Silent Fury...

[ManicManiac]

@Leeanda

I think I do have one or two... 🤭 but honestly, I wasn't planning on bringing them.

I was panning to save them for Keeper's Pass and Blackrock.
Since I have a decent amount of experience with Bleak Inlet, where as Blackrock and Keeper's Pass... I have almost none.

[Leeanda]

Just now, ManicManiac said:

@Leeanda

I think I do have one or two... 🤭 but honestly, I wasn't planning on bringing them.

I was panning to save them for Keeper's Pass and Blackrock.
Since I have a decent amount of experience with Bleak Inlet, where as Blackrock and Keeper's Pass... I have almost none.

There's usually a few there isn't there? At least on pilgrim there is.  But if they're in short supply maybe take one for dire emergencies only.  Or a few stims?  

Keepers shouldn't be that bad , hopefully. But  blackrock is ..well blackrock!!!!🙂. 

 

[James Hickok]

9 hours ago, Leeanda said:

Keepers shouldn't be that bad , hopefully. But  blackrock is ..well blackrock!!!!🙂.

Keepers pass almost killed my longest living character (managed 748 days loper) when Blackrock was introduced.

I was stranded in a canyon situated high up near builder's bridge. The game fixated to kill me then and there and hit with insane blizzard that lasted for 10 hours or so, changing wind direction constantly and after the blizzard ended i had aurora (couldnt risk going further in bcoz i had like 3 arrows on me and half of my health), then again blizzard during day and aurora in the night for 3 str8 days. Insane. I remember when it finally stopped i was out of fuel, health and food so i decided to run back to pleasant and went to Blackrock other time via TWM cave.

 

[Leeanda]

Just now, James Hickok said:

Keepers pass almost killed my longest living character (managed 748 days loper) when Blackrock was introduced.

I was stranded in a canyon situated high up near builder's bridge. The game fixated to kill me then and there and hit with insane blizzard that lasted for 10 hours or so, changing wind direction constantly and after the blizzard ended i had aurora (couldnt risk going further in bcoz i had like 3 arrows on me and half of my health), then again blizzard during day and aurora in the night for 3 str8 days. Insane. I remember when it finally stopped i was out of fuel, health and food so i decided to run back to pleasant and went to Blackrock other time via TWM cave.

 

When I meant not too bad I mean in terms of wolves.  The weather is of course appalling,it makes pv look like the Caribbean! 

[James Hickok]

Indeed it makes it look like that

[ManicManiac]

I spent the next couple of days fishing... but I also ended up taking a couple of risks.  I'm not sure if I was being bold or foolish. 🤭

I got an early start that morning, and put in eight hours towards fishing.  Naturally my first attempt resulted in a line break almost immediately after starting.  To make matters worse, the day's catch was rather scant (only 5 fish caught in 8 hours).  Since the fishing was a disappointment... I decided I to try and sneak over to the deer carcass from a few days ago.  The potential problem was that the Crystal Lake wolves were still out in force.

I'd made it over to the carcass... but I quickly realized that I'd forgotten that all my skills were back at beginner.  
I had to try and quickly return to the Mountaineer's Hut.  I crept back out to the carcass, patiently waiting for a time when the other two wolves were farthest away before starting the three hour process.  I was hoping against hope that I would be able to finish the harvest and escape without incident.

Right as I was finishing up, I found that a blizzard had struck.  I didn't hesitate, I just turned around and started heading back to where I thought the pier would be...



It was terrifying... every step I was just hoping against hope that I could make it to back to the Mountaineer's Hut without getting ambushed.  I was certain that every wolf in a 2 square km area are likely very quickly heading my way, and I knew I had at least two that must be already following close behind.   

I managed to make it through the door (slamming it shut behind me) and escape the mauling that I was certain had been stalking closer out there in the blinding storm.  The next morning, I was surprise when I was greeted by even more wolves out on Crystal Lake than usual!

I don't know if they had been drawn down from behind the hill (thanks to my pack full of nearly rancid meat), or if it was just a coincidence that a second little pack wandered down from the hillside to make the lake even busier than normal.

The fishing was much better through the day, but when I finished I found that at least two of the wolves had been circling around the fishing hut.  I decided to take another (perhaps foolish) risk.  I poked my head out, prompting at least one wolf to start stalking... rather than trying to make a run for home again.  I quickly dropped all the fish, and crouched... stones at the ready.  I was sure I could hurl a stone right into a wolf's face should it appear in the doorway.  However, much to my surprise... the wolf got skittish and fled.

 

It seems we ARE safe in fishing huts now (regardless of whether there is a door or not).
Personally I don't like that... so I'm just going to make sure I simply don't "exploit" that.

