I followed Joy around, with the men in tow, and we got everyone properly introduced.
Vlad, in predictable fashion, introduced himself to Kris’s sister straight off.
“You’re even prettier than Lance has described to me!” he began.
“Why does everyone keep doing this to me?” I asked. “No, I didn’t describe you in detail and only said you were pretty when Vlad asked.”
She blushed, and everyone, including our new guests, got some fun at our expense.
“Let it be known (especially you, Vlad, and David) that from this point forward, if I attempt to describe anyone, man or woman, I will fully expect you to stop me by any means necessary. Are we agreed, gentlemen?” I said.
“I’ll agree,” said David. “But only because you’re leaving! Otherwise, it would be too fun to give up.”
“And Vlad?” I asked.
“Me—you know I do what I do. No promises here, either!”
Now everyone was laughing.
“As fun and awkward as this conversation is becoming,” interjected Mike, “Sheila and I have an announcement. We have become friends, if you will, with both groups here, and we discussed the possibilities of both asking to stay on here and moving down the road to Saddle Ranch. We have decided to continue with the original journey and see that those heading north get there in one piece. Once there, we will make further plans on how to raise Javi and give him the best shot at a prosperous life.”
Joy and I were relieved to hear their decision to continue with us.
* * * *
I wasn’t looking forward to crossing the river again with the trailers, but this time we would have more help if needed.
It was decided by all that we would stay one more day and get the trailers across the bridge tomorrow. Several of us would sleep on the trailers with the dogs overnight. Then we would head out early the following day.
I prayed with Joy this night that we were doing the right thing by continuing the journey.
As hard as it would be, we knew it was the right choice.
* * * *
“Last day,” I called out, waking up early the next morning. “Let’s get these trailers ready to move.”
The camp was busy, with people loading supplies and packing up everything but the bare essentials needed for the next 24 hours.
Lucy, along with Lonnie’s wife, volunteered to clean out our porta potty before the trip. We all knew it needed to be done but they were the first to step up.
I got a pass from driving the trailers over, due to my leg injury.
Lonnie, Jake and Mike all took turns, making sure to keep everything as dry as possible and not get stuck.
I rode passenger on the last one, thankful the kids weren’t around to see the bodies of the pseudo-soldiers near the river. I had offered to help David with them, but he said they would take care of it.
As we popped up on the other side of the river and up the road, I wanted to check out the Airstream trailer.
“I can’t believe we didn’t think to grab a few of these on the way,” I told Shane. “We probably drove right past a few dealerships on our way up here.”
“Come on in,” he said, opening the door.
The smell hit me first before I could see anything. It was sweat and food…and feet! Like my boys in summer at the end of a long day outdoors.
“It smells terrible in here!” I said.
“Didn’t use to be that bad, but the generator gave out on us a few days back,” replied Shane.
“Maybe just crack a window,” I joked.
“Yeah, guess you just kind of get used to it after a while.”
“I vote we all get in one last dunk in the lake before the end of the day,” I added.
* * * *
The groups were now divided for the rest of the day, as our trailers needed constant supervision. Most adults pitched in so we could all get some time to say good-bye to our friends, both old and new.
David and Tina invited Joy and me, along with our boys, up to their new house for tea and snacks.
Our boys were going to miss Veronica and Suzie, and so would Joy and I. If Tina hadn’t stepped in and taken care of them, they would be coming with us. Though I hadn’t known them long, it felt like I was leaving part of my family behind.
“You girls are going to do great here,” I told them.
“Yes, we are,” replied Veronica.
David and I sat on the back porch with my one glass of Scotch, having to be pre-approved by Nancy due to my antibiotics regiment recently.
“It’s been good having you guys here,” David said.
“It will be interesting to see if we ever cross paths again,” I replied.
We both sat quietly, listening to the wind in the trees.
“Did you get everything you wanted in trade?” I asked.
“Almost, brother.”
“Almost, huh? What did we miss?” I asked.
“I was kind of hoping for one of the Indians.”
“You want a bike?”
“I like to ride, and the four-wheelers are practical but nothing beats a true classic.”
“I’ll talk to the guys,” I told him.
* * * *
We had a final meeting with just our group tonight, laying out our plans for tomorrow morning and looking at the map. We decided on gifts for David, Mel and Beatrice, to be presented in the morning.
I slept on the open flatbed trailer with Lonnie, Vlad and Jake, while our new additions slept inside the Airstream.
We ended up splitting the dogs, with us taking Ringo, leaving Mini with Joy and the boys.
I never expected to be sleeping on this side of the river, but here we
