Those Outrageous Outdoors: What Crazy Thing Will Be Discovered Behind a Small Opening in a Rock Wall?

By Nancy A. Tremblay

This is an adventure of four kids and a dog who, while on a camping trip, find a crazy land with even crazier inhabitants. There has been a curse set upon this land that it, along with all the animals, will soon disappear forever.

It is up to these four kids and their new friends to find a way to save the creatures that live here. Join them in an adventure that no one had ever dreamed. Find out if they can save these odd animals in time!

There is adventure, friendship, what happens when you need to depend on yourself, and at times, people you didnt know you could count on.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 10, 2015
• ISBN: 9781496942531

Nancy A. Tremblay

Nancy Tremblay is interested in art, cooking, and coming up with new ideas to write about. She grew up in South Dakota and is proud to be Lakota. She currently lives with her husband, Phil; two loving dogs; and a cat that will grace them with his appearance from time to time. She has two grown sons and a lifelong passion for horses. Writing has always been inside of her, but she has just recently put it to paper. A breast cancer survivor, she made a commitment to start doing and stop waiting.

Book preview

CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-One

Chapter Forty-Two

Chapter Forty-Three

Chapter Forty-Four

Chapter Forty-Five

Chapter Forty-Six

Chapter Forty-Seven

Chapter Forty-Eight

Chapter Forty-Nine

Chapter Fifty

Chapter Fifty-One

Chapter Fifty-Two

Chapter Fifty-Three

Chapter Fifty-Four

Chapter Fifty-Five

Chapter Fifty-Six

Chapter Fifty-Eight

Chapter Fifty-Nine

Chapter Sixty

Chapter Sixty-One

Chapter Sixty-Two

Chapter Sixty-Three

Chapter Sixty-Four

This Story Is Dedicated To:

Matthew, John and Mary Anne

Te hu wan ci yun ke sni.

Wakan Tanka kici un

I Love You

I would like to thank Philip for the long hours of editing, walking dogs

and keeping the home fire burning. All so I might have the chance to

finally write my story. It has been a long journey. A journey I could not

have traveled without you. I am forever grateful.

This is the story of some unlikely friends. But as you may know, those can be the best kind.

CHAPTER ONE

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Hey Mikey! yelled a tall, friendly looking man standing at the bottom of the staircase. He held a leash attached to a large, shaggy dog. Turn off the electronics and come downstairs. Here’s a hairy friend of yours who wants to go out in the yard and play with you.

A dark-haired, 10-year-old boy yelled back. He was glued to his computer screen. Aw Dad! I’m at the tenth level on the eighth planet, Kremeteor, and I am about to save the Princess from the Crater Creatures!

Save her later. Right now come downstairs and take care of the dog you wanted more than anything else in the whole world and would never ask for another thing ever if you could only have him. He is waiting for you, said Oscar, Mikey’s dad.

Oh, all right. I’ll be right there.

Crash, boom, thud! Mikey ran down so fast he slid across the floor at the bottom of the stairs. He grabbed Barney’s leash on his way and sailed out the front door. The family had adopted Barney from the pound on Mikey’s tenth birthday.

Mikey went out the door with the leash in his hand, but Barney didn’t follow. He just sat there. When Mikey hit the end of the leash, up in there air went his feet. Down on his bottom he landed. Ow, he yelled

I guess I’d better slow down, he said to his dad. After making this grand entrance and exit, he and Barney went out to play. Their favorite game was playing Mighty Mountain Explorer and his Brave Dog Barney. Mikey would pretend to go on wild adventures high in the mountains he loved to look at on his computer or study in his books.

How much fun it would be, he thought, to go hiking and camping far out in the wilderness where real live wild animals lived? But he guessed that probably would never happen. His mom, dad, and even his older sister always seemed too busy to do something interesting.

"Hey Barney! Let’s find the ugliest animal in the forest! We will look high and low, under rocks, up in tree tops, beneath the water and everywhere else to see who can find the creepiest, scariest and strangest looking new species of creature. We’ll become rich, rich, rich! I will buy all the, latest and greatest games for my computer and buy you a brand new rubber ball.

‘Oh great,’ thought Barney. ‘All that work and I get a new bouncy-ball to chase. How about a new cushy dog bed with an automatic dog treat dispenser right next to it?’

Mikey! Come in for lunch and leave that big smelly dog out there, screeched Mikey’s sister Kay, as she stood in the back door.

Well Barney, I guess we found our new species of weird and wild animal. Behold the Screech-howling Sister Dodo Rex.

