APOCALYPSE, ARE YOU READY?

The noise of the Bombardier was the only thing disturbing the snowy white wilderness, the constant drone of the diesel engine carried for miles. No matter, they were all alone. There wasn't another soul to be found... quite possibly anywhere for thousands of miles. Their's was a solitary tracked vehicle, north bound, headed away from the destruction.

Just days before, the terrorists had finally succeeded, Jihad had reached American soil once again. The first detonation occurred on the west coast. A ship that was just entering one of the largest shipping ports in the world vaporized into the largest recorded mushroom cloud humanity has ever witnessed. Long Beach and a good sized portion of Southern California no longer exists. It was returned to the sea, by way of the crater left from the monumental blast.

The ship in question was of Yemen origin, supposedly cleared for entry from international waters 12 miles out. It was suspected that our own GPS system was the triggering device, as this smaller container vessel was manned by a crew with proper clearances. They were totally unaware the cargo containers were rigged to explode at the one mile marker, requiring no action from anyone on board.

Within seconds a barge tied up near Annapolis Maryland vanished as well. Taking with it most of Washington D.C. and every member of Congress that was unlucky enough to be on duty at the time. Theory has it that satellite communications were used to simultaneously connect the two detonations together.

In that one fateful moment the leadership of the country and 30% of commerce no longer existed. The resulting aftermath crippled the rest of the country in a matter of days. Ports shut down, the military moved in and set up marshal law, the country quickly became an isolated island protecting its borders from any further intrusions.

Sadly this also eliminated the oil imports that are required to keep the trucks rolling. Since the dust bowl era, we have become a country of cities. Populations all condensed to the point any notion of self sufficiency would be impossible. When people get hungry, they get desperate. Mob mentality takes over and it becomes every man for himself in their panic to find food.

Normal inclination would have survivors heading south, to warmer climates and hopefully some sort of refuge. That's the hope of this small band of survivors winding their way toward the Canadian border.

What the rest of the population hasn't realized is that with everyone headed the same, and seemingly easier direction, there wouldn't be a food supply. Fallout from the western detonation polluted the water, poisoned the crops, and sickened livestock and wild game.

Anything that happens on the west coast travels eastward. Within a few days the whole country will be suffering the effects. The jet stream does a marvelous job of distributing the biological agents that were part of the terrorist's plans. Heading south is a dead end choice. A fact capitalized on by those hell bent on crushing the American invaders that came for their oil.

Crossing the border into Canada is a simple matter. During the winter months avoiding the normal entry points is a matter of turning the skis of your snowmobile north, pretty much anywhere.

This singular machine, heavily loaded and pulling a large and equally loaded sled easily and quickly finds its way well into the Canadian wilderness. Headed for a safe and secure predetermined location, where they can reestablish a simpler but normal life. Everything they need is waiting for them, all they have to do is get there.

Survival takes preparation. When he saw the economy nose diving and concerns of a serious attack on the homeland becoming a reality, the plan that was devised many years ago was set into action. It was the only thing that would ensure the survival of his family. Realizing their situation could easily become a repeat of Noah's experience during the flood, he even considered the need to repopulate the planet if they were to become the lone survivors.

They were a family of four, husband, wife, one 10 year old daughter from natural birth and an adopted son of 14. From the very first, family values were a top priority. To survive they all needed to be on the same page when it comes to working together. Home schooling provided a good foundation, they were comfortable being together as a unit for weeks at a time.

The family truck and equipment trailer was abandoned at the end of the road where they unloaded the tracked conveyance that would deliver them to the solitude and safety of the wilderness. To ensure it wouldn't attract curious survivors, with intentions of commandeering supplies, they torched the abandoned rigs before departing into the forest. With almost daily snowfall, it would only be a short period before any trace of their route would disappear from sight. Being swallowed by your surroundings is easy this far north.

With them they brought what they needed for this only opportunity for a fresh start. They had axes, bow saws, splitting wedges and a variety of carpentry tools adequate to build a log cabin. It's called the north woods for a reason, all the materials needed to build their new abode are right there where they need them.

A large canvas Yurt would provide temporary shelter during the construction of a more permanent dwelling.

Beyond a years supply of dry goods, they have seeds. Many seeds, for a wide variety of crops. Fresh garden vegetables have been the mainstay of their diet. Canning, preserving, dehydrating, even their growing techniques include a small greenhouse equipped with everything for hydroponics gardening.

For protein there will be fish, well stocked fresh water lakes are everywhere. Snares and traps will provide small game. It's said rabbit tastes just like chicken, in short order they will find out.

The key to long term survival is to eliminate the need for supplies that will run out. Guns are great meat providers for the short term, but eventually you will need more bullets.

With more than adequate diesel fuel, arriving at their destination is pretty well assured. After constructing their new compound, eventually the fuel will run out. When that time comes their most precious possessions will be pressed into service. Three sled dogs, two females and one male, are safely contained in insulated compartments on the rear deck of the Bombardier. Hopefully the team will fill out before the tanks run dry on their vehicle.

That's the scenario. One family with the foresight to think outside the box. Is it a realistic approach? Could they really fare better going north? Ask yourself, is this a pipe dream or could it be done?

It's happening right now as you read this, native people are surviving and thriving well north of modern civilization. It's not a flashy life, and it does require a lot of work. Is it doable? Absolutely.

The question is, "Are you smart enough to leave herd mentality behind and think for yourself, or will you follow everyone else, like sheep to slaughter".