by T J Reeder
There was a big Hobart welder mounted on a trailer that was going. Everything here used diesel. After the trucks finally started and were warmed up they smoothed out just fine, thank god for metal buildings in an EMP. We now had four vehicles and three drivers. But there’s more, as the guy used to shout from the TV. There were two large flat bed trailers so we hooked them up and drove the old Chevy onto one with the trailer with the welder hooked to it. The other trailer we left empty but we piled the shop truck full of every tool we could find. The shop truck had a large fuel tank and pump which was full and the trucks were full. Since they were coming right back by here on the way out, they could refill plus fill some cans and barrels with fuel. It always seems so easy finding this stuff, but the whole country is full of it. People just need to get past the bunker mentality and get to moving. Like the brothers, in two years they just stayed dug in and did what they needed to be safe, Harv and his family ditto. Well we were on the move now and nothing was gonna stop us.
We arrived back at the ranch and found the women weren’t letting grass grown under their feet. They had made the difficult choices of what was going and what stayed behind. But after the girls told them about all the treasures we had gathered and what was still out there they had no trouble leaving all the furniture behind. Only a few pieces that had first come here in a covered wagon were going. The clothing issue was not an issue after we reached the canyon. So a lot of the stuff they had hoarded not knowing when there would be more was left. In three days of intensive labor the two big trucks were loaded full and covered with tarps. The two flat bed trailers were sided using plywood from the ranch, so each now had four foot walls and could be covered. The shop truck was the prize, so we took the ball plate from the truck that used to pull the big stock trailer and placed it in the crew cab truck which was going to pull most of the stock. A two horse trailer would be pulled by the Chevy truck. All their live stock would fit and some of ours but not all, so this was a problem. But Bill solved it by remembering seeing a trailer in town, so we took the Chevy in and sure nuff it was just what we needed. After it was back at the ranch we welded a hitch on the back of one of the trailers being pulled by the big dump truck and it that solved the livestock issue. We all were riding in style! The girls and I were in the crew cab shop truck with room for a couple of kids.
A week after we found the trucks we rolled out of the valley and on the hill. Before we left it from sight the whole bunch got out to take a last look at their home. Most of the younger kids were born here in that old house. But all were up for the grand adventure. And we rolled over the top and into the future.
I did tell them all that at some point we were going to unload the stock and ride back part of the way simply because that was our plan from day one. We headed right for the Canyon where Harvey and his clan lived and when we got close to the guard bunker I got out and waved my hat until one of the lads came down to see me. He said we could wait here rather than hauling all this weight up the mountain just to turn around and come out, so I agreed. One of the boys took off on a small dirt bike. Within an hour he was back followed by Harvey and one of his brothers. Introductions were made and they offered that we all come up and eat and plan the migration as Harv put it.
After we made it up the road to the canyon compound we all trooped in and everybody met and the women folks all set to preparing a big meal. One thing that became very obvious real fast was that the older boys and girls were very happy to see each other. Right there was proof that all of them moving was the right thing to do. Now there would be a life for all of them.
Harvey was very interested in the highway road trucks and said there was a place not 10 miles from where we were that had been a snow removal equipment park and they too had never thought of it. They had been busy getting their vehicles running but knew they needed much more in the way of transport, so come morning several of us were going vehicle hunting.
After a great meal we all got better acquainted especially the teenagers. I could see the hormone waves crashing on the shore from where I sat. Sandy elbowed me gently in the ribs and said be good and wipe the smile off your face. I could also see the realization of what was going on hitting the fathers of the girls while their mothers just smiled and you just knew there was gonna be some heavy mom/daughter talks tonight.
We spent several days helping get Harvey and his people loaded into their trucks with the trailers they had. It was a very tight fit but they made it. The highway barn was a bust. Somebody beat us to it.
On another beautiful day the whole bunch hit the road. Well all but us, me and the girls decided we wanted to head back riding, so that left the stock trailers empty for the extra stuff that needed a home.
We made our goodbyes and promised to see them when we saw them. They all pulled out waving, and it was another one of those moments. But this time it was good friends leaving. But we would see them soon enough.
They had all the information they needed plus the frequencies our commo people used and I told them as soon as they made contact to just say they were friends of Wyatt and Doc. That would get them in just fine.
Rather than stay in the now lonely compound we headed out of the canyon as we entered it and made camp that night close to where we had when we came in. We studied the map and located a few places marked as having hot springs so we picked one and headed for it. Two days later we found it, and it looked as if nobody else had ever been there which of course was silly. It wasn’t as hot as some nor as cool as others so we decided that it was just right.
We arrived there at midday and by late afternoon we had a great camp setup. And we were soaking. It was as usual wonderful. Afterward the girls got with the dinner issue while I took care of some things in the tent. When it was ready we sat around the fire eating and sipping our coffee and talked about just where we wanted to go.
After the clean up was done I said I was taking a patrol and headed out with Walker, I was all of 200 yards away when I heard the shrieking, but for once I didn’t go back.
Walker though took off on the run to do battle. I wondered around for a while and headed back. I could see the glowing tent in the dusk and announced I was coming in.
Inside I found two beautiful ladies laying on a beautiful bearskin rug, wearing nothing but smiles and a necklace made of bear claws polished to a tee and the upper part was sporting beaten gold molded around the thick root of the claw. Between each claw was a gold bead made from gold coins and threaded between the claws. The front claws were in the center with hind claws on each side. They were beautiful! So were the hide and the necklaces!
I had to admit fighting Grizzly bears was worth it if this was what came out of it.
It was a very good night and the days following the night were awesome, and soon we would decide where we were going. But for now we have the hot spring and graze for the stock and what more do you need? Freedom, love, good four legged friends, and two wonderful wives.
But we would get to moving soon.
Not the end.
I really enjoyed writing this and I hope you enjoy reading it. It went where it wanted to go and did as it wished. The only thing I had nothing to do with was helping May with a name for her horse. I guess he will remain the “Horse with no Name” for a while.
TJ Reeder
