firegirl969

In real life...my response was written in the same context of the trip senario. DH did indeed shoot a rabid dog as we were at the end of the train as it exited town. Someone did take offense to me stating that he did and cussed in symbols. We threw that in to show that communication was not working well and that judgement was being made prematurely without knowledge of what transpired or we weren't even asked what happened. Someone just flew off the handle. That is real life of what would transpire on such an expedition. My reply last night was quoting DH as to what would happen if we have LEO with us. DH and I are in no way offended by what is going on. But as a group, these type of things do happen when people are tired and fly off the handle with inappropriate responses. So, these things need to be addressed as we work together as a team and get them worked out for the betterment of everyone instead of some taking offense. As in my reply last night, that is exactly what DH said would happen if we didn't have a meeting with Mr. Hughes and get it worked out. DH planned an exciting adventure as we lay in our real bed last night. We would have gone back to the town where the episode occured. He would have gotten hired on to help with a problem they were having there with the people becoming unruly because the supplies were not coming in as they had been in the past. We would have saved up some money. As things got worse, a group from that town would have joined us as we continued behind each of you. We would have gone a different route and arrived at the desired destination before you all did and started building a tent town to make it easier when each of you arrived with DH as the sherriff. Now that is unreality, but an exciting adventure. DH and I both understand that this is a unreality situation, and in such, everyone needs to keep that in mind. For an example, I have announced that I was a paramedic and DH was an EMT on several occasions. Instead of taking the injured boy to the DR, wouldn't those on a wagon train have had the most trained personnel examine him first. Also, there are others who have stated that their SO were trained such as my DH was in LE or in weaponry. Instead of just saying we have guards, wouldn't we work together as a team to make this journey as safe as possible by having our skilled loved ones stand guard. I gave a reply last night that I would be feeding the guards this morning. No one even responded to that. Just as I ask CAT for a cup of hot cocoa the other night during the chat and she said sure, come on over. Maybe I misunderstood the concept of this adventure, but it was not just about packing to me. It was about a group of like minded people working together to take their families to a safe place to start over. Sorry if I had it wrong and if someone got offended, but I am not along just for a ride. I am along for an exciting adventure. Now, are we ready for an exciting adventure. It doesn't all have to be grueling and tiresome. Some of it can be fun!

MtRider, We need to get straight with Mr. Hughes that DH never conceals his pistol, but always wears his badge in clear view as anyone on this train can see if they were looking. He has put enough bad guys away over the years to always wear protection as is required of his office. That is why he went back to talk to some of the towns folks about the rabid dog yesterday. They were all glad to hear he took care of the problem. DH has clearance to carry in all US states. DH also states that no rabid dog will get after any of his animals without suffering the consequences. He would never take a shot that was not a safe shot with assurance that he could successfully make the shot. I hope that this can be resolved as DH and I will not accompany the rest of the group if we can not take safety measures as needed. DH states that we will choose to turn around in the morning and head back home if need be. He won't accompany any group that limits his ability to defend himself and his family and belongings. As to the mention to the musical parade going through the towns, DH plays the mandolin if that helps.

Just a note to explain the shot from DH towards the wild dog, he was foaming at the mouth and did not scare away as if he was infected with rabies. DH has seen this before as Animal Control Officer, so if he said rabies he knows. Sorry if it frightened some of you, but the dog was after our horse DD was riding. If he got close to any of the other animals, you need to keep a watch on them for rabies symptoms. We don't need other animals coming down with rabies and infect the others. DH did ride back and inform bystanders as to what was going on. They said there has been several animals killed around there due to rabies in the past year. We fared pretty well today. The animals continue to adjust pretty well to the new life. The chickens aren't too happy about being in the cages, but the rabbits seem very content. I think the buck really likes having the two does caged with him. Ha-Ha! I did take the cages off the wagons this evening and put the chickens and rabbits into the grass at the edge of the parking lot so that they could enjoy some "fresh greens" before I moved them under the wagons for night security. I have also put the Brittany Spaniel in the wagon with DH and I and the German Sheppard mix in the wagon with the kids for safety. Either dog will let us know if anyone comes by the wagons. If not, Candy, my dashound (sp) will. DH and DS are getting up every couple of hours (set DH's and DS's alarm on their watches) and checking on the security of the camp as the night goes on also as we don't feel safe here either. They are both sleeping with firepower under their pillows and in their pockets. I put a pot of black-eyed peas on a soaking. I plan to cook them with breakfast along with some ham and onions in them and a pot of rice. We will eat them for lunch and supper tomorrow night as they really stick to the ribs good. We ate our last 2 tomatoes on sandwiches tonight, so we will be ready for more substanance tomorrow. I am planning a pot of grits with cheese in them for breakfast. I will feed the guards that are posted over the night in the morning. I am going to add them a PB and Jelly sandwich with the warm grits. Hope they like grits! ETA: Don't forget I am a paramedic and have lots of medical supplies with me, so just let me know if you want me to keep a check on the hurt young man. I can keep a watch on BP and heart rate and infection control issues as well. Glad nothing is broken. I would go ahead and give him some vitamins or herbs for infection. It can't hurt to take the precautions.

