For one reason or another many of us have found ourselves stuck somewhere at night with no way to get home, and not enough money for a cab or room, or simply none available, or have simply had to spend some uncomfortable hours stuck somewhere.

When I am traveling I always keep a few simple things with me...

A lighter and a package of "lifeboat" matches, two ways to make fire, and fire can make you happy! A blanket poncho I made by taking a British army blanket and cutting and hemming a slit in the middle to pass over my head, a knit wool "beanie", an extra pair of socks, and some form of plastic sheeting to help keep dry. I always carry some water, and some munchies with me, and sometimes a stainless steel "sierra cup" that i can heat water in to make tea.

In Seattle, Oak Harbor, San Diego and Mukilteo this kit or something similar has held me in good stead. If you have to sleep in some bushes because you missed the last bus for hours, it is nice to be able to make a hot drink in the morning, and wake up more or less warm and dry. Plus the whole thing can be packed in not much more space than the blanket itself.

Oh yeah, always carry a good knife.

This may not be very hyperlocal, but I was thinking about this while realizing there were a lot of people out last night, and maybe not all of them were able to get home, or find a decent place to crash for a few hours. A good blanket poncho and a way to keep your head and feet warm sure makes even a catnap in a doorway more comfortable! (And I've been there, done that...)