and taking up more space than you can really afford, create a makeshift litter box using an old shoe box and a plastic grocery sack to line it with.
Of course, you’ll still want to take along some kitty litter and a scoop as well. Some deodorizer for the litter would also help.
Medication
Like with dogs, you will want to bring along any medications your cat is taking as well as medications they might need in their new environment such as flea and tick medication.
Feliway Spray
Cats don’t react well to stressful situations. To help calm your cat in a bug out scenario, pack along a bottle of Feliway spray. Feliway spray can be used to calm distressed cats and can curb unwanted behavior such as biting, scratching and urinating.
Leash and Harness With ID Tags
Since cats can easily slip out of most collars, you'll need to put your cat in a harness. It also doesn't hurt to have an extra leash and ID tags.
Pictures and Documents
Cats are easily frightened, so during an evacuation, they are liable to slip away and make a run for it. In case that happens, you should have some pictures that you can show to people.
It's also a good idea to have copies of your cat's vet records and vaccination documents in case the originals are destroyed in a flood or fire.
Cat Sweater
Since cats are very furry, it's easy to overlook this one. But if you're bugging out in the middle of winter, then your cat will get very cold without a good cat sweater.
Comfort Items
In addition to Feliway spray, other comfort items you may want to consider bringing along for your cat include cat toys, cat treats, and grooming supplies. In the end, having items such as these on hand will make a bug out scenario less stressful for both you and your feline friend.
Premade Kit
You also have the option to purchase a cat evacuation kit. This one has several great items, but it doesn't include everything listed above.
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You didn't get out of shape in a day;
you won't get fit in a day.
Patience is the ultimate discipline.
#Patience #FitnessJourney #IronGuardian #commitment
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🇻🇳🇻🇳 Hoi An Ancient Town in central Vietnam has just been honored among the top 7 best destinations in Asia in 2026 (Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations 2026) based on millions of real reviews from travelers worldwide 🌏
Hoi An is strongly in the spotlight on the Asian tourism map thanks to:
💛 Its distinctive heritage atmosphere - ancient town, lanterns, and the romantic Hoai River
🍜 Experiencing authentic local culture and cuisine.
🏮 From the ancient streets illuminated by lanterns to cafes with beautiful views, Hoi An is not just for taking photos, but also offers a cultural experience and many memorable moments.
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𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐥, 𝐒𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞, 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧 🇪🇸
Locals call it Las Setas ("The Mushrooms") 🍄, and once you see it in person, you'll understand why.
Completed in 2011, it's the largest wooden structure in the world, designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer and built from Finnish birch laminated into a massive lattice over the Plaza de la Encarnación.
Walk underneath for the market and the Antiquarium museum (Roman and Moorish ruins found during construction 🏛️), then take the walkway up top at sunset for one of the best panoramic views of Seville's rooftops.
It's the kind of building that made half the city furious when it went up, and now nobody can imagine the skyline without it.
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫: Tom Wright - @d.grade
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Words used to show the strength of probability.
Examples: It will definitely rain tomorrow. ( 100% chance that will happen )
It will definitely not rain tomorrow ( 0% chance of that happening )
#grammar #guardiansofgrammar #grammar #guardiansofgrammar #grammar #guardiansofgrammar #grammar
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Castello Maniace is located on the tip of Ortygia Island in Syracuse, Sicily, Italy. It was built in the 13th century during the reign of Emperor Frederick II.
📷: @daniela_09
#Archeology #Castle
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GM 🌄
Proof of walk this morning was cancelled by Amigo... too lazy to get off the bed...
Pura Vida 🏝️
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What does AI regard as a typical scuba diver?
"It's a good day to dive". 🤿
"It's a good day to dive". 🤿
Pura Vida 🏝️
#akuana gear #scubadiving#cavediving #naui #techdiver #scubadivingaddicts #scubagirls #scubarevolution #scubaworld #scubagear #scubadivinglife #scubadivers #wetsuit#ccr#rebreather#divingtrip #shoredive
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.jpg
"It's a good day to dive". 🤿
Pura Vida 🏝️
Mount Roraima, one of most intriguing places on Earth, is located in remote Gran Sabana region of Venezuela.
This majestic tabletop mountain, also known as a tepui, stands as one of world's most beautiful and impressive natural wonders. Rising almost 3000m above sea level, its flat-topped summit and sheer cliffs have captivated scientists, adventurers, and tourists alike for centuries.
