W. H. Auden says, "A culture is no better than its woods." and it sounds like a decent topic for a post. What do you consider the dis/advantages of the woods as an asset in an undead world (in this case the term "undead" excludes vampires)?
I know most of you bright minds prefer places like Antarctica or the High Himalayas, but how about some thoughts for those of us without such means to access these places; those who are either forced or lucky enough to seek refuge in the forest. Who knows, the woods may be man's best hope for safety.
Living high and secure among the forest canopy, as the Ewoks before us.
"Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!" |
If certain preparations are made it could be a good plan.
I'm pretty sure I know what someone is going to bring up as a downside to this plan. However that might not be a big issue if you plan on lying low until things settle down.
Huh. I missed it originally, but that was a good post, sanchez ... and I like this topic as well ... way to start with a literary quote.
I think you're right sanchez, just going to 'live off the land' is not going to succeed unless you are prepared well so that 'living off the land' is your ONLY option.
All that needs to be said is this: FIRE = BAD
I grew up living in a forest, it's VERY hard to adapt if you're from the city. The environment is unforgiving and you have to adjust to it, as you can't adjust it to your liking.
One problem with a forest is food. Sure you can hunt for your food but cooking it is a problem. You have to know what kind of wood to use and how to light it. Aye there's the rub! Forest Fires. All it takes is one spark and you can potentially wipe out the entire wilderness for miles and miles.
*No I didn't grow up in a cabin, but a ranch up in mountains in Southern California. i.e. LOTS OF FIRES!
Because the Muppet Show said so.
I grew up in the woods of Kentucky and I'm a little surprised to see how inhospitable everyone finds the forest in these replies. I thought zombie kids were supposed to be survivors. Though I guess certain forests might be rougher than others, but I've never seen as anything but a home away from home. Maybe a little article on basic woodsmanship is required here instead...
"Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!"
And wait, no food in the forest!? Maybe in the radiation-soaked forest preserve south of Chicago, but that's far from typical. Most forests are home to any number of tree birds, ground birds, rabbits and rodents, and not to mention the great over-populator, deer. I'd think if you'd have the gear to fend off a few zombies you'd be more than adequately equipped to sharpen a few sticks or set a few small animal traps. That's stuff they taught us in boy scouts for crying out loud! I'll admit, though I never attained any sort of rank or distinction with that group, but I'll always remember how to build a deadfall.
"Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!"
Thanks for volunteering, can't wait to read it.
"They drew first blood not me..." (Stallone in Rambo: First Blood)
I just see way to many things that could go wrong without certain preparations resulting in the three basic deaths. Starving to death, freezing to death, and/or getting eaten.
That's stuff they taught us in boy scouts for crying out loud!
There is a whole lot more than that when you're talking zombie apocalypse.
I never joined the boy scouts. I cannot stand uniforms and refuse to wear one. Only except is if I'm getting paid. I'll walk around New York holding a stop sign wearing a big cardboard frog mask and a red thong screaming "Repent!" for fifty bucks.
sanchez sez: "I just see way to many things that could go wrong without certain preparations resulting in the three basic deaths. Starving to death, freezing to death, and/or getting eaten."
Though could that not also happen to you in the desert, the mountains, or the middle of Detroit in the winter? And what about those who've suggested living in the arctic? I'd think these three basic deaths would be bound to happen there.
Most forests, on the other hand provide wood for fuel, tools, and shelter, grasses or leaves for some sort of insulation, concealment from the living and a natural impediment to the undead. Furthermore, most forests also contain a plethora of edible plants and animals (just google books on edible plants). Even in cold seasons, just below the leaf litter you can find grubs, beetles, or perfectly edible dormant snakes and rodents. Finding said rodents can also be an advantage, as certain species horde nuts and such in their burrows. In a life-or-death situation animals like squirrels and certain fish can be eaten raw (the brains of squirrels should ALWAYS BE AVOIDED as they can harbor very harmful bacteria). Though if you carry a flint, fires can be easily started, eliminating the need to resort to raw meat. Yes, this does create a risk of forest fires, but as long as you use your brain, dig or construct a good fire pit, and don't burn anything that creates flying cinders like paper, you should be OK.
Another reason I like the forest is aforementioned impediment to zombies. The natural clutter and uneven terrain is a definite advantage over "slow" zombies, which wouldn't be able to negotiate rocky ground, fallen timbers, or creek beds as well as a living human. This can allow you to plan routes of escape if you know the area well, or pick off one or two as they try to follow you.
This is by no means all the woods have to offer, but I hope it can at least drum up some interest. I'll look for some links to further reading for anyone interested and post them up later.
"Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!"
i would imagine unless someone were fully prepared to survive in the woodlands/wilderness that woodlands would be not so good of an idea. it really depends all upon the person in question. i know i would be better off staying in a small town area, or finding man made fortification such as prison.
http://www.zombiefriends.com/badhammer
Yep. Why I suggest making preparations if you plan on fleeing to any of those places. I never suggested living in the arctic.
As for your talk of food. Caching is just in case something happens that makes it harder to find. Such as the weather isn't exactly perfect for X number of months, the population of most animals changes the ecology of the area, the platinum horde decends on the wilderness, etc.
I'm only saying it's a bad idea for anyone who doesn't like that without needed preparation.
This happens to be one of the worst ideas: