jamz
Member
A comedy, I see. 
Nice read.
-James
Nice read.
-James
The Bug Out - A short story
- Thread starter Halffast
- Start date
- Status
P5 Guy
Member
Made me think.
The only way out of the city I live in is over a bridge. And me with Centeral Command just across the Tampa Bay?!?!?!?
The only way out of the city I live in is over a bridge. And me with Centeral Command just across the Tampa Bay?!?!?!?
itgoesboom
member
lawson said:
That depends. If a nuke is going to blow up 3 blocks from where you live, you better get out of town no matter what.
If you live 20 or more miles away from a place that might get nuked, and you know that the wind goes the other direction, than you will be okay to stay put, most likely.
It's situation dependant, also really depends on where you live, where the nearest threats would be, and how you have prepared.
I don't consider a nuke likely in the town of 2,700 where I live.
So I will bug in. I.G.B.
The Freeholder
Member
It scares me how much Joe's family sounds like mine. My wife is Joe's wife's sister, my daughter goes to schools with Joe's daughter and my son is too young to be much help. At least both can shoot.
Add to that my bad back, and 82 YO Dad and an 83 YO invalid Mom, and even making the attempt is probably out of the question.
Maybe I can take a few with me.
Add to that my bad back, and 82 YO Dad and an 83 YO invalid Mom, and even making the attempt is probably out of the question.
Maybe I can take a few with me.
Great story, HalfFast.
Because of the ending, the greeks would class this as a "tragedy" (sad ending) rather than a "comedy" (happy ending). Modern society in general is geared to accept happy endings, even in horror films nowdays, most of the time the central character survives and triumphs over the evil whatever. So a true tragedy like this catches us somewhat off guard.
However, we have to remember that the greeks considered the tragedy to be a useful art form. The plays and myths were not just entertainment, but also vehicles for the values and principles of the society carried in the form of an object lesson.
The object lesson in this case is that preparedness, done half-heartedly and with little planning, is little better than not preparing at all. Partly because it can lull us into a false sense of security, believing we are prepared when we are not.
I found the story not only gripping and readable, but I saw myself and my wife in nearly every one of the mistakes that they made. As a result of reading this story, I am launching an initiative to get my preps where they can be found and loaded to go on a moment's notice. The wife and I are discussing plausible bug-out scenarios, and plotting destinations and routes to avoid congestion, roadblocks etc. We've realized we'll need tire chains for her van and my truck, for instance, since a winter bug-out across the sierras will necessitate them. I need a winch for my 4x4. We will re-stock the bug-out kits that we have raided for camping gear and other necessities (tampons, blankets, etc).
Wow. I didn't realize how much I had that needed doing. Now I know how to invest the time off I have coming over the holidays. Thanks again, HalfFast.
Because of the ending, the greeks would class this as a "tragedy" (sad ending) rather than a "comedy" (happy ending). Modern society in general is geared to accept happy endings, even in horror films nowdays, most of the time the central character survives and triumphs over the evil whatever. So a true tragedy like this catches us somewhat off guard.
However, we have to remember that the greeks considered the tragedy to be a useful art form. The plays and myths were not just entertainment, but also vehicles for the values and principles of the society carried in the form of an object lesson.
The object lesson in this case is that preparedness, done half-heartedly and with little planning, is little better than not preparing at all. Partly because it can lull us into a false sense of security, believing we are prepared when we are not.
I found the story not only gripping and readable, but I saw myself and my wife in nearly every one of the mistakes that they made. As a result of reading this story, I am launching an initiative to get my preps where they can be found and loaded to go on a moment's notice. The wife and I are discussing plausible bug-out scenarios, and plotting destinations and routes to avoid congestion, roadblocks etc. We've realized we'll need tire chains for her van and my truck, for instance, since a winter bug-out across the sierras will necessitate them. I need a winch for my 4x4. We will re-stock the bug-out kits that we have raided for camping gear and other necessities (tampons, blankets, etc).
Wow. I didn't realize how much I had that needed doing. Now I know how to invest the time off I have coming over the holidays. Thanks again, HalfFast.
Balog
Member
Wow, great story. Really spoke to me; I know people kinda like that. For all Joe's mistakes tho, I think marrying that harpy was his worst. Seriously, I abhor domestic violence and I wanted to slap her!
Lots of excellent points, esp about how the little things can matter so much. Having a place to go, alternate routes, extra gas, pre-positioning etc etc. Eye opening.
For those who enjoyed this story, I'd recommend James Wesley, Rawles novel Patriots. IIRC you can get 'em from Fred's M14 Stocks cheaply, esp if you get a package deal w/ Boston's Gun Bible or EFAD.
Lots of excellent points, esp about how the little things can matter so much. Having a place to go, alternate routes, extra gas, pre-positioning etc etc. Eye opening.
For those who enjoyed this story, I'd recommend James Wesley, Rawles novel Patriots. IIRC you can get 'em from Fred's M14 Stocks cheaply, esp if you get a package deal w/ Boston's Gun Bible or EFAD.
LoneStranger
Member
The First Rule for a Survivalist is still "Be where the action isn't".
Reading this I was reminded of a short story by R.A. Heinlein. No, I don't know the title and the books are packed up and in storage. Concerns a bar in Manhattan that was frequented by College Professor types which happened to have a "Paddy" from the old country as the bartender.
Brainy types told the "Paddy" about how easy it was to build a nuclear weapon. "Paddy" told how he had left the old country one step ahead of the Black and Tans and he had done it at the drop of a hat.
Brainy types convinced "Paddy" that they were really serious. "Paddy" put down his bar towel and walked out the door. His belief being that when it's time to leave it's time to leave.
Down the road aways "Paddy" starts to have second thoughts about his action and he stops to call back to the bar. Call doesn't go through and then "Paddy" notices large mushroom cloud over the Manhattan area.
BOB bags and advanced planning are all well and good but if you are not capable of maintaining the Mental Attitude necessary, numerous reasons, some good, some bad, contribute, you must at least understand when to go to where the action isn't.
Joe's problem was that he wasn't willing to recognize that the fan had already been hit and his best option was to get out of the way. Even if you don't leave with all the neat stuff from a woulda, coulda, shoulda scenario, only if you are alive can you recover. Once you are permanently dead you have no options.
Joe's actions were based on his belief that he had plenty of time and that at that late time in the game he could play play woulda, coulda, shoulda.
Darwin is unbelieveably cruel and firm in determining results.
Reading this I was reminded of a short story by R.A. Heinlein. No, I don't know the title and the books are packed up and in storage. Concerns a bar in Manhattan that was frequented by College Professor types which happened to have a "Paddy" from the old country as the bartender.
Brainy types told the "Paddy" about how easy it was to build a nuclear weapon. "Paddy" told how he had left the old country one step ahead of the Black and Tans and he had done it at the drop of a hat.
Brainy types convinced "Paddy" that they were really serious. "Paddy" put down his bar towel and walked out the door. His belief being that when it's time to leave it's time to leave.
Down the road aways "Paddy" starts to have second thoughts about his action and he stops to call back to the bar. Call doesn't go through and then "Paddy" notices large mushroom cloud over the Manhattan area.
BOB bags and advanced planning are all well and good but if you are not capable of maintaining the Mental Attitude necessary, numerous reasons, some good, some bad, contribute, you must at least understand when to go to where the action isn't.
Joe's problem was that he wasn't willing to recognize that the fan had already been hit and his best option was to get out of the way. Even if you don't leave with all the neat stuff from a woulda, coulda, shoulda scenario, only if you are alive can you recover. Once you are permanently dead you have no options.
Joe's actions were based on his belief that he had plenty of time and that at that late time in the game he could play play woulda, coulda, shoulda.
Darwin is unbelieveably cruel and firm in determining results.
WOW!!!!
It's Christmas morning and this story gripped me in spite of presents, grandchildren and my new puppy.
Great impact. Lots of lessons. Coulda, woulda, shoulda type of stuff.
And they might have made it. And it could happen.
Thanks for an electrifying read.
It's Christmas morning and this story gripped me in spite of presents, grandchildren and my new puppy.
Great impact. Lots of lessons. Coulda, woulda, shoulda type of stuff.
And they might have made it. And it could happen.
Thanks for an electrifying read.
DunedinDragon said:
Only 3-5k feet? It took me 5 seconds to think this one up, and it would work.
Take plain trip. Have bomb in luggage (not carry on), which is not checked. It explodes, news covers plain crash. Nobody realizes what really happened, and everyone in the city gets a good heavy dose because the plain crash took all the attention.
Feeling safe? You shouldn't be.
bruss01 said:
Exactly! Internet survivalist won't be the ones to survive. It's practice that allows you to survive because it shows you what does and doesn't work.
Hemicuda
member
2 points form my $.02...
#1, ANY large heat based reaction can cause a "mushroom" cloud... they are not the sole property of a nuclear reaction... if you have the means, build a small wood fire, add a half gallon of gasoline, give the gas a few mins. to soak into the wood, and video tape the thing as you light it. (do so remotely in some manner)... then play the tape back in slow motion, and what you'll see is a small "mushroom" cloud form for an instant...
#2, As any of you hard core (or even moderate off roaders) know, when fording a water hazard, you test the banks, the base under the water, AND all immediate outlying areas with a SHARP stick, reason being that a sharp stick wil exert more PSI of pressure, and tell you if you are dealing with a solid base or a crust over mud... and simply walking the area won't, since the contact area of a boot, with an average human in it is FAR larger, and FAR lighter in PSI than a loaded truck...
Also, as an accomplished off roader, I (and most others) also know that once "in it" and hard on the throttle, letting off is usually the exact wrong thing to do... if your original answer is to "throttle up", then it's usually best to keep it revved until you are outta the goo...
#1, ANY large heat based reaction can cause a "mushroom" cloud... they are not the sole property of a nuclear reaction... if you have the means, build a small wood fire, add a half gallon of gasoline, give the gas a few mins. to soak into the wood, and video tape the thing as you light it. (do so remotely in some manner)... then play the tape back in slow motion, and what you'll see is a small "mushroom" cloud form for an instant...
#2, As any of you hard core (or even moderate off roaders) know, when fording a water hazard, you test the banks, the base under the water, AND all immediate outlying areas with a SHARP stick, reason being that a sharp stick wil exert more PSI of pressure, and tell you if you are dealing with a solid base or a crust over mud... and simply walking the area won't, since the contact area of a boot, with an average human in it is FAR larger, and FAR lighter in PSI than a loaded truck...
Also, as an accomplished off roader, I (and most others) also know that once "in it" and hard on the throttle, letting off is usually the exact wrong thing to do... if your original answer is to "throttle up", then it's usually best to keep it revved until you are outta the goo...
MachIVshooter
Member
Hemicuda said:
I'll also add that nearly all of the available 4x4's are far from being as capable as many folks think. To get through the truly nasty stuff, you pretty much need a dedicated vehicle that is built to take abuse and equipped with overbuilt or redundent systems. You also carry spare parts.
Locking diff's, large tires and chains are a must, as are a winch and chain. A regular pickup or SUV is somewhat better than a passenger car, but is also more likely to get someone into a bad situation by being over-confident in basic four wheel drive. Four wheel drive does not necessarily mean off road capable.
If you feel the need for a SHTF 4x4, the KISS principle is best. I can't think of a much better platform than a 1970's 3/4 or 1-ton pickup. They are built heavy and simple, making part failures less common and improvised repairs much easier. My own is a 1980 Power wagon atop 4" lift and 35's with both axles spooled. Drives like crap on dry pavement, but throw chains on all 4 and it takes better than 4 feet of heavy snow to be a problem. I also run 2 alternators and a group D-4 commercial battery (about 90 pounds), with a spare battery in the back. It has a 57 gallon fuel capacity and I keep spare axles, U-joints and ignition parts in the toolbox, along with necessary tools and fluids. And as backwoods as it sounds, there are umpteen uses for duct tape and bailing wire in an emergency.
That said, I live in a very rural area away from the city and, in the event of a catastrophy, would likely stay put where I have most everything I need.
Hemicuda
member
I also live in the middle of nowhere...
that said, my bug-out vehicle is actually 2...
#1, a 2001 Dodge Ram quad-cab 4X4 off road model (factory limited slip at both ends, and 4.10 gears,) with 4" lift, 35" tires, and a cradle mounted winch, with 2" recievers at both ends, and dual batteries...
attached to that with a tow-bar would be old trusty, an '83 Jeep CJ-7 on 31" tires, locked at the ends, and set up to use the same winch as it's big brother... and BOTH vehicles are set up to carry 2 fullsize spares (though i usually carry only one) and it only takes about 30 seconds to add and secure the second one. (which i keep handy and aired up)
between the 2, i can carry 85 gallons of fuel, (each has a pair of jerry-can mounts) plus whatever i can add in the bed of the pickup in 5 gallon cans.
as far as totally dedicated off-roaders, neither truck is, but both are WELL proven at off-road running here in Michigan... there is VERY little that stops either truck...
But as with the other stuff, as MachIVshooter said, you need your vehicle correctly prepared for the situation... and needs to have the correct related gear ALREADY in it, or stored nearby to be added to it QUICKLY... snatch straps, tire and tow chains, clevises, blocks, some form of earth-anchor (a buried spare tire can work in a pinch) spare standard parts (lockout "fuses", u-joints, tire repair kit, electrical fuses, duct and electrical tape,) renewable air supply, gloves, tools, spare tires, chemicals like oil, tranny fluid, water, anti-freeze, grease, a shovel, binoculars, a blanket or 2, communication devices (CB, FRS radio, AND cellphone) fire-making equipment, ratchet straps and rope (how else are you gonna tie stuff onto/into the thing?) spare lighting, jumper cables, - you CAN recharge a 1.5 volt battery (think AA, C, or D cell) with jumper cables and a good 12 volt battery, just be quick, or they'll explode, and they won't take a full charge, but will run a light or radio for a WHILE...
this stuff isn't just for "bug out"... it's the same stuff you would take if going on a few hour off-road trip. (these sometimes turn into a day or 2 affair, if you break something in the middle of nowhere)
In short, bugging out while improperly prepared can be as bad or worse than not bugging out at all...
that said, my bug-out vehicle is actually 2...
#1, a 2001 Dodge Ram quad-cab 4X4 off road model (factory limited slip at both ends, and 4.10 gears,) with 4" lift, 35" tires, and a cradle mounted winch, with 2" recievers at both ends, and dual batteries...
attached to that with a tow-bar would be old trusty, an '83 Jeep CJ-7 on 31" tires, locked at the ends, and set up to use the same winch as it's big brother... and BOTH vehicles are set up to carry 2 fullsize spares (though i usually carry only one) and it only takes about 30 seconds to add and secure the second one. (which i keep handy and aired up)
between the 2, i can carry 85 gallons of fuel, (each has a pair of jerry-can mounts) plus whatever i can add in the bed of the pickup in 5 gallon cans.
as far as totally dedicated off-roaders, neither truck is, but both are WELL proven at off-road running here in Michigan... there is VERY little that stops either truck...
But as with the other stuff, as MachIVshooter said, you need your vehicle correctly prepared for the situation... and needs to have the correct related gear ALREADY in it, or stored nearby to be added to it QUICKLY... snatch straps, tire and tow chains, clevises, blocks, some form of earth-anchor (a buried spare tire can work in a pinch) spare standard parts (lockout "fuses", u-joints, tire repair kit, electrical fuses, duct and electrical tape,) renewable air supply, gloves, tools, spare tires, chemicals like oil, tranny fluid, water, anti-freeze, grease, a shovel, binoculars, a blanket or 2, communication devices (CB, FRS radio, AND cellphone) fire-making equipment, ratchet straps and rope (how else are you gonna tie stuff onto/into the thing?) spare lighting, jumper cables, - you CAN recharge a 1.5 volt battery (think AA, C, or D cell) with jumper cables and a good 12 volt battery, just be quick, or they'll explode, and they won't take a full charge, but will run a light or radio for a WHILE...
this stuff isn't just for "bug out"... it's the same stuff you would take if going on a few hour off-road trip. (these sometimes turn into a day or 2 affair, if you break something in the middle of nowhere)
In short, bugging out while improperly prepared can be as bad or worse than not bugging out at all...
"moral of the story: dont live near a city"
Right
Oh............wait, the whole family got murdered way out of town on a farm.
"I'll just bug in".
Say hello to your new neighbors: those people that bugged out. But they wouldn't dare come on YOUR property.
Right
Oh............wait, the whole family got murdered way out of town on a farm.
"I'll just bug in".
Say hello to your new neighbors: those people that bugged out. But they wouldn't dare come on YOUR property.
Great story! You can tell it's a great story if you're genuinely pissed off when everybody gets smoked.
All of y'all that hate that harridan of a wife, do you not think that your Mrs. is going to be even more opposed than her to going to Wal-Mart in the wee hours of the morning to get sardines and gas cans? My wife's liable to slug me if I suggest something like that, and she's fairly supportive of my survivalist tendencies.
Speaking of BOV's, anyone know where I can find a '70-'72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD in South Texas?
S/F
Farnham
All of y'all that hate that harridan of a wife, do you not think that your Mrs. is going to be even more opposed than her to going to Wal-Mart in the wee hours of the morning to get sardines and gas cans? My wife's liable to slug me if I suggest something like that, and she's fairly supportive of my survivalist tendencies.
Speaking of BOV's, anyone know where I can find a '70-'72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD in South Texas?
S/F
Farnham
Sam Adams
Member
Good story - shows a guy like many here on THR who wants to be prepared, and even went through the motions at one time...but life interfered and parts of the plan fell apart (BOBs not replenished, no training, no spare food & batteries, no extra gas cans, etc.). Lots of lessons there for all of us.
I don't think that the way he found out about the situation is very plausible, but somehow or other the whole country will become aware of something similar if and when it happens. For the vast majority it will be the TV or radio, for others the phone call in the middle of the night from a relative who has a friend of a friend who's in the know. Whatever, that isn't really critical to the story.
I've always had a bit of the survivalist mentality, but never really acted on it (except for the gun stuff) since I've always lived in or near big cities. I've got to do several things:
1) Decide what kinds of threats are the most probable, and then decide whether to bug in or bug out based on the nature of those threats;
2) Prepare a list of items needed to survive a bug in or bug out, and to gradually acquire them (as in 6-12 months);
3) Practice for a scenario - i.e. if a bug out, see how fast you can find the list of stuff you need and then load the car/van/SUV with it;
4) Have a regular schedule to make certain that all items needed for survival are packed or easily accessible - AND FRESH. The latter applies to food, gas and batteries.
5) Make sure all weapons have at least 50 rounds (pistols) or 100 rounds (rifles) in magazines and/or speedloaders that are with the guns. My own personal preference is to have several times that much in reserve, but the amounts mentioned should be sufficient for immediate needs.
6) If bugging out, have a definite place in mind - there's generally little use in just driving away from your home if there's no place to go have maps in all vehicles with alternative routes. If you're really serious, check out the country road portions of the routes to make sure that the routes are still viable ones. Know where there are gas stations more than 20 miles away from home, preferably off the main roads. If it is with family, or in a secure place that you own in the "boonies," then store a lot of your supplies there.
7) Whether bugging in or out, having good friends and reliable family as partners will be of immense, perhaps critical, help. These plans must be practical and realistic. I'd love to have my Long Island uncle as part of my group, but he's 2,000 miles away.
I'm sure that there are at least 10 things that I missed here, but the point is that this story - with its realism (even the tragic ending) - is a wake-up call.
I don't think that the way he found out about the situation is very plausible, but somehow or other the whole country will become aware of something similar if and when it happens. For the vast majority it will be the TV or radio, for others the phone call in the middle of the night from a relative who has a friend of a friend who's in the know. Whatever, that isn't really critical to the story.
