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Northeast has a naval station...far south a large city. Naval station is about 130 miles, large city about 250 miles. Scanning the sky in a 360 degree area, these are the only two orange glows I see. Is there more across the country? Don't know...time will tell. Need to make decisions quickly.
I'll take worst case scenario for me...I'm at work away from my family. They have a concrete pit inside of a structure that's 25' tall. The pit is 6' deep and about 18'x20' and they know to get in there in emergencies like this. Many things to store water for them, but only limited food. Bad part for them, no weapons with them (need to work on that). I am 40 miles away from them and I estimate it would take two days to get to them maybe 36 hours if I hustle and best case 24 hours if I limit my down time and don't have too many "obstructions" on the trip. I have scoped out many routes, many times over the last 13 years but I have not walked/hiked any particular route as it is interstate type roadway and a trooper advised me not to try it as I could get a citation if found doing so. My GHB is made for go light, go fast. Water filter, and food to last the trip for three days, change of clothes, extra socks/underwear, but do I take the chance to head to my family. I have a sidearm and kel tec sub 2000 chambered in same caliber. With me is about 150 rounds of ammo. My pack is a Tactical Tailor ROP and my EDC bag is a Maxpedition Kodiak. Between the two, I have plenty of what in need....although as I type this out, you'll see I'm missing a few things.
Wind is in my favor, for now...but for how long I don't know. Can I shelter at work for 3-4 weeks? Don't think so. Looters will like my building as it's a medical building. No hard core drugs but they don't know that. I would not stand a chance for long by myself and would use valuable ammo defending a place that in any other scenario I would give up. Staff would run/walk home as most are sheeple and live close by (within 5-10 miles or so). They are dressed in scrubs and wearing sneakers, so that won't be a problem. Water on the other hand may be a problem for them, although most bring water bottles to work to drink. Two girls said their husband would come for them and decided to stay. All the girls with families started crying and wondered how they would get their children from school. My thought was if I head out now, try and blend in, and go fast...maybe, just maybe, I could get there in 36 hours. I look at the weather app daily, sometimes twice a day and according to this mornings weather forecast, the next two days are copycats of today (sorry Protus, I had to decide on an extended weather forecast). The next front coming thru is in 3-4 days. If I stay, and get "forced out" in two days by looters, then I'll be without shelter and maybe gear (and worse could die trying to defend the building) and then be traveling during a worse weather situation. I decide to leave while everyone is still trying to figure out why all power went out at the same time and cars not working. I'll act dumb and try and blend in, moving fast on my route. About 50% of my route is off road, but there is some that will be on the highway. I'll be moving fast, and walking/hiking at night as well. Hiking in the weather that Protus gave should not be a problem for me. I plan on sleeping hidden, and only about 1 hour at a time, then back at it. I locked the girls in the building and wished them good luck.
Made it to my family in just under 32 hours. Not bad, I thought. I made it a point to stop every four hours, if nothing else to take off shoes and rub feet. Slept six times for an hour and once for a half hour. Would eat on the run, and fill water bottles when needed as there are several water holes along the route. Changed socks and underwear every twelve hours. Would rinse the clothes and hang on pack in a mesh bag to dry. Many people were just standing, and discussing what happened. I spoke to some briefly and just excused myself and said I'm trying to get to my family. Saw some people beaten and they said small groups were taking anything they could from travelers. Most understood why I was moving on and said, "yeah I need to get to my family as well". Never really heard much on my portable Grundig but I only tried a few times as I was moving or sleeping. Would have liked my HAM radio, but I don't carry it all the time (another lesson learned). My PVS-14 would have been nice as well as it was hard to move in the woods at night. I had to use my flashlight but was glad I had a green filter. I encountered only one scary hiccup along my route, and feel really bad about the outcome. There was a small group (3) teenage punks, about 15-19 years old, that were VERY interested in my backpack. Two had sticks and one had a baseball bat that had a red stain on it, and a pocket knife. Two had backpacks and the pink Hello Kitty one that one of them was carrying concerned me. They had followed me from the highway into the wooded area that was one of my planned routes. My mistake was that I didn't check my six often enough. I knew better, but just wanted to move quick. Anyway, when I was confronted I told them my pack just happened to be in my car when things went belly up. I enjoy hiking and it was pretty much just some clothes and a poncho. They didn't buy my story and threatened to kill me for my backpack as they thought I had food, water and money. This was about 24 hours into my trip home. I was tired and they wanted it. They were becoming aggressive in their words and mannerisms. I told them they were outnumbered (remember that line in Jack Reacher?), and they just laughed. That's when I knew things were going to happen. You know what I mean, there just comes a time when you know things are going to digress, and this was one of those moments. Anyway, they were slowly advancing, but tacticians they were not. Instead of them trying to encircle me, they all approached from the front. The one that seemed to be the oldest, the one with the bloody bat in one hand and knife in the other was in the middle and about two feet in front of the others. When they got within about ten yards of me, and after several verbal warnings, I drew and double tapped, hitting the leader. I know I hit him in the torso as he dropped, and the others ran away. I did not attend to the one that was lying on the ground writhing in pain. I approached him, and fired a security shot. I headed off quickly. I got away, hid and quickly changed clothes. I diverted my route but stayed on my path to my family. The backpack was still the same, but I hoped the clothes change would be enough that I wouldn't be "spotted" by his friends. The rest of the trip was otherwise uneventful. Although after that incident, it pushed me faster. The adrenaline was flowing non-stop and EVERYONE was a threat to me after that.
