Day Seven Hundred Ninety Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

An earth-shattering cataclysm overshadows all else that happened to us today.

We had finally honed our co-ordination to such an extent that everyone was satisfied – and we were moving at a pace that was comfortable for all.

A flash of light, brighter than the sun caused us to look around for its source. Our starting point of the morning was far behind, and beyond that rise the flash was being replaced by a burgeoning column of smoke.

We knew in our hearts that the city on the prairie was no more.

Many in both groups wanted to turn back, but for the most part Mei and the Captain were successful in dissuading them.

Only a handful left us.

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Day Seven Hundred Ninety Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We encamped in the dark last night upon the instruction of our talented scout. Tomas was quick to promise that we would thank him in the morning.

And so with the dawn we did. The ground he had chosen was on a rise with a stunning view of our road ahead. It continued to skirt the hilly country at the edge of the prairie, running towards the southeast, our desired direction.

And Elijah and I had ample time to admire the view to the east as we waited to take up our position at the end of the column. There the towering mountains we had come through glowed in the beams of the sun on its rise.

So did we.

Day Six Hundred Sixty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We have made the transition from travelers by night back to daytime beings. The days are hot but not blistering.

Our trail and the river lead to a broad valley that we can just glimpse from each rise we crest.

The up and down nature of the track took its toll on Elijah. The upward legs were trying for everyone. But very noticeable in his case. The Captain was ever at his elbow.

Elijah chose our stopping place for tonight – on one of the downward slopes which has access to the river. So we took the opportunity to refill our water supplies.

There is something familiar about the lay of the land hereabouts. Something that harkens back to my youth.