Before the sun had even broken the early dawn, Garrett was up getting dress so he could start his trap line early. Going to the kitchen he lit the stove and got his coffee going before he went to check on Genisis. From all of her tossing and turning during the night the covers had slipped down so he pulled them back up. Stooping down he picked up the cloth and rewetted it then place it across her eyes.
Taking a cup from the cupboard he poured himself some coffee and ate a couple of biscuits he took from the warmer which was his breakfast. Picking up his nap sack he placed the rest of the biscuits in it so he could eat them later. Finishing his coffee he took a quick look around to see if everything was ok till he got back. Grabbing the last biscuit he careful snuck out of the cabin being careful not to make any noise and waking any one up, for both she and Red still slept.
By the time he got to the barn the biscuit was gone so he pushed the door open just in time to hear his horse greet him. Within half an hour he had his horse and the mule saddle and was leading them out the door ready to start the day. Reclosing the door he mounted his horse and headed toward the hill and the beginning of a long day. Pulling his horse to a stop on top of the hill he looked back down at the valley to see that everything was peaceful in the chilly morning light.
Upon reaching the first trap line he decided to do the short one first so he headed in that direction. Half way through the route a chilly eastern breeze hit him between the shoulder blades. Pull his collar up to ward off the chill that ran down his spine he continued on down the path collecting the pelts and resetting the traps. Putting the pelts on the mule he thought he would organize them when he stopped for his noon meal. It was then he noticed a few odd flakes of snow coming down. Thinking to himself that it was only the first day of October and winter had already arrived. His father told him a few days ago that his old bones told him that it would be an early winter. Guess his father's old bones were right once more.
Coming down from the whining trail he swung towards the left to start the other trap line which was the longest one. It had stopped snowing a little while ago and he was hoping that it would stay that way till he was finished. Every now and then a few flakes would come down but the wind was making it very cold. Glancing down at the trail he saw a lot of unshod horse tracks from the native village that lived other side used this trail as a short cut. Plus Red takes a few pelts over to them so he could see Summer Wind and she in turn makes their clothing for them. So they in turn leave their trap line alone because the Chief considers Red a brother. But actually his father just goes over there to see Summer Wind who lost her husband to the white man's disease - small pox.
Stopping to think about Garrett realize that his father has been going over there for the last four years. At one time he suggested that they build another cabin back in the trees a bit but he said there was no need for it. He just smiled to himself for there might be need for another cabin after all.
Coming up to the first of many traps, he gave himself a mental shake to stop daydreaming about a future that may never be, for there was work to be done. That was when he noticing the snow was starting to come down in big flakes but not enough to make him turn around and go back.
By noon he had a third of the line complete when he thought he was a good time to have his lunch. Losing the cinch a bit so the animal could have a breather he took the nap sack and his canteen of water and headed to a log where he sat to eat his meal. He ate a cold lunch because he didn't have time to build a fire beside the fact that the wood would be wet. Taking a few minutes he arranged the pelts so that it would fit better and he could add more on. Then resynching the mules strap, he turned to his horse where he put the nap sack and canteen back on then resynched her strap.
Glancing at the heavy laden sky he realized that before he got home it would be a full-fledged blinding blizzard. Mounting his horse he continued on collecting the pelts and resetting the traps. While he was doing this the snow was starting to come down faster and faster. Coming out of a small cove he saw that his horse was having trouble getting through the drifts. Looking around he realized that they had veered off the trail a bit. The visibility had gotten that bad in a matter of an hour. Undecided what to do cause he still had a quarter of his trap line left to complete and didn't want to leave the traps full. Scanning the horizon what he saw made his decision for him so he shut it down and sent a quick prayer for a safe journey home. Calling himself several names for putting his animals and his life in a dangerous situation. They might be lucky to get back to the cabin alive. Giving his horse a quick pet and promise of extra oats he turned his outfit around and for headed home. He figured it was around four o'clock in the afternoon and it would take him at least two or three hours to get back.
Several times he had to get off his horse to tramp the snow down so they could get through the drifts. To give his horse less of a burden he alternated by riding and walking so that she wouldn't tire out so fast. Finally he reached the site where he had stopped for his noon lunch and leaning against his horse to rest for a few minutes before continuing on. He was cold, wet, and boned tired but to stop was certain death.
Remounting his horse he gave her a gentle nudge to get moving again which his faithful companion did. After following the trail for several yards he didn't remember seeing any of this before it was then he realized that they had veered off the trail again. Getting off his horse he walked around the area till he found their original trail then walked his horse to the right trail. Once again he remounted but this time he let his horse lead them home. Topping the hill that leads into the valley, Garrett saw the smoke from the chimney and whispered to his horse just a little bit more speed. As if it sensed something wrong his horse picked up some speed while making its way down the slope toward the warm barn.
Three hours after Garrett left Red hauled his old bones out of bed to do the morning chores but before going out he checked on Genisis who was sleeping soundly. Going out of the cabin, Red pulled his coat collar up around his neck for it was bit cold. There was just a light skiff of snow on the ground not much to worry about but he had a feeling that something awful was going to hit. Opening the barn door he saw that his son had did the morning chores for him. Looking around he thought it was best if he tidy up the barn by putting some of the tools away and moving some hay around. Stepping outside he closed the door behind and looked at the sky which had gotten greyer and more flakes of snow were starting to follow.
Going to the woodpile he started chopping the wood for he had a feeling that they would be needing a lot of it soon. When he was finished chopping he stacked them beside the cabin's door for quick access. With the last pile of wood he took inside the cabin and saw that Genisis was up and moving around. Pulling the coffee pot back on the stove to reheat he poured coffee for the both of them and waited for Garrett to come home.
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