I've always had a bit of the survivalist mentality, but never really acted on it (except for the gun stuff) since I've always lived in or near big cities. I've got to do several things:
1) Decide what kinds of threats are the most probable, and then decide whether to bug in or bug out based on the nature of those threats;
2) Prepare a list of items needed to survive a bug in or bug out, and to gradually acquire them (as in 6-12 months);
3) Practice for a scenario - i.e. if a bug out, see how fast you can find the list of stuff you need and then load the car/van/SUV with it;
4) Have a regular schedule to make certain that all items needed for survival are packed or easily accessible - AND FRESH. The latter applies to food, gas and batteries.
5) Make sure all weapons have at least 50 rounds (pistols) or 100 rounds (rifles) in magazines and/or speedloaders that are with the guns. My own personal preference is to have several times that much in reserve, but the amounts mentioned should be sufficient for immediate needs.
6) If bugging out, have a definite place in mind - there's generally little use in just driving away from your home if there's no place to go have maps in all vehicles with alternative routes. If you're really serious, check out the country road portions of the routes to make sure that the routes are still viable ones. Know where there are gas stations more than 20 miles away from home, preferably off the main roads. If it is with family, or in a secure place that you own in the "boonies," then store a lot of your supplies there.
7) Whether bugging in or out, having good friends and reliable family as partners will be of immense, perhaps critical, help. These plans must be practical and realistic. I'd love to have my Long Island uncle as part of my group, but he's 2,000 miles away.
I'm sure that there are at least 10 things that I missed here, but the point is that this story - with its realism (even the tragic ending) - is a wake-up call.
Templar223
Member
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2005
- Messages
- 309
Great story. Depressing ending. Probably typifies many "survival"-minded folks.
How many threads have we seen here or at Frugal Squirrels about how the spouse is a sheeple, kids are rowdy, etc?
The story read like a Hollywood movie - like Panic Room, for instance. Well thought out plans made in advance go to hell because the main character lacks a critical ingredient. It might be as simple as a gun or something else. How long would have Panic Room lasted if Jody Foster had one of those $200 S&W Model 10s that J&G Sales is currently selling (or one of those $120 S&W 65's someone was selling in the late 90s)? Five minutes and a puddle or two of urine on the floor from BGs?
I recall a story of a guy at Alpha Rubicon who was "Too fat to run."
Google found it for me:
http://www.alpharubicon.com/survpage/toofat.htm
Here's a guy with good plans, some supplies, etc. but he's overweight (is this YOU?) and grossly out of shape (hmmm?). He wrote that he was in Hurricane Hugo and found himself exhausted carrying his bug out bag across his front yard. He was lucky that things turned out okay for him.
It's one thing to be a keyboard survivalist / rambo. It's quite another to be able to grab a pack or two, load them and the spouse / kids in the car and get out of dodge in five minutes with confidence knowing your basic supplies are along for the ride.
Everyone makes their own choices.
So you think you're ready.
Are you really, or is it just wishful thinking?
John
How many threads have we seen here or at Frugal Squirrels about how the spouse is a sheeple, kids are rowdy, etc?
The story read like a Hollywood movie - like Panic Room, for instance. Well thought out plans made in advance go to hell because the main character lacks a critical ingredient. It might be as simple as a gun or something else. How long would have Panic Room lasted if Jody Foster had one of those $200 S&W Model 10s that J&G Sales is currently selling (or one of those $120 S&W 65's someone was selling in the late 90s)? Five minutes and a puddle or two of urine on the floor from BGs?
I recall a story of a guy at Alpha Rubicon who was "Too fat to run."
Google found it for me:
http://www.alpharubicon.com/survpage/toofat.htm
Here's a guy with good plans, some supplies, etc. but he's overweight (is this YOU?) and grossly out of shape (hmmm?). He wrote that he was in Hurricane Hugo and found himself exhausted carrying his bug out bag across his front yard. He was lucky that things turned out okay for him.
It's one thing to be a keyboard survivalist / rambo. It's quite another to be able to grab a pack or two, load them and the spouse / kids in the car and get out of dodge in five minutes with confidence knowing your basic supplies are along for the ride.
Everyone makes their own choices.
