Congratulations you have decided to stay put and wait to be rescued. Now what do you do?

After you have made your rescue signals it is time to think about getting comfortable while you wait. Comfort means different things to each person. Your level of comfort is what you will need to achieve so that you will not loss hope and maintain a happy environment while awaiting rescue.  For long term shelters, location, location, location. If you can move about, look for a water supply and make camp there. Look for a natural shelter if one is near the water. If the choice between the two I would take the water and make my own shelter.

So you have fire, water, and a location now what? You need to make a shelter, we have covered different types of natural shelters and Tarp shelters already. Now to make it feel more like home while you wait. If you have the means to make a bed go ahead and do so, it is said nothing compares to a good night sleep.

While you are waiting you can explore your area and gather items that will be helpful for maintaining your fire, for food, and your shelter and bedding. The thing about long term shelter is to make your self comfortable while you wait. If you have the energy you could turn it into a really nice camp site, where people would like to stay while out in the wilderness. Remember keeping busy helps your mind stay positive about your situation.

If you are injured and can not move around, now is the time to treat your injury. Self first aid will not only help you survive but it will make waiting much more pleasant if you minimize the pain you are feeling.  With an injury it will take you longer to perform many tasks that usually take a little time. Do not lose courage or patience. Slow down and take your time, that’s all you have when you are waiting. Remember that a positive mind frame means the difference between survival and death. If you give up and lose all hope of being rescued than you will die.

Try to remember that this is a forced vacation and that you can take your time and relax while you complete your tasks. When was the last time you took a vacation out in the woods? If you remain upbeat than it will not seem so bad and you might actually enjoy your time alone communing with mother nature.

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