The Challenge Factory discussion
Can You Survive the Wilderness?
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Hiker Vicky
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Mod
Do you have what it takes to survive in the wilderness? Far from civilization, everything changes. You can't go to the grocery store. If you're hurt, a doctor isn't a phone call away. If you're cold, you can't turn up the heat. Even finding safe water to drink can be a challenge.
Being lost or stranded in the wilderness will test both your strength and your intelligence. How will you find food? How can you get the attention of rescue aircraft? What would you do if you were staring down the jaws of a hungry predator?
It won't be easy, but if you stay calm and make good choices, you might be able to get out alive. Are you ready to find out whether you have what it takes?
Where would you like to start? The Canadian wilderness, the Blue Mountains of Australia, or Germany's Black Forest?
The Canadian wilderness since I am Canadian.
Mod
There's no pressure to surviving in your own country :)
Mod
As you watch the August sun dip behind the mountains of the Canadian Rockies, you're worried. You were supposed to spend two nights alone before being picked up by a small plane.
But now three days has stretched to six days, and what few supplies you brought with you have run out. And it seems that no one is coming.
Did something happen to the pilot who brought you here? He's the only other person who knows exactly where you are! Your friends and family only knew you were coming to Canada.
Your food and fresh water may be gone, but you came prepared. You've got warm clothes, a tent and sleeping bag, a pocketknife, and a piece of flint to start fires.
It's clear that rescue might not be coming any time soon. It's time to decide - do you wait for rescue here? Or is it time to strike out into the wilderness in search of help?
To wait for rescue here:
1. read a book set near where you live
2. read a book where the author's last name starts with 'H', 'E', 'R', or 'E'
3. read a book where the MC has to wait for something important
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To strike out in search of help:
1. read a book with the word 'strike' in the text
2. read a book with 'OUT' in the title (can be part of a word, i.e., about, South, outdoor)
3. read a book where the MC asks for help
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
just coming to your thread to say hey, how's it going? <3 :D
PrinzessBookDragon wrote: "just coming to your thread to say hey, how's it going? <3 :D"Good. Right now I am just waiting for Ive to finish her one book so we can move on to the next monster. The book I have picked out for the first part of the wilderness will work with my vampire monster too.
nice 🥳🎉🎊🎈i'm currently reading a monster romance for my adventure thread--
Decision: To strike out for helpBook: The Other Half of the Grave
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Date Read: Oct 20/22
Task: Read a book with strike in text
How it Fits: Strike in text on page 33
Mod
Since there's no reporting thread for this challenge, the only way I have of knowing you've finished reading a book for a task is a post.
If you could wait to make your Completion Post until after you've read a book, that would help me. Making a post and then updating it with a 'Date Read' date doesn't work very well because I won't see the notification.
Mod
If nobody knows where you are, you could wait here for weeks before rescue comes - if it comes at all. You might survive the summer, but winter would kill you. It's time to move.
You pack your things. Your backpack is heavy. Reluctantly you leave your tent behind to lighten your load. You can always build a shelter.
Mountains lie to your east. The land gradually slopes down to the west. You don't know where you might find civilization.
To head west away from the mountains:
1. read a book with a person on the cover looking away from you
2. read a book set west of where you live
3. read a book where a famous mountain in mentioned
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To head east toward the mountain:
1. read a book where a person on the cover is looking towards you
2. read a book set east of where you live
3. read a book with 'mountain' in the text of the book
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
For looking away on the cover, does looking down work too?
Mod
Sure :)
Decision: Head west from the mountain Book: Mr. Hollywood’s Secret
Author: Adora Crooks
Date Read: Oct 24/22
Task: read a book with person on the cover looking away
How it Fits: Guy on cover looking to the left
Mod
You head west, away from the mountains. You know that in a survival situation, it's usually best to head downhill. Higher elevations will be colder, and also, people tend to settle in lower elevations.
You hike for several days. Your progress is slow and steady. At night you stop and make camp. You eat berries and insects. Eating bugs is gross, but most are plentiful, safe, and loaded with protein.
Late on your third day of hiking, you stop suddenly in your tracks. Ahead of you stands an enormous grizzly bear. The bear takes a step toward you. You have to act quickly!
