This fires so many neurons in my noggin. I've been learning about stuff tangential to this for a long time.... Book cipher, running key cipher, etc.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_cipher

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Running_key_cipher

I'm currently trying out the Signal app on my phone with a buddy (open source, end-to-end encryption). But anything electronic I consider only just safe enough for semi-sensitive comms regardless of any encryption or "security". That said end-to-end encryption of SMS could be quite handy in some situations.

Also there is a end-to-end encrypted open source email server called protonmail with servers in Switzerland developed originally by and for the scientists at CERN

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ProtonMail

https://protonmail.com/

With the book cypher its very important that you and the person(s) that you wish to communicate have the exact same editions of the book. Other wise words and such can and will change between editions. I'd also say stay away from books that are too easily available such as say the bible or the dictionary.

When we experimented with this form of communication via a dead drop, we used a series of books. 7 different ones to be exact. One for each day of the week. This expands the smiling of the code, difficulty or break, and lowers the chance of you using the same word more than once two closely together

correct. Same edition is critical.

I had the idea that using a newspaper would be a neat idea, the code is changing either daily or weekly (sunday paper). But the consistency of the change to an observer trying to crack the code would be a tell and would narrow down possible sources of the code.

Things like news papers or monthly magazines.... What happens if they quit printing? Say a disaster and its important to keep messages going? News papers could be worked with though. They just don't hold up for long term.

PGP encryption and regular texting it email is pretty good. PGP encryption encrypted book cypher ... !!!

Anyone shows up at my place with two sporks and they are in. Just watch out for the ankle biter.

Probably the best idea for the OP and those interested is to look over on Facebook for the several groups local that actually do just the thing you are thinking, considering,etc...
Sorry haven't looked at this sub-forum for a while or would have chimed in previously!

Groups to look for South Sound Prep Net, this is good group of people mostly located in the south Seattle sound area. Though myself and several others are from other areas. This is a generally good group of people who like to share info and ideas. It's a closed group but just ask for permission. If anyone asks how you found it feel free to name drop (I am a member!), if you have troubles drop me a PM and I will get one of the Admins to add you to the group.

for those of you north there is another group but the main admin has some issues. I was a member but am not anymore though I do know several of the others in the group. They aqre a bit harder sometimes to find and get into. But the name of the Group is Preppers Unite Western WA.

There are a couple of others if anyone is interested. BTW South Sound started as a meetup group for Seattle north but most of its members ended up in the south sound or had moved there so now its concentrated down there.

Back to the thread topic. Having an alternate location is a good idea. Camping is OK for the immediate get out of dodge but generally stinks as a long term plan.