A River Never Sleeps

Story by Glenn Baglo

I'm not sure the Old Bag and Baguette would miss me that much, but I'd sure miss me.

And so, after spending three hours alone in the wilderness on a recent fishing trip, with cougar tracks at my feet and bear sightings, I decided to look after myself.

I've got my backpack of course, with a sandwich (hot salami, havarti, deli mustard and tomato) that I can never finish at one go, so I always have some food in reserve. It's got a couple beer, or maybe six if it's a hot day - my woolen mittens if it's cold. A chocolate bar or two.

Photography by Wally Lutz

And, I've got a whistle on my vest. But, if I've left the pack downstream with the intention of returning for it later, or if I have to shed it to distract a bear and I've dropped my vest on the bank a little later, I'd be left with what's on my person, probably a pack and a half of cigarettes, three lighters and half a warm beer.

I used to carry my Leatherman to give me comfort, but I was starting to lean to the right (the weight is substantial) and then I had to wonder, just what would I do with a pair of pliers and Phillips screwdrivers with nothing to plier, nothing to screw?

Learning from buddies and adapting, I've put together my special survival pack.

I wear it on my person; on my wading belt.

The Swiss army knife is there of course. It has a cork-screw, unlike the Leatherman.

I've got two foil survival blankets just in case I'm fishing with a model from Elle. Another whistle even though I couldn't find a note if it was in my wallet. I have a lighter and a box of those "waterproof" matches. Imagine, marketing waterproof matches that won't light when you need them because the box you strike on is a soggy mass. These and a small flashlight and extra batteries are in a ZipLock bag. And my latest acquisition, a butane torch that burns at 2300 degrees F. Cost but a few dollars and uses a disposable lighter as a fuel source.

I've also got a plasticized first aid short-course booklet and a compass. Problem is I don't really have room for the instructions, but if nothing else, I'll know where North is, within five to 10 degrees.

I've got a few more things to add to my pack. I'm gonna get a can of bear spray. I love pepper on my food and I'm gonna get some bear bangers and flares. You screw the charge onto the end of a pencil-like device, if you have the time, and then you fire.

I thought about including a length of mono and a fish hook, but catch-and-release makes that rather pointless.

Of course, with all this stuff on my belt, it's unlikely I'll get more than 100 yards from the truck, but dammit, I'll be prepared.

Photography by Glenn Baglo