The Adventure Challenge

[The Reaper]

Let’s think outside the box here with a bit of survival and science fiction. H.G. Wells, or alternative sci-fi. Maybe an older version of the modern day adventure race.

I am going to ask that we limit responses to people over the age of 21 with significant field time.

You are in the prime of your life. You are approached and an interesting proposition is made. No, not that one.

A time machine has been invented, and in 30 days, a volunteer is going to be sent back to 1700, to assist with the initial exploration of North America. The continent is largely unexplored, and Daniel Boone has not yet been born yet. The mission is to explore the new nation, and keep a record of your travels. Our volunteer will cross the North American continent from the east coast to the west, alone, and report the results. He must start from an existing 1700 East Coast port city, and must finish at a designated location on the Pacific coast of California, Oregon, or Washington. The explorer will take a digital camera, digital recorder, and a PDA to record the journey. A return time machine will meet him at his declared destination and will wait for 30 days from your predetermined arrival date. If he has not arrived by then, he will be presumed dead and the machine autopiloted back.

The journey must be completed solo. If you accept the challenge, you will be allowed to take as much modern gear as you can personally carry, underneath period dress or in appropriate period baggage, at least till you leave civilization. You will not be allowed to stagger out of the time machine and cache hundreds of pounds of your gear. Assume a maximum of 100 lbs. At least you will not arrive naked, and have to go steal clothes from a punk, biker, or male stripper, so be thankful. You must be able to carry it yourself, but you will be given some gold so that you can purchase any items locally that you need during your travels. You will be walking, except when you need to cross water obstacles.

For the successful completion of your journey, you will receive ten million dollars.

Can this be accomplished successfully?

Do you accept the challenge?

Where do you start?

What route do you take?

Where do you plan to finish?

How long do you think it will take you?

What is in your field gear?

What modern items are critical, and what items from the period will work for you?

What are your priorities?

How will you carry it?

What firearms will you take?

How much ammo, accessories, etc.?

What edged tools do you take?

What navigational aids do you take?

What do you think your odds are of successfully completing this journey?

What do you do in the 30 days before you leave?

Let’s think this one through as stated first, we can do branches and sequels later.

Thoughts?

TR

[Pete]

Just to add on a bit, it was you walk out with 100 lbs of equipment.

Weight? Oz's turn into pounds and pounds into tons.

Every item selected will be judged against the number of tasks it can help you with vs it's weight.

The mountain men of the early 1800s very very good at making do with limited goods. A good book on Indian sign language?

[Roguish Lawyer]

Lacking the requisite field time, I post here only to express my appreciation for creativity of this thread and my eagerness to read what I hope will be well thought-out and interesting responses.

[The Reaper]

Pete:

You are dead on the money.

100 lbs. is the maximum weight, and let me assure those of you short on rucking experience that you do not want to hump that very far or very fast.

Flexibility is one of the the keys to both survival and weight reduction.

I agree, the mountain men were excellent examples, especially those who travelled far and wide.

The ability to communicate could be very important, as would small trade items.

In answer to a PM question, yes, you could take maps and a GPS, if you can keep it powered. You might want a compass as well, just in case.

TR

[Max_Tab]

Is the 100lb's all you can take for the whole trip, or is it 100lb's of modern equipment? Once you got to the 1700's could you pick up some more gear from that time? Would you be able to get a horse, or have to hump the whole way? Trying to set the ground rules.

I think I would leave the GPS at home. LMFAO But a PDA with maps for the entire country in it and light weight solar rechargers would work. Plus within the 30 day's before I left I would learn how to figure out my location on the earth by using the stars (not sure what it's called) just like the sailor's used to. That way I would be able to use the maps on the PDA.

[The Reaper]

Originally Posted by Max_Tab

Is the 100lb's all you can take for the whole trip, or is it 100lb's of modern equipment? Once you got to the 1700's could you pick up some more gear from that time? Would you be able to get a horse, or have to hump the whole way? Trying to set the ground rules.

I think I would leave the GPS at home. LMFAO But a PDA with maps for the entire country in it and light weight solar rechargers would work. Plus within the 30 day's before I left I would learn how to figure out my location on the earth by using the stars (not sure what it's called) just like the sailor's used to. That way I would be able to use the maps on the PDA.

Max:

I do not personally think that you would want to hump more than 100 pounds for 3,000 miles, but if you want to try it, sure.

