We are making a farcical descent into a police state. Not just that, but bee populations are collapsing, threatening food supply. Also, water reserves are being critically over-exploited. The oceans are being fished out. And, the world's economy threatens collapse at any time.

This means that the Gulch (or Gulches) are not just a nice pleasant retreat for like-minded people, they are absolutely critical to our survival.

This leads to my question - are there Gulchers among us who participate in preparedness communities? (I believe the older term was 'survivalist'). If so, are there any communities and/or websites you would recommend?

Unless we have the stealth technology mentioned in AS, and this seems a few years off, then a Gulch will only be as good as its members' ability to defend it. Siege strategies are useless - any significant threat from authorities will need to be countered with a way to scatter and disappear into the wilds, then re-convene at another Gulch. This means being prepared to deal with the elements at random times, for random periods of time.

Any thoughts?