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Post by blackpowderguy on Jan 17, 2017 11:07:38 GMT -6
Author’s Notes: I wanted to write a story where the characters used gear they have made as well as simple equipment to survive a long term disaster. I will be featuring other homemade camps and gear as our story progresses.
The term Hot Tent is used to describe a tent fitted with a wood stove. In days past this meant a large, heavy canvas tent but with modern materials this is no longer true. My dad taught me how to sew tents and build my own wood stoves and I still do this. I once got slapped by a yuppie modern woman who butted in on a private conversation about tents of coarse she knew everything.
Chapter 1 Part 1 Melvin Wray made a modest living posting his outdoor videos on line. His most popular ones lately were about diy gear. He had learned to sew tents and build stoves as well as other heavy use camp gear. His latest one featured his take on a stove made from a five gallon drum. His previous video was on making a cabin style canvas tent.
It was late August and He was currently driving north on U.S 27 heading for Atlanta Michigan to do some fishing and a video on repairing old outboard motors. He carried his Winchester 840 Single barrel shotgun and his .45 auto Hi-Point pistol as well as his .58 caliber muzzle loading rifle. This was his entire arsenal and he intended to stay until the end of deer season.
At the junction of U.S 27 and I 75 Melvin pulled into a truck stop for diesel and lunch. On entering he sat at the counter and studied the menu for about ten seconds. The waiter asked him the age old question “what ‘ll be” he replied “how about a cheeseburger fries, a large coke and a thermos fill of coffee.” Be right up honey” she told him. His food was perfect burger medium and the bun toasted. The fries were golden brown not incinerated like some he had and the coke was cold.
CNN was on whining about the latest non problem that was obviously the Republicans fault. Melvin paid little attention until a report about a new “super flu” that was wiping out Chicago,Grand Rapids and few other cities caught his attention. He quietly told himself “best to get supplies while the gettin is good.” He tipped the waitress, paid his bill and purchased all the diesel and gas containers the store had. Next he stopped at the pumps and filled them all. Next he stopped at the local gun shop and purchased his reloading supplies claiming the large amounts were needed as he shot competition. He drove into the Traverse city Sam’s club and picked up canned meats and fish and some other stuff he felt would be useful.
Melvin decided to call his brother in law Ronin and see if he had any information. Ronin Answered his phone “You have reached Ronin Devin retired officer O’ the law and currently traveling the great state of Michigan what can I do ya for brother in law?” Melvin asked “have you gotten any word on what is going on with this super flu. “Super flu my good leg.” replied Ronin “this was a biological attack on the United States plain and simple.” He continued “I have not just the wife,daughter and cat but my sister Granuaile as well.” He finished “Let this be our last communication until we are together in paradise.” Paradise was the family property in Atlanta Michigan. Melvin knew this meant that phones were being monitored for keywords and to stay off it.
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Post by pbbrown0 on Jan 18, 2017 7:19:54 GMT -6
Glad to see you jumping into the realm of sharing stories. I am especially looking forward to the knowledge and skills you weave into the story line.
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Post by ydderf on Jan 18, 2017 13:50:01 GMT -6
Good start if you jerk the line hard you will have me hooked. Thanks for sharing with me/us.
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Post by blackpowderguy on Jan 19, 2017 20:12:25 GMT -6
Chapter 1 part 2 Authors note: I was 10 when I started shooting trap with my Dad. After what seems like a million + miles of mowed lawns and chores that I swore at the time President Lincoln freed people from. I came into possession of a model 37 Ithaca pump shotgun I still have that gun today. The name Granuaile is Irish for Grace and I will use both for the same character. Skoolies (or Schoolies) are school buses converted into recreational vehicles.
Ronin Devin was loading his skoolie thinking of all the fish he would catch and the sharing his home brewed beer with his brother in law. He had his boat and gear trailer hooked up and ready to go. Inside the trailer were his two outboards a 1953 ten horse Johnson QD 14 and a 1959 Johnson five and half horse. Both had been gone over by Melvin and ran better than the new motors of today.
