...Memory Lane...

[Leeanda]

2 minutes ago, ManicManiac said:

@Leeanda

Oh, well if I could send it off to you, I would.
However, the bow is about only thing I plan on taking back out with me (along with the ammunition perhaps).

I don't plan on carrying around with my everywhere, but likely to stash it at the Camp Office in Mystery Lake (for future use).

Well I appreciate the thought...  oh well, no harm in being cheeky daft😂

[ManicManiac]

I'll have to be mindful of how much time I take for this last cave system.
I'm nearly out of lower condition food (50% or worse).  If I stay in the region for perhaps more than two or three more days, I'd have to start eating into the reserve supplies I've managed to build up.  🤔

 

[ManicManiac]

I ended up having to spend the night at my primary encampment, but early the next morning went to finish exploring the Ice Caves.

The weather was feeling a bit rough and threatening a blizzard, so I went back to take another two-hour nap.

Thankfully, the weather cleared.

Seems that Scruffy wasn't home today... Which I'm thankful for.  This would have been a really tricky space to try and evade and avoid in.

I did head back to check on the Memento Cache (some useful materials but not really notable for my purposes on this run).

Headed back down to my primary encampment at the cave near Stairsteps Lake to a final sort and stow.

Now, it's just time to get ready to head out of the region tomorrow.

[ManicManiac]

The next region on the list for going down Memory Lane: Bleak Inlet.
 

... 🤔 ...

I have a plan...

[Leeanda]

🤣🤣

[ManicManiac]

After careful consideration, I decided I would challenge the meme...
I intend to take on and explore Bleak Inlet in its entirety.  However, I will not bring any weapons at all with me for defense against the Timberwolves.

I know I can evade an avoid all the Timberwolf packs except for in the cannery itself.  The cannery compound will be the biggest hurdle... and escaping that area will likely be the deadliest risk.

 Looking forward to it.

 

[ManicManiac]

Today's the day.  I decided I was going to start out this morning from Hushed River Valley, and that I wouldn't rest until I reached the Camp Office back on Mystery Lake.

[ManicManiac]

Early this morning, I picked up Woodwright's Bow, the two arrows I'd found, the arrow crafting stuff I'd found, refilled my storm lantern, and set out to leave Hushed River Valley...

I was able to manage navigating the cave without using my lantern... I figured it would be best to try and conserve lantern fuel.  I know I'll have the opportunity to pickup more supplies from my encampments I've left along the way, but still... I'd rather not use up any resources if I don't really need to.

Once I arrived in Mountain Town, I decided to take the safest... and reasonably direct route between my secondary and primary encampments before heading onward to Mystery Lake.

Ah, Mystery Lake...
It always feels like a Homecoming whenever I come back here.
However, this was not much time before nightfall... and the weather had been threatening a blizzard since I'd made it to the limbing area back in Mountain Town.  I had to finish the hard push for the Camp Office.

The Trapper's Homestead, always a site for sore eyes... but I'd have to visit there some other time.

Hmm... two wolves prowling by the train tracks.  I'll have to take the route past Dead Fall.  I'm already exhausted from the climbs on the way out of Moutain Town.  Wiser, I think to just give them a wide berth and walk on by.

A wolf to my left (heading towards me), there ahead was the Dead Fall cabin (or at least what's left of it).

It was getting darker rather quickly... but the weather was holding.

The Mystery Lake Camp Office...  always feels as welcoming as an old friend.

I felt my way upstairs in the dark, found my familiar warm bed, ate, drank, and quickly fell into a deep sleep.

I'll do a quick sort and stow in the morning.  I want to leave the bow and arrows here for another time.  For the journey to Bleak Inlet... I'm still determined to go without any weapons at all.

Edited August 26, 2023 by ManicManiac

[J.W.P]

I love dark wing duck 

[J.W.P]

[ManicManiac]

When I got up and took a look around the Camp Office, I found that someone had left me some supplies!
Molly must have felt bad when she found out she'd stollen my water supply from my encampment at Grey Mother's old place.   

All things considered, more than a fair trade. 🤭
Thank you, Molly... wherever you are. 

[ManicManiac]

By the time I was done searching through the Camp Office again and doing a final sort & stow... it was already early in the afternoon.  I decided I would try to get to Bleak Inlet's upper shelf before dark.

I'd sprained my wrist on the slopes just coming out of the woods, so I decided to take a couple hour's rest.  I'm not about to waste a bandage when I can just sleep it off.  