You must be able to carry it yourself, but you will be given some gold so that you can purchase any items locally that you need during your travels. You will be walking...

"Walking" and "carrying" the gear would pretty much mean no pack animals this trip.

Hence this line:

Let’s think this one through as stated first, we can do branches and sequels later.

I would not trust my future to any single battery powered device, but I agree on that possible use for the PDA, as long as I had hard copies of the maps and a compass.

I look forward to your input.

TR

[Peregrino]

I love the idea of a GPS in 1700. When was the first constellation launched? Somebody needs to think a little harder. Nice challenge though. I favor the mountain man equipment approach and the Corps of Discovery route. Harder to get lost that way, after all they didn't have a clue either. Being a lazy b*****d, I'd much rather follow (paddle) the water routes than walk the entire distance. Blast match, 'hawk & bowie, quality boots, compass, water bottle, cook pot, tarp, long bow & arrows, quality pack, fishing gear, multivitamins, small med kit, trade goods, and a "one over the world" blood chit style map. Most of the items have already been discussed in detail in the various survival threads. Oh - 18 months, Boston (or maybe New York) to Astoria. It shouldn't take that long but I'm lazy and the fishing might be decent enroute.

ETA: Forgot to include my G-shock - wouldn't want to lose track of the pick-up time.

[Max_Tab]

This is off the top of my head I'll think about it some more and add to it at a later time

M-4 w/ ACOG 400 rds of lemas

Glock19 (3 x mags’ 1 box of 50) 95 rd

2 x Compass

Pvs 15’s w/ head mount

Light weight solar panels

Rechargeable AA’s X 20 with recharger (plugs into solar panel)

PDA loaded with map data (detailed map data covering the entire United States. Down to 1:50,000), survival data (extreme detail on edible plants, medicinal plants, building structures, snares, location of water, basically any survival tip you would need for each different region of the United States),

CLOTHING

Mountaineering boots (broken in)
7 pr heavy duty socks
2 x hiking pants
2 x wic away t- shirts
1 x silk weight top bottom
1 x fleece pullover
1 x shell top and bottom
1 x fleece pants
1 x pullover down jacket
2 x fleece gloves
1 pr trigger finger mittens

SURVIVAL GEAR

Lightweight axe
Small saw
4 cigarette lighters
fire starting kit
gerber
hunting knife
survival book
small map book of the US
2 x camel backs
Poncho
2man ten
6 bunji cords
150ft 550 cord
survival fishing kit

[Sdiver]

I gave this some thought over the night, and here's what I came up with.


Can this be accomplished successfully?

Yes I believe it can.

Do you accept the challenge?

Yes

Where do you start?

St Augustine Florida

What route do you take?

A Southern route. From St. Augustine, westward over the peninsula of Florida and once over that, hug the coast line of the Gulf of Mexico to the Rio Grande. Once there, up the Rio Grande to central New Mexico, then take a left turn at Albuquerque and over the central part of New Mexico and the North Central part of Arizona, to the Colorado river. Down that to the Sea of Cortez and over the Baja and into So Cal.

Where do you plan to finish?

Southern California

How long do you think it will take you?

I plan on 900 days (about 2 1/2 years)

What is in your field gear?

Without getting too much in depth, seeing that most is already listed in other posts, A small mask, fin and snorkel set, along with a Hawaiian sling (pole spear) with several tips. 550 cord. 200' of rope, along with some, not much, mountaineering equipment. My handy dandy Leatherman Super Tool.

What modern items are critical, and what items from the period will work for you?

Modern: On the PDA a Topo map of the route I would take. Also on the PDA, a Spanish/English, French/English and the local tribes along the route language/English dictionaries. Also several chapters from the STP 31-18-SM-TC field manual.

My Woobie.

Period: Ball, cap and powder, along with a long rifle.

What are your priorities?

Staying alive and collecting 10 million dollars.

What firearms will you take?

From today, a 1911 Colt .45 (tried and tested time and time again, and with some great stopping power.)
I would acquire a long rifle, once there.

How much ammo, accessories, etc.?

150 rounds of .45 for the Colt, along with a cleaning kit and spare parts kit. 10 extra magazines.

What edged tools do you take?

My handy dandy Leatherman Super Tool. A 20' machete. A Hersey T-3. A hand ax. An E-tool.

What navigational aids do you take?

Compass. Sextant. Topo map on the PDA, along with hard copies in case the PDA goes T.U.

