A long Lonely Road Box Set 3

by T J Reeder

  Fox had worked out a good deal trading coffee and fresh fruit for fuel for the ships and extra for our use. It was a long haul, but we could send a couple of tankers down every few weeks and solve our needs unless we had to roll everything for some reason. Then we had our reserve tankers at the fort ready to roll. Coffee was spreading all over Texas and the folks in Oklahoma were trading wheat and other grains for the stuff so business was good as long as we didn’t have to put in hours a day working at it. Holding down a job wasn’t in my retirement plan.

  We headed home; Fox and JJ were heading our way in a few days. The Scouts were gonna be airborne troops. I still had to deal with ‘them’ on the subject, but I could see no harm in it. Hell, it might keep them out of trouble for a while. Then I heard them talking about airdropping their jeep. I spent the whole day shaking my head. Beth just smiled and snuggled close.

  I’ve come to believe the girls brought Beth into the family as a means to distract me from their antics- not that they don’t love her, they do, but they slip more stuff past me because I’m distracted by the kids and Beth’s calming aura… Which is not a bad thing! Otherwise I’d be dead of worry. They really aren’t that bad, it’s just that they spend every minute outdoing each other at wild ideas. Like airdropping the jeep: Can they do it? I doubt it, but they will drive poor Ralph crazy trying to come up with a way to do it.

  Also, I can see they have adopted a partner in crime in JJ. The three of them might be more than we can handle. I really like the guy, but he’s as crazy as they are. I love ‘em but they scare the shit out of me. If they aren’t killing somebody, they are doing shit that can get them killed. Beth pats my hand; see what I’m talking about?

  We returned home and after showers and supper we headed for our beds, Home is where our hearts are- now if we could only stay home. But the wander bug lives in all of us but Beth. She’s the home anchor that keeps us happy to return as soon as we can.

  Morning came with the smell of coffee that pulls me from the pile of warmth that surrounded me. I love ‘em but in the early morning, coffee wins. I got mine and found Kid out on the stump. I hugged her close and kissed the top of her head, and she wiggled like a happy puppy, which I guess she is in some way. I can not imagine our family without this young lady in it. She has filled a spot I didn’t know needed filling.

  And the day started. Beth, lovely Beth arrives with the babies, Kid trots in to get Beth’s coffee, then we each hold a sleeping baby- the best fifteen minutes of the day, but oh so fleeting before the coming storm. And in short minutes ‘they’ arrive, Hurricane Sandy-May. Grumping, old blankie and soon unhappy babies forced to face the day in an untimely manner.

  Kid and I give up our seats and head in to make breakfast; Sandy calls out asking if we can have hotcakes for a change? Even Kid sighs at that one. Always something. Then we both laugh, which was of course the whole point.

  As always, breakfast is the best time. The kids have discovered smashed up eggs and demand

  their share, and of course tiny bits of hotcake, all administered by the queens of doom. It’s their high point of the day, feeding the kids. After breakfast was cleaned up, and the kitchen in order we all just flopped on the big couches.

  The house still had a chill from the night so Kid built a fire, which soon had the room all toasty and it was naptime. I woke up to the smell of fresh coffee again and found Beth and Kid working on lunch- we had ‘napped’ for several hours! Long trip/little rest.

  After lunch we all wandered down to the communal kitchen and sat by the fire where some of the folks were enjoying hot-from-the-oven cake which the kids know all about- their sense of smell is almost on par with the dogs. We set them down and off they went, right for the cake ladies who grabbed them up and started spoiling them.

  It was really quiet- nobody building anything that required hammering or sawing, several people were in the gardens looking for the stray weed, most leaning on their hoes chatting. Nobody in a hurry. I did hear the distant pop of .22 rifles and knew rabbit stew was on for the evening meal which is always a good thing; meaning there would be hot bread to dunk in it.

  This is how we were meant to live, and while the girls tended to blow up the occasional boulder we weren’t hurting the earth with our lifestyle.

  I guess some of the more radical earth firsters might complain that we burned wood to cook with or that we killed animals for food but those dipshits never had a brain.

  They left their comfy homes, climbed into their cars, drove to some nice park to protest the very things they used every minute of the day. If they were for real they would crawl naked from under the bush they slept under and walk to their protest point, making sure to crush no blade of grass or bug and of course not eat anything but weeds. Phony bastards. Hypocrites all.

  Had we harmed the Mother? Hell, yes we had, but we also have to live on the dirt ball and when one thing lives as a rule some other thing dies. I like our lifestyle and to a degree these days, we tread lightly on the earth.

  We sat with those who wandered up, telling them about the events in the gulf, and the village that now was going to be free and productive. I was glad when we helped people in this manner.

  The older boys returned with the rabbits that were going to become dinner and after dropping them off came over to where we sat. The eldest asked if he could talk to us about a request? I had to smile. The kids here were the most polite I’ve ever seen, mostly because they aren’t treated as kids.

