Swamp Bed

In a marsh or swamp, or any area with standing water or continually wet ground, the swamp bed (Figure 5-10) keeps you out of the water. When selecting such a site, consider the weather, wind, tides, and available materials.

To make a swamp bed —

• Look for four trees clustered in a rectangle, or cut four poles (bamboo is ideal) and drive them firmly into the ground so they form a rectangle. They should be far enough apart and strong enough to support your height and weight, to include equipment.

• Cut two poles that span the width of the rectangle. They, too, must be strong enough to support your weight.

• Secure these two poles to the trees (or poles). Be sure they are high enough above the ground or water to allow for tides and high water.

• Cut additional poles that span the rectangle's length. Lay them across the two side poles, and secure them.

• Cover the top of the bed frame with broad leaves or grass to form a soft sleeping surface.

• Build a fire pad by laying clay, silt, or mud on one comer of the swamp bed and allow it to dry.

Another shelter designed to get you above and out of the water or wet ground uses the same rectangular configuration as the swamp bed. You very simply lay sticks and branches lengthwise on the inside of the trees (or poles) until there is enough material to raise the sleeping surface above the water level.

Natural Shelters

Do not overlook natural formations that provide shelter. Examples are caves, rocky crevices, clumps of bushes, small depressions, large rocks on leeward sides of hills, large trees with low-hanging limbs, and fallen trees with thick branches. However, when selecting a natural formation —

• Stay away from low ground such as ravines, narrow valleys, or creek beds. Low areas collect the heavy cold air at night and are therefore colder than the surrounding high ground. Thick, brushy, low ground also harbors more insects.

• Check for poisonous snakes, ticks, mites, scorpions, and stinging ants.

• Look for loose rocks, dead limbs, coconuts, or other natural growth than could fall on your shelter.

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