With the other two wolves having wondered a bit father away (and closer to their territory), I was able to get back to the Mountaineer's Hut.  Though I did end up leaving the fish behind for now (I can always haul them back to my main encampment another day).

Since the wolves from the hillside path have wandered down (at least for the day)... I decided I would assume that the back path was clear.  I decided I would quickly head back up that way to check to see if maybe there was a deer carcass I could scavenge off of.  As I crested the slope, it occurred to me that if I was wrong... I was about to get mauled.  


Thankfully, the way was clear... unfortunately, no ravaged deer carcass.  Oh well, it was worth a look.

As the night crawled across the sky, I took a moment to enjoy the beauty of the evening...

Later on that night, before bedding down... the weather took a rather drastic turn. 😖

Not a blizzard yet... but we'll have to see what develops by morning.

Now, time to start getting prepared for the trek to Bleak Inlet.

Edited June 28, 2022 by ManicManiac
fixing errors

[ManicManiac]

I think I've made up my mind on how I want to pack for the trip.

• Since I'm not restricting myself with regard to my food supply.  I will pack a few night's worth of food (just incase I get snowed in someplace along the way).
• As I backtrack along my route to Bleak Inlet, I'm going to gather up whatever coffee and ammunition I may have stashed along the way (I think I will finally work on getting my "Shot to the Heart" merit badge 🤭).
• I will also bring my nicest revolver, just for the timber wolves (maybe a moose, in the off chance it's not avoidable).
• Beyond that, I will stick with my bare essentials kit.

I remembered that I still have at least one more heavy pack's worth of gear and supplies up at the summit, but I think I will just leave it there for now.  I imagine I'll come back for it someday (assuming I survive).

I'll probably start my trek tomorrow.  For now, I'm just kind of thinking on it some more.
I don't anticipate needing any more than maybe two or three night's worth of food.  It's really just in case of emergency anyway.  By the time I get to the cannery... I think it's likely there will be a lot of wolf meat to sustain me (though of course that comes with it's own risk).  Perhaps take some more antibiotics then?  Hmm, I'll have to think about that. 

...more than 16 hours of ice fishing and I'm still just a beginner at it... would have thought I would have at least reached novice. 

Oh well... it's kind of fun keeping my skills low, and only using them as need dictates.

Edited June 29, 2022 by ManicManiac
fixing errors

[Leeanda]

If the t-wolves keep turning up like they did last time being wide awake with coffee might be a benefit. On the other hand, you might have to listen to that glitchy yapping all night🙂 

[ManicManiac]

I got up especially early, a couple of hours before dawn.  I quickly double checked my pack and set out for Bleak Inlet.

It didn't take long to make it back to Pleasant Valley... much to my surprise, it's actually being pleasant.  

Managed to find a little more food and some clothing items while passing through the crash site.

At Draft Dodger's Cabin, I dropped off a few of the extra gear and supplies I picked up along the way.

There's the Pleasant Valley I've come to know and love... bi-polar weather, turning on a dime.  

I had to be careful heading up the slopes but managed to safely make it back to Pensive Pond.

After carefully looking out for a bear and possibly some wolves as I crossed the bridge and following the back trail, I found myself sprinting through the cave (just to try and save lantern fuel) leading onward to Winding River.

Weather was starting to get a little worse as I made my way up Winding River... wolves were out too, so I decided to take the path up across the ridge.  This way, I was able to get off the ice and have a reasonably safe passage back to Carter Dam.


The snow fall was getting heavier, and the wind was picking up... almost feels like it's threatening a blizzard.

Crawling in through the window and back into the Dam was a welcome reprieve form the worsening weather.

I finally made it through the dam.  I'd spent a little more time than needed searching through a little more thoroughly (at least along the route I wanted to follow).  Weather seemed to be holding, but I was already exhausted and a little encumbered.  Even though I'd dropped off a fair amount there in the entryway... but the pack was still pretty heavy.

I don't want to fully unload until I can get back to the Camp Office (where I'll pare down again before moving on).  I took some time to carefully scout ahead... it was quickly getting dark, and the snowfall was getting heavier.  It was getting hard to see.  I managed to work the angles and goat up on to the rock formation that overlooks the trailers.  It was a good vantage point, but with the snowfall and dying light... it took me a few minutes to be sure I didn't see any menacing silhouettes skulking between the trailers.

Even though I wasn't sure... I felt I was sure enough.  Even so, I nervously crept outside the gate towards the bunkhouse trailer.  I think this is where I'd bed down for the night... 

by my estimation, I'm a little more than halfway back to Bleak Inlet.  I suppose it wasn't a very eventful leg of the journey (owed I suppose to hyper vigilance 🤭), but it has been a wonderful hike.

