What does of plymouth plantation reveal about the pilgrims' readiness to establish a new colony where they landed? they were prepared to build shelters and to grow food to support themselves comfortably if the ship left before spring. they were not prepared for the harshness of the environment or the hostility of the american indians, and they had little food if the ship left before spring. they had enough food to survive the winter without the ship, but no adequate means to protect themselves against the harsh environment or the american indians. they could easily protect themselves against the harsh environment and the american indians, but they did not have enough food to survive the winter without the ship.