Our animals fared ok from the chaotic situation. We got them calmed back down after some time. DH did get a shot off on the wild dog. He shouldn't come around a wagon train again. I don't know who got kicked, but remember that I have extensive paramedic supplies if we need them. Just let me know. DH and I and the kids and PB and J sandwiches for supper as we are all really worn out. We plan to turn in early tonight. We will see everyone in the morning. Nite and Blessings to all, firegirl

DH and I made it up OK this morning. The kids were not happy to see the sun rise. My back is letting me know that the wagon is rough on it. Oh well, we all better get used to it. I am enjoying the scenery as we go along. I can't wait to see the snow-capped mountains up ahead. Hope everybody else is doing OK.

Will somebody please tell me where and how to join the chat on Monday? I haven't been on the chat board yet. Thanks, firegirl

Well, DH and I just completed putting the finishing touches on the packing. We did not get the extra wooden wagon, but everything fit pretty well. Dh and I did add the ERG (Emergency Response Guide), a wooden rocking chair and oil lamp that we found at the flea market today, and DH's meat saws. I forgot to mention that DH and I are certified Haz-Mat Technicians, so the ERG will provide safe isolation distances and emergency response information if the need arises and DH is a proficient meat cutter, being raised in the slaughterhouse with his dad, the meat cutter. The rocking chair is very comfortable for me even with my disabilities and the oil lamp is new, with a beautiful hob-nob design. The chair cost $20 and the oil lamp $5. The only thing is that we will look like the Clampets coming down the road with the rocking chair tied to the side of one of the wagons. It is so hard to leave the old homestead, but as the situation worsens, it is our only safe option. I look forward to seeing all of you tomorrow. I'm gonna' go now and get some rest before the start of the big journey. Blessings, firegirl

Well, I am back to the two wagons. A lady down the road has a wooden wagon with rubber tires. I am going to try to barter many of the items we have to leave behind for the wagon. If so, I will take the older horse and instead of using him as a pack animal, I will hook him to the wagon. I have two partial rolls of barbed wire and lots of staples. I will pack these into a 5 gallon bucket for safety and this will provide some temporary fencing material for the animals. I also have two rolls of hardware cloth, so I will pack these for rabbit and chicken pens and a brooder when we get there. DH is packing the chickens and rabbits in large traps that he uses with his job. Therefore, we can trap for predators and for animals to eat when we arrive. He has 4 of them. I hope to add in a small trap or two for smaller animals. We have a scythe as well, so DH plans to take it. We have lots of canned tuna, crab, and salmon. I weighed it, and should be able to take it and some jars of mayonnaise and relish. These aren't too heavy, so we can eat them along the way. I forgot last night to add several gallons of vinegar and the spices to make my good dill and bread and butter pickles. The one thing that I don't have is open-pollinated cucumber seed. Does anyone have any to carry so that we can have pickles next summer? I also didn't get a reply on the fruits, garlic, and asparagus? Should I waste my valuable time packaging them? One thing I have learned from my preparations, is that we must, by all means, work together with our plans for this journey. I have some things and others have different things. I want to understand our goals up front. Are we going to agree to share what we have with others to some degree or are we going to barter for everything? I just want to understand everything going in to it. Blessings, firegirl

My DH works for our county. Today, he called and asked me to bring the truck and trailer to the landfill. They had the pipeline people that are leaving the county bring in huge oak planks that look like crossties, but haven't been treated with anything. He saved out the best 4 to use for poles for his new shelter he is adding to the barn for equipment storage. The rest he began cutting up for firewood. It is cured wood and looks real nice. I hope to go and get one or two more loads on Tuesday. Note-these timbers were used for the pipeline crews to put down over wet areas and drive their equipment over. They are hooked together in slabs of 5 with a huge metal pin on each end. I plan to sell the big heavy pins for scrap metal when he is done and pay on my Christmas layaway with it.