However, Great Bear Island decided it was going to punish me for it...
I decided to tank the blizzard... I wasn't going to spend an extra night in Mystery Lake if it wasn't necessary.  I also figured I'd probably find some cloth/leather in Bleak Inlet to mend up whatever damage to my clothing the storm could inflict. 

Once I got to the bottom of the Raven Falls Ravine, I decided it was better to wait out the storm from there.

Edited September 2, 2023 by ManicManiac

[ManicManiac]

Day 100 and entering Bleak Inlet with no weapons...
I did allow myself one marine flare, but that's only as a last ditch.
I did forget to grab a regular flare with me for the workshop, so I have to hope I find one somewhere in Bleak Inlet.  That could be a problem... if I can't find a flare for the workshop, then I'll have to pick up stones. 

[Addendum]
I acknowledge that (strictly speaking) the prybar can be used as a defensive weapon in a struggle... however, I've only brought it for locked trunks and lockers.  If I do end up in a struggle... it's going to be bare hands only.  

Edited September 3, 2023 by ManicManiac

[ManicManiac]

It was a rough and uncertain day in Bleak Inlet.  
I'd gotten an early start out of the bottom of Raven Falls Ravine...

It was time to steel my nerves and head into Bleak Inlet...

And just as the sun was coming up... a very dense fog rolled in. 😖
I have to keep a sharp ear... the Timberwolves could be skulking around anywhere.

I decided it would be wise to wait here for a while.  I was very much hoping, the fog would lift soon.

Thankfully, it did.  

There was no rope at the climbing area.  While there was a good chance I'd find one either in the tower or the Echo One Radio Tower's control station, I knew that couldn't necessarily be counted on.  However, I also knew a way to goat down from the upper shelf (if push came to shove).

I spotted the first Timberwolf pack of the day... I kept low and watched them pass by.  I needed to know how many there were in the group, and if any had a habit of wandering off from the rest.  That would be crucial if I found myself needing to slip by them again.

I kept an eye on the Timberwolves while I made my way up the Pensive Lookout.  They seemed to be prowling around that area a rock formation from back the way I came.  Hopefully they would keep milling around there a while.

Nice... this should come in handy.

I decided to leave the Mackinaw Jacket and the cooking flower behind in the tower.  It would be easy enough to pick them up some other time (should they be needed).

I made my way back down and deployed the rope... however, I've lost sight of the Timberwolf Pack.
I stayed put for a few minutes hoping I might spot them milling around, but I didn't see hide nor hair.

This would make trying to get to the Echo One Radio Tower's control station very tricky... there was a lot of blind spots on the way down the path.  So, rather than risk it... I decided to take a bit of a longer way around.  This would afford me some potentially better vantages if the pack had taken the back path back down that way.

This stop-off was rather profitable.  I'd found at least enough food for a good night's sleep to add to the few days' worth of supplies I'd brought with me.  The part that troubled me was that the weather was starting to take a turn.  The wind was starting to kick up, and it was just beginning to snow.

I won't lie... all these blind corners are terrifying.  With the wind kicking up... I wouldn't be able to hear any wolfish footsteps.  I'd have to proceed very slowly and cautiously.  I was sure I'd caught a glimpse of a Timberwolf in the area just ahead.  The weather was getting worse, and I was actually starting to get a little cold.

No sooner had I rounded the bend that heavy blizzard hit.  I'd managed to make my way around up on top of the log retaining walls.  If there were Timberwolves up ahead... then there was a good chance this might be my end.  I took a moment to try and see through the storm (to no avail), settle my nerves and press onward.

I'd passed by the abandoned cars... I was already starting to freeze to death, and at risk for hypothermia.  I'd have to try to check the cars tomorrow.  I kept low and continued pressing onward.

With the storm raging on... I knew this would be my shelter for the night.

Found a few more clothing items I don't need, a little more food (though mostly ruined), and the code for the workshop.

Tomorrow, I'll have to get back up to Pensive Lookout to drop off some of the stuff I won't be needing to haul around with me... and then make my way down the climb.  There's a good chance the Timberwolves will be prowling around a different part of their territory by morning.  Needless to say, I'll need to be especially careful on the way back.

[ManicManiac]

I decided to take a closer look around the Echo One Radio Tower before trying to head up the "backtrail" to return to Pensive Lookout.

Found an emergency stim... must have missed it when I was searching around yesterday evening.  Even though I have no plans to use it... it's still always good to have these kinds of things in case of emergency.

Perfect!    Now I have the flare I wanted to help ensure I can get in and out of the Cannery Workshop without having to harm Fluffy (or more importantly, be harmed by her).

It was a rather cold morning... but the view was gorgeous.

