I was looking through the myriad of photos that I took on the yoga retreat in the mountains and I begin to think about the lady who survived in Hawaii for 17 days in the wilderness when she got lost. I wondered if I would have the necessary survival skills to last 3 days in the wilderness without killing myself.
I saw a lot of rushing water in the forest that appeared very clear but there was algae and growing on the rocks. I looked up drinking fast moving water in nature and came across a source debunking that "myth."
"Waterborne Illnesses
Fresh, clear, and fast-moving water is a multi-sensory experience for the weary backpacker. The sound of water rushing over softball-sized rocks, the moist smell of cool air hovering above the stream, and the feel of water running trickling down your back as you squeeze it out of a soaked handkerchief brings a much needed infusion of energy and stamina back to your body.
But, for all of it’s benefits, you must be careful consuming it. Yes, even in the most remote areas of the country, waterborne illnesses can thrive and dangerously derail your time in the woods.
Giardia and Cryptosporidium are two of the more common protozoan parasites that cause significant gastrointestinal illnesses that can be fatal. There are others as well.
Many of these enter the water supply through fecal matter of people or animals. Others can enter through decaying animals that are in contact with the water source. Waterborne illnesses can be contracted by drinking contaminated water."
https://preppingtosurvive.com/2012/06/14/survival-myth-fast-moving-water-is-safe-to-drink/
I read the article which included the excerpt above and I realized that I don't know basic survival skills. If I got stranded in the forest with food and water sources all around me, I would not know how to distinguish poisonous berries from raspberries, and clean water from contaminated water.
I was not a girl scout and I grew up in the city even though my travels take me to many remote places around the world. I need to add survival skills to my reading list.
Have a great day!