Preparing for troubled times ahead - Advice on what is needed.....

[Toddy]

I bought those grip things, but mine are springs, and by heavens they work
Honestly, best thing since sliced bread. Icy pavements hold no terror for me with them now.
We get a lot of frozen days, usually after rain, so black ice is commonplace, but you know that frozen slush that is a misery to walk on ? those grips are excellent on that too, they really are.
I found the spikey ones fell out, the ones like the 'studs' on sports boots I mean, but the springs are excellent.

Sort of like these, but I'm pretty sure I paid something like two quid for mine, and they fit onto my flat court shoes too, so not just my trainers or hiking boots.

Ice Cleats Traction Snow Grips for Boots Shoes Anti Slip Stainless Steel Spikes | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Ice Cleats Traction Snow Grips for Boots Shoes Anti Slip Stainless Steel Spikes at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

M

 

[bearbait]

I have a couple of pairs of Kahtoola Microspikes. They've done me good service on ice and frozen snow, and on some pretty decent slopes to boot.

They fit regular hiking boots, trainers, etc.

e.g. https://www.facewest.co.uk/Kahtoola-MicroSpikes.html

 

[Woody girl]

I'm going to be buying some more water butt's, mine are empty.
If hotter dryer summers are to be the norm in the future, I'm going to have to think ahead on what veg to plant and how to water them.
We don't have a hosepipe ban here yet, but another heatwave and we may be looking at one very soon. Everything is so dry, my pots are easier to water thoroughly, but dry out quicker. It's a struggle to keep it all going. I've lost the cauliflowers and the shallots have bolted , beets are still tiny , and I'm lugging gallons of water up the garden to the point of exhaustion each night.

 

[Scottieoutdoors]

I wonder about hose pipe ban when it comes to self sufficiency/veggie Gardens etc, strikes me as it should be an exemption...

 

[Nice65]

I wonder about hose pipe ban when it comes to self sufficiency/veggie Gardens etc, strikes me as it should be an exemption...

Use buckets or whatever you have. The hosepipe ban is for pillocks that want clean cars and green lawns. There was a drought in 1976 when our “wise” government got us all bathing in the same bath water and then siphoning out the bathroom window into buckets to pour on our food plants. Everyone grew their own food, or part of it, there’s no way that basic right can be taken from anyone.

We’re not on a ban here, but have to use a hosepipe to keep our drinking and washing water supplied. I think it’s down to using a bit of discretion.

 

[Wildgoose]

During the last hosepipe ban we had there was a clause in the small print that some may find useful.

You could NOT use the hosepipe to water plants but you could use the hosepipe to fill a watering can. In essence you could take the hosepipe to the plant bed and use it as an extension of one’s tap.

Strange I know but saves a bit of walking.

Check if that is current and applied to you though.

 

[gra_farmer]

The hose pipe is as @Nice65 aimed and caused by the individuals that are washing cars and filling swimming pools, etc. >200,000,000 litres per day extra demand is no joke, there is water available, it is the treatment to keep up with demand is the issue, mostly.

Water supply is a pressure system, otherwise you would not have water come through the tap when you turn it on, and here lays the second issue, extra demand disrupts the pressure across the system, and things go pop.....i have been at a water treatment works when this happened on site.

Now the hose pipe ban is aimed at domestic users first, so those of you stated exemptions for self's efficiency crops, must note it is difficult to regulate, as a few would ruin it for the rest (observed personally), and a broad approach creates a baseline to follow. If you have livestock, animal welfare regulations will stop any come back in relation using a hose pipe, but must be for livestock.

Now in relation to retail, particularly farming, there will be restrictions, but with livestock they have to have water. Water companies work with farms to ensure that they have enough water stored on site, in case of mains busts.

Everyone plays a part and complaints about water companies over abstracting is directly linked to customer demand.

Water companies don't want to abstract any more than is required......really is quite simple, demand is linked to customers and housing / development pressure.

 

[Danceswithhelicopters]

I bought those grip things, but mine are springs, and by heavens they work
Honestly, best thing since sliced bread. Icy pavements hold no terror for me with them now.
We get a lot of frozen days, usually after rain, so black ice is commonplace, but you know that frozen slush that is a misery to walk on ? those grips are excellent on that too, they really are.
I found the spikey ones fell out, the ones like the 'studs' on sports boots I mean, but the springs are excellent.

Sort of like these, but I'm pretty sure I paid something like two quid for mine, and they fit onto my flat court shoes too, so not just my trainers or hiking boots.

Ice Cleats Traction Snow Grips for Boots Shoes Anti Slip Stainless Steel Spikes | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Ice Cleats Traction Snow Grips for Boots Shoes Anti Slip Stainless Steel Spikes at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

View attachment 75709

M

The spring ones are OK walking into a tiled wooden floor - popping into a shop for instance - whereas the spikes aren't. The springs are also not good off road as they slip around the shoe and aren't as robust. Get both.