For over 500 years, scientists from around the globe have been fascinated by Mount Roraima’s unique geological features. The mountain's unnatural morphology sets it apart from typical mountainous formations. Most mountains are formed by tectonic activity, where the Earth's crust is pushed up by movement of plates. However, Mount Roraima’s formation dates back to Precambrian era, making it approximately 2 billion years old, one of oldest geological formations on Earth.
The mountain is part of Guiana Shield, a craton that comprises some of oldest rocks in the world. The flat summit and steep, vertical walls of Mount Roraima are composed of quartzite and sandstone, resistant to erosion. Over millions of years, the forces of wind, rain and temperature changes have carved out its unique shape, creating a natural fortress that stands isolated from surrounding landscape.
The summit of Mount Roraima is a surreal world, often described as a "lost world" due to its isolation and unique ecosystem. Plateau covers an area of approximately 31 square kilometers and is often shrouded in mist, adding to its mystical aura. Weather on summit is unpredictable, with frequent rains and temperatures ranging from warm during day to freezing at night. This isolated environment has led to development of a unique ecosystem, home to many endemic species of plants and animals not found anywhere else on Earth. Carnivorous plants like pitcher plant and sundew thrive here, adapted to nutrient-poor soil by trapping and digesting insects. Plateau is also home to a variety of unique orchids and bromeliads, adding to botanical richness of area.
Mount Roraima holds significant cultural and mythological importance for indigenous Pemon and Kapon people who inhabit Gran Sabana region. They refer to mountain as "Roraima," (Mother of all Waters) due to numerous waterfalls that cascade down its cliffs. Indigenous peoples believe that mountain is a sacred place, inhabited by spirits and deities. One of most famous legends is that of giant tree that once grew on summit of Mount Roraima. According to myth, this tree was source of all the fruits and vegetables in the world. When it was cut down, it caused a great flood and mountain was formed from stump of this tree. This legend has parallels with various flood myths found in different cultures around the world.
Mystery and allure of Mount Roraima have made it a popular destination for adventurers and tourists. The first recorded expedition to the summit was in 1884, led by British explorer Everard im Thurn. Since then, it has attracted numerous climbers and trekkers, eager to experience its unique landscape and breathtaking views. Most common route to summit is via Gran Sabana in Venezuela, a trek that typically takes several days and involves traversing dense rainforests, crossing rivers and scaling steep inclines. Despite the challenges, those who reach top are rewarded with an otherworldly landscape, dotted with strange rock formations, crystal-clear pools and panoramic views that stretch across three countries: Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana.
Given its ecological and cultural significance, there have been ongoing efforts to preserve Mount Roraima and its unique environment. Mountain is part of Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which provides a level of protection against deforestation, mining and other environmental threats. However, increasing tourism and potential for ecological disturbance pose ongoing challenges.
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It’s #WorldWildlifeDay! 
Let’s not forget that up to 80% of the planet’s wildlife lives in the ocean — from coral reefs to the deep sea to polar waters.
Protecting the ocean protects life on our planet.
📸 from Ocean Image Bank Contributing Photographers
@divecbr @fabricedudenhofer @noemivisuals @oliviagrubenmann @grantthomasphotography
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#islands #scuba #marinelife
Slot Loevestein (Loevestein Castle)
A formidable medieval fortress, stands dramatically on a strategic point where the Maas and Waal rivers meet the Merwede in Gelderland, Netherlands. Built around 1357 by Dirc Loef van Horne to control river traffic and tolls, it became a key stronghold during the Dutch Revolt.
Famous as the prison from which Hugo Grotius escaped in 1621 (hidden in a book chest), the castle features thick walls, round towers, a moat, and a restored 17th-century interior.
Today, managed by the Dutch Heritage Agency, it offers guided tours, a museum on Dutch history, and panoramic views over the river landscape—a symbol of resistance and ingenuity.
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Tropicario Bogotá Botanic Garden, designed by DARP
– De Arquitectura y Paisaje, spans 3787 m² and is an integral part of Bogotá’s Botanical Garden. Completed in 2020, the project seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, focusing on conservation and education.
Located on the Bogotá Savanna, it features flexible forms to preserve existing wax palms and serves as an educational space promoting environmental values and awareness.