As he was loading the last of the fishing gear a primer gray ford pickup truck with a camper on it rolled pulled up. He knew two things the owner was his former boss and something was very wrong the camper was only used at deer season. Retired Chief Winston Churchill Downs asked “Have you heard the news about the super flu?” Ronin responded “only a little why?” Winston told him Don’t spread this but it is no flu it’s a biological attack.” now Ronin turned as pale as his friend “guess my fishing trip will be longer than expected.” Winston told Ronin “I am heading up to Onekama to stay with family until this is over.” He also told him word was the feds were monitoring communications and to be careful about what was said. After giving his friend all the information he had He took his leave and pulled out.
He knew the time act was now. He called his wife Henrietta and told her “I just got word that the super flu was really a biological attack and the cities are not safe.” He asked her firmly to pack all their clothes summer winter and fall. He was not being idle, Ronin opened his gun safe and loaded his .357 magnum and Mossberg 590 next he pulled out his 30-30 Marlin and put it in a hard case as well as the redone 20 gauge H&R topper along with a slug mold and a Lanes reloading kit for it.He had been hiding it for his daughter's tenth birthday. “Well” he thought out loud better she gets it now. He called for her “Cassidy come down to the weapons room please.” the name Cassidy means one with curly hair and she lived up to this name. Bouncing off the walls at an invitation to the weapons room she was all smiles. Her curly red hair going every direction at once.
She announced her presence by squealing “Daaaaaaaaaddyyy” followed by a pounce hug as any proper American Princess would do. He smiled “See that fancy box on my bench?” He asked her. “Yes daddy” she replied. “Go open it and tell if you like it.” he said handing her a set of keys. She opened the box and her eyes got big. She asked “is this for me?” Ronin replied “it is for certain Cassidy now close it up and let’s load it into the Kitty Hauler.” Kitty Hauler was the name assigned to the family skoolie by Henrietta. she disliked entrusting the care of their cat, The Emperor Tiberius Catus. Tibby for short to just anyone so he travelled with them.
Ronin started the diesel engine of the skoolie and let it run to build up air pressure for the brakes. As he was finish his preps for departure his sister Granuaile pulled up in a Taxi. The driver helped her with her bags and she paid him. Ronin was glad if not a little surprised to her she worked as nurse for a home health agency and made decent money. “Granuaile what brings you here baby sister?” She told him “the Feds cancelled all of our contracts both private and government because of the super flu, then my stooge of a boyfriend ran off with some bimbo stripper stealing my truck after his car after his got repossessed.” She sobbed “the police told me to go online and file a report because they were too busy.”
“Let me tell you the truth of the matter, the super flu is a biological attack on the U.S” Ronin said “We are bugging out in short order and you can come with us.” She finally smiled thinking maybe her ex boyfriend would get his. “Okay I do have some useful supplies.” she stated “the boss allowed us to raid the supply room and I was first in line.” Now her faint smile got big “I have antibiotics, I.V bags and all sorts of nifty medical stuff.”
Henrietta loaded Granuaile’s bags into the skoolie while Ronin and Granuaile. Cassidy settled the cat into his transport cage then took her place buckling in. They were at last on their way.
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Post by pbbrown0 on Jan 19, 2017 22:29:19 GMT -6
I am grinnin' like a 'possum on this one Blackpowderguy.
Editing: Slow down a bit on your writing then posting. When you think you have made all your corrections, proof read all the way through one more time before posting.
...with a camper on it rolled pulled up...
...as he was finish[ing] his preps for departure...
...glad if not a little surprised to [see] her she worked as a nurse for...
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Post by blackpowderguy on Jan 20, 2017 13:11:23 GMT -6
I am grinnin' like a 'possum on this one Blackpowderguy. Editing: Slow down a bit on your writing then posting. When you think you have made all your corrections, proof read all the way through one more time before posting. ...with a camper on it rolled pulled up... ...as he was finish[ing] his preps for departure... ...glad if not a little surprised to [see] her she worked as a nurse for... I am not the best at that sort of thing and pain meds for my feet does not help.
