rafting retreat

RAFTING RETREAT
I believe there has been one book, probably about twenty years old now, on sailing as a survival strategy. For us land lubbers, this was never a viable option. However, as I have mentioned previously, inland water vessels are within our grasp. You don't have to know about strange things such as lee or starboard ( forgive me if I'm off on my terms, having been a grunt rather than a squid ), topknots or other doohickies. Plus, you can eliminate the expenses involved in ocean going ships. I know there is at least one group that pretty much lives at sea most of the time, down in the tropics somewhere. South China Sea, perhaps? This has allowed some kind of autonomy in an area not known for its celebration of individuals ( at least on the mainland rice growing areas ). They trade with islanders, get repair and building materials. That doesn't sound like too harsh of an existence. But they have a tribal support system. I wouldn't really want to be a lone individual sailing the seven seas. Don't get me wrong, I think I could do the whole hermit thing rather easily. But "Waterworld" keeps coming to my mind, your boat is destroyed and your only option is to bob in the water for a few days until you are shark food. On land, not only is it a lot cheaper, but you can escape and restart if needed with a much better chance of escape.
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But fresh water boating doesn't have the disadvantages of salt water escape. Granted, you forego the major advantage which is total escape from all oppressive elements. But you don't have the disadvantages which are high cost and dependence on one craft. I don't even have one ready made shelter but two, I can't imagine limiting my options like that. While fresh water boating, if your craft is damaged, you can go ashore easily. You can live there, or replace your craft with a homemade one. You can improvise with a raft to replace your houseboat. Yes, you can build your own salt water boat, but you have to worry about storms killing you easier. You don't have to worry about running out of fresh drinking water. If your primary food source decreases you can go to land and kill something. There are always wild plants to harvest close by. You can plant semi-wild gardens in secluded areas not easily accessible by land. Living on the water allows you the advantage of being mobile, even in populated areas. Without the disadvantages of road travel. No, it won't be 100% safe, others will have the same idea. But you are eliminating a lot of the competition. On a farm, the land can be fought over. On the water, in theory you can move to a less contested area.
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Several areas suitable come to mind. The Delta region in California, stretching from the Bay Area to Sacramento. The Mississippi. The Louisiana or Florida swamps. The St. John's river in Florida. I know there are quite a few others. The thing to keep in mind is that you need a large area in which to escape if there is trouble. One short river won't do the trick. A small lake, such as Lake Tahoe, is too constricted. You are setting yourself up for failure. The competition for the limited resources will get you killed. The cheapest route would be to have a Unibomber shack hidden somewhere deep in the back country, and a small boat to get around in, to hunt for food and to recon the dangers. The more expensive plan would be to live on the boat. Either way, have plenty of caches around the area. You could start to live this lifestyle now, and come the Apocalypse you would hardly notice any changes ( other than a lot more people shooting at you ). On large waterways, I would imagine you could live a lot less of a regulated lifestyle, at least as opposed to a nomadic car living experience.
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I know there would be a bit of a learning curve. Even sailing on a stagnant pool of water is not the same as being on solid land. But it can't be that difficult. Even if you really screwed up, it is a short swim to the shore ( of course, down South you might be swimming through water moccasins and alligators ). You can cheaply stay on the move, nature grows all your food, if there is a shortage you float away to a better area. You are a little safer than on land, although not nearly as safe as on the ocean. You will still need dog to alert you to a swimming ninja attack, but you can feed it fish guts instead of expensive dog food. Coastal flooding doesn't effect you. You can live in a temperate climate without the expense of real estate. Just beware of the need to cache food supplies. You can never be 100% sure of dry supplies unless you cache. On land, you need a motor. On water, you can get by without one in an emergency. You can build your own craft with little more than plastic 55 gallon drums you pick up cheap at a cola bottling plant. You can fish for a living. There is no property taxes.
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There are dangers, of course. You are surrounded by a moat, which also means you can't escape as easily. If your home is damaged, and our current economy is broken, you are stuck with constructing a primitive craft such as a lumpy raft. Your living space is even more cramped than a travel trailer. You might get really sick of eating fish and wild weeds. If you are poling along, a boat with a big motor can run you down and throw you in that parties stew pot. A few bullets can sink you. But I think, all in all, not a bad alternative to land based retreats. If boats are your bag, baby.
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