I am a middle-aged single lady, living at the line between suburbia and countryside, outside of DC. Have thought about what the future may hold, and I have a small and inadequate but tolerable collection of guns, and ammo for it all. Like many people I’ve laid in a good stock of food, medicine, water, personal supplies, and firewood, but this house is not really defensible in a situation in which things collapse altogether. No, I do not have any relatives in the area. I also have a good horse and a small hunting hound.
I’ve seen what the roads are like around here on the average rainy Friday afternoon, and if anything bad did happen, it’s clear that getting out of town by vehicle would simply not be possible.
I have a girlfriend in the same situation, ten miles away, in a more well-protected and rural location. If things get bad, I intend to saddle up and ride to her place, where we would be harder to find and the area is more defensible, with plentiful game and a source of water as well as off-road access by horse. But in the event of total, long-term collapse, military friends who live in a true back-country area in the midwest have strongly urged us to come join them. The people in their area are already organized and in communication; they’re ready and they’re tough and experienced.
So knowing that this is not going to be a one-day drive on the interstates, I’m thinking about planning a route to get as far west as possible by horse and foot.
What would be the best route to head west, in general? I was planning on riding up the towpath trail along the Potomac to West Virginia, staying strictly away from any road. This part I know well, and anticipate no problems. But then what? One has to cross the Ohio and the Mississippi. Gee, how did our ancestors do it?
In the 19th century one of my peeps drove his hogs from Ohio to Baltimore along the present route of 40, sold them, then walked back. Barefoot. So it can be done.
I think you would be better off at your pal’s place than trying to strike out overland to the West. I think ground travel will be a worse and more dangerous option than any but the worst city situations.
I think you would be better off at your pal’s place than trying to strike out overland to the West. I think ground travel will be a worse and more dangerous option than any but the worst city situations.
Might want to look at the W&O bike path as well as an alternate, however if you are close to the potomac it might not be an option. You may also want to consider a light kayak/canoe with a small motor and run it up the potomac if it’s just you, however in winter this might not be the best way. Where are you located? I’m just outside of ashburn on the leesburg side. I’m pretty secure in my ‘compound’, ;-), however have set my bug out routes and initial destinations just in case.