by Scott Todd
"Oh no, none of that," Ben countered. "We'll all go get it, together. No separations, remember?" I just nodded, knowing he was right.
As we made our way back up the hill towards his car, I asked Ben "So what do you think about that tremor? Think there'll be more?"
"Oh, I'm sure they'll be more. But what is scary is do you know how big that aftershock had to be for us to feel it this far away?"
I thought about it, and suddenly realized we had overlooked something. "Wait a minute, though," I reminded him, "We didn't feel separate P-waves and S-waves. And that means..."
"It was local," he finished. "Damn, I am an idiot sometimes. Forgive me. All this has me..."
"Relax, it's no problem. Easy to overlook," I reassured him.
"There's no telling what damage that blow has caused to the earth yet," Ben continued. "But one thing you can bet on it is the ground all around this valley is under tremendous pressure from the water. And that is going to likely produce more quakes as it settles and adjusts.
We all breathed a sigh of relief, and then quickly bolted back down the hill to the car to get away from the dreaded smell. That only helped marginally. Grabbing the rope, we finally made it back to the parking lot, and set our sights on tackling the supply recovery process.
By now it was about 4:00 pm, and we spent the next three hours tied to a rope in a chain, secured to a tree, digging, and retrieving all sorts of items from below the concession stand remains.
We found everything from boxes of potato chips to candy bars to bread loaves and butter. But the real prize came when Jan all of a sudden uncovered a huge plastic container of sandwich beef. And it was still cool and fresh, having been buried in the dirt. We hauled it all back to Sandra's car.
"How about we REALLY eat now," exclaimed Ben, brandishing big plastic containers of mayonnaise, mustard, and even a large hunting knife he had found. "Pass the bread please?" he said to Terry, whose eyes were watering at the sight of that food.
He made us each our own sandwich, which we devoured in minutes, along with a few sips of some various bottled drinks we had found. We were still being conservative, but we relished being full- a feeling we hadn't had in over three days.
At about 7:30 pm, it was getting closer to dark. I looked around at each of them, just checking. "Everyone feeling ok?" I asked, after a stinging sensation reminded me of the light wounds on my legs. "How about those wounds?"
"Look what I found!" I held up a first aid kit, which I had discovered digging, and saved for just the right moment. Their eyes all lit up.
"Yep, let's see what's in here," I mused, and I opened it to discover some antiseptic, bandages, and all sorts of goodies that would help us nurse our wounds. There was even a whole big bottle of Ibuprofen. So we spent the next hour fixing ourselves up. Ben's arm was still killing him, and I had to admire his strength through all of it, cause he had hardly complained one bit, and neither had the women- despite their injuries. I passed out the pills.
With a pretty good load in Sandra's car, Ben started to drive it back up the hill, but Terry suggested that instead we bring the other car down the hill and hang out more around the parking lot- at least until we could get the deck area cleaned up. Ben saw no real reason we shouldn't at this point, and so we did exactly that. At least we could breathe easier.
But for some reason it was starting to get colder- much colder than previously. At Mount Mitchell cold could happen anytime at that elevation- even in summer it had been known to snow at the top a few times.
Jan dug out the big garbage bag from Sandra's trunk, which turned out was full of clothes. They were older, but quite useful, providing additional warmth to all. And Ben now had his garbage bag.
"You look funny in that woman's shirt," Jan kidded as I sported a new garment.
"Yeah well see if I care," I kidded back. "At least I am warmer, and don't look like Granny, the way you do with that... THAT thing on..."
She just smiled with a playful look back, and for the first time since the "rain shower" I felt her genuine affection towards me.
Then we started talking about how and where we should store the various foods- and where we were going to sleep.
"We probably ought to bury the container of beef again," suggested Ben. Agreeing, I found a spot next to the lot and started digging. "About three feet ought to do it," he said. "But go deeper if you can."
Realizing that would have to be dug up and buried every time we needed it, I tried to keep from compacting the soil too much, and left it as loose as possible, but well covered. "Well it's only about two feet thick here, cause then there's rock," I yelled back. I marked the spot with a stiff stick stuck into the mound.
"Oh yeah. That's right," Ben remembered. "Mountains like this have very thin layers of topsoil. That's one reason the spruce fir trees fall over so easily from high winds. So we'll just have to settle for the two feet. And if it gets much colder than this, below 45 or so, we probably ought to keep it in the trunk."
Terry seemed more concerned about the sleeping arrangements, not wanting to spend another night in that front seat. "Yes, we can do something about that," Ben promptly replied. He moved all the stuff from the rear of his SUV to the front, and some of it into Sandra's trunk, and then put the rear seat down. That freed up two sleeping spots that were nearly full length.
"And with the two full length seats in Sandra's car, that gives us four sleeping spots where we can stretch out. Not ideal, but better," I pointed out.
