I’m back… As I was saying I have come to a couple conclusions as to the trigger events that would put me and mine on the road to our BOL… First, some sort of military or terror attack. Obviously, this would be something unforeseen and the extent of damage would also contribute to our required reaction. Second, the potential for a politically motivated bug out is real in my mind. This could be something like persecution or the highly unlikely tyrannical gun grabs of survivalist lore. My personal feeling surrounding this trigger would be something more like the sheeple finally waking up to the fact our nation is bankrupt. The ensuing economic and political backlash could easily throw society into a very unfriendly place. My main reason for staying in the Seattle area currently would be gone… That reason being my business and thus my families income, seconded by my daughter’s educational needs. With these two cards off the table, we’re gone!

   No matter how we got here, we’re on the road now… Lets see what we might run into that would hinder our progress to the BOL. Starting with the scenario of a physical attack against our nation. My biggest concerns would be that the National Guard would have the main roads shut down. This may very well be the best thing for the .gov to do but it would prevent my progress either way. Another potential issue would be all of my like minded brethren also fleeing the chaos. In addition to either of these potential deal killers, we could add in the element of winter weather to potential driving conditions.

   Let me explain again that I do not have all the answers but I have tried to mitigate these problems as much as possible. First, both of our rigs are capable off road vehicles. Strong 4 wheel drive vehicles aren’t going to get you there all by themselves of course but they will expand the potential number of secondary roads I might choose to take. In that same vein, I have taken a lot of time to travel on multiple alternative routes to my destination. What may look like a dead end to one man may very well be the best choice to another. Not only should good, up to date maps be kept for all potential roads to be traveled but first hand information about each should also be gained, whenever possible.

   As fun as it is to have a real off road capable vehicle, you know, all jacked up, armored underbelly, etc. I’ve elected to keep our vehicles very plain. Both are basically stock but of strong, good quality manufacture. The Jeep has a small lift kit but it doesn’t look intimidating. The reason for this is more than just economic. I don’t want to look threatening to anyone, I actually would prefer to go un-noticed if at all possible. If you don’t notice me, you will probably not think to worry about what I might have for you to steal. I also won’t come across as a fringe “Foil Hat” survivalist running for the hills. We are fully capable of inflicting some sting to anyone that decided to start trouble but when bullets are flying they don’t seem to care if you’re the good guy or not! I plan to be very co-operative with my fellow travelers as well as any government payrolled individuals I meet!

   I attempt to keep my rigs in good running order and never have less than half a tank of fuel. In addition we have extra fuel that will be loaded into the vehicles prior to departure. I keep a box of gear handy that has added equipment that will help us stay moving in the right direction… Tow straps, quality link tire chains for all 4 wheels, fluids and repair materials and of course the shovels and other equipment that I keep in the Jeep on a day to day basis.

   The second scenario of an economic or politically motivated bug out could possibly find the roads blocked intentionally and or require additional documentation to get through. As I write this I have yet to move forward with this plan but it’s on my to-do list. In news stories and certainly popular fiction we see National Guard road blocks to restrict movement in to or out of areas that require it. I could see the time when America may be placed under martial law, curfews and travel restrictions. In my limited experience I would expect that a person would be allowed to travel for the purposes of getting to their home. While our BOL is several hundred miles away, it is reasonable to expect that we could get their even under these potential restrictions. I plan to be living there on a semi-full time basis in the next few years so why not just go ahead and get my drivers hse issued with that address? Possibly we would leave my wife’s license with the city house address. It would seem easy enough to explain why my wife would need to accompany me to our residence, regardless of what address showed on her ID.

   In addition to the potential legitimate road blocks, I believe that under the right conditions we could see local areas blocked of to “Protect” their towns people… Alright, I can respect that but I still need to get through to go on my way to my home, right? As long as I have a reasonable story and the ID to back it up, I’m betting on getting my group through. All of this is assuming we are making this trip shortly after the trigger event happens at the latest.

   What else would be good to have on hand for passage? I have a copy of the Deed to my land in my BOB, bug out bag. This might help with my story if it came down to that… How about a copy of a power bill or bank statement from a local bank in the nearest town? Each of us would have a slightly different set of paperwork but anything that would show a legitimate right to be traveling to such and such, would be a good idea. Especially if it is a home or land that you actually own.

   What if you were going to be trying to reach a friend or family members place? This  might be a little harder but still not impossible. Maybe have that friend give you the old fashion, “Letter of Introduction”… Sounds silly  but anything that will offer the people manning the road block an excuse to let you pass would be worth a try. I would also do a little research on the area your going to be traveling to ahead of time… Knowing the local roads by name and even the local greasy spoon cafe can add credibility to a skeptical Guardsman or farmer, whichever the case might be.

   As preppers we are usually more in tune to the news and stay ahead of the pack when we smell something funny on the wind… It is exactly this behavior that will be our greatest asset when it comes time to “Bug Out”. If at all possible we will want to be the first one’s getting on the road! The ability to stay ahead of the sheeple and or even the government responce is going to be critical to our success. Even a few hours time could change the situation drastically! We have all seen how quickly the roads get plugged on holiday weekends, imagine this except 100 times as bad. We’ve all seen the disaster movies with all the cars that ran out of gas on the highway, we do not want to be in that mess! Yes, we will still have a shot at getting out even if we are late to the party but I’d rather leave early and have to come back a couple days later with egg on my face than to leave a few hours to late and be the guy trying to get around a guard rail or fighting my way over a freeway median.

   I guess to some up what we’ve covered on this topic is… In almost all cases, I’d plan on buggin in! Short term stuff just doesn’t justify leaving home. We should all plan for the worst and have the bug out bags ready to go but don’t neglect the preps to your primary residence. Get to know the neighbors and be prepared to provide for your self on your home ground. I think we all would like to have a BOL and I am fortunate to have gotten mine but there isn’t any rush. Make plans or even a pact with a trusted friend to keep your options open if you need to bail out but be prepared to host another family if that’s the cards that get dealt instead.

   Most likely I haven’t brought attention to anything “new” per se but I hope to always challenge your mind to consider a slightly different perspective. If anyone wants to share their take on this subject, I’m always willing to take guest articles.

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   Speaking of guest articles, we will have an article submitted by JeSter tomorrow. I’ve mentioned before that I get some great emails from readers and I know many of you have a lot to say on these subjects – find your voices and send me something to post! I will gladly share the spotlight with my brothers!!

Prepper