The architecture incorporates passive temperature control, floating modules representing various ecosystems, and a closed-water cycle for sustainable irrigation.
#TropicarioBogotá #DARPArchitecture #BotanicalGarden
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On this day in 1967, After scoring six UK Top 40 singles and two in the US, 18 year old Steve Winwood announces that he is leaving The Spencer Davis Group. He would go on to the bands Traffic and Blind Faith, and a solo career that saw him reach the Billboard Top 40 ten times between 1981 and 1990.
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The image shows the Sacra di San Michele, a historic monastic complex situated atop Mount Pirchiriano in Italy's Piedmont region.
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19 Off Grid Ideas from The Amish.
The Amish first arrived in the United States in the mid 1700’s. Of course it was still a British colony at the time but since that time the Amish population in the U.S. has grown to almost 300,000. They live in communities across the country and are known for their firm commitment to a simpler, pioneer lifestyle.
Contrary to some assumptions, the Amish do not shun all technology. They have been known to use diesel powered generators, propane powered refrigerators and freezers, and commonly use solar, wind and water power. The only issues they have with technology are when it is interconnected.
The Amish believe that to retain their independence and freedom from the temptations and evil of modern society, they must avoid those technologies that connect to society in general. This would include the power grid, Internet, broadcast TV and radio signals, and any other technology that is part of a network or system connected to the general public.
The Off-Grid Pioneers
As a result, the Amish have been pursuing an off-grid lifestyle for more than 500 years. And while there was no such thing as a power-grid 500 years ago, there were still networks of connection that they avoided. They have occasionally if not reluctantly accepted some forms of technology, but it usually requires approval from the local Amish community. This approval varies from community to community.
One surprising example is that some Amish farmers have wireless mobile phones. They don’t usually access the Internet nor do many of the other things most of us do, but many Amish are in business to sell products they produce and need some way to connect to stores and suppliers.
In spite of their occasional use of cell phones they still don’t have hard line phones in their homes. That would be “too connected” to the outside world.
Centuries of Preparedness
As much as some of us worry about a massive grid failure, water shortages and cyberattacks on the Internet, the Amish have been calmly living a prepared life as a matter of course and a matter of choice. There are lessons to be learned here and they go beyond skills and hand tools to a mindset and a state of mind.
A Life Defined by Self-Reliance
It would be a stretch to believe that the Amish never go to a store, but it’s a rare occurrence and their shopping is both specific and limited. One store that has both a catalog and an online presence is Lehman’s. They sell a line of products uniquely tailored to the Amish lifestyle and work style. This includes many of the hand-powered tools and equipment that is no longer made, or only found in antique stores and flea markets.
Just about everything else they need they either grow, make, build or barter for. It’s a lifestyle motivated by a daily commitment to self-reliance and the discipline to make that happen.
One of their mindsets is the fact that every day is a to-do list of chores; some routine, some seasonal, and others necessary or pursued. Kids are often involved in the daily chores both as a means of learning self-reliant skills, and as a necessary set of extra helping hands. To the Amish, hard work is both noble and expected.
They dress very traditionally and their fashion choices haven’t changed for more than 100 years. Their clothes are usually handmade, their food is homegrown, and everything is home cooked, canned or preserved.
We’re going to step back and look at the various actions, skills and behaviors of a typical Amish community to identify some of those actions, skills and behaviors we could and maybe should adopt for our own self-reliance and independence.
The Basic Skills
To begin, the Amish are predominantly farmers. They chose farming because it allowed them to not only live independently but to locate in rural areas away from the sins and opinions of the city.
√ Farming
This isn’t about farming in the traditional sense. Few Amish actively grow, harvest and sell large quantities of a single crop to sell on the open market.
Most of their farming activity is focused on growing their own food to eat, growing some to sell either at their own farm stand or to local grocers, and food as barter for other goods and services they might need within the Amish community and the local community at large.
Mechanical, motor driven equipment is rarely used and instead horses are the literal horsepower of choice.
It’s rare that you would see a gas powered roto-tiller, but some Amish have used diesel powered hay bailers and other diesel-powered equipment for tasks that are either too difficult or too dangerous to do by hand.
Every aspect of farming and gardening is mostly done by hand from tilling to planting, harvesting and storing. Horse-drawn wagons and equipment pull the heavy loads but tasks that can be done by hand are done by hand.
