...Memory Lane...

[ManicManiac]

After a quick sort and stow... I decided to indeed risk a night hike.
The only Timberwolves to watch out for were on the turn in the road right here by Bricklayer's Retreat.  The stretch all the way to the end of the road, should be clear.

There they are... it should be soothing sailing from here.

...When I committed to this night hike, I admit I hadn't taken this possibility into account.  It was getting deadly dark.  However, I was reasonably confident that the road was clear.  I decided if it gets so dark that I can't make out the road ahead... then I've got my trusty Spelunker's Lantern to light the way. 

I stopped just long enough to pick up the last of the gear and supplies.  I was tempted to just bed down here for the night... but I was on pace to get back just a little before midnight.  I decided that if I was going to risk the night hike, that I should push for the maximum gain.

I was able to just barely make out the edges of the road, and I was able to use what silhouettes of the trees I could perceive to estimate when I needed to get low and get off the road to avoid a deadly dark Timberwolf ambush.  Thankfully my nighttime sense of direction rang true.  I sat crouched here for just a moment and could hear the paws of the Timberwolves scraping and rooting around in the snow.  They were close... but I was able to slip by undetected. 

I made it back to Bricklayer's Reteat (and just before midnight as I'd estimated).
However, after six hours rest, I woke to this...

A blizzard had struck early that morning.
The night hike true had been worth the risk, and I came out far ahead of what I otherwise would have had I not.

[ManicManiac]

It was a good day to just sit and organize stuff anyway. 🤭

[ManicManiac]

Thankfully the storm would blow itself out sometime in midmorning.

Time to scout for Timberwolves... and work on exploring the footpaths. 

It looks like the Timberwolves had moved on... at least from the curve ahead.

Might even have the chance to go back and check that car I had to skip previously.

Also... finally earned my last Merrit Badge this morning.  

 

This pack looks like it's moved on as well... I don't like it when I don't know where they are. 🤔

Since the way looked clear, I decided I would head for Foreman's Clearcut to warm up.  After that I would work my way up the footpaths from Cook's Farm back to Whistling Perch.  I need to be looking for a better way down to the river - Fool's Corner was going to be the last resort.  On the way, I do also need to confirm at least one bear's den.

Edited December 10, 2023 by ManicManiac

[Leeanda]

Yay.. congrats on the last badge😊🎉

[ManicManiac]

Stepped inside, just to warm up... then I'll continue on through the stone arch and started hunting for ways down to the riverbanks.

 

Blizzard hit... I had to fall back to Foreman's Clearcut.
Oh well, I have plenty of food on hand.  So, I if I have to spend the night... I can afford to.

[Leeanda]

Another blizzard???     I thought I got a lot.. BlackRock is evil...

[ManicManiac]

@Leeanda
Yes... the frequency is rather alarming, but at least the duration seems shorter.
As for this recent rash of storms... it seems that 4-6 hours feels like the trend I've been seeing.

Edited December 10, 2023 by ManicManiac

[Leeanda]

2 minutes ago, ManicManiac said:

@Leeanda
Yes... the frequency is rather alarming, but at least the duration seems shorter.
As for this recent rash of storms... it seems that 4-6 hours feels like that's the trend I've been seeing.

Not really much consolation if you're missing half a day though..  good for making water usually but I imagine you already have a fair bit stashed around.

[ManicManiac]

@Leeanda
True... you're right.

[ManicManiac]

While waiting out the storm I decided to flip through my journal.

Wait... Lily's Pancakes will give me a headache? 🤔

[Leeanda]

3 minutes ago, ManicManiac said:

While waiting out the storm I decided to flip through my journal.

Wait... Lily's Pancakes will give me a headache? 🤔

Yep... it's not the only one either...  rosehip pie also does..  ironically.

[ManicManiac]

@Leeanda
I've been noticing that. 🤔
I appreciate that not all of the recipes have buff/de-buff tradeoffs. 
Still not sure exactly how I feel about it, but then again, I've also not cooked up any of them yet to experiment with.

Edited December 10, 2023 by ManicManiac

[Leeanda]

9 minutes ago, ManicManiac said:

@Leeanda
I've been noticing that. 🤔
I appreciate that not all of the recipes that there are buff/de-buff tradeoffs. 
Still not sure exactly how I feel about it, but I've not cooked up any of them yet to experiment with.

I have tried making them all,but these days I just ear carrots raw, potatoes cooked by themselves ..I've acquired simple tastes lol..