So you think you're ready.
Are you really, or is it just wishful thinking?
John
When hurricane Rita looked like it was going to hit Houston, I was planning to get out of the city. I went on Monday and got some supplies and other things. For the most part I had everything ready. On Tuesday I put up the plywood and on Wednesday I was planning to leave. Since my wife had to work and we had a full 3 days before the hurricane it not only was logical, we didn't have a whole lot of choice.
Well, Wednesday came and the evacuation of Galveston and the costal areas and areas close to the coast began in earnest and millions of people (est. 3 million) came through my area and sucked up all the gas and supplies and created huge traffic jams that lasted until Friday. At that point there was no way out, so we stayed and fortified our position. We were North, so it was safer to do.
Sometimes, using the time you have to fortify your position is the thing to do. When Joe found that things were taking more time than he really had, he should have fortified his own position, securing windows and doors with plastic and rooms as well to protect from chemical and radiological blasts. With all those things considered, he could have kept his truck loaded, packed and fueled up with the spare cans too and then waited. All he needed was wait for is the traffic to die down a little.
Here was a guy bugging out, that had no conception of what it meant to bug out....
Well, Wednesday came and the evacuation of Galveston and the costal areas and areas close to the coast began in earnest and millions of people (est. 3 million) came through my area and sucked up all the gas and supplies and created huge traffic jams that lasted until Friday. At that point there was no way out, so we stayed and fortified our position. We were North, so it was safer to do.
Sometimes, using the time you have to fortify your position is the thing to do. When Joe found that things were taking more time than he really had, he should have fortified his own position, securing windows and doors with plastic and rooms as well to protect from chemical and radiological blasts. With all those things considered, he could have kept his truck loaded, packed and fueled up with the spare cans too and then waited. All he needed was wait for is the traffic to die down a little.
Here was a guy bugging out, that had no conception of what it meant to bug out....
I read the Halffast novel called 'Lights Out'. Great read, and you should read ,too. There are other novels in progress on the Backwoods forum.
I am learning all the time, and these free posts help. I think that you have to understand that the message will be received differently by those who read them. But the basic premise here, is the fact that we may not be as ready as we think. Read the stories, take in the info, and adjust as necessary.
I feel that if the bad endings are upsetting, then maybe you need to read it again. It points out what went wrong. What you should double check. What you may have forgotten.
If you cannot get the message, then maybe you do not see the danger. It really is up to each one of us to decide how far we are willing to go to survive if - and this is an if, for those who may not want to think that this will ever happen- to make sure our family can go on after SHTF.
Cheri
I am learning all the time, and these free posts help. I think that you have to understand that the message will be received differently by those who read them. But the basic premise here, is the fact that we may not be as ready as we think. Read the stories, take in the info, and adjust as necessary.
I feel that if the bad endings are upsetting, then maybe you need to read it again. It points out what went wrong. What you should double check. What you may have forgotten.
If you cannot get the message, then maybe you do not see the danger. It really is up to each one of us to decide how far we are willing to go to survive if - and this is an if, for those who may not want to think that this will ever happen- to make sure our family can go on after SHTF.
Cheri
Balog
Member
Welcome to THR CheriG22! Always good to have a new member.
So, how did you find out about our little club?
So, how did you find out about our little club?
LoneStranger said:
First, Google is your friend.
I managed to find that Heinlein story:___. "On the Slopes of Vesuvius." In Expanded Universe: The New Worlds of Robert A. Heinlein. New York: Ace, 1981.
A physicist in a New York bar gives a Heinleinian lecture on the danger of nuclear attack. The bartender, panicked, flees; sure enough, New York is bombed. A barely disguised editorial, dated 1947 by Heinlein, but not previously published.
Second, this short story made me sign up on these forums. Good stuff.
bamawrx
Member
Very Very good. I would have liked the daughter to finish off the bad guys because the father made her learn how to shoot. Otherwise I couldn't stop reading!
bama
bama
BoB - Bug out Beer
High on my list are a few cases of PBR and a couple cartons of cigarettes. You never know when you're going to need a favor from someone, and being able to offer a beer or a smoke can go a long way, especially in tense situations.
