Near the outhouse deep tire tracks rutted the snow, indicating Jon’s black Jeep had left.
That realization propelled her into action as she nearly dov e for the fire. Finding a snow-encrusted metal cup perched on a rock near the fireplace she used her glove as a hot pad and tipped the pot with shaking fingers. Tia blew at the hot liquid until unable to restrain herself. She swallowed the burning fluid, choking as it scalded her throat.
After the reviving drink Tia immediately made for the tents, picking the canvas shelter immediately to her right. Mounting the single wooden step, she unzipped the canvas door and peered into the dim interior. A blue down sleeping bag spread invitingly upon a low cot was accompanied by a plain white pillow and guarded by a large metal army trunk resting at the foot. A red-checked flannel shirt and pair of blue snow pants hung above the cot, and without a moment’s compunction, Tia unzipped her thin parka and removed her blue stripped wool sweater before slipping the cotton shirt on underneath. She opened the green trunk and plucked out a blue fleece vest, a pair of men’s long underwear, and several pairs of thermal socks.
Tia sank down upon the cot and unlaced her soggy boots, rubbing her numb toes vigorously with a small terrycloth towel until she could feel them tingling again. Discarding her soggy socks, she enclosed her feet first with two pairs of thermal socks before adding a thick wool set over the top. Removing her pants she scooted into the too big underwear, blessing their rough warmth under her now snug pants. Layering was everything in this climate. Tia wiped her boots thoroughly with a towel, trying to remove any excess moisture before reluctantly sliding her chilly feet back inside. The boots were tight but bearable and would have to do.
Donning the fleece vest over the flannel shirt and wool sweater, the thin parka already felt much wa rmer. Tia would have pulled on snow pants, but they appeared way too long and baggy and she hoped the long underwear would suffice. She scrounged through the trunk again and finally found a big pair of waterproof thermal mittens. Though way too big, by placing them over her wool gloves they might prove adequate for the hike back to her cabin. A strong flashlight lay nestled near a green wool blanket and Tia fingered the torch before settling it into her coat pocket. In her hurry she nearly missed the large Bowie knife housed in a shiny brown leather sheath on an adjustable belt. She grabbed it, thanking the Lord for small favors. Now if she could just find some food.
Returning outside the tent Tia tried to open the metal trunk located on the makeshift deck, but it was securely locked with a large silver padlock. Jon was no fool. One didn’t leave any foodstuff outside to entice the bears or lesser creatures.
Maybe the other tent might offer something to eat. A twin to the other, it housed a similar low cot and down sleeping bag. An oval mirror hung from a strap and a small table loaded with photographic equipment leaned against the canvas wall across from the bed. This was obviously Jon’s tent. Tia leaned under the metal table and pulled out the small metal trunk she found there. Inside were more photographic supplies such as extra lenses and film, set next to a couple of heavy wool blankets and extra snow gear, which included goggles. Tia grabbed the goggles, knowing they could be crucial in the storm.
As she thrust aside the blankets, a couple packets of beef jerky appeared and Tia grabbed the m up in joy. A large thermos rested on the table, as well as an empty denim backpack, and Tia rapidly packed, stowing all the gear she’d collected. She’d fill the thermos with more hot water for the long hike back to her cabin. A first aid kit hung near the mirror and Tia, finding some pressure bandages, took several in the hopes Sugar would allow her to tend to his wounds. Unfortunately, Jon didn’t appear to have a short-wave.
Certain
That realization propelled her into action as she nearly dov e for the fire. Finding a snow-encrusted metal cup perched on a rock near the fireplace she used her glove as a hot pad and tipped the pot with shaking fingers. Tia blew at the hot liquid until unable to restrain herself. She swallowed the burning fluid, choking as it scalded her throat.
After the reviving drink Tia immediately made for the tents, picking the canvas shelter immediately to her right. Mounting the single wooden step, she unzipped the canvas door and peered into the dim interior. A blue down sleeping bag spread invitingly upon a low cot was accompanied by a plain white pillow and guarded by a large metal army trunk resting at the foot. A red-checked flannel shirt and pair of blue snow pants hung above the cot, and without a moment’s compunction, Tia unzipped her thin parka and removed her blue stripped wool sweater before slipping the cotton shirt on underneath. She opened the green trunk and plucked out a blue fleece vest, a pair of men’s long underwear, and several pairs of thermal socks.
Tia sank down upon the cot and unlaced her soggy boots, rubbing her numb toes vigorously with a small terrycloth towel until she could feel them tingling again. Discarding her soggy socks, she enclosed her feet first with two pairs of thermal socks before adding a thick wool set over the top. Removing her pants she scooted into the too big underwear, blessing their rough warmth under her now snug pants. Layering was everything in this climate. Tia wiped her boots thoroughly with a towel, trying to remove any excess moisture before reluctantly sliding her chilly feet back inside. The boots were tight but bearable and would have to do.
Donning the fleece vest over the flannel shirt and wool sweater, the thin parka already felt much wa rmer. Tia would have pulled on snow pants, but they appeared way too long and baggy and she hoped the long underwear would suffice. She scrounged through the trunk again and finally found a big pair of waterproof thermal mittens. Though way too big, by placing them over her wool gloves they might prove adequate for the hike back to her cabin. A strong flashlight lay nestled near a green wool blanket and Tia fingered the torch before settling it into her coat pocket. In her hurry she nearly missed the large Bowie knife housed in a shiny brown leather sheath on an adjustable belt. She grabbed it, thanking the Lord for small favors. Now if she could just find some food.
Returning outside the tent Tia tried to open the metal trunk located on the makeshift deck, but it was securely locked with a large silver padlock. Jon was no fool. One didn’t leave any foodstuff outside to entice the bears or lesser creatures.
Maybe the other tent might offer something to eat. A twin to the other, it housed a similar low cot and down sleeping bag. An oval mirror hung from a strap and a small table loaded with photographic equipment leaned against the canvas wall across from the bed. This was obviously Jon’s tent. Tia leaned under the metal table and pulled out the small metal trunk she found there. Inside were more photographic supplies such as extra lenses and film, set next to a couple of heavy wool blankets and extra snow gear, which included goggles. Tia grabbed the goggles, knowing they could be crucial in the storm.
As she thrust aside the blankets, a couple packets of beef jerky appeared and Tia grabbed the m up in joy. A large thermos rested on the table, as well as an empty denim backpack, and Tia rapidly packed, stowing all the gear she’d collected. She’d fill the thermos with more hot water for the long hike back to her cabin. A first aid kit hung near the mirror and Tia, finding some pressure bandages, took several in the hopes Sugar would allow her to tend to his wounds. Unfortunately, Jon didn’t appear to have a short-wave.
Certain
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