What do you think your odds are of successfully completing this journey?

100%

What do you do in the 30 days before you leave?

Travel the route I would take, looking for possible hazards and obstacles that might still be around 300 years later. Research the weather from that time period and see if there are any storms, flooding or droughts as I where to move westward. Any major historical events that took place among the Europeans and local indigs, and avoid them if deemed hazardous.

[LarryW]

Can this be accomplished successfully? Yes

Do you accept the challenge? Yes

Where do you start? Jamestown, VA

What route do you take? First Leg (15 MAR – 15 SEP): From Jamestown west-southwest cross Virginia, through Appalachians, cross Tennessee, Arkansas, and into Texas. Winter nearby Canadian River in vicinity of what is now Amarillo from SEP to MAR. Hunt buffalo and jerk meat for winter. Shelter in teepee. Learn Kiowa, Southern Cheyenne, Comanche. Second Leg: (15 MAR – 15 SEP) Due west thru northern New Mexico, Arizona and into Southern California. Turn north through Sacramento Valley then at Sacramento River turn north-northwest to vicinity of Eureka, then follow the coast north to Astoria.

Where do you plan to finish? Astoria, OR (Fort Clatsop)

How long do you think it will take you? 18 – 20 mos

What is in your field gear? Binoculars, 2 magnifying glasses, 100ft ½ inch rope, writing log and pencils, 5 pounds rock salt, 2 pounds pepper, complete field first aid kit, 1 pint whiskey, Bible, various stitching needles and thread, several colored glass beads (for barter), poncho w/liner, 1 light sweater and 1 heavy sweater, sox, skivs, several bandanas, 2 bars lye soap, 2 pr silk long johns, 1 pr lightweight hiking pants, 1 pair wool hiking pants, 1 pair buckskins, buffalo robe, 1 wide brim hat, 1 pair light hiking shoes, 1 pr boots, 25 Spanish gold pieces (for barter), 2 Magnesium Fire Starters, 2 wool blankets, 4 foil survival blankets, 4 leather bags various sizes (2 that can be used to haul water), pup-tent, 10x10 tarp, snare line, fish hooks and 10# test line, 3 canteens, cooking utensils, smoking tobacco (for barter).

What modern items are critical, and what items from the period will work for you? Critical modern items: 2 engineers compass, foot wear, tent, tarp, edged tools, binoculars, magnifying glasses, 2 wheeled pull-cart. Critical period items: Buckskins, buffalo robe

What are your priorities? Water, food, shelter. Make ~ 15 miles/day

How will you carry it? Two-wheeled pull-cart. (Modern equipment. Cabela’s-type game cart. Will buy the thing with my gold.)

What firearms will you take? None. Too much weight. Just take 2 long bows and as many arrows as I can get, 1 pound gun powder (for medicinal use and barter).

How much ammo, accessories, etc.? No ammo. Accessories listed in field gear above.

What edged tools do you take? Sapper-spade, 2 Gurka knives, 2 machetes, 2 large survival hunting knives, small folding saw, butcher knife, small hatchet. (Extra edged tools could be bartered as necessary.)

What navigational aids do you take? 2 compasses, sextant, table of astronomical elements, timepiece, map of U.S.

What do you think your odds are of successfully completing this journey? 100%

What do you do in the 30 days before you leave? Learn to navigate. Train and prepare. Talk to anyone who had recently come back from the west. (Talk to my detailer and try to get my orders changed. When he says no, train and prepare some more.)

Let’s think this one through as stated first, we can do branches and sequels later.

Thoughts? The mission is to explore, not necessarily conquer, neither is the mission a race. Would want to impact the flora/fauna as little as possible, consistent with survival. Try to leave as little sign of me as I passed. Important to learn how to communicate with indigenous people for support if needed, esp in identifying local medicinal herbs, edible roots/berries, safe route ahead, etc. Game would be abundant (imagine no limit on trout and no deer tags!). Must smoke/jerk meat for travel as it’s killed. Use excess meat for barter as needed. Live on as much vegetation (roots, berries, legumes, etc) as possible to ease amount of calories needed for digestion. Object to move from can-see to ~ mid afternoon before making camp. If making good time move every-other-day, vice continuous. (The more calories you burn the more you have to eat/drink.) This is not a race but an exploration. The goal is to learn. Hunt in late afternoon/dusk. Taking the southern route will lessen impact of winter. Means crossing the Mojave desert in early spring, but Monsoon rains should lessen impact. If I had to take the northern route I’d leave from Philadelphia in late FEB and plan to winter in Dakotas camping NLT AUG and resuming in APR. Northern trip would require about another 60 days due to crossing the Rockies. Would lose the PDA and the recorders and all the hi-tech stuff…too much additional weight. Besides I’ll have a log book and pencils! An interesting challenge. Fun to consider. Sounds like the beginning of a new reality show. I’d watch!