When I got to my other business they weren't there. A note was there that told me they headed home. I was discouraged, but knew there must have been a reason. It meant another nine miles for me to go. Made it in just over three hours. Again many people wandering about looking for food and water, but I was just another soul caught in the middle of this tragedy. Many people wanted to stop me and talk. I guess I wasn't as "grey" anymore. The look on my face must have shown fear, and determination as I knew things were going to get worse real quick. I just wanted to be with my family and know we were all together. Having two teenagers that each have their own car can be worrisome to a dad when I know things can happen anytime. I thought to myself, wow if just the iPhone worked I could use that life 360 app and see where everyone was. Kinda laughed at myself when I thought how silly I was for even thinking that thought. Must be getting tired and the brains on overdrive.
When I got home I found out that my 17 year old daughter was not yet at the family business when the SHTF. My 19 year old son had a decision to make, stay with mom with no security and limited supplies, or take mom and head home to his sister who was alone. Tough decision for a 19 year old to make. They were home, sheltered with weapons loaded. Tub filled, everything that could hold water was filled from the 200 gallon holding tank for our well system. The room still needed to be fixed with plastic and taped off though. Many supplies were in the house nearby. Problem was both bathrooms are on the exterior walls. We decided on one of the bathrooms to use. It was the one on the north side of the house. It has a tub, the other just a shower stall. The tub water will be used to flush. We have a well and our own septic tank. We attempted to "insulate" the bathroom the best we could. Our house is over 100 years old, so we are about 3-4 feet off the ground. Concrete blocks surround the home so fallout will be kept out from under the home. I have often thought of making a safe room under the home, but never got around to it...lessons learned. Note to self: consider blocking off an area under home. Mark area above it to cut hole to get into it for emergencies. Got HAM set up with my J-Pole antenna and rigged battery charger to my solar panels. Pulled in the small genet and some fuel. Don't know if it will work, but we'll try in a few weeks. Grabbed some tools, med supplies, extra clothes, five gallon buckets, two five gallon buckets with sand (should have gotten cat litter), more duct tape, IV fluids and BA. Also grabbed a couple games, pens, pencils, paper, magazines and books. Put bed mattresses leaning in front of windows as security alerts. Placed things on top of them that if the mattress is moved, we will hear item falling on floor. We will sleep in chairs and couch in great room which is the center of the house with no windows (yep, old home remember). Stocked area with weapons and ammo for each of us. We each had a rifle, pistol (with holster) and knife. I brought in the equipment for cooking (propane) and wood for the rocket stove, as the great room we're set up in has our fireplace. Fireplace has a cap, but will seal off front of fireplace and just use small area for emergency. I will be careful not to make too much smoke as I don't want to draw attention. I put the quarantine sign on all the doors and windows. Don't know if it will work, but it may make some to rethink about entering. Rules were made that pistol was to be carried at all times when heading to bathroom and to be on hip in the holster other times. When sleeping we will set up security shifts. We chose not to use bathroom for a few days in case of increased radiation levels. That's why the five gallon buckets. Now I wish I had done more HAM stuff, but at least I will have it. The local frequencies are written down and pre programmed. The HAM radio (Yaesu FT-60r) was in a .50 cal ammo can faraday cage. Seems to have worked as HAM powered on. Watched wind speed and direction on way home, still about the same as when the glows occurred. The KI is here and the wife and kids start taking it now. I'm old enough that if thyroid cancer shows itself in 30-40 years, it won't matter much. A long discussion was held of what was possibly happening and what the next 3-4 weeks could possibly look like and then we started discussing what we thought the US will look like after that. It was depressing as we have little info to go on. Was it an invasion? Was it accidental, doubt that? Just don't know. We talked about our friends, family, girlfriend, boyfriend and the rest of the country. I will try and find out what we can via the HAM, but until then we'll just have to wait it out. We will drill on the weapons and care for the weapons. We will have bible readings, and studies. We will play games, sit, wait and pray. But at least all are together. Okay, who is ready for a game of Farkle or should we get some rest? As I settle in for some sleep I thought...dang, that yellow box sure would be nice.
