Jeez... I already did this but it didn't save. Okay, take 2



When I started thinking way too much about zombies: Only recently, when the pressure of deadlines and exams has started taking its toll.

What started my zombie fixation: I've always loved the idea of returning to my evolutionary roots. Escape modern society and travel the land with a few trusted people. Kind of like the ultimate road-trip but with a hefty dose of self-sufficiency, wits and new begginnings.

Favorite zombie book: Actually not a zombie book. John Marsden's Tomorrow When The War Began series. A bunch of Aussie teenagers go bush for a few days, and return to find that their country's been invaded by one of their Asian neighbours. The series follows them from their original 'this can't be real' dread through to becoming hardened guerilla fighters, with tons of visceral, real-feeling human interaction along the way. I'd recommend the series to anyone, but especially people who like to fantasise about surviving off the land. Really excellent stuff.

Favorite zombie movie: Shaun of the Dead and Zombieland mainly. Shaun of the dead's just a good laugh, and Zombieland is believable: you really can believe that these people would survive, because they've got the mental fortitude to keep their sense of humour even when things get really hard. They're all a bit ruthless and independent, but they're all good people, drawn to each other's company.

Favorite quote in any zombie movie: I'll have to get back to you on this

My Survival Plan:
My “handle” should you look for you on the radio waves or web: N/A

My location: Australia, but only for the last year. I'd be screwed in Aussie bush so I prefer to imagine how I'd react in my homeland in Wales. There I'm kind of rural: 3 miles form a town of 3000 people

Is my plan dependent on zombies in your home town, or anywhere? See above. Most of my hiking gear etc. is still there so I'd have to make it up as I went along anywhere else. The same principles apply, though.

Will I be staying in my home or headed somewhere else? I'd go home, but be ready to move. If circumstances allowed, I'd see if I could make the 3-day cross country walk to Hereford, where the SAS are based. If not, there are many isolated hilltops near my home which were once fortified back in the Bronze/Iron Age, and I own a small woodland nearby. If it came to it, my house has an easily destructible staircase, plenty of woodland management gear that could be used as weapons, and 2 ft-thick stone walls.

If I'm heading out, how do I plan to get there? Being rural, vehicles are not to be ruled out, but for crossing the moorlands and semi-wilds, foot would be best. I can also walk a long way without stopping, whilst I'm not so good at running, cycling or driving. I can ride, and there are horses about, so I might see if I could get tack and saddle together to swipe one of them - though since I get on pretty well with most of the local farmers, asking would be a better idea.

Got anyone I want to take with me? That would depend on who was alive and who could be saved. There's friendly neighbours with shotguns who'd be welcome, along with several people who are both practical and cheery. Need to see if they were still alive.

How will I communicate with the outside world, or do I plan to go the hermit route? Initially, just go for the small-group method. Following that, there are army and SF bases and training sites within a few days' walk in several directions (the UK is a small place).

How am I planning to get food and water? There's enough lasting food in the house to fill a pack, and always some veg and the like that could be taken from the garden before going. The area's pretty pastoral, so finding a sheep or chicken for dinner should not be a problem for a long while. Water is never a problem in Wales. Trying to keep dry is much more tricky.

What’s my weapon of choice? Do you need to reload that thing? Gotta plan for that? I don't have any useable firearms: one bolt-action .22 that hasn't been used in about 30 years at least, and no ammunition. A slashing hook would be what I'd go for out of my shed: heavy blade, light haft, good reach and slashing and bludgeoning capabilities. Also it's pretty tough and durable, and not too hard to carry. Could be used from horseback or a vehicle too.

Got a survival philosophy? Don't panic. Don't be predictable and don't forget the importance of morale. It's better to take a risk and save someone every now and then to just let everyone die and be alone.

Am I willing to hook up with other survivors?
Yes, though I'd be wary of them, I wouldn't be confrontational. I'd be likely to watch them from a distance for a while and read their body language.

Is my plan based on a book/movie/blog/scientist other survivors may have heard of?
Not really.