Report: The Self Reliance Expo, Salt Lake City 2011

October 11, 2011 in Self Reliance

Talk about a great weekend…

My wife, Carol, and I had the opportunity to attend the Self Reliance Expo in Salt Lake City in early October 2011. We decided to go because Jack Spirko of The Survival Podcast and Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy of the Doom and Bloom Show were speaking. It was also good to see what various vendors had to offer in equipment and supplies for disaster preparedness.

Most of the day Friday was spent looking at vendor displays and collecting information. There was such a variety of preparedness gear and supplies, making decisions was difficult. So we spent most of Friday collecting information. The stack of flyers and brochures would go back with us to the hotel for a round of decision making. Our car could only hold so much.

We met Jack Spirko and his wife, Dorothy on first day of the expo. These people are amazing. They are interested in meeting every person they can, and spend time talking with them. The time we spent with them was a great experience. The Spirkos are down to earth people, with a frank honesty that is refreshing in today's politically correct culture.

We also met Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy of the Doom and Bloom Show on the Prepper Podcast Radio Network. To tell you the truth, I did not even know who they were until they were guests on The Survival Podcast at the end of August. Despite the serious subjects they discuss, such as Collapse Medicine, they also have lighter subjects, such as gardening, and how it relates to a self-reliant lifestyle. I found their openness and desire to show people how they can help themselves inspiring.

Saturday morning was spent picking up our short list of items we had decided to buy. That task completed, we spent most of day with Jack and Dorothy at their booth. Carol scooped up a handful of Jack's cards and began to pass them out to people as they walked by. Another gentleman also passed out cards, and between the two of them, the aisle was well covered.

Stiched Up Pig's Foot

I did break away go to another event for about an hour and a half. Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy offered a class on suturing. Since we have considered enhancing our preparedness skills, we decided it was a good idea for one of us to go. In this class, we were given medical instruments, sutures, rubber gloves and a syringe filled with water. We were also provided with a pig's foot with a nasty laceration to the bone. We were guided step-by-step on how to clean and suture the wound.

I had a blast and walked away with a new skill. Awesome!!!

Overall, I would say the weekend was well worth the trip. We made new friends, learned new skills, and saw products that can help you and your preparations. I am planning on doing some reviews on some of the things we picked up at the expo.

I would like to thank Jack and Dorothy Spirko, as well as Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy for making this a very memorable and educational weekend. I hope to see you all in the future at other events.