Chapter 4
The check point at Butte was bigger than the others. A trailer of some sort had been parked under an over pass along with three police cars, two were Butte City police vehicles, and one Montana State Police cruiser. A small generator was supplying power to the medium sized trailer.
After coming to a stop under the over pass, Greg got out and approached the officers. Snow was starting to get heavily mixed with the rain.
"I didn't notice any lights for Butte. Have you people lost power here?" Greg asked interestedly.
"Yes sir. Lost power to most of the grid earlier today. City hall, hospitals and some buildings have generators, but most folks have no power right now. It's being worked on. Um, sir, would you happen to have anything extra to eat? We have been placed on extended duty and no one has brought us a meal lately." The officer asked.
"Certainly. Hang on." Greg said. He went back to the Deuce and asked Sgt. Ballerton about extra MREs.
"We have 7 cases extra back in the supply vehicle sir. Give me a minute, and I will get it for them. We might want to refuel here though sir." The Sgt added. (All NCO's in the military are known as Sgt. Unless they are being addressed by specific rank.)
Sgt. Ballerton was back soon with three cases of MREs and gave them to the grateful police. Refueling was commencing with no problem.
"Say, could you spare a few gallons of diesel? We have not had a resupply in some time now, and our generator is starting to run low." He asked hopefully.
Greg thought about it a moment, and told them he could let them have 50 gallons if they had containers to put it in. The officer was ecstactic. He quickly went to the back of the trailer and came back with 4 5gallon metal fuel cans.
"Could you fill the generator itself if we shut it down temporarily? It would mean a great deal."
Greg nodded. He went over and instructed his fuel truck driver to not only fill the 4 5 gallon cans, but to fill the generator tank once they had shut down the generator.
"We can't offer you much, but we do have coffee. Would you and your men... and woman like a cup of hot coffee for the road?"
"I would love a cup of coffee! I am an avid coffee drinker, and have been most of my life! I will let the others know about your offer, thank you very much."
"I'll get the pot started. It was about time to make a fresh one anyway. We also have a port(-) a potty set up if you and your people would like to use it. In the meantime, come on in to the van and get warm. It's very comfortable, inside."
So Greg had the convoy pull over to the side of the road, still protected by the over pass, and left the vehicles with a Butte Montana police officer keeping an eye on them.
It was very crowded by the time everyone who could use the port- a potties did and returned for their cup of coffee. There were three cots set up that the police took turns sleeping on, but were now being used as chairs.
The officers opened the MREs and ate with gusto. One of the officers asked what in the world would cause the military to send a convoy out in this weather.
Greg thought a minute, then decided on a partial truth explanation.
"We are headed up into the Bitter Root Mountains to establish a look out there. It will also act as a relay for radio traffic once the weather clears up, and it will. Hopefully we will be able to tie in with the forest rangers, and have a good system up and running shortly after the weather clears. This way we can pass info back and forth over the mountains." Greg finished baldly.
Sgt. Ballerton who had finished his coffee quickly and left, came back in.
"Sir? You better see this. I think we better get going. The rain has slacked off and it has turned into snow mostly." Sgt. Ballerton said ominously. Greg drained the rest of his coffee and went outside. One look confirmed the Sgt's report.
What had been driving rain before, was now replaced with snow. It was falling at a moderate rate, but with thick flakes.
Greg went back in and told his people to use the facilities one last time if they needed to and get ready to move. When everyone was accounted for and in their vehicles, he himself took the wheel of his Hum V, and so the convoy continued into the snow filled evening.
For the next couple of hours, Greg kept up a grueling pace. Several times his or some other member of the convoy slide and almost lost it. The roads had iced up, but with snow falling on the ice, driving was much easier for awhile.
There was no check point anywhere after leaving Butte until they arrived at Superior. A mixed group of police and forestry service personnel were manning the Interstate and halted the convoy.
"Sir? Do you have orders or anything with you that I can look over? You're the first military convoy we have had here since the storm started. I am not really sure what I should do with you. He finished a bit unsure of himself.
"Certainly. Hang on a sec." Greg pulled out his fake set, and the cover set that General Weber had typed for him at the MP station. Greg looked at the troopers gathered around. They were already asking some of the other drivers about conditions south and east of here.
"I guess it's ok. To tell the truth, I haven't a clue as to what I am looking for. All they tell me, is to make sure whoever shows up has a valid reason or orders. I guess you got both." The trooper ended with a grin, handing the orders back to Greg.