 

It was also pretty late when I started chronicling it... so I let the snapshots do most of the heavy lifting  

Edited June 30, 2022 by ManicManiac

[Leeanda]

Pv being pleasant?? That must be a bug😁.    It always seems to take less time to search the dam than it actually does. (Very odd)  But at least you're halfway to paradise.  Sorry meant bleak!😁

Great pics,whatever the reason🙂. 

Oh! And can I borrow that sewing book?  It's taking me ages to get my level up.

Edited June 30, 2022 by Leeanda

[ManicManiac]

@Leeanda
It's all yours... I'll leave it right there at Pensive Pond, you can pick it up when ever you'd like. 🤭

[Leeanda]

Just now, ManicManiac said:

@Leeanda
It's all yours... I'll leave it right there at Pensive Pond, you can pick it up when ever you'd like. 🤭

Thank you.  I might be a while though I'm in prison at the moment 😁

[ManicManiac]

@Leeanda
Doing some hard-time?  ...or just having a hard time? 😆
Blackrock... wow, I am looking forward to doing a lengthy exploration.
Hopefully I survive Bleak Inlet. 🤭

[Leeanda]

Just now, ManicManiac said:

@Leeanda
Doing some hard-time?  ...or just having a hard time? 😆
Blackrock... wow, I am looking forward to doing a lengthy exploration.
Hopefully I survive Bleak Inlet. 🤭

Judging by the weather I'm in for a hard time.  Day 1 blue sky. Day 2. What sky??  😁. So pretty normal for blackrock.  

So much loot though🙂 I was overburdened after two minutes 😁 

You're in for a  treat!!

 

 

[ManicManiac]

@Leeanda

Is it really true that Blackrock has taken the crown from Pleasant Valley for Worst Weather?  
If so, that's too bad... I always felt that was Pleasant Valley's strongest "personality trait."

[Leeanda]

Just now, ManicManiac said:

@Leeanda

Is it really true that Blackrock has taken the crown from Pleasant Valley for Worst Weather?  
If so, that's too bad... I always felt that was Pleasant Valley's strongest "personality trait."

I think it's the coldest and the most unpredictable but pv for me wins on the blizzards . They are longer and more frequent in my opinion.  Blackrock is however  harsher terrain to get lost in .

Edited June 30, 2022 by Leeanda

[conanjaguar]

Just wait until Perseverance Mills! I’m sure that Hinterland will make that place an absolute death trap.

[Leeanda]

Just now, conanjaguar said:

Just wait until Perseverance Mills! I’m sure that Hinterland will make that place an absolute death trap.

Due to the amount of people expected in story mode,I'm thinking it's going to be a cross between Milton and maybe coastal or desolation.at least in terms of terrain/housing.  Weather wise you might be right😁

[ManicManiac]

Certainly some good hypothesizing.

Hard to say though... personally, I try not to speculate too much about the next episode(s).  Though that's only because I find I'm happier when I let Hinterland surprise me. 🤭

Edited June 30, 2022 by ManicManiac

[Leeanda]

Just now, ManicManiac said:

Certainly some good hypothesizing.

Hard to say though... personally, I try not to speculate too much.  Though that's only because I find I'm happier when I let Hinterland surprise me. 🤭

I don't blame you. They certainly do like surprising us.   😁

[ManicManiac]

As soon as I woke the following morning, I carefully crept out of the trailer.  Tentatively looked around from the stoop, sitting still, and watching for any signs of movement.  After a couple of minutes, I stood up to get a slightly better view (also to draw out any wolves nearby that may have escaped my notice).  Fortunately, the way was clear, and I started making my way back for the Camp Office.

By the time I cut up the path to make my way through the forest, a fog began to roll in.

I decided to stop off at the Mystery Lake Overlook... the fog had gotten a little thicker.
Off in the distance, I could just barely make out the misty mountains...

Down below on the lake, it seems to be surprisingly still free of wolves... if that continues to hold true, I'd be tempted to spend a good deal of time here building up a food supply.  Though, maybe that will come later... for now I knew I had to stop by the camp office to drop any unnecessary gear and supplies.

Every time I approach, it feels like coming home.  

However, I didn't stay long.  I dropped pared down my pack and picked up some rifle ammunition.  Though I still don't plan on carrying a rifle just yet, I was toying with the idea of carrying them maybe as far as the cannery.  I don't know just yet.  After getting things situated, I carefully made my way along the tracks (though keeping a respectful distance in case of any wolves prowling along the opposite side).  Eventually made it to the tunnel leading to Forlorn Muskeg.  I admit to a little bit of hesitation... the last time I was there, I was struggling for my life. 🤭

As I arrived in Forlorn Muskeg, I carefully scouted the way ahead.  I remember that bear apparently makes it way down towards this end of the track.

It wasn't long before I could see the Poacher's Camp ahead.  About every three steps, I was making 360* turns to make sure the I didn't have any unwelcomed visitors creeping up on me.

