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While researching, Tad learns about Black Bear Ranch, a small self-sufficient community focused on sharing, located in northern California, deep in the woods. About forty people live there, and they have a very simple lifestyle, with no screens; no television, radio, phones, internet, and they don't even have newspaper distribution. They have very little contact with the outside world, apart from what comes in and out of the access road. Tad figures that there, no one will know that he and Elizabeth are wanted. They decide to head there, and on the way, they stop in the small town of Cecilville, where they need to stop to refuel.
At the gas station, they meet Griffin Barry, 29, a local man who works there.
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Tad asks Griffin how to get to Black Bear Ranch and spins a web of lies about his and Elizabeth's identities. He tells Griffin that they are John and Joanne Castro, a married couple. He claims that he is 44 years old and his so-called wife is 24. Tad invents an entire backstory for them, saying that they are originally from Denver and arrived in the area because their house burned down. While waiting for insurance compensation, they decided to travel a bit, which is how they ended up in Cecilville.
Griffin clearly does not know that they are wanted. He gives Tad directions to Black Bear Ranch and even suggests that if they are not accepted there, they can come back to Cecilville, as he could help them find housing in exchange for work. Meanwhile, Elizabeth stays in the car, keeping her head down, possibly to avoid drawing attention to the fact that she looks quite young for someone supposed to be 24.
They continue their journey to Black Bear Ranch, which is two hours away. The place is completely isolated, and the members of the community live in self-sufficiency. Despite this, Tad and Elizabeth are warmly welcomed. However, Tad's behavior quickly becomes problematic for the small community, and it's this behavior that will ultimately lead to his downfall.
While the community accepts Tad and Elizabeth without hesitation, they make little effort to integrate and soon start causing problems for everyone.
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The group is welcoming to anyone who wants to join them, but to stay long-term, new members must complete a two-week trial period where they must follow the rules and contribute to the communal effort. This includes being honest and willing to work, such as getting up early to perform chores, as each member is required to work at least four hours a day. However, Tad and Elizabeth prefer to sleep in or stay in bed all day. They frequently avoid work and Tad insists on keeping a knife with him for protection.