Another handy hint... A pair of warm but worn boots or shoes? Don't throw them out just fit them with the spikes of your choice and leave them as your winter walkers.

 

[Toddy]

I do have the spike ones for heavy/hard walking, Rock+run, something or others) but for just around the village/town/shops and local paths, the wee spring things have been brilliant. They are surprisingly good on wet or frozen grass slopes too. I have little feet, keeping them blooming things on my shoes or trainers was always a problem until I bought these ones.

 

[SaraR]

I got a pair of icebug grip winterboots and they have been absolutely brilliant. I’ve been quite careful not to use them when not needed, so not sure how well they would last with everyday use.

 

[swyn]

I’m at work this week and have done my usual trip to Sainsbury’s for my weeks food.
The food bank box is normally pretty full by now. On my pass by this evening I couldn’t help noticing that it was completely empty. Ok a lot of folk are on ‘oliday but I felt this was perhaps a sign of things to come.
S

 

[Woody girl]

I’m at work this week and have done my usual trip to Sainsbury’s for my weeks food.
The food bank box is normally pretty full by now. On my pass by this evening I couldn’t help noticing that it was completely empty. Ok a lot of folk are on ‘oliday but I felt this was perhaps a sign of things to come.
S

I've noticed that food bank donation boxes are rarely more than half full nowadays and also have much more of the cheaper foods in too.
I have a small bedroom that I have purchased shelves for, and I'm making a pantry. I have been adding to my stash since before the first lockdown, and reckon that I have about six months worth of food, and a bit to spare for friends in trouble.
Prices are silly localy. 90p for 1kilo of sugar whereas, if you have a car, and can get into the nearest town, it's 65p.in b&m.
Sadly pensioners and those without a car, can't get there and have to pay extortionate local prices. £3.80 for a can of corned beef or spam. £1.00 for a can of baked beans, are just a few more examples of the co op rip off.
I'm off for a top up later in the week at b&m and liddel with four of us in one car sharing petrol. Works out cheaper than the bus, and no hauling shopping bags on and off buses and walking miles carrying them.quicker too since they cut the buses to only two a day each way, instead of four.

 

[gra_farmer]

Post Deleted

The main advice for preparing based upon talks with ex military, if stocking up canned foods is to ensure that you do not have the ring pull cans, as the perforated lid is the weakness.

 

[bobnewboy]

30 seconds on that website was “Enough”. Certainly not what I’m on BCUK for.

 

[Woody girl]

30 seconds on that website was “Enough”. Certainly not what I’m on BCUK for.

A heads up with relevance to this topic is fine in my opinion. The thing is, we British seem to just sit tight and take whatever is thrown at us, and just " keep calm and carry on" like things are not going down the pan.
For those with their own houses good jobs etc it may take a bit longer to realise how many are already struggling , by the time it starts to hit them enough to realy hurt, it will be too late , so we do need to get the powers that be to do something now, not in September. Meanwhile they are fiddling while Rome burns, bj saying its not his problem, and both of the possibles saying they can't do anything either untill whoever becomes the next pm is voted in.
Anyone not preparing for a realy rough winter is gonna come unstuck. Nothing will happen untill the pip sqeaks for the well off ... unless the masses speak. Remember the poll tax? It worked, look at Dutch farmers recent problems, many prepper channels are showing and telling the scary prices and problems that are for real now, let alone in a few months time. Realy we have to stop just sitting there and shrugging our shoulders and saying ...what can you do, it is what it is....and having another cup of tea.
The issues are not just Ukraine wheat, cooking oil, and gas . Believe me, even rice is in trouble this harvest.
I do believe we are being taken for a ride, yes stuff has gone up, but those in the know, know this is their last chance to make as much money as they can out of ordinary Joe and Jill, before it goes belly up.
If you are still not convinced, Remember how covid was ignored untill it became so blatantly obvious that hundreds of people were dying and hospitals were in the red zone trying to cope.
If you are only worried or concerned you shouldn't be..you should be getting stuck in, and working every moment possible to be ready, I think some time ago I mentioned noahs ark and said that we needed to heed the signs............not be banging on the door for help when it's too late.
Build your own ark now! While it's still possible, before food banks no longer exist, and power is rationed to a few hours a day... dont believe me? Come back next year and tell me you are thriving. If you do you will have your own ark built and stocked and will have heeded the signs that began in 2019.
We might just swerve it , but not without a lot of pain and misery, but I won't hold my breath waiting, and I'm not going to rely on overfed millionaires to keep me warm and fed in the future! My ark is floating , tied to the wharf, and ready to go!
Whatever it takes is my new motto!

 

[slowworm]

Post Deleted

Not sure there was a need to delete your post, I may of not agreed with it but interesting to see.

Taking the neonics as an example, I know some bee keepers hate them but many of them also seem to take glee in finding many kilos of cheap sugar to feed their bees. Personally I don't use pesticides and prefer to over winter my bees on their own stores.

