Looking for tips on finding a BOL

[lisaloolibell]

This is one area of prepping that I cannot get to grips with. Have done some research on a couple of locations but the dilemma that I have is I dont own them. They have both been used a place where people would take a holiday so if im thinking of heading to these locations then maybe others are too. If only I could afford to move or win the lottery and buy a second home/retreat but I cant. Not only that but Im still not clear on what the ideal BOL is.

HELP

[pol76]

Lisa I think YHA or national trust most are not manned year round so just take them over not like your taking a persons house/farm do not cause damage write a dated letter stating your intent leave a few £ no criminal offence just plain old tresspass civil matter

You are in a great county lots and lots of company owned holiday cottages, YHA & NT

Yes other folk will know about the place some might even remember the location or general area but it will be 1st come 1st served if you have the numbers it is yours

If you take ownership of a location for the right reasons at the right time you will have no problems get to know the location pubs shops locals get your face known

max

[Carrot Cruncher]

It might sound a bit strange but have you considered B&B's / Hotels etc. I dont mean walk in and take charge type thing, but if you think things are looking bleak and you might need to get out you can book a couple of days somewhere out in the sticks (or your favoured area) to see how things develop. If things do go belly up you are in a good location, if they dont... you have just had a couple of days on holiday. Choose a couple of options beforehand so you can check out the area first etc.

CC

[allan]

I think i mentioned this in another post but you could look at military training areas. Not camps but the the large exercise areas as they have old farms and other buildings on them. They get used be the troops a bases to work out of and command posts. Many have been updated with septic tanks and showers (cant have the officers suffer in the field).

[Panther]

Hi Lisa,
I agree, knowing where to bug out to is one of the most difficult decisions; we can store supplies and make all other preparations, BUT where to go for safety if there is complete meltdown of TEOTWAWKI proportions is a very difficult decision to make. Very few of us are in the lucky position to be able to afford a second home. Therefore we need to be creative, inventive, divergent and most of all flexible in our approach to finding a safe retreat. Living in Cumbria you already have a geographical advantage.
I'll send you some more specific thoughts/possibilities in the next few days.

Regards, Panther.

[lisaloolibell]

thanks for the comments everyone

@allan I can see your point but would it not be dangerous to approach M.O.D. land?

@panther I sometimes think living in cumbria is a disadvantage because we have the lake district on our doorstep and if shtf a lot of people might head this way. (No disrespect to anyone that is thinking of doing so) plus the M6 runs right alongside us. I mean if the idea is to get as far away from the general population as is possible.

[pol76]

Lisa it is the camps that are a danger area not the training areas they will not be used and some by you are vast plenty have command buildings with septic tanks showers gas kitchens and some have wood burners so they are a good option like allan said plus not alot of folk know about then


max

[Carrot Cruncher]

Not only that but Im still not clear on what the ideal BOL is.

HELP

I think that an ideal BOL can mean different things to different people. In the event of a localised problem a BOL could be something as simple as a friend/relatives house or the Travel Lodge up the road. In the event of a total Breakdown it could mean a building/caravan/tent miles from anywhere or anyone.

A few things that you might want to think about are... do you want to be on your own and hidden or do you want to be near other people, in a small village maybe. How far can you travel to get there, could you get there on foot if the roads were blocked, is there water source nearby, is there more than one way in and out, can you store food either at the location or nearby beforehand.

The main reason we bought an old Motorhome (apart from the fact that I couldnt afford a holiday home ) is that it is flexible and mobile which means I dont have to decide on many of the questions above until the time comes. I have a few spots I have earmarked that would be useful but if it comes to it I can just drive in the easiest direction and park up somewhere. Having a tent gives you a similar flexibility as well.

Having a fixed BOL has many positives but it also has drawbacks. The trouble you are trying to avoid might well be coming from the direction of your BOL or you might get there to find some hairy arsed survivalist already there

I doubt the ramble above has helped make things much clearer for you........ but it is late

[lisaloolibell]

thanks CC

I think one of the biggest issues with any BOL is security. What exactly should we be looking for, does it require a perimeter fence, drawbridge and moat

[bigpaul]

What about looking at a map, picking an area suitable for you as a BOL- not toofar- not too near and actually EXPLORE that area to see if has a BOL you can use, chances are if you do not know what is there, and you find a suitable building,old quarry, caves or whatever, nobody else will know its there either!!!