Ch 4.
With dawn, came more rain. It rained for three straight days. By the time it stopped, the ravine was completely submerged and a small pond was developing in what had once been a field.
Sam and Jack broke camp and started looking for a better location for a more permanent camp. They hiked back up the mountainside, walking for several hours taking note of the various plant and animal life in the area. There seemed to be plenty of berries and some green bean looking vines growing wild. There was also a lot of small rabbit like animals. Eventually, they came to a clearing that seemed like a perfect area to set up camp. There was ample space to set up their tent and there was a stream running through the far side of the clearing. They stopped and made camp.
As the sun was setting, Jack started a fire and Sam pulled out some of the berries she'd seen along the way.
"How do you know those are safe to eat?"
"I don't. Not for sure, but I saw evidence that they were being eaten by the local wildlife. I don't know what else we can do, except trial and error."
"I don't particularly like that plan Carter."
"Sir, the rations will only last so long. We have to find alternative food sources."
He couldn't argue with her, but insisted that he be the first to try the new fruit. She didn't like his plan either, but he pulled rank, so she handed the berries to him.
Thankfully they were tasty and he didn't immediately notice any adverse effects. However, he insisted she wait several days before trying the berry, just to make sure he'd survived the meal. And so, they began to explore their home. Testing a new food every couple of days and doing their best to remain in good spirits.
After about a month at the new campsite the weather started to cool down. At first Jack thought maybe it was temporary, but after three days of consistently cooler weather, he decided that the seasons must be changing. That evening around the campfire Sam brought it up.
"Sir, I think winter is coming."
Jack just nodded. He knew.
Sam hesitated because of his lack of response, she knew him to be a man of few words, but sometimes it was just awkward silence.
"What are we going to do for shelter? The tent is already starting to show signs of wear, and I have a feeling the winter is going to be cold."
"I guess we will have to figure something out." He was going to leave it at that, but when he looked at his second in command, he figured he should elaborate.
He let out a deep sigh.
"I guess I'll try to build a log cabin. Never done it before, but I've got the general idea. There're some big trees nearby. I'll start on it in the morning. That will leave you to prepare the meals and gather food, Major."
Sam knew he was right, but she hated feeling like she was doing "woman's work." Someone has to feed them though. She swallowed her pride and acknowledged the assignment.
"Any idea how to preserve foods for the winter?" he asked.
"I used to help my grandmother can vegetables from her garden, but I don't think that will be much help to us right now. I guess I'll try to dry out the vegetables. It'll be trial and error, but …" she shrugged her shoulders. She really didn't know much about cooking or stocking up for the winter. She'd do her best. She'd have to.