Trails: First Generation

Sierra Blanca, New Mexico

Sierra Blanca, New MexicoThe Sierra Blanca mountain peak loomed ahead. Trees and brushy plants covered this mountain, to locals. A waking, growing volcano in reality. Most noticeable to Alex was the absence of creatures. Ants and bugs crawled in the leaves and across the trail. Nothing larger rustled leaves or twigs. Birds and squirrels had disappeared. Stifling silence met them as they hiked up the slope.

The two-hour hike was in some ways easier, and in others more difficult than Hawaiian volcanoes. There was no breeze to rustle the leaves, or cool the forehead.

Corbo took the wagon after half an hour. He huffed and puffed his way to the front of the line.

Tom didn't wait long, before he took over.

Corbo grinned and dropped back behind.

Amber danced along at times, where the sun beamed through the trees. At others, she pulled her backpack into arms and held it close.

Alex walked behind her as much as he could. Her excitement was contagious. Something obviously bothered her, and he'd have to find out what. Maybe a boyfriend she didn't want to leave behind?

The trees thinned. The peak of the sleeping volcano rose to meet them. No visible caldera in sight. Overgrown with trees, bushes, and lived in by animals for thousands of years. Perhaps it was visible on a satellite map.

Tom pulled the wagon to a stop.

"Over there would be good." Alex sat Tom's bag down. He helped Tom lift the seismometer.

Stillness echoed.

The ground vibrated.

Trees and rocks shook.

Stones tumbled down the slope.

The wagon rolled into Corbo's leg.

The seismometer slipped.

Alex and Tom fought to steady themselves and the equipment. Only a few feet from where they wanted it, they managed to stay almost upright and set it on the ground safely.

Alex collapsed on the ground and drew a deep breath. He checked to be sure everyone was okay.

Amber had landed on her hands and knees behind Corbo.

Corbo rubbed his shin, where the mostly empty wagon had struck. "I'm okay."

"Not a strong quake. Too much movement on an unbalanced hillside," Tom said.

Amber stood up, shakily. "Dangerous for sure. Glad we were at the top and none of the rocks could fall on us." She swiped at the dirt on her legs.

"Amber, can you bring Tom's bag and mine? I wish we could have recorded that one." Alex sat up from his awkward position on the ground.

Amber put her bag down against a tree and carried the other two bags over. She sat beside Alex.

Alex and Tom steadied and prepared the seismometer.

Warmth beyond the heat of the day flooded through his veins. He had worn shorts on the plane, and hadn't changed. Thankfully, this was not an active volcano, and lava couldn't splatter his legs. The scar on his leg pulsed from the adrenaline rush. It sure felt like an active volcano at the moment. He glanced up to see Amber watching him and the equipment.

He blushed and turned away.

Brandon and Amber's mom had brought a few of the seismometers they used. Almost identical, they were set to monitor different frequencies.

Alex programmed the GPS station to verify changes in spatial readings. The satellite would update them regularly. Any height difference in the mountain would indicate change that needed to be verified in person.

Tom set up the atmospheric monitoring equipment. Various gases and temperature changes would be recorded with it, and transferred to the satellites as well.

All this high tech equipment would remain on the mountain, so humans wouldn't have to. So much could affect the equipment, especially rain, solar storms, quakes, magma, animals, and other humans. Hopefully, the equipment here, and the other stations they would set up, would show that the government's worry and concern were unnecessary.

Alex verified that the monitors were stable, and as protected from the elements and falling tree limbs as possible.

Screen readings flicked on. Everything was up and running. "Normally, I would wait to obtain a range of readings. That quake, probably a 3.0 makes me nervous. Let's hurry back down the mountain."

Tom put his hand on Alex's arm. "I want to be down as fast you. For safety, let's have a little water and a snack first."

Alex sighed. "You're right. Holding onto that wagon, even empty, all the way down will take energy." He sat on a rock, and opened his pack to pull out some dried fruit and nuts.

The landscape of trees, mountains, and desert was like a picture out of time. No sign of humans anywhere. They could be the first people to have ever set foot here, even though the well-worn trail was only feet away.

Amber munched her own snacks. "Beautiful. I'm afraid it's going to change forever, and we'll be here to see it."

Alex laughed. "Most people would think that was a good thing. Being able to see the change as it occurs, that is."

Amber's lips curved. "They have no idea the damage an earthquake can do, or a volcano for that matter."

He shoved the food back in his pack. "True enough. Everyone ready?"

Salsa music filled the air.

Corbo shook his head and answered his phone. "Yes Livia. I'm okay. No, please don't come. Not right now."

Alex took the wagon handle and started down the mountain trail.

Corbo caught up and took it from him. "Better hurry, she might show up."

Chapter 7