Aren't I correct in that I can take 3 wagons? If so, I am going to add more cases of canned foods with t-shirts (that I found at the local IGA store for $1 each) wrapped around them to keep them from breaking and I got 3 packages of tube socks in which I can put a jar to keep it safe and have the extra socks when we get there. I am also going to get the lard canned up that I am rendering from the butchered pig. I will also add lye and my pot for making goat's milk soap. I forgot to add in before my binder with many instructions on the old ways of doing things. DH and I decided to can most of the butchered pig, so this will provide meat for the trip. I told DH to go ahead and get a deer soon, and I will make jerky from most of it and will grind some for ground beef for the trip. I also forgot to add in the axe, which we most certainly will need to chop firewood. I will be able to stick in my tote that is full of detergent makin' supplies as well. DH is adding in his extensive collection of nails, bolts, and screws. I am trying to decide if I dig up several of the blueberry bushes, grape vines, and gather some garlic bulbs and asparagus crowns and trim the tops off each of them and then put them in gallon ziplock bags with moist potting soil if we can get through the journey with starts for fruits, garlic, and asparagus? What do you think? ETA: We will also stick the extra saddle and blankets and combs/brushes/medicines in the 3rd wagon. Oh, no!!! I just got the message about being ready on Sunday night. We haven't even killed the pig yet. Well, I know what we will be doing tomorrow. Dh will pick up his final check in the morning, so we will work in the wee hours of the mornings until we get everything loaded and on the wagons. We gonna have to pick up that third wagon in the morning as well. We can't get another team of oxen that quick, so I guess horses will do for us on that wagon.

CrabGrass, Thanks for the offer of using your buck. That will save us the expense now of one. I have extra chickens as well, so if anyone else needs a cage of hens and a rooster, just let me know, and I will be glad to share. I am considering what to do about a water filter. We don't currently have one, but I thought today that my family will need one and extra filters for the trip.

OK, I think I am ready to get packed for the journey ahead. I get 2 wagons (or is it 3) as DH and I need them to haul our kids and stuff in. People: DH and I, 2 DS, 3 DD We choose oxen to pull our wagons. Animals: 2 horses, one we will pack with, DD and I will take turns riding the other. 2 nubian does(don't have these yet, but a girl down the road has extras I can buy for the trip) and 1 buck, 2 does and 1 buck rabbit in a cage tied to the side of one wagon. 3 banty hens and 1 rooster in a cage tied to the side of one wagon to hatch chicks with. A cage on the other wagon with 6 hens and 1 rooster that lay large eggs. The gilt pig and steer (will butcher him after arriving west and fatten him back up some). Our Brittney Spaniel, our german sheppard mix (both good watchdogs, and my dashhound (sp) just cause she is part of the family. Foods: 8 boxes of canned veggies, fruits, jams, jellies (boxes stuffed with wash cloths and dish rags, jars can be reused to can in when we get the garden going), 6 bags of vacumn-pkged coffee (so that we can all get along with DH in the mornings), sugar, wheat berries, corn meal, rice, black-eyed peas, bullion cubes, pinto beans, cocoa powder, lemon juice, yeast, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pepper, tea bags, barley, assortment of open-pollinated seeds, 2 cases of peanut butter to eat on the trail. Clothing: 7 outfits each, extra jackets, boots/shoes, sewing supplies. Medical: paramedic jump bag stocked with extra bandages and OTC meds, herbal healing book, herb seeds to start new herbal garden when we get there. (will add some mole-skin to barter to all of you with the blisters on the feet). Cooking: rack for fire, canner stuffed with extra lids, sure-jell, 2 cast-iron frying pans, 3 pots, 2 mixing bowls, 2 bread pans, SS stock pot, metal pie pans to eat out of, forks, knives, a couple of spoons, coffee perculator. Other: DH will wear his police issue pistol and boot holster with spare pistol. Horse will carry rifle, each wagon will also have a rifle and/or shotgun. Ammo will be sealed in a 5-gallon bucket. 2 oil lanterns, extra wicks, 4 gallons of lamp oil, solar/hand crank flashlight/radio, 2 favorite cookbooks, Bible, Baptist Hymnal, goat hoof clippers, milking pail, udder cleaning and sanitizing soap, plastic tote with cross-stitch fabric, needles, floss, booklets, hoe, post-hole diggers, shovel, hand meat grinder, hand grinder for grains, plunger to wash clothes with, wash tub, dazey butter churn, great-grandma's manual coffee grinder, hand-cranked food chopper, solar shower, barrel of water for drinking, 3 gallons of bleach, hand-pump, we plan to tie some 1 1/4" pvc pipe to the inside top of one of the wagons with a can of blue glue and connectors in a gallon zip-loc baggie. DH's mandolin. A plastic tote filled with Angel-soft TP, toothbrushes, soap, toothpaste. Both wagons will be lined in the bottom with pillows and quilts/comforters/sleeping bags. (The horse saddle bags will carry fishing hooks, line, and weights, matches vacumn-sealed in a plastic bag, extra wicks for lanterns, 4 rolls of duct tape) and a rolled sleeping bag. The pack horse will carry 4 rolled tarps, extra socks, underwear, clothespins and roll of sturdy rope. We have a small pot-bellied stove, so if it will fit in one of the wagons, and will not overload it, we plan to carry it for the new house. Skills we bring to the wagontrain: DH: security, firefighter, EMT, former well driller, farmer, strong back, carpenter, mandolin player, hunting/fishing. Me: paramedic, firefighter, soapmaking, animal husbandtry, sewing, cross-stitching, milking, cooking from scratch, canning, hunting/fishing.