I don't like the visuals from headaches so I don't bother making any of those recipes anyway..but the simple ones like porridge are good little snacks.you can get a lot from one container of oats.

It's still fun trying them out though..

[ManicManiac]

Just now, Leeanda said:

I don't like the visuals from headaches so I don't bother making any of those recipes anyway..but the simple ones like porridge are good little snacks.you can get a lot from one container of oats.

It's still fun trying them out though..

@Leeanda
Fare enough...  I do hope some of those visual effects associated with some afflictions and glimmer fog will one day be accessibility options that could be toggled (not the effects of the afflictions themselves... just the visual distortions) for those whom those visual effects may cause issues for.

As for the recipes... I'm really looking forward to finally devoting time to experimenting with them all as well. 

[ManicManiac]

Sun's going down soon... but the storm is still raging outside.
I guess I'll have to resume my exploration of the footpaths tomorrow.

[Leeanda]

3 minutes ago, ManicManiac said:

@Leeanda
Fare enough...  I do hope some of those visual effects associated with some afflictions and glimmer fog will one day be accessibility options that could be toggled (not the effects of the afflictions themselves... just the visual distortions) for those whom those visual effects may cause issues for.

As for the recipes... I'm really looking forward to finally devoting time to experimenting with them all as well. 

So do I.. seems the harvesting is causing a few issues too..

I hope you enjoy making them..and eating them of course😊

[ManicManiac]

The storm finally broke just about an hour before sundown.  Not sure how far I will get, but ideally, I'll head for a cave along.

[ManicManiac]

Part of me thinks I might be able to make it across that gap on the right if I get a running start... but I'm not looking to risk that today.

...Cliff Cave was also a bear den...
Nope, not sleeping here tonight.

From here... I decided I would head for either Wedge Cave or No Road Cave.  

Another night at Wedge Cave. 🤭

Tomorrow I'll make for Fool's Corner (again).

Edited December 10, 2023 by ManicManiac

[ManicManiac]

The weather this morning is bitter cold... maybe even threatening another blizzard.  However, I'm not content to wait and see.

I as nearly half frozen by the time I got there, but I got to No Road Cave to warm up.  Fool's Corner... well, it's just around the corner. 😋

By the time I'd warmed up again, it was nearing noon and the biting wind & snow had died down.

Now I just had to deal with Fool's Coner once again.

I just have to be patient.  If I start crawling ahead right as this wolf turns away... I should be able to keep tight to the rockface and reach the climbing point without having to resort to pitching a stone as a distraction.

I find it's always a good idea to drop some stones at the top and bottom of any climb.  This serves two purposes... The first, is it lightens our pack.  The second, it gives us a means of defense/distraction after any climb or decent.

I see at least two wolves out there in the mist further downstream...

I wanted to head upriver first... I'm keen to see what might be blow the collapsed bridge.

The short answer is... not much.  However, every little bit helps... and let me tell you, I think this was a fantastic find.  

Spoiler

For food and light when I find myself in dark places.

 I was hoping to find some way to get to the mine... it's just past noon now.  Hopefully, I'll find something before nightfall, or at least some shelter.  The small ravine I explored when I first got to Blackrock didn't have anything at all for shelter, so I suppose it's possible I might have put myself in a bad way.  I suppose that again... time will tell.

It seems as though I can goat down... but I'm not sure I could get back up.  This decision is really more of a commitment.  I probably should have kept a rock or two with me (I'd meant to) but must have absent mindedly just dropped them all out of my pocket at the top of the climb.  Oh well... I'll make it work or I'll get mauled.  

I was really expecting to at least find a stone or two along the shore, but so far, I have not.  I'm not too nervous about it... but it does mean I'll have to spend more time watching how they prowl their territory if I'm going to find a way to slip past them.

Over on the right side... there looks to be a climbing rope.

Over on the left side... I'm willing to bet my life there's a cave.  It looks like I'm about to indeed bet my life, since I am not willing to head up the rope unless I confirm a cave and its contents.  

It looks like the best bet is to swing wide to the right... this way I get better visibility without trying to deal with the fact that I'm upwind right now... or the blind corner that I've been trying to inch my way around.  I'll have a much better vantage if I look back on it from over by that climbing rope.

There is a cave... now I will have to get over there.  Still no stones to be found anywhere down here.  Yes, I do have the revolver, but I have not loaded it yet... and I shouldn't have too now.  I do see a goating opportunity over on the right... should be able to circumvent these two wolves without a fuss. 