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Post by pbbrown0 on Jan 20, 2017 13:28:36 GMT -6
No problem, my friend. Pain meds are not the only kind that can affect that. For example my father takes medicine to keep his heart from beating too fast. If he forgets a dose, he starts getting fuzzy headed. I have experienced "brain fog" from taking some antihistamines for allergies. Hang in there and keep writing, Pleeease.
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Post by misterjimbo on Jan 20, 2017 22:53:43 GMT -6
Yes, hang in there and keep it going. Grammar, spelling, and sentence construction issues barely have any effect on the fun I am having reading this gem. Thanks!
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Post by kaijafon on Jan 21, 2017 13:12:48 GMT -6
I am grinnin' like a 'possum on this one Blackpowderguy. Editing: Slow down a bit on your writing then posting. When you think you have made all your corrections, proof read all the way through one more time before posting. ...with a camper on it rolled pulled up... ...as he was finish[ing] his preps for departure... ...glad if not a little surprised to [see] her she worked as a nurse for... I am not the best at that sort of thing and pain meds for my feet does not help. heck I do that all the time and having nothing help me do it. hahaha! ha!
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Post by kaijafon on Jan 21, 2017 13:15:18 GMT -6
ok, I've waited a whole minute...I'm ready for more
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Post by ydderf on Jan 21, 2017 17:59:43 GMT -6
It's been at least 10 hours since I was here last. Still no update.
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Post by blackpowderguy on Jan 21, 2017 19:11:52 GMT -6
Update coming soon. Need some time to get my thoughts in order.
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Post by ydderf on Jan 22, 2017 8:20:21 GMT -6
BPG Take your time we appreciate a well thought out story.
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Post by kaijafon on Jan 22, 2017 13:14:57 GMT -6
yes we do (but hurry!! lol! jkn...kinda... yes, no, maybe so)
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Post by millwright on Jan 22, 2017 16:00:52 GMT -6
Good start. Don't loose momentum... Like some people tend to do.
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Post by blackpowderguy on Jan 22, 2017 19:48:56 GMT -6
Here is a new part. I hope everyone enjoys it Chapter 1 part 3
Author’s Notes: As young boy I spent my summers on my aunt and uncle's sheep farm doing farm things with my cousins and having the time of my life. Learning to swim, fishing Hamlin lake, going to the fair and showing sheep. It was there that I got My first and second rod and reel the first one was a Zebco 33. My Aunt took us to the family shrine (the local sporting goods store.) Our next stop was a church that had Saturday swap meet/yard sale and potluck this is where I found my found my second rod and reel a Johnson Sabra 130 B on a heavy action rod. The man had a fair price on it so it went home with me. I still have the Johnson combo but the Zebco reel came up missing.
Paradise had once been a privately owned campground until the owner refused to make upgrades like electrical power,modern bath facilities and the like. Melvin's grandparents scooped up the property made the upgrades and put it in a trust for the family to use. It would take a majority vote of the whole family to make changes or dispose of the property.
Melvin arrived at the property around six p.m and began setting up camp. His tent was a hand made sixteen by sixteen canvas tent with seven foot side walls, a partial floor and a rain fly.This was set up on raised site with drain tiles so flooding would be less likely a problem. Once his camp was set up he called the power company to have the electricity turned on. His next call was to order firewood from a cutter his family had used for years.After a polite amount of haggling They promised to begin delivery the next morning. Melvin was getting “fish hungry” so he grabbed two of his fishing poles. He loaded them and a tackle box onto a cart he had made . One was a heavy action rod with an old Johnson Sabra reel spooled with twenty pound test, this would be for bullheads. The next rod was a medium action rod paired with a new Zebco 33 platinum reel spooled with four pound test for bream. He also carried his shotgun loaded with 000 aught buckshot as some of his family members have had close encounters with ornery black bears and mean feral hogs in the past.
