Main: [[Campaign]] Prev: [[The Quiet Year]] - Next: [[28 Years Later]] # The Hard Winter _**Winter 2072, Pop 66 (+49 aboard the Ferry)**_ We managed to recover some medical equipment, and plans began in earnest for welcoming the Ferry people into our community. Our grand schoolhouse was mostly complete, with only some weatherproofing and roofing to go before we could open it up. With spirits high, people began planning for some things that might be considered non-essential – a beekeeper and meadery, festivals, an ice house to store and prepare cold foods. Things were looking up. The winter had other plans for us, however. Before we could complete any of those plans, the old Frost Shepherd arrived and The Hard Winter began. Snow and frozen rain stopped all work. We were able to shuttle some food and supplies to the Ferry, but couldn’t bring it in. It remained adrift near our island. We still tell stories to our children about The Hard Winter. Many of us fell very ill, and our numbers and spirits dwindled. Those stranded aboard the ferry drifted among the reef, resupplied when there were breaks in weather, but they were hit especially hard. But Spring eventually arrived. We survived The Hard Winter without losing our community, and it made us strong. We renewed our covenants and commitments to mutual aid, support, wellbeing for all, and continued building Renewal Point. Next: [[28 Years Later]]