Real-Life Survival Story: What Happens When Your Situational Awareness Skills Are Insufficient? by Wandering Will for The Organic Prepper
My wife and I have been campers for many years, running the gambit from backpacking to car camping to motorhome camping. The motorhome experience was incredibly unique. We ended up living full-time in the RV for nearly four years until circumstances forced us to come off the road.
We sold the motorhome, and our domicile became a small house in the suburbs.
Off we went to enjoy the tranquility of the woods
At least, that’s what we thought.
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The RV was gone but not the desire to camp, mainly because we have always found solace in the woods. After five months of covid lockdown and various other stressors, we decided it was time to return to the woods, at least temporarily.
The trip would take us full circle back to car camping once again. However, a newly acquired minivan would transfer our sleeping quarters from the cold hard ground to a reasonably comfortable hard sided enclosure. Adding to the comfort factor was a recently purchased specialized tent. The tent, which attached to the minivan’s rear, would later become a possible lifesaver.
Four Situational Awareness mistakes we made
We headed to our favorite campground just one state away. We checked in but could not get our favorite site because it was already reserved. So, we settled on a site we thought would work fine. Mistake #1.
After the tent was set up and attached to the van, we split up the chores. My wife finished setting up the campsite while I proceeded to gather and chop wood. After gathering sufficient wood supply, I began to cut it into usable sizes. As I began chopping, I decided that my friend and constant companion, Mr. Glock needed to be removed from my belt to make my motion more efficient. I relocated the piece to the van. Mistake #2.
After cooking supper, the wife and I settled down in front of the fire to relax. Our campsite was in the middle section of the campground and was car accessible on three sides. Mistake #3.
The campground had very few campers, so we did not think much about it when a car circled the campground. Mistake #4.
Simply knowing the importance of Situational Awareness is not enough
Many of the talented writers on the Organic Prepper have written at length on situational awareness.
Fabian’s article explains how Situational Awareness is perhaps the most needed skill to stay alive in the first place. Even with the 7 Pillars of Urban Preparedness in place, no amount of food, ammo, or other ability will matter much to someone caught with their head in the clouds in a disaster or attack. And this article by Fabian offers excellent advice on how to practice advanced situational awareness.
Long-time popular commenter 1stMarineJarHead after returning from a trip to the big city had some interesting observations about the differences between Urban OPSEC and Situational Awareness versus the same things in more rural settings.
As a rule, I generally do a relatively good job of practicing it. Much to the dismay of my wife, who I constantly bombard with questions shortly after we enter any establishment.
How many exits, dear? Which one is closest, dear? Are any of the patrons carrying a weapon concealed or open? We live in a free state, so open carry is quite common. What is the make and color of the car which parked beside us?