  I said, “Sure, pull up a stump.” He sat down with his buddies gathered behind him and said, “We want to build a zip line.” I said, “Don’t we have one?” He said yes, and it was fun to zip down it shooting but they wanted one that crossed the canyon where they could zip along and drop into the water.

  I asked what the problem was, and it seemed our rock pile was on the best place to anchor one end of the line. So off we went to look it over, followed by everybody. This is the way it works- a new project, new idea, new anything and everybody was interested.

  The lads showed us what they had in mind, which would scare the shit out of most parents but here nobody worried that much. Kids were allowed to grow thru experience, and none had drowned or fallen off a cliff so we must be doing something right.

  Their idea was simply to take some big well casing and bury it deep in the ground, attach a cable to it and do the same on the other side. I looked at the drop where they would let go and it wasn’t all that bad, so I said I was cool with it as long as their parents or whomever were OK with it.

  They had covered that base already, and had located the well casing and cable at the fort- all that remained was the doing of it. They also wanted to do it themselves. Cool, have at it. Sandy and May were interested in the plan and I could see they were going to try it out. Never a dull moment.

  We stayed home after they all left talking about the plan. I knew there was going to be some adult assistance simply because it was a project and everybody who wanted to could be involved. I also knew the adults would let the boys figure it out and be there to assist in the labor when needed- stringing a heavy cable across a body of water was going to be a good challenge for them, but they would get it done I had no doubts.

  We spent the evening at the communal fire enjoying the rabbit stew and hot bread. I love watching the kids going after the smashed up veggies and juice; the rabbit in very tiny bits went over as well. Apple pie for dessert with ice cream made their day. Hell, it made mine too.

  Us guys cleaned up and let the gals sit by the fire. After that we packed up the kids and headed up the hill where Kid got another fire going and laid on the bear rug to read. The kids were too sleepy to bug her for long and just snuggled close to her and went out. The rest of us piled onto one of the king-sized couches and watched the flames.

  It’s always funny when somebody says, “Wake up and go to bed.” Kid had to do it tonight, everybody but her was sound asleep. She put a night log on the fire and banked it like a pro. The girls
carried the kids to bed and we called it a night. A great lazy day came to an end.

  We started the next day planning our escape to the mountains; I figured we had at least another month before we could even start to think about it. But we needed to get with it.

  Also, it might keep the two troublemakers out of trouble. I’m not sure that’s even a possibility, but one can hope. The first major problem is reminding them we don’t have enough mules for them to haul an armory of weapons with us. That’s going to lead to an argument for more mules which will lead to me saying ‘NO’, which I won’t because it does no good and leads to more harm than good…usually threats of harm to my body. I have Beth on my side and I know I’ll win this one.

  If I had any balls I’d say, “OK, y’all stay home with your armory and Beth and I will take the kids and Kid and see you when we get back.” But that really might get me hurt, so…

  Next will be deciding where we will go, but I expect we will follow our same route as before since Beth hasn’t seen that country- plus we know the way and where the good camp spots are.

  I know for sure we will truck the critters close so the trip won’t be so hard on the kids and us. I figured a month in the saddle was about it with the kids along but I might be wrong. We would plan for longer for sure.

  The girls started taking Beth and Kid for daily rides to get in shape for it. I ride when I can but not if it interferes with napping. Also after they got used to riding and the horses were used to it they would start working on carrying the kids. I suggested hooking them in saddle bags and hang them on each side of the saddle horn. It was cold that night.

  While they were doing that, I was getting the vehicles ready. We were taking the Dodge and the trailer and the Ford war wagon. Between dogs, kids and wives we were just outgrowing our transportation. The girls are working me to let them haul the jeep on a car hauler behind the Ford. I’m working hard burning thru excuses. I’m reluctant to leave the Jeep parked any place with a mini-gun on it. They, on the other hand, well…you know.

  In truth this trip is going to be very complicated compared to past trips simply because of the issues raised with babies. Before it was just me and the girls to worry about, but now it’s very different. But we will work it out somehow. Keeping us safe is the main concern but I think we can handle most anything we run into.

  Depending on the current situation in Moab we might leave the vehicles there. Then Sandy said, “Jim Barttle! Timberline!” and I kissed her. She hit it right on the head. We had a great place to leave the vehicles, plus it was very close to the area we wanted to ride. And we had good friends there that we wanted to see again.

  With that settled we set to getting everything done we can think of. We made lists, then more lists, then trimmed them down. We were taking two vehicles and could haul a lot of stuff, but when we went to the four-legged transportation we were going to be hauling only the essential stuff.

  Charley had sent word he wasn’t able to break away. We would miss him but he has a life, too.

  Time moved like a glacier, but one day it was here. We were loaded shortly after first light and on the road an hour later. I was driving the

  one-ton dodge with the critter palace and our very crowded sleeping area, but we could also sleep on top on the cargo deck if we wanted.

  The girls had their damn Jeep on a car trailer behind the big Ford (or war wagon as it was called), the babies were in their seats in the Ford, Sandy and May were driving, and Kid was head baby sitter.

