Hobo – Drifter – Wander

In the spring of 2000 I took to the road or more precisely the tracks. I was having some personal problems at the time and just wanted to get away from it all. Somehow I had to get the demon of internal struggle off my back. So I started walking, I walked from TN to FL and back again.

It was an interesting experience to say the least. I had a lot of time to think and work though my problems; it seemed like every time my feet hit the ground life’s emotional distress faded a little farther into the dim background of my life. Some people turn to drugs or booze to cope with life’s problems; I started walking.

A large part of my trip was spent walking the railroad tracks and camping on the outskirts of town. I tried to pass though as unnoticed as possible trying to avoid most people and police. When I did go into town I did everything I could not to look like a vagrant. I carried a small bottle of soap, washcloth and razor, which I used to clean up before going in amongst the population.

Before heading out I sold just about everything I owned at the time and walked away with $1,500 in my pocket; this was more then enough to get me from point A to point B. Sure I could have picked up odd jobs along the way for cash, but this trip was about me, I wanted time to think and to find peace with myself.

Most of my food and drink was gathered from the surrounding countryside. I made good use of a folding slingshot to quietly and discreetly render a number of squirrels and rabbits to the pot. It is simply amazing the amount of game one can spot while walking the tracks. Usually there is no shortage of stew for the larder.

To make use of recourse’s held by the various streams, lakes and other bodies of water encounter along the way I carried a number of fishhooks, sinkers and a spool of fishing line in my pack. It was a simple matter to cut a suitable pole to tie the line and hook onto, making a handy and disposable fishing pole. Small fish are easy to catch when using this set up, sophisticated tackle isn’t needed or even desirable for the most part.

A strong walking stick is a must. Most sticks are about 40” long and made of hardwood; they are useful for keeping footing on uneven terrain and serve double duty as an effective self-defense weapon against aggressive dogs and people. No need to get fancy here, but if you have the time and inclination you can carve a stick that would pass as a work of art.

Another thing I found quite useful was a vest of the type used by fly fishermen. These things are loaded with pockets. I seem to always be stuffing my pockets with gear of one sort or another and the extra pockets and storage space proved extremely utilitarian. Dark earth tones work best, especially if you intend to stay out of site and out of the way.

In my backpack or in pockets, I carried: a Swiss Army knife, stainless mess kit, matches and lighter, fishing kit, assorted herbs and spices, canteen, poncho, light weight tarp, small first aid kit, slingshot, sewing needles and thread, extra pair of socks, underwear, washcloth, soap, plant identification cards and a small Bible.

I tried to keep everything as light weight and compact as possible, I knew I would be spending a lot of time on my feet and the thought of carrying a heavy bag loaded with gear did not appeal to me. Also a good pair of shoes is a must.

What’s the point of all this you ask? I can see you setting there smirk across your face, thinking I must have fallen off the deep end of the pool to even suggest such a thing, after all this is a survival blog and becoming a wandering refugee is not a recommended survival strategy.

Go ahead and wipe that grin off your face and burst that bubble of superiority swelling up around your head. I have said it before, and will say it again for your amusement. Do everything you can to avoid becoming a refugee.

But some of you will not listen. You will keep postponing getting your preps in order and will end up out in the cold and on the street. During the depression of the 30’s many that were jobless and homeless hit the road in search of opportunity. As the current economic downturn continues its downward spiral into economic collapse, look for the numbers of wandering drifters to grow proportionately.

I’m not saying the hobo drifter approach will be preferable over the stocked survival retreat, only that you might not have a lot of choice in the matter, especially if you put off getting your survival preps squared away now before the time of need. It’s your choice, prepare to survive at your home base or take to the pavement.