"How is the bridge over the river? I have to change directions to the Hoodoo Pass road now." Greg asked.
"Hoodoo Pass road? Well, the bridge is still up, but I bet it won't be passable by this time tomorrow. I don't think you will be able to get over the pass though. We have over 6 inches of snow now, and the highway department is not clearing the roads, but you knew that already.
"The snow will be falling heavier farther up the mountain. We had a radio report that managed to get through a while ago. Since the rain let up, radio communications is getting a little better. Especially since the lightning finally seems to have stopped.
A ranger station up on the mountain top says snow is already over a foot and a half deep. Seriously, I don't think you can make it through the pass sir." The trooper finished worriedly.
"I am not going all the way up to the pass. Just a couple thousand feet up. We are going to whether the storm out at a lodge up there."
"Lodge? I am not familiar with any lodges sir. Several hotels and motels along the route, but not till you get to the top. I don't think you can make it that far." The trooper said, shaking his head.
"This would be a private home. It's there." Greg said patiently.
"Let me ask Ted. He is the best ranger we got here, and knows this area like the back of his hand." With that the trooper left and Greg fumed at the delay. Snow was piling up as he sat here.
Shortly the trooper returned with a man in tow. Greg sighed and got out of the Hum V.
"I'll be damned! It's Greg Baron! How the hell you doing sir?"
Greg looked closely at the man but didn't really recognize him.
"You have me at an advantage sir. I do well, but I don't seem to know you." Greg replied.
"Names Ted Pitman. I'm the local ranger for this area. I been by your place a couple times over the last couple years. You were there once, doing some writing, and gone the next time. Damned nice place you got there."
"You know him? He says he's headed up there now to sit out the storm in a lodge."
The trooper said.
"Wish I could go with him! You should see his place up there. Big two story log lodge. They built that thing tough! Got their own power too. Bet power is still on at his place, got his own you see. Be a right good place to sit out this storm and what ever happens after. Yeah, he's ok, let him through. He's got a place to go and he will be better off than most too!" Ted grinned as he said that last. "Wish I was going with you. That's some place you got." Nodding, Ted wondered off.
"Well, if Ted says your ok, then I guess it's ok. I couldn't let you try for that pass sir, you understand that, don't you?" The trooper asked.
"Sure. You're responsible for a lot of things now, and letting people go off to die is not something you would normally do, even in the best of times. Don't worry about it." Greg said relaxing. He was almost home, and now that he had been given the ok, he was anxious to get going.
Soon, Greg and his convoy of six vehicles were on their way to the Hoodoo Pass.
At first the road wasn't too bad. With all vehicles using their 4 or 6 wheel drive, everything went fairly smooth. This is until the road took a steep upward angle.
The trucks started to strain. The deuce was doing fairly well, but the supply truck was starting to founder. The fuel truck had 6 wheel drive also, and so was doing better than the supply truck, and as well as the Hum V's. Several times the supply truck almost came to a stop, but good driving on the part of the driver kept it going.
Finally it happened. It bogged down and came to a stop. He tried rocking the truck, but nothing worked. Finally, they decided to hook a tow chain up to it from the Deuce.
Slowly, the Deuce and a half took up the slack in the chain, and the supply truck moved. With wheels spinning at first, the supply truck finally started to move again.
There would be no stopping for the two trucks now. It was possible, even probable that if they stopped again, they would never get going again.
As they climbed higher and higher, the snow got deeper. Just as Greg was beginning to think that they would not make it, he saw the turn off for the road to his home. He turned right, and immediately he noticed that the snow was not as deep.
It was only a few inches deep compared to the pass road. Apparently Ed was doing his job, and doing it well.
He came to a stop about 100 feet into the new road and waited for the convoy to make the turn. He identified the Hum V that was behind him, then came the fuel truck. No other vehicles made the turn. Frowning, he reached for his radio when it crackled to life.
"C10 this is C13. The Supply truck and Deuce have gotten stuck again. Request help, over." Came the voice of Lt. Preston.
Damn, Greg thought. So close! Instructing his people to break out the shovels from the pioneer kits that came with each vehicle, he walked back down the road, turned left and started to walk back down the tracks that his vehicles that had made it so far had made. It didn't take long to reach the two stranded vehicles.