  We hit Moab the first evening and checked in at the Motel. The same mother/daughter team was running the place; we got rooms and headed for the café for a good meal. We were back in the adjoining rooms in less than an hour, tired and ready to sleep. We had the door between the rooms open and the kids were crawling back and forth- a new world to explore I guess.

  The critters were in the barn along with the dogs that were both pissed off because ‘their’ kids were gone. Tough shit, suffer.

  Come morning we were up, showered and ready to roll right after breakfast. I knew we could make it to Timberline in a real long day but this was a vacation not a race.

  We spent the night camping by a small lake we spotted from the road on an abandoned farm. It was full of hungry fish and we feasted. We decided to just stay around the lake for a while; after all we are on vacation. It was really nice, the fishing was great, and the warm sun made napping great. The kids were enthralled with putting their hands in the cold water. Kid was right there with them so they were entertained and happy until JC figured out throwing water on his sister was just the greatest thing since ice cream and of course the fight was on because Sam has to live up to her namesakes.

  Life in the lion pit- always interesting and invigorating, not to mention at times dangerous. Beth intervened and brought peace once again for maybe five minutes. JC has yet to learn that his sister is an apprentice witch and he has to get hammered several times a day, but he’s like his dad- persistent but not real smart.

  Finally after several days we moved on to Timberline, which we approached slowly since we don’t know what’s been going on lately. But the big white truck and trailer are very well-known and I saw Jim standing there with a big smile on his face. The place still looked like Fort Apache with new guard towers. But their gardens were bigger and doing well for the early season. Their livestock herds had grown, and all in all, the entire place looked well run.

  We rolled to a stop and were greeted by Jim and several of the folks who were right there. He said Sam and William were off on a salvaging trip. They were looking for farm implements that could be worked with horses or mules. Fuel wasn’t as plentiful here as back home so they would make do.

  Jim said right off that the house we had used before was still empty and we could just move in. I explained what we were doing and our other reason for stopping by. He said we could leave the vehicles at the house and lock up whatever in the barn.

  He was slowly walking toward the Jeep trailer and stopped, looked at me and said, “I assume that canvas-covered weapon is something nasty” and with a look at ‘Them’ said, “and I know who it belongs to!”

  That got a laugh out of them. They were happy to jump up and peel off the cover, causing Jim’s eyes to pop out followed with a, “You have got to be shittin’ me!” Then he was up in the jeep getting a close look.

  He looked at me and said, “John, have you ever said ‘NO’ to them even one time?” Kid busted out laughing and said, “They don’t even know the meaning of the word” causing them to both grab her and start tickling her. She hates it, meaning they love it and I’ll admit it’s fun.

  Jim was thrilled with the kids and their mother. He looked at me and said, “John, you beat all. You show up here with the runt there, then come back with another one almost as wild, and now you show up with a third. Them ol’ boys up in Utah sure must love you. I laughed at that one while thinking about the girls shooting the Utah AG.

  The girls were taken away by the local ladies more for the babies than anything else, but there was ‘new girl talk’ to do with them. Jim and I headed for the house. He drove the Ford, Kid stayed with me. She said, “Girl talk is boring as hell and why bother?” I smiled at that one; she’s a chip off the old block…sorta.

  With Jim and Kid’s help the critters were loosed in the corrals, the water tank filled and the gear hauled inside the house for now. I planned to be on the road in a few days, but these are good folks and we like being here. Too flat and open for my taste, but they do well with it.

  The girls finally broke free of the gossip session and showed up. We were gonna be cramped sleeping in here so I decided I was sleeping in the camper but was informed it was now the main bedroom and the master bedroom inside was the new baby room. I don’t care because they will work it out; sleeping was as important to them as me.

  Jim and his people had their community mess hall like most well-run places and the dinner was real good- heavy on fresh veggies and ro
asted chicken. That’s something we don’t have much of, and as of right now I intend to do something about that on the way home. We have enough bugs to feed an army of chickens and while eggs are great we also need some that we can eat.

  We stayed for a few days, looking over the defensive positions they had improved on since our last visit. Once again I told them if something happened to make things really bad they were more than welcome to load up and haul ass for the Lake.

  At last we were ready to saddle up and ride. The jeep was locked away in the barn, the gun was locked in Jim’s big gun safe and the other vehicles were parked in the barnyard.

  We got away later than I planned because we were working out the kinks on hauling the kids. Both were in those kiddy carriers you used to see soccer moms using to haul babies while they power-walked. Usually they mounted on Mom’s chest. We worked out a way to hook them over saddle horns so they could see the world going past and with the warmth of the horse they weren’t apt to get cold. Kid and Beth were the baby carriers, with orders to (in case of an emergency) bail off, grab the kid and get to cover. We even drilled it a lot of times. It worked very well; the kids didn’t like getting jerked off their ride but soon accepted it as the price to pay for a fun day.