Jan produced another blanket from Sandra's trunk, giving us three blankets and a sleeping bag, in addition to the tent and a couple of towels. "Maybe we'll find some more things tomorrow down there," she added. "But I'd give anything for a swim in that ocean right now. I'm dirty and nasty."
"No chance," Ben said quickly. "Too dangerous at dark, but maybe we can take a trip down there tomorrow, around the far side past the deck. Didn't you say you saw a water line over that way without a cliff, Brian?"
"Yes, when we first got pelted with those fireballs... I sure did," I answered. "It's a bit of a hike, but we can make it. I think I remember a good spot to do that, too. We might want to take the rope for that though. Would be a little risky- we don't know what kind of vicious currents are out there. But washing in salt water is going to be better than washing in no water."
After nods all around, we prepared to get some sleep. "So what about someone taking watch?" I asked Ben. "Or are we going to chance it?"
"I'm too tired, but you can if you want," he said with a yawn. "I think we'll be ok, locked up in the cars. I mean how many bears and cougars can there be on one mountain?" He had cleverly parked his car within inches of Sandra's car, so that nothing of any size could get in through their broken front passenger window- and asked us to get in on the other side.
"Ok, I'll get some sleep too then, so see you in the morning," I answered. I settled into the front seat of the big, '90's model Cadillac for the night, happy to have the stretching room. Ben wanted to stay close to Terry, so Jan got in the back of the Caddy. Exhausted from the day's events, we were out like lights.
As I faded though, I remembered that Mount Mitchell was actually a long ridge of several connected mountains, and there might be a lot more territory up there still standing above water than we realized...
Chapter 28: Critical Maps of Life
The night had been kind to us, and we were able to sleep without incident. But as I awoke, I noticed that the bad stench from above had been replaced by another bad smell: The smell of us. And did we stink after all those days without fresh deodorant! I tried to remember if I had packed any bathroom supplies, and it seems that I did, but wasn't sure. So much had happened, and I just didn't know.
So my first thought was to go to my car and rummage around, but I remembered the no separation rule. I waited for the others to get up and climb out of the cars, and got them to go with me. But this time there were larger gaps between us- no one wanted to get too close to anyone else.
The t
rip to my wreck proved fruitful once again, and we found several more items strewn about and in the car, that we carried back down the hill- including a fresh stick of deodorant, some toothpaste and soap. But did we really want to use it before taking a swim?
Ben suggested we work finding more supplies first, and then in the afternoon we could go for a hike and a swim. Although it was chilly, we hoped the weather would warm up later in the day. So back down the landslide we went, with the rope, shovel and containers in tow.
In addition to finding many more useful things, Terry dug up perhaps one of the most important finds: A map of the area, which showed a lot of valuable information. And according to the map, there was a possibility of finding fresh water at a high enough elevation out of the reach of the sea water.
The not-so-funny thing was that the shaded part of the map directly around the mountain reflected almost where we were seeing the water line. But the water was still higher than that, and there was less shaded area, in Ben's estimation- just from seeing the little bit he had so far.
At least we had caught glimpses of the other noted peaks on the ridge line- and now we knew what they were called. To our north we had Mt. Craig, Big Tom and Balsam Cone, while to our more distant south we had Mt. Hallback. The big question in all our minds was whether the highest portion of Lower Creek would still be above the sea water.
So armed with this new information, we made the decision to try and find that high part of Lower Creek instead of hiking down to the sea water. With fresh water the baths would be better, and we could also filter it and drink it- killing two birds with one stone. But we had no idea of the extent of the damage along the trails.
"I went hiking up here once, but it was so long ago I don't remember all that much," said Jan, excited to see the map. "But I do remember there being a stream we came upon. That might be it."
"You think that might have been at Camp Alice?" I asked Jan after studying the map more.
"That does seem to ring a bell," she replied. "But I'm not positive. There's a ton of trails up here."
Neither Ben or Terry had been up there before, and I had never ventured on to any trails on my previous trips. I had always just enjoyed the amazing view from the summit, but I knew that the mountain was a big attraction for hikers, and there were many trails to choose from.
"I did read some things about this mountain, even though I've never been here before," Ben reflected. "And if I remember right, the water at the highest elevations is very cold- below forty degrees. If we could find a stream still above the sea water, it might make a good refrigerator of sorts. It would certainly help preserve some perishables- but only for a few more days. Longer term though it could help us preserve any meat from animals. So yes, finding a fresh water source is our most important priority. What we have is only going to last us a few more days."
"That map shows a trail leading to Camp Alice from here at the summit," I pointed out.
"Yes, but before we go, we should really try to carry some things with us," suggested Ben. "First, we need containers. So anything that can hold water is very important. Next, we really need to try and find some charcoal, so we can use it to make water filters. I figure if we boil it and then filter it, we'll probably be ok."
"Well, if we can't find any charcoal, we could make some from dead trees, and the fir trees up here should be ok for that," interjected Terry."