Already Sgt. Ballerton and one of the crew from Lt. Preston's Hum V were trying to dig out the Supply truck. Soon 6 people with shovels were digging out the wheels of the two trucks.
Shortly they were ready to try to move again. Sgt. Ballerton once again took the wheel and slowly took up the slack that had formed. Wheels spinning, both trucks slipped and slide, but finally found the traction they needed. Slowly they moved up the hill, then bogged down again.
"Ok people, we are going to have to dig out a narrow lane in the road as wide as these two vehicles up to the turn off. It's only about a 100 feet, we need to do this fast!
The snow is coming down even harder and faster. You hear that thunder? We are having what's called Thunder Snow, and it can pile up faster than you would believe.
We need to do this now people, lets move and get this vehicle moving, we are in a blizzard!"
The people started to work with a will, moving snow at a fast rate. When someone got tired, a new person took his place. Even the two civilian riders took turns. Both were bundled up and standing with worried looks on their faces.
Greg took a break, handing his shovel to another willing hand. He looked at the two, mother and daughter.
"Don't worry. We have about 30 feet left to dig, and the road to my home is not going to present a problem. Just a couple inches of snow on it."
As soon as a large section of road was cleared in front of the deuce, it crept forward pulling the supply truck along easily now. Furiously working, it took 20 more minutes to clear a path to the turn off, and when the deuce and supply truck finally rounded the turn, everyone cheered.
"Ok, back to your vehicles. We are almost there." Checking his watch, he noticed it was a little after 6 AM.
"I think we will get home in time for a good warm breakfast." Greg told the two woman to get in his vehicle with him. Well, one woman, and one young teen. After getting an, UP, over the radio, Greg started moving slowly down the road. Shortly he found the left hand turn off for the driveway to his place. If he had gone straight, it would have taken him to the dam, where the road ended. He noticed that the road going to the damn seemed remarkably clear of snow too.
The first thing he noticed was that he could see the gravel of his driveway, which was strange, then he noticed a lot of salt laid down. Ed again. That man was a treasure. Continuing up the drive, he finally pulled up in front of his home. Lights were on, and he could see that someone had shoveled the steps clear of snow recently.
As the other vehicles pulled up, Mrs. Graso came out the door. She was an elderly lady with white hair, slightly plump.
"Who is it? Who are you people?" She asked somewhat nervously.
"It's me Mrs. Graso, Greg Baron. I am home, and have brought a few guests with me." Greg replied with a grin.
"Why Mr. Baron! Welcome home sir. I am so glad your back. Have you noticed how strange the weather has been? Ed says it was due to some sort of impact, but really, what could hit us so hard?
"Now then, How many people have you brought? I need to know how much to cook for breakfast. Ed, and I have already eaten of course, but still, I can make up a very good breakfast for you. How does pancakes, scrambled eggs toast and coffee sound?" She asked.
"That sounds fine Mrs. Graso. Let us just put the vehicles in some semblance of order, and we will be in shortly." Greg told her.
"Perhaps my daughter and I can help Mrs. Graso while you and the others do what ever it is your going to do?" Rachael asked.
Greg nodded, and Rachael and Tracy went inside with Mrs. Graso shedding coats even as they entered the door.
"Ok, I want the vehicles topped off, and parked over here." Greg stated, walking over to a spot by the barn.
"Have them all pointed in the direction of the driveway. I want the Supply truck moved into the barn itself, until we all get some sleep. Sgt. Ballerton, I really don't see any reason to maintain a guard at this time. I seriously doubt anyone can get up that hill anymore." Greg finished.
Sgt. Ballerton said he understood, and that he would see that it was done, and if the Major and Lt. cared to go inside, he would get everything squared away.
Greg grinned and said, "Come on Lt. Preston, we have been dismissed."
Sgt. Ballerton chuckled and went about the task of having the vehicle's fueled and repositioned. At that time, Ed came driving back into the yard. He was driving the Pick up with a load of salt in its bed. He had been out salting the road again.
"Hey, you there! Who are you and what do you think your doing!" Ed shouted as he came out of the pick up.
"It's ok Ed. I brought them with me."
"Mr Baron! Thank god your here. Look, we got a few problems, and I am glad your here to deal with em."
"Take it easy Ed. Things are going to work out. What ever it is can wait an hour, can't it? I want to get cleaned up and get something to eat first. We have had a very long drive."