To stand your ground:
1. read a book where the MC has to defend their actions
2. read a book that you own
3. read a book that shows bare dirt on the cover
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To run from the bear:
1. read a book where the MC has to run (move at a speed faster than a jog)
2. read a book where the MC has to run (leave a situation)
3. read a book with a creature in it that has brown fur
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
Decision: To stand my ground Book: Lovely Bad Things
Author: Trisha Wolfe
Date Read: Nov 3/22
Task: read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
How it Fits: Book starts with L
Mod
Running is the worst thing you could do. A bear's instinct is to chase something that runs away. You need to let it know that you are human and you pose it no threat.
You spread your arms to make yourself bigger and speak in a calm, clear voice, "I'm sorry I bothered you. I'm leaving now." You slowly back up without making eye contact with the grizzly. The bear seems to hesitate, but it wanders off in the opposite direction.
With a deep sigh of relief, you relax. That was a close one. That night you make sure to set up camp from away from where you had the bear encounter.
Two days later you come across a small road. A sign of civilization! You follow the road for most of the morning. Around noon you hear the sounds of a vehicle. A truck rumbles around the corner.
You wave at it, and it slows down. A man and his son stop to ask if you need help. You thank your rescuers. You're going to be okay.
Mod
You have some choices at this point.
1 - stop this challenge
2 - stay in Canada and start over making different decisions
3 - go to another location and read for that place
There may be other choices that I haven't thought of. What do you want to do?
I would like to do Germany’s Black Forest since my dad is from there.
Mod
Germany is a beautiful country. Good luck!
Mod
You look out from your small camp, scanning the horizon. Everywhere you look you see trees and more trees covering the rolling hills. There's no sign of civilization, and your situation is growing critical.
What started out as a hiking trip with your older brother, Henri, has gone terribly wrong. The two of you planned a long weekend of hiking in Germany's Black Forest. But yesterday you realized you were lost. And now things are even worse - Henri fell while climbing, badly breaking his leg. He's in terrible pain, and you don't know what to do. Your cell phones are dead, your food is almost gone, and Henri is in shock. Henri is in desperate need of medical help.
This is no time for tears. Henri's life - and your own - depend on you. You've got to get him the help he needs.
To stay with Henri and wait for help:
1. read a book with all the letters of STAY in the title
2. read a book where the MC or author's name begins with H
3. read a book that you have been waiting a long time to read
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To strike out into the forest in search of rescue:
1. read a book where a significant character plays a sport (like baseball)
2. read a book with a lot of trees on the cover
3. read a book where the MC rescues someone
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
Decision: To strike out in search of rescueBook: Secret Fire
Author: Mortician Knight
Date Read: Nov 7/22
Task: read a book where a character plays a sport
How it Fits: both characters play baseball
Mod
Henri may not have more than a day or two to live. You can't afford to sit around waiting. It's time to take action. You've already made a lean-to shelter for Henri, given him your last two granola bars, and a canteen of clean water.
With one last hug for Henri, you head out into the forest. The terrain is uneven and thick. Branches smack you in the face and you're always tripping over tree roots. Through the dense treetops you realize that the sun is setting. It's time to stop for the night. You build shelter, get water from a nearby stream, and start a small fire to boil the water. You lie down and try to sleep.
In the morning your stomach wakes you up. You feel as if you're starving. Can you spend another day of hard hiking without food?
To stop and look for food:
1. read a book from the The Most Begun "Read but Unfinished" (Started) Book Ever
2. read a book with a good looking MC
3. read a book with prepared food on the cover
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To continue searching for help:
1. read a book that will continue a series that you haven't read in 6 months
2. read a book with 'searching" in the text of the book (that exact word, no variation)
3. read a book where the MC receives help (your definition)
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
Decision: To continue searching for helpBook: Carnal Urges
Author: J.T. Geissinger
Date Read: Nov 10/22
Task: Read a book with searching in the text
How it Fits: searching in text on page 227
Mod
You're not about to stop for food. Your brother is back at camp fighting for his life, and every second is sacred. So you press on, ignoring your growling stomach.
About an hour later, you come upon a river. You know that one of the best ways to find people is to follow a river downstream. But walking along the uneven riverbank will be difficult.
The forest floor is littered with fallen logs. One large log sits right along the riverbank. You could use it as a float, and make quick time down the river. But you know a log isn't very stable floatation device. The water will be bitterly cold, putting you in danger of hypothermia.