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I'll take worst case scenario for me...I'm at work away from my family. They have a concrete pit inside of a structure that's 25' tall. The pit is 6' deep and about 18'x20' and they know to get in there in emergencies like this. Many things to store water for them, but only limited food. Bad part for them, no weapons with them (need to work on that). I am 40 miles away from them and I estimate it would take two days to get to them maybe 36 hours if I hustle and best case 24 hours if I limit my down time and don't have too many "obstructions" on the trip. I have scoped out many routes, many times over the last 13 years but I have not walked/hiked any particular route as it is interstate type roadway and a trooper advised me not to try it as I could get a citation if found doing so. My GHB is made for go light, go fast. Water filter, and food to last the trip for three days, change of clothes, extra socks/underwear, but do I take the chance to head to my family. I have a sidearm and kel tec sub 2000 chambered in same caliber. With me is about 150 rounds of ammo. My pack is a Tactical Tailor ROP and my EDC bag is a Maxpedition Kodiak. Between the two, I have plenty of what in need....although as I type this out, you'll see I'm missing a few things.
Wind is in my favor, for now...but for how long I don't know. Can I shelter at work for 3-4 weeks? Don't think so. Looters will like my building as it's a medical building. No hard core drugs but they don't know that. I would not stand a chance for long by myself and would use valuable ammo defending a place that in any other scenario I would give up. Staff would run/walk home as most are sheeple and live close by (within 5-10 miles or so). They are dressed in scrubs and wearing sneakers, so that won't be a problem. Water on the other hand may be a problem for them, although most bring water bottles to work to drink. Two girls said their husband would come for them and decided to stay. All the girls with families started crying and wondered how they would get their children from school. My thought was if I head out now, try and blend in, and go fast...maybe, just maybe, I could get there in 36 hours. I look at the weather app daily, sometimes twice a day and according to this mornings weather forecast, the next two days are copycats of today (sorry Protus, I had to decide on an extended weather forecast). The next front coming thru is in 3-4 days. If I stay, and get "forced out" in two days by looters, then I'll be without shelter and maybe gear (and worse could die trying to defend the building) and then be traveling during a worse weather situation. I decide to leave while everyone is still trying to figure out why all power went out at the same time and cars not working. I'll act dumb and try and blend in, moving fast on my route. About 50% of my route is off road, but there is some that will be on the highway. I'll be moving fast, and walking/hiking at night as well. Hiking in the weather that Protus gave should not be a problem for me. I plan on sleeping hidden, and only about 1 hour at a time, then back at it. I locked the girls in the building and wished them good luck.
Made it to my family in just under 32 hours. Not bad, I thought. I made it a point to stop every four hours, if nothing else to take off shoes and rub feet. Slept six times for an hour and once for a half hour. Would eat on the run, and fill water bottles when needed as there are several water holes along the route. Changed socks and underwear every twelve hours. Would rinse the clothes and hang on pack in a mesh bag to dry. Many people were just standing, and discussing what happened. I spoke to some briefly and just excused myself and said I'm trying to get to my family. Saw some people beaten and they said small groups were taking anything they could from travelers. Most understood why I was moving on and said, "yeah I need to get to my family as well". Never really heard much on my portable Grundig but I only tried a few times as I was moving or sleeping. Would have liked my HAM radio, but I don't carry it all the time (another lesson learned). My PVS-14 would have been nice as well as it was hard to move in the woods at night. I had to use my flashlight but was glad I had a green filter. I encountered only one scary hiccup along my route, and feel really bad about the outcome. There was a small group (3) teenage punks, about 15-19 years old, that were VERY interested in my backpack. Two had sticks and one had a baseball bat that had a red stain on it, and a pocket knife. Two had backpacks and the pink Hello Kitty one that one of them was carrying concerned me. They had followed me from the highway into the wooded area that was one of my planned routes. My mistake was that I didn't check my six often enough. I knew better, but just wanted to move quick. Anyway, when I was confronted I told them my pack just happened to be in my car when things went belly up. I enjoy hiking and it was pretty much just some clothes and a poncho. They didn't buy my story and threatened to kill me for my backpack as they thought I had food, water and money. This was about 24 hours into my trip home. I was tired and they wanted it. They were becoming aggressive in their words and mannerisms. I told them they were outnumbered (remember that line in Jack Reacher?), and they just laughed. That's when I knew things were going to happen. You know what I mean, there just comes a time when you know things are going to digress, and this was one of those moments. Anyway, they were slowly advancing, but tacticians they were not. Instead of them trying to encircle me, they all approached from the front. The one that seemed to be the oldest, the one with the bloody bat in one hand and knife in the other was in the middle and about two feet in front of the others. When they got within about ten yards of me, and after several verbal warnings, I drew and double tapped, hitting the leader. I know I hit him in the torso as he dropped, and the others ran away. I did not attend to the one that was lying on the ground writhing in pain. I approached him, and fired a security shot. I headed off quickly. I got away, hid and quickly changed clothes. I diverted my route but stayed on my path to my family. The backpack was still the same, but I hoped the clothes change would be enough that I wouldn't be "spotted" by his friends. The rest of the trip was otherwise uneventful. Although after that incident, it pushed me faster. The adrenaline was flowing non-stop and EVERYONE was a threat to me after that.
