April 4
“I see you waited for me to put the tent up,” Jim joked as he helped me stretch out the dull green four man nylon tent.
“One person can do this easily, and I think we both should be able to do it without the other person,” I said to him.
We pounded the stakes in and attached the lines to the corner loops. The poles were next, and with a bit of tightening on the lines, the tent was up. I unzipped the outer door, then the screen.
“Do we really need that much room, Allex?” Jim asked. “This is a four man tent and it’s just us.”
“The roominess is deceptive. Once we get the air mattresses and sleeping bags in, there will only be a small aisle down the center. Four people can fit, sure, elbow to elbow! Plus we should also keep our duffels, weapons and ammo cans with us at all times, don’t you think? There may be times we will be forced to cook inside the tent. It’s going to feel cramped if that happens.”
“Now that you’ve brought up weapons, what are you planning on taking?” Jim asked.
“I’m used to my 9mm Kel Tec, and thought I’d bring the M14 too. Plus I’ve got that knife. You remember, the one that Virginia soldier stabbed me with?”
“I’d rather forget that whole debacle. I should have seen through Marlow sooner than I did. I’m sorry, Allex,” Jim said, sounding truly saddened. “Anyway, I have no problem with your Kel Tec, though I do think we should upgrade you to an M4 Carbine. It’s lighter, has a collapsible stock, and is usually a more reliable magazine feed than the M14. Don’t worry, I’ve got extra.”
*
We spent the better part of the afternoon packing and rearranging the gear in the back of the Humvee. We agreed on only one cooler since once the ice melted it would only be a storage chest. Using an empty cooler allowed us to get a good feel for how everything would fit.
“I have to be honest, Allex, I didn’t think we would get everything in. Hummers aren’t noted for their storage capacity.”
“Most everything can be nested, as you can see. That makes a big difference. The only thing I see I want to change is to add another bucket. The buckets are functional, though while we’re traveling they’re protection for the more delicate necessities.”
“Like what? I thought nothing was glass.”
“I know it seems redundant to have two coffee pots, the French press, and the small percolator. The percolator will mainly be for boiling water, and we can’t heat water if it’s full of coffee. Then there’s the Berkey; it has three fragile ceramic filters we need to protect. This will be our source of potable drinking water. The Berkey and the press can sit together in one bucket, and the kerosene lantern with its glass globe will stay in one by itself. That one we shouldn’t use for water anyway since there might be some fuel leakage.”
“Makes sense.” He looked into the back again. “I see there’s still room for the duffels and sleeping bags. Are you sure we need the air mattresses?”
“They take up next to no room. You can leave yours behind if you want, but I don’t want to sleep on the cold ground. I really think that cheap piece of plastic is going to make a world of difference in our comfort.”
“We can always sleep in the Hummer,” Jim suggested. I looked in the back again and raised my eyebrows. “You win,” he laughed. “Okay, it looks like we’re ready.”
“Yeah, it does.” I took a deep breath. “How about we leave in two days? I need to bake tomorrow.”
April 5
“Mom, you have to go with us to the Inn tonight,” Eric pleaded.
“Why?” I asked. I know my sons all too well, and I’m sure they have something planned.
“I didn’t want to ruin the surprise, but there’s a ‘going away’ party for you and the colonel. Everyone wants to say goodbye and wish you a safe journey.”
“That sounds like we’re not coming back! It will only be for a couple of weeks, two months at the longest and we will be back,” I assured him. The look in his eyes said I hit a sore spot. My son was worried. “Okay, I’ll be there.”
“Good! We’ll pick you up at five.”
“Before you go, there’s something I need you to do for me,” I said hesitantly. “Even if it’s only for two weeks, I’d like you to move in here. You’re the best one to tend the green house and start the garden if we’re delayed getting back. And to watch over Tufts. Plus it will give you and Rayn some privacy.”
Eric looked relieved.
“That will give us a good break,” he said. “I love my brother, and I really like Amanda. She and Rayn get along well, but…” he paused, “there’s such a thing as too much closeness!”
“So you’ll do it?”
“Of course, Mom, we’d be happy to.”
*
“It looks like most of the town turned out for this farewell party!” Tom said, handing me a cup of punch. It was a fruity drink, and too much sweetness for my taste. It would be a good drink to nurse all evening.
“I hope this shindig doesn’t last very long,” I said. “There are still things to do and since we plan on an early start, I need some sleep.”
“Suck it up, princess. Your fans want to see you before you leave,” Tom joked. “Ah, there you are,” Colonel Jim said. “Ready for the big day tomorrow?”
He rubbed his hands together in obvious glee.
“Oh, yes,” I said. “What time do you want to get going?”
“Best time is always daybreak.”