Wilderness Survival Guide 63 trapped earth at the base of a fallen tree, the fallen tree itself, a hollow log, or a niche under an evergreen tree. Remember these are also the natural homes for wildlife, so caution is required. A simple shelter can be constructed right at the base of the tree you have befriended (hugged). First, pick a tree near an opening in the forest that is on fairly level high ground where you can see and be seen. Avoid solitary trees as there is the risk of attracting lightning, and check above your head for dead branches or trees hug-up just waiting or a strong breeze to drop them. Look for branches low to the ground on your tree or nearby to supply ample shelter and bed making material. Also look out for bee or hornet nests in the branches or at the base of the tree. Do not choose a site near trails leading to water, as these are often routes used by animals. Locating close to water has its benefits, but if you are too close, you can be troubled by insects and during storms, could be subjected to winds coming off the water or flash floods caused by heavy rainfall. The sound of running water can also drown out the sound of search parties. While working slowly and remembering to take frequent rest, start your shelter by breaking evergreen boughs or leaf covered branches off other trees and arranging them with the heavy ends of the branches leaning against and encircling the base of your tree to make a teepee-style shelter. The leaves or needles will naturally shed rain, as well as act as a windbreak. Your shelter should be just big enough for you to fit into snugly, to help conserve the heat radiating from your body. Build a windbreak for the entrance and if needed, build a roof out of boughs, sticks, logs, leaves, moss, snow or anything that will keep the cold air out. The opening should ideally face east or south-east for the warmth of the morning sun. In the winter, pick a medium-sized evergreen tree with branches close to the ground that has snow piled around. Dig out a trench around the trunk or, if a large branch is buried in the snow, dig a pocket just big enough for you beneath it, using the branch as a roof. Snow is an excellent insulator and windbreak but try to avoid contact with it because it cools the body. No matter what type of shelter you find, you should build a nest or bed out of evergreen boughs or leaves to provide insulation from the cold and damp ground. Take special care in constructing the nest or bed. Select boughs from ground level and work around the tree. SHELTER ...continued www.adventuresmart.ca
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