I stopped by the Poacher's Camp, but just for a moment of reflection.  The last time I sat here, I was freezing and very nearly on Death's door.

As I continued on my way across the Muskeg, I thought I would try to retrace my steps as precisely as I could.  This is the soul that had left me the rifle... granted I didn't end up using it, but it was still a nice sense of security as I was slowly dying.  

As I continued onwards, I decided to stop off at the High Blind... found a few things, but ultimately left them behind.

The fog had gotten much denser...  It may be wisest to wait it out here for now.
While I'm sure I could "feel" my way through to the Old Spence Place... I knew I'd have almost no chance at spotting wolves.  Rather than risk another mauling... I'll stay put at the High Blind and see if fog will at least lighten up before dark.  If not... then I may have to bed down here.

Maybe erring a little too much on the side of caution... but It's only day 20, and the memory of that day one mauling is still pretty fresh in my mind.  

Edited July 1, 2022 by ManicManiac

[conanjaguar]

@ManicManiac

Reminds me of that John Carpenter movie: “The Fog”.
Substitute wolves for the zombie pirates and bingo! Your own horror movie.

[ManicManiac]

I spent some time sifting through my pack, trying to while away some time.  I picked out what I wanted to eat that evening, and more or less just whiled away the time.  Eventually the fog began to lift, and I knew I at least wanted to make it to the Old Spence Place before nightfall.

As I made my way further across the Muskeg, I was eventually able to spot it emerging from the fog.

As I got closer, I stopped by to visit the site of my mauling and ruined shed where I'd stopped to try and tend to the wounds.

I carefully approached the small barn.  It was already getting late into the evening, so I thought it best to settle in for the night.

 

Early the following morning, I carefully tried to make my way past the Bunkhouses.


However, as I made my way across the ice... I quickly discovered I wasn't the only one lurking about.  I wasn't really in a good position to fend off a wolf, so I fell back to the Old Spence Place for cover.

It seemed evident that I'd have to try to stick close to shore, rather than my usual path across the ice.

Thankfully, I was able to slip past without any more undue attention.  

Unfortunately, another dense fog seemed to be rolling in.

At this point, it seemed wiser to hole up in the nearby cave until the fog lifts.  The way to the Cave system leading to Bleak Inlet has a good chance of more wolves prowling around... better to wait, I figure.  Even if it means spending another night in Forlorn Muskeg.

[Leeanda]

7 minutes ago, ManicManiac said:

I spent some time sifting through my pack, trying to while away some time.  I picked out what I wanted to eat that evening, and more or less just whiled away the time.  Eventually the fog began to lift, and I knew I at least wanted to make it to the Old Spence Place before nightfall.

As I made my way further across the Muskeg, I was eventually able to spot it emerging from the fog.

As I got closer, I stopped by to visit the site of my mauling and ruined shed where I'd stopped to try and tend to the wounds.

I carefully approached the small barn.  It was already getting late into the evening, so I thought it best to settle in for the night.

 

Early the following morning, I carefully tried to make my way past the Bunkhouses.


However, as I made my way across the ice... I quickly discovered I wasn't the only one lurking about.  I wasn't really in a good position to fend off a wolf, so I fell back to the Old Spence Place for cover.

It seemed evident that I'd have to try to stick close to shore, rather than my usual path across the ice.

Thankfully, I was able to slip past without any more undue attention.  

Unfortunately, another dense fog seemed to be rolling in.

At this point, it seemed wiser to hole up in the nearby cave until the fog lifts.  The way to the Cave system leading to Bleak Inlet has a good chance of more wolves prowling around... better to wait, I figure.  Even if it means spending another night in Forlorn Muskeg.

Blimey that fog seems like it's following you!  Not sure if it's better than blizzards when it's that thick. 

[ManicManiac]

I waited out the fog for a few hours, and eventually it did recede.  I figured at this point it was likely that would be spending the night at the far end of the transition cave.

 

The blind hill leading up to the transition cave was terrifying to work my way up, not being able to hear anything meant a real possibility of ambush.

It seems I was right to wait... it looks like the area around the transitions cave is being prowled by wolves."

I was able to keep low and slip past... onward into the cave.

Finding this unfortunate soul was startling to find the first time... seeing it again, it's just as unsettling.

Back to where the run began.  It's nearly evening, I decided to scout ahead... but I'd already decided I'd be spending the night there in the transition cave.

And this is what I find first thing as I search around the area... clearly a message that this region isn't messing around; this place is going to be dangerous.

It was at this point, I noped right back to the transition cave... the last thing I need would be to get caught out here after dark.  

I chugged down three sodas and bedded down for the night, ready to take on Bleak Inlet early the next morning.

However, when I woke up and poked my head out...

...of course...