To continue by foot:
1. read a book with a 4 word title
2. read a book where the MC continues with an action or decision even though it is dangerous (this is no reflection of this survival option :)
3. read a book with at least one foot on the cover
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To use the log as a float:
1. read a book used for two or more challenges
2. read a book you have not logged here on Goodreads (read before you joined this website)
3. read a book with a boat or ship on the cover
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
Decision: To continue by footBook: Angel of Death
Author: S. Massery
Date Read: Nov 17/22
Task: Read a book where the MC continues with an action or decision even though it is dangerous (this is no reflection of this survival option
How it Fits: MC decides to go after someone dangerous even though he was asks not to by the female MC
Mod
There's no way you'll trust that dead tree with your life. You've got to fins another way. You work your way alongside the gorge until the slope becomes less steep. Finally you scramble down one side, cross the shallow river, and climb back up the other side. You've lost several hours.
Late in the afternoon, you finally find what you're looking for - people! A group of uni ecology students. You stumble into their midst, waving your arms. "Help! I need help!"
After a moment of shock, the young adults spring into action, rushing to your side. They use their mobiles to call for help and give you something to eat.
Within an hour you hear the thumping for helicopter blades in the distance. You watch anxiously as the chopper touches down to pick you up. Now you just need to get Henri.
Mod
What do you want to do now?
Mod
Good luck in Australia!
Mod
You're deep in the forests of Australia's Blue Mountains, and nobody knows where you are. You were planning to meet your friend Casey at a campsite later for some hardcore biking. First, though, you decided to take a morning ride on your own.
Now you're lost. The interesting little trail that you had been following has disappeared, and you can't find it again.
You're not too worried at first. You have your bike, and you're an expert rider. There's not much terrain you can't handle. But then your front wheel catches a rock. Your bike skids out from under you and you smash to the ground.
You're just scraped and bruised, but the bike is in far worse shape. The front tire is blown out, the chain is snapped, and the rim is bent beyond repair. That leaves you lost and alone with nothing but your feet to carry you. Not good.
You search your backpack and find a first-aid kit. You wipe down your scrapes and bandage them. As you look through your pack, you realize you're in trouble. You have a bottle of water, but no food. You have a small tool kit, a spare inner tube for the bike, emergency matches, and a windbreaker jacket.
With a sigh, you zip up your backpack and start hiking. You head east, knowing that the coast and civilization lie in that direction. After several hours of walking, your stomach is growling.
You know that the Australian wilderness contains many edible plants. But all around you, you can hear a variety of birdcalls. It's nesting seasons, and finding eggs wouldn't be too difficult. But getting them could be dangerous.
To forage for wild plants:
1. read a book with 'forage' in the text of the book
2. read a book with a wild animal in it
3. read a book with only plants on the cover (nothing else)
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To try to find bird eggs:
1. read a book by an author that is new to you
2. read a book with a bird as part of the story
3. read a book where something is hatched or a baby is born
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
Decision: To Forage for wild plantsBook: Zombie Wolf of Piston
Author: T.S Joyce
Date Read: Nov 18/22
Task: Read a book with a wild animal in it
How it Fits: Has bears and wolves in it.
Mod
You keep your eyes open for plants that you know are safe to eat, including blue flax lilies and warrigal greens. You don't have much luck, though.
Your stomach is grumbling when you come across a small shrub with large clusters of green and red berries. You don't recognize the plant, but it's the closest thing to food you've seen so far.
You pluck a few of the berries and smell them. They don't have a very strong scent.
To look for something else to eat:
1. read a book with double letter word in the title (i.e., look, berries, letter)
2. read a book that is tagged 'mystery' *
3. read a book where the MC prepares a meal
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
* something - a thing that is unspecified or unknown
To eat the berries:
1. read the 2nd book in a series (to, two, too)
2. read a book with something edible on the cover
3. read a book with 'berry' or 'berries' in the text of the book
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
Decision: To look for something else to eat.Book: Kissin’ Tell
Author: Lorelei James
Date Read: Nov 24/22
Task: Read a book with double letter word in the title
How it Fits: Double S’s and double L’s in the title
Mod
No matter how hungry you are, you are not about to start eating mystery berries. You keep searching, and a few minutes later, you're rewarded. You find a bunch of saffron milk caps - an edible and nutritious species of mushrooms. You quickly eat them.