When I got to my other business they weren't there. A note was there that told me they headed home. I was discouraged, but knew there must have been a reason. It meant another nine miles for me to go. Made it in just over three hours. Again many people wandering about looking for food and water, but I was just another soul caught in the middle of this tragedy. Many people wanted to stop me and talk. I guess I wasn't as "grey" anymore. The look on my face must have shown fear, and determination as I knew things were going to get worse real quick. I just wanted to be with my family and know we were all together. Having two teenagers that each have their own car can be worrisome to a dad when I know things can happen anytime. I thought to myself, wow if just the iPhone worked I could use that life 360 app and see where everyone was. Kinda laughed at myself when I thought how silly I was for even thinking that thought. Must be getting tired and the brains on overdrive.
When I got home I found out that my 17 year old daughter was not yet at the family business when the SHTF. My 19 year old son had a decision to make, stay with mom with no security and limited supplies, or take mom and head home to his sister who was alone. Tough decision for a 19 year old to make. They were home, sheltered with weapons loaded. Tub filled, everything that could hold water was filled from the 200 gallon holding tank for our well system. The room still needed to be fixed with plastic and taped off though. Many supplies were in the house nearby. Problem was both bathrooms are on the exterior walls. We decided on one of the bathrooms to use. It was the one on the north side of the house. It has a tub, the other just a shower stall. The tub water will be used to flush. We have a well and our own septic tank. We attempted to "insulate" the bathroom the best we could. Our house is over 100 years old, so we are about 3-4 feet off the ground. Concrete blocks surround the home so fallout will be kept out from under the home. I have often thought of making a safe room under the home, but never got around to it...lessons learned. Note to self: consider blocking off an area under home. Mark area above it to cut hole to get into it for emergencies. Got HAM set up with my J-Pole antenna and rigged battery charger to my solar panels. Pulled in the small genet and some fuel. Don't know if it will work, but we'll try in a few weeks. Grabbed some tools, med supplies, extra clothes, five gallon buckets, two five gallon buckets with sand (should have gotten cat litter), more duct tape, IV fluids and BA. Also grabbed a couple games, pens, pencils, paper, magazines and books. Put bed mattresses leaning in front of windows as security alerts. Placed things on top of them that if the mattress is moved, we will hear item falling on floor. We will sleep in chairs and couch in great room which is the center of the house with no windows (yep, old home remember). Stocked area with weapons and ammo for each of us. We each had a rifle, pistol (with holster) and knife. I brought in the equipment for cooking (propane) and wood for the rocket stove, as the great room we're set up in has our fireplace. Fireplace has a cap, but will seal off front of fireplace and just use small area for emergency. I will be careful not to make too much smoke as I don't want to draw attention. I put the quarantine sign on all the doors and windows. Don't know if it will work, but it may make some to rethink about entering. Rules were made that pistol was to be carried at all times when heading to bathroom and to be on hip in the holster other times. When sleeping we will set up security shifts. We chose not to use bathroom for a few days in case of increased radiation levels. That's why the five gallon buckets. Now I wish I had done more HAM stuff, but at least I will have it. The local frequencies are written down and pre programmed. The HAM radio (Yaesu FT-60r) was in a .50 cal ammo can faraday cage. Seems to have worked as HAM powered on. Watched wind speed and direction on way home, still about the same as when the glows occurred. The KI is here and the wife and kids start taking it now. I'm old enough that if thyroid cancer shows itself in 30-40 years, it won't matter much. A long discussion was held of what was possibly happening and what the next 3-4 weeks could possibly look like and then we started discussing what we thought the US will look like after that. It was depressing as we have little info to go on. Was it an invasion? Was it accidental, doubt that? Just don't know. We talked about our friends, family, girlfriend, boyfriend and the rest of the country. I will try and find out what we can via the HAM, but until then we'll just have to wait it out. We will drill on the weapons and care for the weapons. We will have bible readings, and studies. We will play games, sit, wait and pray. But at least all are together. Okay, who is ready for a game of Farkle or should we get some rest? As I settle in for some sleep I thought...dang, that yellow box sure would be nice.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
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