 

[Billy-o]

Another handy hint... A pair of warm but worn boots or shoes? Don't throw them out just fit them with the spikes of your choice and leave them as your winter walkers.

These screw-ins for fishing boots are good, though considerably more aggressive than they need to be for ice. There's littler ones out there too. Unless there's a layer of slsh or snow over it, you only really need ice spikes to be about the same size as grit. (Being aware that is pretty much the same as asking how long is a piece of string)

Bootmaster Boot Studs (20) : Amazon.ca: Sports & Outdoors

Bootmaster Boot Studs (20) : Amazon.ca: Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.ca

 

[TeeDee]

Post Deleted

The main advice for preparing based upon talks with ex military, if stocking up canned foods is to ensure that you do not have the ring pull cans, as the perforated lid is the weakness.

I'm going to ask - And you know I've got time for you uncle Gra..

But what relevance or information may ex-military (or even serving military ) have on the longevity & integrity of Canned goods? Is there a special class at Sandhurst/Lympstone/Aldershot/Stirling Lines/Dartmouth?

When has a military conflict lasted long enough that the hermetic seal of a canned good has been in question?

Military types arn't the prepping messiahs - they are just very naughty Boys and Girls..

 

[bobnewboy]

A heads up with relevance to this topic is fine in my opinion. The thing is, we British seem to just sit tight and take whatever is thrown at us, and just " keep calm and carry on" like things are not going down the pan.
For those with their own houses good jobs etc it may take a bit longer to realise how many are already struggling , by the time it starts to hit them enough to realy hurt, it will be too late , so we do need to get the powers that be to do something now, not in September. Meanwhile they are fiddling while Rome burns, bj saying its not his problem, and both of the possibles saying they can't do anything either untill whoever becomes the next pm is voted in.
Anyone not preparing for a realy rough winter is gonna come unstuck. Nothing will happen untill the pip sqeaks for the well off ... unless the masses speak. Remember the poll tax? It worked, look at Dutch farmers recent problems, many prepper channels are showing and telling the scary prices and problems that are for real now, let alone in a few months time. Realy we have to stop just sitting there and shrugging our shoulders and saying ...what can you do, it is what it is....and having another cup of tea.
The issues are not just Ukraine wheat, cooking oil, and gas . Believe me, even rice is in trouble this harvest.
I do believe we are being taken for a ride, yes stuff has gone up, but those in the know, know this is their last chance to make as much money as they can out of ordinary Joe and Jill, before it goes belly up.
If you are still not convinced, Remember how covid was ignored untill it became so blatantly obvious that hundreds of people were dying and hospitals were in the red zone trying to cope.
If you are only worried or concerned you shouldn't be..you should be getting stuck in, and working every moment possible to be ready, I think some time ago I mentioned noahs ark and said that we needed to heed the signs............not be banging on the door for help when it's too late.
Build your own ark now! While it's still possible, before food banks no longer exist, and power is rationed to a few hours a day... dont believe me? Come back next year and tell me you are thriving. If you do you will have your own ark built and stocked and will have heeded the signs that began in 2019.
We might just swerve it , but not without a lot of pain and misery, but I won't hold my breath waiting, and I'm not going to rely on overfed millionaires to keep me warm and fed in the future! My ark is floating , tied to the wharf, and ready to go!
Whatever it takes is my new motto!

A heads up is fine, and this whole thread is generally fine. I come to BCUK for practical advice and hints regarding homesteading and minor prepping, among many other things. However posting a link to a highly partisan political website - for whatever reason - cuts straight across the “no politics” rule. There are plenty of other web fora for that if people want to discuss politics.

 

[Woody girl]

I'm going to ask - And you know I've got time for you uncle Gra..

But what relevance or information may ex-military (or even serving military ) have on the longevity & integrity of Canned goods? Is there a special class at Sandhurst/Lympstone/Aldershot/Stirling Lines/Dartmouth?

When has a military conflict lasted long enough that the hermetic seal of a canned good has been in question?

Military types arn't the prepping messiahs - they are just very naughty Boys and Girls..

They are not the best seal, it makes the tin weaker at that point, and often if cans are stacked, the added pressure can cause the seal to leak around that weaker point.
I actualy had a can do this and it was well within its use by date, which caused the contents to go bad and ferment to a nasty mess all over other tins that were in the cupboard. It's not a daily usage cupboard so it went unnoticed untill the smell alerted me to it.
It's a good point to watch for when stacking cans on top of each other, and worth periodic checks.
The thing is, I could not realy detect a split in the can top at all bar the tiniest of holes that was on inspection barely more than a pin *****. Only discovered by wiping the tin clean and letting it carry on going, and seeing where the contents were pushing through, much like an air bed leak.
One pin *****, letting air in is all it takes, to spoil a tin of food and let bacteria in causing botulism .
So it's a valid point. It "can" happen.
Sorry for the pun!
Wow the censureship is unreal! I can't even put pin *****, perhaps I mean pin hole!