The Amish always harvest seeds from every crop and store them for the next season. They compost everything from weeds to straw to table scraps to manure and chicken droppings.
√ Building
The Amish are master builders. They are known for their carpentry skills and their handmade furniture is highly regarded. They are also masters of timber frame construction and work together in their community to raise barns, sheds and homes for their families and neighbors.
Many are accomplished masons and their sturdy brick walls have rolled across the hills and valleys of their farms for centuries. From barn foundations to bricking a water well; masonry and the ability to use stone, mortar and masonry tools are second to only carpentry in their wheelhouse of skills.
√ Harnessing Water
Many Amish farms and properties feature water wheels powered by creeks and streams to grind flower, pump water to their homes and to irrigate their farms, and even to power saw mills and timber pulleys.
They are accomplished at digging wells and their use of hand pumps to pump water is not only common but expected. They are expert at collecting rainwater and harvesting water from lakes, ponds and streams.
They are accomplished at crafting water filters from gravel, sand and charcoal and heat their water with wood-fired cook stoves with a reservoir attached. They also heat water with rooftop solar water heaters and sometimes simply heat the water in a large stockpot over an open fire.
√ Harnessing Wind
Few Amish farms are without their share of windmills. They’re used to do everything from pumping water to generating electricity. Long before wind-power became a buzzword for green energy, farmers like the Amish were harnessing the wind.
The wind was also used to dry the laundry and of course separate the wheat from the chaff. Windmills also powered small grain mills and even small water pumps to direct water to a livestock trough or small garden.
If there was a force of nature that could provide power to accomplish a task, the Amish harnessed it and put it to good use.
√ Preserving Foods
Food preservation was another primary skill pursued by the Amish. Canning was a regular activity and their pantries and root cellars were always filed with the results of their canning efforts.
They were also expert at curing and smoking meats and a smokehouse was a common and often necessary addition to any Amish farm. The smokehouse was used to both smoke the cured meats and to store them over time.
Dehydrating foods and vegetables using the sun was another common Amish practice. From raisins to sun-dried tomatoes, if it could be sun-dried it found its place in the Amish sun.
Just as many foods were fermented and given the German origins of some Amish communities, sauerkraut was often found in every Amish pantry.
√ Animal Husbandry
Amish livestock went well beyond the standard flock of chickens. Horses had a constant and necessary presence in every Amish barn. Cows were raised for their milk and other dairy products. Pigs, goats and sheep were also on the farm. And of course, there were always chickens.
√ Off-Grid Heating
Wood burning stoves were a standard addition to an Amish farmhouse and chopping wood was a daily chore. Most homes also had fireplaces both for heat and cooking.
Many Amish farms also had “summer kitchens.” These were dedicated structures removed from the main house where wood-fired stoves could be used for daily cooking without making the heat unbearable in the main house in summer.
√ Off-Grid Cooking
Wood burning cook stoves were the primary centerpiece in any Amish kitchen and they not only provided additional heat in winter, but were used to cook everything.
The Amish also cooked outside whether they were roasting whole hogs, chickens on a spit or boiling down tree sap for syrup.
√ Off-Grid Cooling
Many pioneers and native people across North America used innovative ways to keep cool in summer. The Amish kept cool using many of those traditional techniques from well designed venting to the use of cold traps.
Basements and root cellars were always a cool location and the Amish were also mindful about keeping their animals cool.
Foods were kept cool in root cellars, basements, and with modern conveniences like propane powered refrigerator/freezers.
Ice was often harvested from ponds and lakes in winter and dedicated ice-houses were used for year-round cold storage of foods. They also were quick to use ice-boxes in their kitchens and have even been known to use old electric refrigerators without electricity to both contain the ice for cooling, and to take advantage of the insulation properties of any refrigerator.
√ Alternative Power
Off-grid doesn’t mean the electricity is always off to the Amish. It means they are not connected to a networked power grid, but they still find ways today to generate electricity.
Solar power is both used and embraced by many Amish communities as an independent source of power. One reference to the use of solar power by the Amish referred to it as connecting to “God’s-grid.”
The solar panels are sometimes hooked to a solar generator, and rooftop solar setups even heat water for use in the Amish household.
Windmills to generate power are also embraced, and if a stream or creek is running through their property both ram pumps for pumping water, and water wheels for power generation are quick to appear.