I stop back inside to try and warm up a bit before committing to trekking up the backtrail.

There was a not much to be found in the vehicles parked outside.  Just a little bit of food and just one battery between all three vehicles.

Getting up to the safest entry point to the backtrail cost me a twisted ankle... which of course means I'd need to either rest it or waste a bandage in order to make the climb down from the upper shelf.

This cozy little nook is not only relatively safe... but also a good spot to hole-up (provided you have some coal/firewood).

It's still bitingly cold.  It's nearing noon, but the air is still leaching heat out of me.  At the moment I don't have any decent amount of campfire fuel... so I just have to carefully press on and hope it warms up soon. 🤭

If I go up to my left (over that smaller rock formation), I'll likely have the better chance of spotting the Timberwolf Pack (if it's prowling along the backtrail today).  If that's the case, this is also a good spot to pivot and use the more direct trail back to Pensive Lookout instead.

I don't see hide nor hair of the Timberwolves on either side.  So then, I'm going to have to make a decision.

If I take the backtrail and the pack is prowling back in the area more towards the cave... then crossing back over to get to the Lookout and the Climb is going to be a bit trickier.  If the pack is actually on the main trail... then I'm almost sure to be spotted if I don't take the backtrail... 🤔

[ManicManiac]

The choice had to be made... so after a few more moments of consideration, I opted for the more direct route.

It was a short, but nerve-wracking little trek... but apparently I chose correctly.   When I got back up to the base of Pensive Lookout... I didn't see any trace of the Timberwolf Pack.  Possible they are now on the backtrail... but also possible they have moved on, and not on the upper shelf at all today.  I wasn't going to waste any time to risk going to find out.  

I dropped off a few items I knew I wasn't going to need (at least not right now), and took a nap to rest up my ankle.  Hopefully the weather holds... otherwise, I'll be stuck up here for another day.

After my nap, I found the weather was still clear, and I was ready to descend down the climb.  I checked again for the Timberwolves... still no trace of them, but I'm still going to keep low until I get to the climb.  Unfortunately, the extra sleep means I won't be very tired by the time the sun sets (which is only in a couple of hours from now).  However, better that than trying the much riskier way of goating my way down.

But of course... as soon as I committed to sneaking down to the climb, the Timberwolf Pack showed up and soon was skulking around by the climbing point.  I even had to slowly backtrack as they started wandering closer to my position.  I waited to see where they were ultimately going to wander off to... and thankfully they went back up towards the backtrail again; allowing me to slip past.

I took a quick peek over the edge to see if I could spot any Timberwolf Packs down below... but so far it looked like the coast was clear.

I kept low, and slowly crawled closer to the nearby cabin... as I made my way, an Aurora started.  The last thing I want now is to run afoul of an aurora charged Timberwolf Pack.  

There's my shelter just ahead.

However, before getting there to settle in for the night, I decided to make a quick visit to Lower Raven Falls first.

Between the picnic table at Lower Raven Falls and the cabin itself, I found a fair bit of supplies.  Sadly, most of the canned goods were ruined... but still found a bit more food to help widen the food budget.  I feel that progress through Bleak Inlet is going to be slow, so the extra days of rations is going to be important.

[ManicManiac]

 

Also came across a couple other nice finds...

Now... while I have found this weapon in Bleak Inlet, I'm still not going to be using it.  I'll be keeping it in my pack only for the sake of being able to carry it back out with of the region with me.

Edited September 4, 2023 by ManicManiac

[Leeanda]

There's some stunning views there🙂

[ManicManiac]

@Leeanda

There were, thank you.  I had to remember not to get too enamored with what I was seeing. 
It was still rather cold and dangerous.  

Made it through another day.

Edited September 4, 2023 by ManicManiac

[Leeanda]

1 minute ago, ManicManiac said:

@Leeanda

There were, thank you.  I had to remember not to get too enamored with what I was seeing. 
It was still rather cold and dangerous.  

Made it through another day.

As bleak usually is😁.    One of the advantages of pilgrim is watching the scenery in safety.

[ManicManiac]

As I lay awake waiting to get sleepy... I've been mulling over just where I want to establish my main encampments.  Generally, I'll just have one main encampment and perhaps a few secondaries.  For this trip to Bleak Inlet... I don't think it would be beneficial to try and have just one main encampment for me to try and consolidate supplies.

This time, I think I'm going to aim for a total of three primary locations...

Pensive Lookout (already established)
Cannery Worker Residences
Washed Out Trailers

I think between those three spots, I can reasonably easily consolidate, and be able to pick things up later on without too much trouble along the way.