[PSM]

Anybody home yet?

Pat

[ZonieDiver]

Home. Waiting for pick-up at La Jolla Cove!

Seriously, waiting to retire and teach at a charter school where I can have a project where students can have beyond a musket without assuming it is 'gang-related'!

[PSM]

Originally Posted by ZonieDiver

Home. Waiting for pick-up at La Jolla Cove!

Early on I was thinking of Point Loma, but I've recently spent a lot of time in the area East of San Diego and it's pretty damned rugged. I'm heading for Point Dume Rock, now. But, I'd cross from Yuma across the shorter section of waterless desert toward SD then skirt the mountains on the east and up and west through the Banning pass. Crossing from what is now Blythe would entail multiple caching rucks and add about a gillion miles to the trek.

p.s.: My wife is a certificated Schoolmarm!

Pat

[ZonieDiver]

Originally Posted by PSM

Early on I was thinking of Point Loma, but I've recently spent a lot of time in the area East of San Diego and it's pretty damned rugged. I'm heading for Point Dume Rock, now. But, I'd cross from Yuma across the shorter section of waterless desert toward SD then skirt the mountains on the east and up and west through the Banning pass. Crossing from what is now Blythe would entail multiple caching rucks and add about a gillion miles to the trek.

p.s.: My wife is a certificated Schoolmarm!

Pat

That is the route I have chosen - in winter! There are lots of 'springs' along the way - Borrega Springs, etc. Water is available. I picked LJ Cove because it is SO readily identifiable - from a map or in person.

[dknob]

Originally Posted by The Reaper

Can this be accomplished successfully? Yes

Do you accept the challenge? Yes

Where do you start? Charleston, SC

What route do you take? SC > NC > TN > KY > MO > NE > WY > ID > OR

Where do you plan to finish? Waldport, OR

How long do you think it will take you?
Journey is roughly 2900 miles, at 7 miles a day for 450 days will come out to 3150 miles. So I decide to play it safe and go with 475 days to finish.

What is in your field gear?
-Cold weather sleeping bag (4 pounds)
- x2 pair of hiking boots (6 pounds)
- x1 pair of hiking shoes/trail running (2 pounds)
- CLOTHING package of two pair of gloves, 4 pants (some will be woodland BDU), a beanie, a Cold weather jacket, a dozen socks, shirts, and long sleeve tops will be around 13-15 pounds
- poncho
- deciding not to bring a tent, and rather make a shelter if it asolutely required it

What modern items are critical, and what items from the period will work for you?
- Sewing kit
- Hygiene kit (8 bars of soap, x3 tubes of toothpaste)
- Medkit: antibiotics, ibuprofen, gauze, etc. (4 pounds)

What are your priorities?
Compass, map, medical kit
- first starting kit, matches, lighters, etc

How will you carry it?
ALICE pack - estimated weight will be 55-65 pounds in the pack, and weapon will be roughly 10 pounds.

What firearms will you take?
HK417 (9 pounds), 20 inch barrel
- 6 flashbangs to ward off a grizzly or something

How much ammo, accessories, etc.?
- 400 rounds of 7.62x51 @ roughly 22 pounds
- ACOG

What edged tools do you take?
- Machete 1 pound
- E tool 1.5 pounds
- 2 multitools - 1 pound
- sharpener

What navigational aids do you take?
- military compass and maps of the US
- flashlight (preferrably surefire) with extra batteries (wont be used commonly, only for emergency purposes, so not taking many batteries)

What do you think your odds are of successfully completing this journey?
- 90% chance of success

What do you do in the 30 days before you leave?
- study study study survival guides and flora and fauna along my journey (whats edible, whats not, how to cook, how to set traps, etc etc)

Let’s think this one through as stated first, we can do branches and sequels later.

Thoughts?

TR

I just saw this awesome thread and thought I'd throw my plan out there - I made sure to not read any other replies so I don't start copying ideas.