The possibility of a nuclear exchange (or another similar event) that ends the human species has never completely disappeared. The most powerful governments still maintain certain shelters meant to protect their most relevant figures, but there are many people out there convinced that collapse is inevitable. One of them is Bruce Beach, who in 1980 began the construction of "Arca Dos", an underground nuclear shelter based on 42 recycled school buses.
What Would You Do?
Boom! It's the end of the world! A small question: What do you do? You've had the luck (or misfortune) to survive. What is your first action? Do you look for your family? Do you stockpile resources? Do you get a weapon? Some try to anticipate that situation with methods as strange as they are colorful. The so-called preppers attracted so much public attention that they ended up turned into a reality show, but there are people who are very serious and dedicated.
One of them is Bruce Beach, who in 1980 decided to build the nuclear shelter "Arca Dos", located in Horning's Mills, northwest of Toronto. Today, with more than 80 years on his shoulders, Beach explains that his goal is not to reproduce the survival vision of the average prepper (whom he interprets as too individualistic), but rather to rebuild society after the apocalypse.
Inside Ark Two
The shelter extends over about 930 square meters, and is composed of 42 recycled school buses, which in turn were covered with concrete and buried (between 1.5 and 4 meters of earth). The overall design of Ark Two allows the presence of about 350-500 people inside. It has redundant diesel generators, three months of fuel, access to drinking water and septic tanks, a communications center (with AM, FM, and shortwave transmission), two kitchens, a chapel, a decontamination room, and much more.
The Price of Entry
Unfortunately, things were not easy for Beach and his wife. They have suffered theft of equipment, floods, fires, and rat invasions, but they remain firm. The entry fee to the shelter is simple: Physical work, whether helping with maintenance, cutting wood, or doing other tasks. Most volunteers only go once, but there are still several loyal ones who, with their activities, have secured a place in the shelter.
The Battle With Authorities
Even so, the biggest challenge facing Beach is the authorities. Citing reasons of "public safety", they have tried to seal Ark Two on more than one occasion. Judging by its general state (moisture, rust, poor lighting, collapses), it is clear that the shelter needs work, but that is no reason to close it. For now, Ark Two remains open, and Beach prepares for the apocalypse in his own way. Would you like to start too? Why not explore a little literature?
Official site: Click here. Source: National Post.