"Of course, sorry. I wasn't thinking. You drove all the way here in this crud from the Billings Depot?" Ed asked.
Greg nodded. "We started yesterday, and went all night. Everyone is tired, hungry and in need of a shower or bath. I am going to get a few hours sleep as soon as everyone has been seen too." Greg said, yawning.
"Ok, what I have is probably just little stuff compared to what you had to do and go through. I'll reload the truck and get ready for another run."
Greg shook his head. "Don't bother. We just need to keep this area clear of snow, that's all. I am no longer worried about the roadways to the dam or the Hoodoo Pass road. That should conserve our remaining salt nicely. Just run on down the road turn around down there, and come back up here. Keep this area clear for us to move around in and unload cargo." Greg ordered, yawning again.
"Now let me get in there, I am really hungry and tired."
"Sure thing Mr. Baron. You go in, I will take care of things out here." Ed replied.
"Sgt Ballerton!" Greg yelled.
"Sir!" Sgt Ballerton replied running up.
"This is my Foreman, Ed. You two get to know each other. Ed knows where everything is about as well as I do." Greg said, then turned away, went the steps and into a nice brightly lit, and warm house.
He went to his room first. Going through the great room he paused. Two stories above him was the supporting cross beam that was carrying the load of the weight of the roof. He was glad he had insisted on building the lodge out of more massive materials now.
At the far end of the room was the fireplace. It too was made of local field stones, and was also massive. A person could stand upright in that fireplace, it was so big.
Logs burned merrily in it.
Going down the hall, he went into his wing of the house. Opening the door to his room, he went in and took off his coat and tossed it onto the chair at the foot of the bed. He went into his bathroom and looked in the mirror.
What he saw looking back was a bleary eyed man of 34 years of age, Blond hair, Blue eyes, and in need of a shave. He stood 6 feet even. He washed his face and hands, and decided to wait on shaving.
He went out and headed to the kitchen. Mrs. Graso had several huge platters of pancakes and scrambled eggs set on the warmer. With Rachael and Tracy helping, Mrs. Graso had a little assembly line like thing going. Greg couldn't help but smile.
Mrs. Graso was now cooking bacon by the pound. Sizzling sounds and the smell of bacon filled the air. Greg headed over and grabbed a piece of toast.
"Now you stop that Mr. Baron! Guests must be served first!" Mrs. Graso exclaimed indignantly. Greg nodded and headed out of the kitchen with his toast clutched in his hands. Laughter followed him.
As he went back into the great room, the front door opened and people started to enter the house. Soon everyone was standing in the great room.
"Ok, I know it flies against military tradition, but stack your weapons against that wall there," Greg pointed, " And drop your bags in the center of the room. Remove your coats, get comfortable, breakfast is almost done." Greg said.
Sure enough, almost as soon as Greg said that, Mrs. Graso came in and said breakfast was being served in the main dining room. Everyone trooped in after her, and there were murmurs as people saw the dining room.
It was a large room, with a huge long table. It had chairs for 20 people.
"Sir? Why so many chairs. Isn't it just you and your brother?" Asked Lt. Preston.
Greg nodded. "Yes, but both of us entertained a lot. I had publisher reps, and he would have his guests. Sometimes it over lapped, and we would turn it into a large lets meet and party situation. Also, we have cousins that come to visit... or did, and they had large families. Get a couple of them and their kids here, and they filled this room pretty quick." Greg sighed.
Breakfast was a huge success. Soon people were working on second and third cups of coffee. While this was going on, Ed came in and said he had started the heater in the bunk house, but it would not be warm enough to sleep in for hours yet.
"Ok, we will give the ladies of the crew the rooms upstairs. Mrs. Graso has the first room to the right, and should be given her privacy. A Coupe of you can bunk out in my brother's room. Three rooms left free upstairs. Ed sleeps in his own cabin, so no trouble there. So that's Rachael and Tracy next to Mrs. Graso's room, Lt Preston, and Sgt. Lawler can go next, then Spec. Anderson and Edwards can take the last room.
Everyone else can make a pallet to sleep on in the great room. Someone can take the couch, it's very comfortable, I know, I fall asleep on it all the time. The two big chairs are recliners, so most will be comfortable."
15 minutes later saw everyone with a place to sleep, and Greg
decided he could retire for a few hours of rest. After showering, he
was almost asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.