As Winter Approaches, It's Time to Prep

Winter in Alaska can be tough: tough to deal with lots of snow, lots of cold, and lots of dark. It can be a tough time to obtain supplies, because the supply line is long, and weather can threaten disruption. Besides weather, there's also the very real threat of volcanic activity (four active volcanoes are within ash-fall distance of Anchorage) or major earthquake destroying highways and other infrastructure. And we're 1,350 miles from Seattle, across the Gulf of Alaska and the north Pacific, which can be treacherous to shipping.

Something like 95 percent of our food is imported. That's a concern, and is one more reason why we try to always have at least two months' food on hand. I know there are parts of the upper States where it can get colder, or have more snow, than we get - but those places aren't generally dependent on trans-Pacific cargo ships and barges.

Additionally, I'm laying in fresh first aid supplies, water, and making sure to replace all the ammo we use at each range visit. All the shooting is an expensive hobby, but well worth it for several reasons. I know my readers don't need to be told what those are.

At Prep Level 3 - ye be warned.

I've written about my range trips, and I'm harder on myself than anyone else, but the fact is that I take it seriously. I may not yet be a sharpshooter, but I'm starting to have those moments again where I get in the zone and everything becomes almost effortless. The goal of practice is to get there faster and stay there longer ... and it's finally coming.

Another trip to the range this weekend with BOTH daughters (yay!) and shooting buddy Jenny S. If my wife decides to come along, it will be truly awesome.