[ManicManiac]

It's been a long hard road, going down Memory Lane... but at long last, nearly done.

If I can survive Bleak Inlet, then the only regions/zones I have left to visit are Ash Canyon, Keeper's Pass (north & south), and Blackrock.

I'm not worried about Ash Canyon.  I've lived there for long stretches before.
Blackrock (and Keeper's Pass North) however... that warrants a moment's consideration.  I've not spent much time there in the past, and much like Bleak Inlet, "there be Timberwolves." 🤔
 

Once the trip down Memory Lane is finished... that's when I'll leave for "The Far Territory."

[ManicManiac]

Early in the morning, I stepped outside... but it was a bit too cold to be out for a long period.
I went back into the cabin and repaired an Expedition Parka and a pair of snowpants.  When I peeked outside again, the weather was much better.

Oddly enough, I've not seen any sign of Timberwolves on this side of the region today.  I guess I'm just very fortunate today.  Usually when I come this way, I'd have had to maneuver around at least one (usually two) Timberwolf Packs in this area.

I did spot a bear, but they generally leave me alone as long as I keep a respectful distance.  

Since I was already out this way... I thought I would search further out on the ice to see what I could find.

Hmm... a Coho Salmon.  I had considered picking it up and hauling with me over to the next Fishing Hut (near the Cannery Workers Residence), but ultimately decided I would drop it off at the one nearby.  I imagine "future me" will probably appreciate it.  

Next, I wanted to head over to the Fallen Lighthouse.  The weather was getting worse, threatening a blizzard.  I'd have to try to be quick.

Hmm... I could have sworn I remembered possibly finding a marine flare or sometimes even a flare gun up here.  Oh well.

Weather was still pretty ugly... I really needed to get going.

Oh... a marine flare.  I guess the last person to visit must have dropped it (likely on the run from Timberwolves). 🤭

That dark spot near the cabin is a bear.  Thankfully by the time I get there... it should be well on the way back to its den.

I decided to do a little "Beachcombing" out on the ice as I made my way over towards the Cannery Worker's Residence.  Much to my delight found another Coho Salmon (so I dropped it off at the Fishing Hut just in front of the Cabin I was going to use as my next encampment).

Back out on the ice, I'd spotted an odd-looking brown rectangle.  As I inched closer, found it was a trunk frozen into the ice.  Thankfully I was able to get it open (didn't find much though... just a cotton scarf).

I took the opportunity to cook the salmon (as well as boil up 2 liters of water).

The weather was still rough... but still not yet a blizzard.

Between the failing light, and the heavy snowfall it was difficult to feel my back to the cabin... I was also a little terrified of running into the bear.  Thankfully, the way was clear and was able to get inside and crawled into bed.

That second Coho Salmon was a very nice find.  It was pretty sizeable and filled my stomach very nicely.  

Tomorrow, try to backtrack and finish exploring this side of the region... though if Timberwolf Packs show up tomorrow, I may have to head onward to the Frozen Delta instead.

Edited September 9, 2023 by ManicManiac

[Leeanda]

I think the flare gun is no more, I haven't seen it there since the big update...

I've had that sunken chest in the ice a few times though.

[ManicManiac]

I spent a good part of the morning searching through the only cabin standing over at the Cannery Worker's Residence.  I intend to unload as much as reasonable (keeping lower quality food on hand for over nights of course).  The idea being that if I can get back to finishing off this side of the region today (Secret Mountain Path and Coast Mountain Road)... then I'll be right next to the last cabin I was hole-up at right near Lower Raven Falls and gather up everything to bring back to the Cannery Worker's Residence.  

Hmm... Timberwolves just ahead, but the route I'm on will take me fairly far off to my left.  I should be able to get to the Secret Mountain Path and then on to Coast Mountain Road without running into trouble, but I'm going to have to be careful.

Rats!  I forgot I'd need a hatchet to get through.  Since I didn't bring one with me, I have to hope to find one elsewhere in the region. 🤔

Oh... the Timberwolves have been wandering quite a large territory today. 

Next stop up ahead... but it's getting late in the day.  I've kept low this far... but I might have to just get up and make haste if I'm going to get back to the Cannery Worker's Residence again by nightfall.

Back again to pack up everything left behind and head back.

I'd spend the rest of the day doing a sort and stow... and then some Beachcombing.

However... the bear had other ideas, so I didn't get much beachcombing done.  

All-in-all, another good day.  
Though, a 15% condition can of dog food did give me a touch of food poisoning, but I was tired enough already that I could take a dose of antibiotics and sleep it off without much concern.  

Edited September 10, 2023 by ManicManiac