With a little food in your belly, you feel ready to keep moving. You move carefully through the thick forest. Soon you come across a small river. You start to follow it downstream. You know that rivers usually lead to civilization.
As you walk alongside the river, you realize that the sun will set soon. You'll have to make camp soon. This side of the river is rocky and rough. You notice a perfect flat location on the far side. The river is not a very big one. You think it's no deeper that waist level, and the current doesn't seem strong here. You decide to cross.
To strip off your clothes before you cross:
1. read a book where the MC is stripped of their rank, power, or property
2. read a book with a bare chest on the cover
3. read a book that is yours (you own it)
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To stay dressed for the crossing:
1. read a book where the MC stays in one location during the story
2. read a book where the MC wears a dress
3. read a book with a street or road on the cover
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
Decision: To strip off clothes before crossingBook: Sabotage
Author: Shantel Tessier
Date Read: Nov 27/22
Task: Read a book that I own
How it Fits: I own a paperback of this book
Mod
Nights in this region can be chilly, and you don't want to face one with wet clothing. You strip off every bit of clothing and put it all in your pack. You lift the pack above your head and start across.
The water is ice cold. It's also deeper that you expected. Luckily the current isn't powerful, or you'd be swept away. You manage to make it across, but you're shivering badly. You quickly get dressed, gather wood, and start a fire. You need to get warm as soon as possible. You can't afford to get hypothermia out here!
Within a few hours you're snoozing by the fire. Even with its warmth, it's still a long and cold night. But you make it through and you're off again at dawn.
As you continue to follow the river, you hear a faint roaring. Soon you see why - the river tumbles over a sheer cliff. It's one of the area's many waterfalls.
You peer over the cliff and see that it's easily a 50-foot drop. You gasp as you notice something else far in the distance - a road! If you can get down this cliff, you should be able to reach it before sunset.
To climb down the cliff:
1. read a book with a significant character that is a climber (your definition)
2. read a book that is (or could be) on the Directions in Titles list
3. read a book where the MC is known by a shortened version of their given name (cliff - Clifford)
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To try walking another direction:
1. read a book where the MC walks a lot
2. read another book in a series that you've already started
3. read a book that is (or could be) on the Cardinal Directions in Titles list
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
Decision: To climb down the cliffBook: Twisted Abel
Author: T.L. Hodel
Date Read: Dec 1/22
Task: Read a book with a title that begins with L, O, S, T
How it Fits: Title starts with a T
Mod
You consider yourself an excellent climber, and you think you can handle this cliff. But with no rope, you know that one slip will leave you dead. You have to be careful.
Off to one side of the river, the cliff is mostly dry. You see exposed tree roots sticking out of it. They'll make excellent handholds and footholds. You take a deep breath and start your way down.
About half way down, a tree root snaps off in your hand. For a moment you're falling, but you somehow manage to catch yourself. Your heart is racing but you keep calm. You slowly make your way down, and finally your feet are on solid ground.
As you turn around to continue walking, your jaw drops. Two people are walking towards you. They are two sisters and their car is parked only a few miles away. They offer you food and water and a ride into town.
You close your eyes. You're going to be okay.
Mod
What do you want to do now?
I have done all 3 so I think I will just finish this one so I can concentrate on my other challenges. Thanks for the challenge Lanelle.
Mod
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
Angel of Death (other topics)The Other Half of the Grave (other topics)
You are lost in the wilderness. Predators roam through the forest. Hot days and cold nights will test your strength. High cliffs, rushing rivers, and deep gorges will block your path. Any wrong decision could be your last.
Will you survive? In this challenge you'll make choices that could mean the difference between life and death.
I'll set the scene. You choose which path to follow. Follow the directions at the bottom of each post.
You can begin as soon as you get your thread.
HOW TO PLAY:
1. Read through the scenario.
2. Make your first decision and read one task for that decision. The fourth task will always be "Read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'". You can use or ignore the articles 'A', 'An', or 'The'.
3. Once you complete one of the tasks, post in your thread the following:
Decision:
Book:
Author:
Date Read:
Task:
How it Fits:
4. The moderator will then post the related decision result story.
Books must be at least 140 pages.
Page count for audio books will be determined the first paper version shown on Goodreads. From the book's page, select “all editions”, then select the first paper edition as your guide.