Entry 46

After checking for electricity, which was still out, I headed out to see if the fire was closer. It is still very much there, but I cannot tell if it has gotten any closer. If it does get to me I am not sure if I should try and run or just wait it out. I really think this building should be safe; perhaps I could gather up the fire extinguishers and be ready if a spark does try and start.

Since I am pretty sure this apartment building is safe from the fire, as well as the other two in my complex, I wonder if I should try to get supplies from the buildings and stores nearby now. I have not seen many zombies over the last few days, so I think with luck I could avoid them. Going down to the streets meant it was time to get the shotgun.

The worst part of getting the shotgun was not actually getting the gun, which I could simply run in and grab. It was trying to find the shotgun shells which meant I had to stay and search through the apartment. This time I put on a few layers of clothes from the other apartments I did not plan on ever wearing again. I wrapped and taped plastic bags over my shoes to try and protect them. I put the chest rub on the shirt I was using as a mask, put on some cleaning gloves, and headed to the apartment.

It seemed that letting it air out and/or it being early in the morning had helped dissipate the smell. I did not even notice it until I had actually stepped into the apartment. It was still rather strong and still just as horrible, but the edge seemed to be gone. Not seeing the corpses made being in the room easier as well. I headed straight to the bedroom so I could get what I needed and get out.

The first thing I did was took the shotgun and set it outside the apartment. Even if I could not find the shells I might be able to find some later. I began my search in the closet which seemed like the first place one would store the shotgun shells. It took maybe 10 seconds to find the box on its side at the bottom of the closet. Only two shells were missing leaving me with 8. I searched a bit longer and could not find any more. I looked around the room quickly for anything else that might be of value and then headed into the kitchen. I did not even bother checking the fridge or freezer. Rummaging through the cabinets there were a few things worth grabbing. I grabbed a container of Cream of Wheat which was unopened and a big bag of beef jerky. There were chips, crackers, and some oatmeal but they had been opened and any food exposed to the air in the apartment was not worth eating.

I hauled everything outside my apartment, took off all my protective wear and for the most part there was not much of an odor left. I headed into the apartment, changed clothes, and was left only with a lingering smell of chest rub. I left the clothes outside in case I needed to go back into the apartment.

The shotgun had some dried blood on it so I washed that off with some soapy water and bleach. I have used a shotgun before so I understood how it worked pretty well. This shotgun did not have the part which you put against your shoulder though. I guess you just hold it and aim the best you can. Sadly, there were no shells left in the gun, but at least I found some.

With the shotgun obtained, I decided to work on my first floor access. If I intend to go out on the streets then I need more secure access than the ramp. I tore up the plastic carpet stuff in the utility room to get access to the wood underneath. I was getting ready to start cutting when I noticed the sheet of plywood was held down by screws. I ripped back enough of the flooring to expose the whole sheet. Not wanting to use the last of the charge in the cordless drill I slowly took out all the screws by hand. Once I had it pried up I was able to make sure there were no lines or pipes in the way. Even better, the ceiling was simply drywall so I was able to cut it with my trusty drywall saw. Luckily, the room was empty since I was so caught up with my progress I had not thought to bring a gun.

I figured this was a good place to call it a day. I re-covered the hole with the plywood and moved the workbench over it. There is no way someone could push that up from underneath. Tomorrow I will have to build a ladder or stairs. There is also a utility room in the laundry room which might have some useful supplies. Tonight, the shifting winds have brought the menacing smell of smoke to haunt me while I try to sleep.