Much of the electricity generated is used to power wood working tools like planers, saws and other workshop tools. The power is also used to generate electricity for basic lighting and appliances.
√ Let There be Light
Lighting options for the Amish are wide-ranging from oil filled hurricane lamps to kerosene lanterns, candles and candle lanterns, and even LED flashlights and lamps powered by solar rechargeable batteries. Hand-cranked flashlights are another option.
Some of it sounds like technology the Amish would shun and some Amish communities would agree. On the other hand, they are embraced by other Amish communities given the fact that these off-grid lighting options are independent of the grid.
√ Transportation
A horse and carriage are the traditional mode of transportation for the Amish. But they also use bicycles often with an attached buggy-cart, and some of the younger Amish generation has been spotted on roller skates and skateboard scooters.
Whenever long distance travel is required the Amish usually arrange for someone else to drive them to their destination. They won’t own or drive a traditional car, van or truck but when necessary will accept the need to travel as a passenger.
√ First Aid & Herbal Medicine
It’s rare for the Amish to visit a doctor or hospital with any frequency, although they will not hesitate in a desperate emergency. In many instances, the Amish turn to herbal medicine and natural treatments for their ailments.
The Amish are generally in very good health due to the amount of their strenuous physical activity and their essentially organic diet of farm raised foods. They also shun alcohol, tobacco and the other excesses of society that often lead to health issues.
There are books about Amish natural remedies and many of their herbal treatments that have been used and improved over hundreds of years.
√ Crafts
Some of us think of crafts as a hobby. To the Amish, crafts are a way of life. In a social group that typically avoids the commercial offerings of modern society the ability to do-it-yourself is both necessary and expected. Here are just a few of the craft skills the Amish have both mastered and pursue on a regular basis:
Furniture making
Quilting
Candle making
Soap making
Pottery
Beekeeping
Maple sugaring
Cider making
Cider Vinegar
Sewing
Knitting and crochet
There’s more and if there’s something that needs to be made by hand it’s a good bet the Amish are making it.
√ Home Schooling
It didn’t take a pandemic to motivate the Amish to home-school their children.
It’s totally consistent with their philosophy and the fear that outside and corrupt influences will affect their children and their community.
Traditionally, the Amish home-schooled their children up through 8th grade. At that point, some shifted their children’s education to mastery of a specific trade as a source of future income and security.
√ Self-Reliant Trades
The trades taught to Amish children started much like all trades are acquired. It started with an apprenticeship usually guided by an expert in the community. The product of their trades were then used to either generate income; used as barter or to supply the immediate family with necessary goods and skills.
These dedicated trade skills were in addition to the previously mentioned craft skills that were seen as expected and common knowledge. The trades that the Amish are known for include:
Carpentry
Masonry
Blacksmithing
Food Preservation
Farming and Gardening
Wheelwright
Cobbling
Barrel Cooper
√ Foraging
In addition to farming and animal husbandry, the Amish are expert at wild foraging. Their ability to recognize trees, wild berries, wild mushrooms and other edible wild plants not only supplemented their farming efforts, but provided additional nutrition beyond conventional vegetables and fruits.
√ Barter
Traditional commerce was often a challenge for the Amish. As a community that actively avoided the outside world, the idea of a traditional job with a paycheck was not always a viable possibility. As a result, barter was a very important part of Amish commerce and trade.
The barter items ranged from eggs to fruits and vegetables and even meat and dairy products. They also bartered their crafts from handmade furniture to anything else they could craft or make.
In addition, the Amish bartered their skills for goods and services both within their community and the surrounding local community as well.
√ Acquiring an Amish Mindset
Beyond the skills, crafts and creations generated by Amish communities is a mindset worth considering.
It begins with a dedication to self-reliance.
It’s built on a work-ethic that embraces and respects hard work.
It’s fueled by an independent spirit.
It is fortified by a community designed around cooperation and sharing.
It’s dedicated to a commitment to preparedness.
It’s very accomplished at meeting the challenges of living off-grid.
Anyone with a mindset towards preparedness and self-reliance would be well-served by some of the behaviors and lessons from the Amish communities.
It’s gotten them through the last 500 years, and there’s no reason to believe it won’t take them well into the next millennium.
"Pure signal, no noise"
Credits Goes to the respective
Author ✍️/ Photographer📸
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