Ben looked at her inquisitively.
"Well yeah, that was one of the things I learned how to do on that survival course before we went on that trip," Terry continued. "I've been thinking hard about that course, trying to remember everything I can.
"You can make charcoal out of more things than just trees- from bones, for example. But basically the principle is that you heat something while starving it from oxygen. So we'd need some kind of metal pot with a lid. You can also do it by building a "roaster" out of a fireplace made in the ground and then covering it with wood to starve it from oxygen, but that is more complicated. Not sure if I can remember all the steps involved."
"Excellent," remarked Ben. "Just from what you said, I am sure we can devise something."
"There are also some things up here we might be able to eat, like wild blueberries and raspberries- and they are just about to be in season I think- so we better keep an eye out for those," Jan added.
All the tidbits of information were starting to add up to hope, and gave us a direction.
"We might have to relax the no separation rule a bit today," Ben said, "But instead divide into two groups, since we do have two weapons."
Jan looked concerned, and so was I.
"But that's only for very specific circumstances, and for limited periods," Ben assured us. "Otherwise we absolutely need to stay together at all times. For instance, you and Jan could take your pistol and scour the perimeter of this area near the picnic tables, trying to find those grills- looking for any leftover charcoal. While Terry and I could continue digging down below for more supplies."
"Well in that case I'd probably better take the rifle, seeing as we'd be higher up, have a longer view, and would be more likely to encounter something dangerous than you two would be down on the hill," I surmised.
"Good points," agreed Ben. "Shall we proceed?" he asked, as he offered me the gun.
"Let's do it," I replied, and made the weapon exchange- along with the ammo. "But I also just wanted to talk about going to the "bathroom" for a minute. I feel that should be only be done when someone else knows exactly where you are. The point is to never give fate the chance."
"Absolutely," replied Ben. "Everyone agree?" he asked, looking at Terry and Jan. They both nodded.
"But what about... Umm... Toilet paper?" Terry retorted.
"Well that's a tougher one, and we might have to make do with some grass or something- whatever you can find," Ben said. "But if we keep digging and finding things, it would seem there would be some up here somewhere, cause they did have bathrooms. So there is probably a backup supply of... "
Suddenly another tremor struck, reminding us of reality. We held on to the cars for support, but the fear it put back in all of us was unmistakable.
"That felt like it might have been more local, because I sensed the S-wave came right along with the P-wave, and I am expecting a lot more of them," Ben remarked, righting himself up after it subsided.
"We cannot forget about those. We simply CANNOT forget," he continued, cautioning us loudly. "So everything you do, and I mean everything, should be done with those in mind. Ask yourself if you are in a safe place knowing one of those will likely strike. Expect them. The ground in this whole valley is struggling with the tremendous weight of all that water, and it is going to keep settling, which is going to cause many more quakes. And cracks can appear and there may be more landslides, so be damn careful."
"So we should stay far away from any ledges and overlooks no doubt, for starters," I added.
Jan nodded, connecting with memories of her hike long ago. "Yes, and there are tons of them around here, so we have to be extremely careful," she concurred. "And there are also rattlesnakes up here too."
Terry looked scared. "I hate snakes," she complained.
"Maybe, but in a pinch, eating one for food might just save your life," countered Ben. Terry looked away in disgust.
"I know that's sick," Ben concluded, "But at this point we MUST become opportunists. Failure to take advantage of each and every opportunity could cost us our lives. So keep your eyes peeled for anything and everything. When in doubt, you can always consult with the rest of us. And the 'better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it' rule has never been more applicable. That means you find anything at all, especially man-made, keep it and try to get it back to the cars."
"I have about 9:00 am," I reported. "How about we split for exactly an hour and a half for starters to do what we said, and then I'll get Jan and myself back to the cars and look for you guys."
"Perfect, as long as you
don't go too far... And a quarter mile is too far..." Ben replied. "I can watch the sun for the time..."
But Terry held up her phone. "Still works, Daddy... At least for today, anyway. Lasts a lot longer when you don't make calls." Ben looked embarrassed.
"I have a watch in my purse," Jan said, "But it's in that rubble up there in Brian's wreck somewhere.
"Yeah we should try to find that. So you all think you can hold out on food until later?" Ben asked, changing the subject. "Get used to hunger. It is part of our lives now."
"I can make it," Terry said. "So can I," offered Jan. "I'm good for a while," I added, still nourished from the beef sandwich the night prior. "Oh, and that's another thing," Ben continued. "Either we ALL eat or no one eats. And that goes for drinking, too. Is that agreed?" His stare was particularly intense, but we all nodded in agreement.
He handed Jan a Coke we had opened up at mealtime last night. There was still more than half, as we only had taken two sips each. "One sip apiece while you're away, and save the rest, please," he added, while grabbing several full drinks we had found and burying them in a shallow hole he dug next to the parking lot. He looked up, and just said "Cooler than out here."
