The red dirt road drifted off into nowhere. There were tracks, but it had been so dry that they could have been several weeks old. No way to identify or trace them.
No people anywhere. If there were folks living anywhere nearby, they were tucked so far back into the woods that it would take a long time to find them. Could be dangerous to try. These were independent people, well-armed and not friendly to strangers. They wanted no interference in the form of government checks, or check-ups.
Someday there would be an accounting, but for now, they could wait.
Just Writing! 
well armed and not friendly to strangers? Yikes!
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Indeed. There will always be a remnant that won’t easily fall into line.
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Maybe best to just leave them alone, if they’re not harming anyone else!
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Totalitarian governments never see it that way. You get in line, or you’re gonna wish you had.
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Dear Linda,
A little frightening to anyone who might try to help. It feels like the setup to a longer story. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks, Rochelle.
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I can hear the banjos, Linda
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And the guitars and the fiddles 🙂
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While taking leisurely drives in the countryside, I’ve happened upon roads like this — and got away from them asap. Just about every teenage horror story has roads like this in it. Best to leave them to their own.
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We took one, on a whim, up to the top of a mountain in the Appalachians. Kind of scary, but Terry had a great conversation with the man of the house. The lady we could hear banging pots and pans in the kitchen never stepped foot our the door. Interesting.
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all i can say is that they should enjoy it while it lasts. 🙂
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Better hurry up and leave. 🙂
Happy holidays, Linda!
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Thanks, and the same to you 🙂
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Off the grid! I’ve heard this is becoming more and more common. Loved the atmosphere.
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Thanks, Tannille.
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Sounds like the southeast area of Kentucky where my Daddy was from. To this day, if you would want to visit, you’d have to call ahead so they know you’re coming… and long before you actually pull into their drive, they already know you’re there. People look out for one another, and are not so nice to strangers. Great story, Gran! I sincerely hope you have a wonderful Christmas, and are looking forward to an awesome 2021. Shalom, Bear
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Thank you, Bear, and the same to. you 🙂
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Perhaps the sign should read “Be Gone”. there is so much interference in people’s lives, I can understand why people want to be left alone – just now and again.
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Me too, James.
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That’s if there’s anyone left to do the governing!
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good point 🙂
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Well, at least there was a warning sign. No outsiders allowed. I hope you have a wonderful holiday, Linda!
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Thank you, Brenda, and a merry Christmas to you.
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I once loved to roam, parts of the world these days are so sad.
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We have many of these dirt roads this side of the equator, but most are friendly and welcoming. I had to look twice at the picture because it looked like it could have been taken right here!
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Lots of red dirt country roads in our South here in the USA.
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This is a skilfully told story, Linda. It has wonderful depth. I agree with Rochelle – it would make a great start for a longer piece.
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Yoinks, doesn’t sound like a safe place. Unless you’re some sort of ninja 🙂
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🙂
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There is a nice tension in this one. You know it’s going to get worse at some point…
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Thanks, Laurie, Yes, I think you’re right.
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Definitely based on many true stories! Well told.
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Why should we assume they’re trouble when all they may want is to avoid trouble? Maybe they’re friendly Amish..ish. ‘S long as they ain’t a.hurtin folks, yall best shonuf leave em be
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Zackly 🙂
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