Finally, some rocks... okay, I feel better now.  Now if I botch my approach, then I can always distract them.  🤭

A flare... very cute. 😋

Hmm... as I crawled into the cave to look around... I heard the winds kick up very quickly.  When I turned around, I could see that a blizzard had struck with alarming speed.  I guess I'll be holing up here for the night then.

[ManicManiac]

The recent rash of storms has kept the same tempo... this blizzard blew through in about four hours, but I wasn't about to try that rope and by then it was already about 10 p.m.  Early the next morning... I went straight out for the climb.

As I gazed up at the eminence that was Blackrock... the chill in the air cut clean to the bone.

The first climb was brutal... I ran out of stamina just two meters from the ledge but managed to pull through.

The weather was taking a threatening turn again... 

I slugged down three cups of coffee and got on with the second stretch of the climb.  By this time I was already starting to freeze to death.

Thankfully there was another cave at the top.  A place to warm up... maybe even nap for an hour or so.

After getting warmed up a bit... I took a look around near the climb.

It's a gorgeous view from here... I have a feeling I'll be back to visit here again before I leave.  🤔

The wind was still biting cold.
I had to get back to the cave to warm up a little more.
Being now on the other side of this narrow ravine... perhaps I'll find the other side of that collapsed bridge.

Edited December 12, 2023 by ManicManiac

[ManicManiac]

I spent an hour warming up again and explore down the trail ahead.
As I was approaching this corner, I was jump-scared by a bunny.   

...and then... another... blizzard. 🤣 

I'll be sure to come back to search down there after the storm breaks.

I sought shelter inside the mine.

I suppose I'll head to the left first.

It was soon time to turn around and head back.

This mine more expansive than I remember. 🤔

My pack is far too heavy.  I decided I would go back to drop off non-essentials back at the exit before pressing my luck.

After dropping some weight... I noticed the storm outside had blown over.  It was time to go check around the area outside.

Mostly just coal on the ground.
I decided I would get settled for the night.
Once I get rested up... I'll decide whether to test the gassed tunnel or leave well enough alone.

[ManicManiac]

After a good night's sleep... I decided that I think I've done as much as I could with the mine, for now.  Right now, I think I ought to consider what (and how) to get some of the gear and supplies I've found here out of the area, and back to one of my encampments. 🤔

[ManicManiac]

I managed an early start (nearly lost the hatchet under the planks of the walkway at the entrance of the mine but managed to find and recover it from where it "fell" between the planks. 😒

It was bitter cold outside, and the wind was beginning to kickup... so I wouldn't be able to stay out long before having to stop in to warm up again.

Found a promising spot to goat up... 

Spoiler

Even found a spot where I could have found a back way out of Last Prospect... (but an invisible wall seems to be preventing me from making it up this gentile slope  )

Unfortunately, wasn't able to find a way to get to see this side of the collapsed bridge.
I decided to head back to the mind for a bit to warm up again.

After warming up, I went out searching around again for a foot path (or goating path) out of the area.  Of course, there are the two climbs... but I'm always on the lookout for alternate routes.  

This vista is view is wonderful... but nothing here for alternate routes.

I suppose before another blizzard hits, I ought to get going.  

Back down to the frozen river... now I need to find another way up.

There ahead is the gap that I'd spotted a few days ago... I know there is a rope just on the other side of it.

There's a very nice little nook that might make for a good emergency spot to hole-up.  Duly noted...

Ahh... okay, the climb up above and across this fallen tree bridge.

I circled back to check it out (I wasn't sure if I wanted to try the climb... I was getting a bit too tired for attempting a rope climb).

Yeah... that's a bit of a long climb, I'm too tired, and I don't see it as being worth a Go! Energy drink.  Moving on to look for another option.

Looks like a promising way up (off to the right)... but first I wanted to continue on down the river, just checking for caves or more alternate routes.

Spoiler

It looked like the end of this stretch of the river... but I search around through the logs to see if I could find a way through.  However, I didn't find anything significant, so it was time to quickly head back.

I double backed and started along the other path...

Two short climbs promise an easy way in and out of this narrow ravine.

Now it's just a matter of where it puts me on the other side. 🤔

If memory serves this is bridge behind Cook's Farm.  I should be able to get to a good shelter from here relatively quickly.  I would explore further, but I only have an hour or so before nightfall... exploring would have to wait, right now I need shelter.

