Looking for some good survival literature, check out the book by Dean King- "Skeletons on the Zahara".
When I was guiding professionally throughout the Southwest for the university, I had a couple from New England who spoke highly of this book. With each bend in the canyon trails we were on, they recounted the tales of hardship and resourcefulness from the book. After that, I forgot about the title only to graciously receive a copy a few months later from those two kind folks.
Once begun, you are not likely to put the book down. The gist: twelve American sailors who were shipwrecked off the coast of Africa in 1815 (yeah, before SAT phones, Leatherman, and spark-rods) and have to survive not only the elements but the hostile nomads roaming the region. They figured they were better off turning themselves over to the locals and being made into slaves than to perish in the desert and that is when the tale of survival really begins. The crew then endures two months of hellish conditions while journeying across some of the most inhospitable landscape on the planet while contending with barbarism and starvation.
There is a lot of insight into "primitive skills" along with providing a look into the harshness of life in the unforgiving desert for those not familiar with this trying land.
Originally taken from the sea Captain James Riley whose journal "Sufferings in Africa" were unearthed by author King, and turned into this riveting account of survival, endurance, and brotherhood. Riley's journal was published shortly after the War of 1812 and gained considerable notoriety, attracting such followers as Thoreau, James Fenimore Cooper, and Abraham Lincoln, the latter of whom said it was one of the most influential books of his youth.
This tale reminds me of when I was pouring over the story of the Bielski brothers (the movie "Defiance" was based them) and Shackelton's story years ago and thinking- "What is there to complain about in life!!"
If you're looking for some literature on the triumph of the human spirit and survival, and from a time when people's ingenuity and skills ruled, then check it out. Just have a cool glass of water handy for the chapter called "Thirst."
Enjoy the wilds!
Tony Nester
Ancient Pathways, LLC
http://www.apathways.com
Ancient Pathways, LLC
Welcome
to Ancient Pathways, LLC
Outdoor Programs
in Desert Survival and Bushcraft
About Ancient Pathways
Ancient Pathways has been offering experientially-based courses in Desert Survival and Bushcraft Living Skills since 1989. Our school is designed for those seeking to develop proficiency in both primitive and modern wilderness skills.
We also offer comprehensive corporate training programs that highlight outdoor survival training for professionals, corporate groups, and companies who find themselves working in remote wilderness regions.
All outdoor survival courses are steeped in the rich natural-history and archeology of the southwest and, in addition to learning valuable outdoor skills, you will be able to explore ancient ruins and hike in some of the finest canyon country in North America.
Each survival course is light on theory and heavy on pragmatic, time-tested skills. We receive high marks from our students who say that they are amazed at the scope of practical wilderness skills that we cover and the wealth of handmade primitive tools that they walk away with.
The classroom we use for all of our outdoor programs is the Colorado Plateau. This stunning region comprises most of Northern Arizona and is the ancestral homeland of the ancient Anasazi, Sinagua, and Cohonina people whose aboriginal dwellings still dot the landscape. Survival courses are held throughout northern and central Arizona and at our outfitted basecamp near the Painted Desert located an hour from the Grand Canyon.
We also offer comprehensive corporate training programs that highlight outdoor survival training for professionals, corporate groups, and companies who find themselves working in remote wilderness regions.
All outdoor survival courses are steeped in the rich natural-history and archeology of the southwest and, in addition to learning valuable outdoor skills, you will be able to explore ancient ruins and hike in some of the finest canyon country in North America.
Each survival course is light on theory and heavy on pragmatic, time-tested skills. We receive high marks from our students who say that they are amazed at the scope of practical wilderness skills that we cover and the wealth of handmade primitive tools that they walk away with.
The classroom we use for all of our outdoor programs is the Colorado Plateau. This stunning region comprises most of Northern Arizona and is the ancestral homeland of the ancient Anasazi, Sinagua, and Cohonina people whose aboriginal dwellings still dot the landscape. Survival courses are held throughout northern and central Arizona and at our outfitted basecamp near the Painted Desert located an hour from the Grand Canyon.
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