LESSON 8: MOBILITY

In all likelihood your car has a computer inside of it, and believe it or not, a few simple rounds of electro-magnetic pulse will shut down your car - and all of your other electronics -in a heartbeat. Unless you're really comfortable with the idea of being crammed into a cattle car a la "Doctor Zhivago", I'd recommend you begin planning for alternative modes of transport.

Now, historically, the oldest and most reliable mode of transport is already attached to your body. That being said, take care of your feet. Have some really good walking "boots" ready to use. Don't even think for one moment that those fancy, lightweight running shoes that are so popular in Central Park are going to do you any favors.

The wheel is your next mode of transport. Unless you want to hike with all of your provisions on your back, you need to come up with a way to pull or push your gear. In the worst case you can use sled technology to drag your belongings, but this gets tiring very fast.

One of the best ideas I've seen on any blog recently is to use a very lightweight boat and trailer. What? You live in the middle of the prairie? Plan on staying there forever, do you? You may want to cross a river sometime. You may encounter a lake. Why discard the idea of multi-tasking now?

If you live in a climate of extremes you'll need to plan for this. If you live in the north this is a good time to get a couple of sets of snow shoes. Yea, I know they look goofy. But better to appear a fool than to step out unprepared and remove all doubt.

You need to figure out what much weight you can carry, besides your own. You'd be surprised how hard it is to haul 20 pounds in a backpack for five miles. This is another reason for getting your wheel, sled, or water transporation system perfected now. It can be as simple as a little red wagon. Look around your house and figure out what you could use...If you have a bed frame you have the makings of a simple carrying system. If the time comes that you're having to think about running, you really don't have to worry about what you'll come back to find in your home.

With all of this being said you should keep in mind that staying on roadways and highways will get you into trouble. But going the backwoods route will get you "dead" unless you learn how to survive the elements (and all of the wildlife in it). Start learning how to hike now. Figure out what works for you and what your endurance level is. Ladies (and gentlemen)...you must learn how to pack light. A few days of hiking with what you now consider essential items should prove to be the best lesson.