Melvin walked down to the lake shore without incident and set up for some “serious rest and fishing” as his late father was fond of saying. He baited the heavy rod with a commercial bait and cast out to the edge of thick cover. He baited the medium rod with a red worm and cast out. It did not take long for his strike. The fish was a good size bluegill about ten inches in length. Soon he had his limit of bream and good catch of bullheads.
When he got back to camp he cleaned the bream and the bullheads. The bream went into his AC/DC freezer that was built onto his trailer while the bullheads were put into a brine in preparation for smoking and canning. The fish would brine for about twelve hours and smoke for about eight more hours. Melvin built a fire in the fire pit closest to his tent. He wanted a good bed of coals for cooking. He peeled and sliced potatoes for frying. He set up his camp oven and baked some dinner rolls. It was all just in time for his family's arrival.
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Post by kaijafon on Jan 22, 2017 22:40:13 GMT -6
thanks! made me hungry!
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Post by pbbrown0 on Feb 19, 2017 18:46:11 GMT -6
I know life gets in the way of writing, blackpowderguy. I just want you to know we are all looking forward to MOAR! .
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Post by ydderf on Feb 20, 2017 20:53:40 GMT -6
I could go for a fish fry alas only frozen fish available at this time it is better then no fish but not so good as a fresh caught cold water trout or ling cod. Thanks for the update.
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Post by blackpowderguy on Mar 1, 2017 20:24:00 GMT -6
More coming I had some real life stuff to handle.
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Post by misterjimbo on Mar 1, 2017 23:23:48 GMT -6
Bring on some new story. We can handle it.
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Post by warsparrow on Mar 6, 2017 2:12:43 GMT -6
I like this. I've written in the past but got stuck in editing hell. Keep going.
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Post by blackpowderguy on Apr 21, 2017 19:01:48 GMT -6
Here is short bit. Since I am in the process of moving.
Most people who know me think I have a wild imagination and I would agree. Some of what I write is the product of that imagination and some is just turning very real attitudes and events into fictional stories.
The President addressed the nation at exactly 19:00. He was straight and to the point telling people the truth. My fellow Americans, we have been attacked in a most vile and cowardly way. This plague is indeed a bio weapon designed to destroy us. We know who did it and soon they will pay for their folly. As bad as things are here Europe is worse and China has suffered near total casualties. Know that our best minds are at work trying to find a cure. Until a cure is found all cities are on lock down to help stop the spread of the infection. Specially equipped and trained troops will take over power production and distribution of goods. Rural areas are on their own for the foreseeable future. I cannot comment on our Military but I will say they are in fighting condition. I will relay more information as soon as it is available and proper to do so.
The next morning a very few in congress demanded the president “find a non violent solution” to deal with those who tried to kill of the United States. Not surprisingly the U.N backed them. The President gave the U.N twenty four hours to leave the United States or be branded an enemy combatant. They vowed revenge. Some soon found out they had no home to go back to the plague had wiped their nations out. With nowhere to go they pleaded for mercy.
Back at the paradise compound the group decided to get an early rest the morning would prove very eventful.
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Post by pbbrown0 on Apr 22, 2017 7:19:41 GMT -6
Many thanks for the post, Blackpowderguy. It was short but had plenty of kick. Hope you are doing okay. You mentioned before about life getting in the way of your writing, and now you are moving. Hang in there and we will wait with hopeful expectations about life smoothing out for you.
As for the story, we love it! Thank you for sharing it with us. We will be ready for MOAR as soon as you can manage.
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Post by ydderf on Apr 29, 2017 13:16:24 GMT -6
Many thanks for the post, Blackpowderguy. It was short but had plenty of kick. Hope you are doing okay. You mentioned before about life getting in the way of your writing, and now you are moving. Hang in there and we will wait with hopeful expectations about life smoothing out for you. As for the story, we love it! Thank you for sharing it with us. We will be ready for MOAR as soon as you can manage. I agree and will try to wait patiently.
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