Tactical advantage goes to the guy who's hands aren't occupied with booze and tobacco.
High on my list are a few cases of PBR and a couple cartons of cigarettes. You never know when you're going to need a favor from someone, and being able to offer a beer or a smoke can go a long way, especially in tense situations.
Tactical advantage goes to the guy who's hands aren't occupied with booze and tobacco.
History Nut
Member
Well written story
It hooked me right from the beginning. It was so "everyman" in all the details of Joe's mistakes. There were a lot of hints too. Like his realizing that a lot of his camping gear had never been taken out of the box. Everything like that should at least be tested as a warrenty isn't worth anything in the middle of a disaster. Another reason for 'testing' is to get everyone used to using the items.
Everyone here has made some great comments too. I have learned a lot and realized my own failings in preparedness. I live in a rural town and would plan on staying home but have realized how poorly organized I am to access my equipment. I would be expending valuable time and energy just digging stuff out to use it. "Spring cleaning" and reorganization will be coming early this year!
Others have mentioned it but I will add my reinforcement. Joe's main mistake that affected everything that happened later was trying to make up for poor preparation by last-minute purchases. I remember an old saying that goes something like: 'A poor plan implemented immediately and with vigor is far better than a better plan started too late'. He should have grabbed what food and clothes he had on hand and left right away. Part of that mistake involved his 'gun collection'. He should have never tried to take everything. Grab a long arm and sidearm for each family member plus a .22LR rifle and 12 gauge shotgun as spares/hunting arms and all the ammo for them and leave the rest. He had been given a gift of time by waking up and reading the email. He squandered it by trying to make up for poor preparation. If he had just grabbed and gone, he would have been on the road long before the main tidal wave of people hit the road. He could have filled his vehicles and the two cans he had the same place only without lines/delay. That would have let them use the main highways while they were still clear and he would have been at the relatives 'farm' long before the crowd. Once there, he could have 'gone shopping' as the rural area would not have been moving or stocking up as quickly. Most folks would have still been glued to their TVs/radios instead of heading to the market.
The main point being, he squandered his most valuable resource of TIME while concentrating on things that could be obtained later or lived without. This was a great read and good 'wake up call'. Thanks
It hooked me right from the beginning. It was so "everyman" in all the details of Joe's mistakes. There were a lot of hints too. Like his realizing that a lot of his camping gear had never been taken out of the box. Everything like that should at least be tested as a warrenty isn't worth anything in the middle of a disaster. Another reason for 'testing' is to get everyone used to using the items.
Everyone here has made some great comments too. I have learned a lot and realized my own failings in preparedness. I live in a rural town and would plan on staying home but have realized how poorly organized I am to access my equipment. I would be expending valuable time and energy just digging stuff out to use it. "Spring cleaning" and reorganization will be coming early this year!
Others have mentioned it but I will add my reinforcement. Joe's main mistake that affected everything that happened later was trying to make up for poor preparation by last-minute purchases. I remember an old saying that goes something like: 'A poor plan implemented immediately and with vigor is far better than a better plan started too late'. He should have grabbed what food and clothes he had on hand and left right away. Part of that mistake involved his 'gun collection'. He should have never tried to take everything. Grab a long arm and sidearm for each family member plus a .22LR rifle and 12 gauge shotgun as spares/hunting arms and all the ammo for them and leave the rest. He had been given a gift of time by waking up and reading the email. He squandered it by trying to make up for poor preparation. If he had just grabbed and gone, he would have been on the road long before the main tidal wave of people hit the road. He could have filled his vehicles and the two cans he had the same place only without lines/delay. That would have let them use the main highways while they were still clear and he would have been at the relatives 'farm' long before the crowd. Once there, he could have 'gone shopping' as the rural area would not have been moving or stocking up as quickly. Most folks would have still been glued to their TVs/radios instead of heading to the market.
The main point being, he squandered his most valuable resource of TIME while concentrating on things that could be obtained later or lived without. This was a great read and good 'wake up call'. Thanks
atek3
Member
when will "lights out" come out in print?
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