I opted for the cave just a little way up the road from Cook's Farm.  Tomorrow, I think I'll drop off some non-essentials back at the Barn over by Jailer's Residence before starting to explore that other side of that central stretch of the narrow river ravine. 

Edited December 16, 2023 by ManicManiac

[ManicManiac]

I had maybe an hour or two before sundown... I decided to try to get back to Jailer's Residence and back to sort and stow before hiking back to this cave or perhaps stopping over at Cutty's Cave.

After getting back to the small barn... I dropped off as much as I could as quickly as possible, but it was already starting to get dark.  With the snow... it was going to get deadly dark rather fast.  I decided if it got dodgy, that I would stop off at Cutty's Cave instead.

Nearly there... I can push a bit further (even though the snowfall is getting heavier... probably better to get to the cave before it decides to spin up another blizzard).

I was beyond exhausted by the time I made it back.  I slugged down three cans of soda... and hunkered down for the night.  As I suspected, a blizzard blew through overnight.  I'd woke up a few hours before sunup to find the storm still raging outside.  I rolled over and went back to sleep... hoping it would blow over by the time I got up.

[ManicManiac]

Not sure how I want to take on the rest of the region... so today, I was just going to cross the bridge again (over near Cook's Farm) and check out some of the electrical pylons.  I was willing to bet they would lead me to the powerplant, sub-station, and prison.  However, not sure how I want to tackle those three locations just yet.  A day prospecting just out in the wilds will give me time to mull it over.

There in the upper right looks to be closest pylon... I think I'll scout up that way first.

I caught sight of another one to check out after I track down the other near the ridgeline.  Unfortunately, I have no good vantage to see what maybe skulking around... so I had to stay low.

It turned out that the pylon I was looking to start with isn't the closest after all... oh well.  I was still determined to see if I could get there.  (Also, the truck was totally empty... moving on.)

I must be getting close to something...

My first look at Blackrock Prison in (I think) more than a year... and much longer since I'd seen the inside.  In any case, today I'm just scouting... I wanted to get to the pylons first.

Oh... also worth knowing.  We have a potential moose on the loose.

I found nothing here except one scrap of cloth.  However, it was a great vantage point.

Good lines of sight for the next two pylons I'd like to visit.
(Something to keep in mind... it was getting rather foggy, rather quickly.)

I'd forgotten to bring a piece of charcoal with me... I'll have to come back to survey this vista view.

I'm not sure if that path off to the right is a dead end... or leads further around the backside of the prison.  I suspected a likely dead end.

I was correct... a dead end.

If this run of pylons lead me right to the Prison... then back in the other direction should take me to the power plant and sub-station.

Fog was starting to lift... from the higher elevations, this region is really gorgeous.

Figured I'd look at the other side on the way out.  I had to be getting moving to the next pylon.

Looks like a promising backtrail to keep in mind for later...

And there's the next target... also a few things here to prospect.  

Spoiler

Very nice... great condition climbing socks and another new prybar.  I'm pretty far from a convenient spot to stow them away, so I suppose I'll carry them along for now.  

Hmm... I had two choices here.  Risk the road down below on the left... or the rope climb down there on the right. 🤔

Rather that make that decision right away... so instead I choose to go check on that backtrail.

The footpath around that rock formation led to a very nice view of Blackrock (both the mountain and the prison).

Further below I spotted a recessed little out of the way trail... I suspected a cave.

I was correct.

Though it's a nice spot... there was still enough daylight for me to explore more of the area below that climb.  I know I'll need to get back to the road eventually.  But for right now... the wilderness in between the pylons seems the safer place to roam.  That, and I can always come back here if I don't find any other suitable shelter.

I may need to backtrack tomorrow I seem to have passed the next pylon without finding a way up to visit it.  This next one in my line of sight is easy enough to reach... but I want to go back for the one I just missed by going down the rope (or at the very least head over the area below it and see if there's a footpath leading up).

The weather is feeling threatening again.  I need shelter soon... I don't think I have the energy to get back up the rope. 🤔

No sooner had I thought that; I found a nice out of the way nook...

...with a cave.  Wonderful, I feel much better about holing-up for the night now.  

As I got settled... I soon found I wasn't alone.

Hopefully she doesn't mind a roommate for the night.

And just as I was getting my bedroll ready... the weather made good on its threat.  A blizzard rolled in fast and hit hard.

Edited December 17, 2023 by ManicManiac