Mikey and Barney both went into the house and were surprised to see the whole family sitting at the table. Usually it was just grab a sandwich and run, but not today.

Everyone. I have an announcement to make. That includes you, Barney. We’re going camping! Oscar said.

Yea! What? Are you serious? was the simultaneous reaction from each of the family members. Barney simply sat wondering what might fall to him from the lunch table. Gravity was Barney’s second best buddy.

Olive, Mikey’s mom, just stood in the way only she could stand, making you wonder if she was mad or glad.

I am curious as to whose idea this was, as if I really have to ask, Olive said, with a raised eyebrow.

Things fell eerily quiet. Mikey was so excited he was ready to burst. Kay looked like she was about to fall into a pool of ice water. Oscar beamed as if he had just invented the Internet. Barney, with his mouth watering, just kept staring at the kitchen table.

Yes family. We are going camping. The plans are set. We are all going to Lost Dark Canyon.

Even Barney? He just has to come. We can always leave Kay here but Barney just has to come along, said Mikey.

Of course Barney can come. Your sister is coming too. But there is one little thing I did not mention yet. We will be leaving behind all gaming devices, cellphones and any other electronic devices that use batteries or other forms of ‘packaged’ energy, said Oscar, trying to look stern. We’re going off the grid!

But Dad! What about a flashlight? What if we get lost? Won’t we need to find our way in the dark? What if we get caught in a raging blizzard? Won’t we need a phone to call for help? Mikey said in an excited but panicky voice.

We’ll get along just fine. I am fairly sure we won’t have to worry about blizzards in July.

Well, you can just count me out of this safari, Kay said. I have no desire to go tromping into a bug-laden, dark and desolate campground without electricity, with no computer, no music, and all kinds of heavy breathing four-leggeds with glowing eyes staring at me. To top it off, no cellphone!

Hey Kay! You can bring along two empty soup cans and a really long string to call boys with, snickered Mikey.

Well first of all, young lady, you are going along with us. Secondly, any glowing eyes staring at you from the dark will probably be safer than the leering eyes of some boys I’ve seen skulking around here. If you give it a chance, you just might have a good time.

Yeah Sis! You’re usually the one with glowing eyes and heavy breathing.

Here now! That will be enough from both of you. We are all going camping. I will bring a cellphone for emergencies only. More than likely we won’t have phone reception anyway. Now, one thing we will do as a family, after dinner tonight, I’m going to teach both of you, and you too Olive, how to read a real map. No GPS on this trip. Olive, I am sure you know how to read a map, but you can refresh your memory while I show the kids.

Olive glared at Oscar with a You just wait! look.

Dad. We have a map at school. It’s a great big one with all the countries in color.

Well, that’s just fine Mikey, but the kind of map I am going to show you is a little different than the kind of maps you have at school.

Well, he concluded, We have a lot to do in a short time, so I suggest we eat our lunch and get started with our preparations for this trip. And, will someone please give Barney something to eat.

Before they knew it, it was time to hit the road!

CHAPTER TWO

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Oscar had rented a very nice motorhome, but also brought along two extra tents. Just in case someone in the family might become adventurous and, like the pioneers, want to really rough it in the great outdoors.

Being the mom she is, Olive packed enough food to last until fall. Mikey was careful to pack his Mighty Mountain Adventure Kit and also made sure he brought along Barney’s food and a big bowl for his water.

Kay found the most fashionable of her old clothes and packed them in her sequined duffle bag, making sure not to wrinkle anything.

Mom! Can I PLEEAASE take my hot rollers, curling iron and hair dryer?

Well, if it will make you feel better. Just remember, we are going to be a long way from anywhere or anyone. If you want to curl your hair to look nice for your family and the woodland creatures, that’s great, Olive snickered to her daughter.

After many trips in and out of the house, to and from the motorhome, everything was finally packed and the family was ready to start their adventure trip to Lost Dark Canyon!

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On the road again…

Stop right there Oscar, said Olive. We have at least two or three hours until we get there. Can we save the serenading until we are only a half-hour or so away from the campground?

Sure Olive, but how about a quick stop now for gas? I am sure Barney would appreciate a trip to the nearest fire hydrant. As long as we are stopping, go ahead and grab a bite to eat. No Frozen Bean Burritos though. I have a couple more hours with all of you in this vehicle and I am familiar with what gas station food, especially bean burritos can do to you all.

Remember Mikey, Kay said, No Pioneer Burritos.

After fueling up and having a little something to eat, they were off again on the last leg of the trip. There still was somber silence, along with the ‘look’ coming from Kay in the backseat. As if the world as she knew it had come to an end since she couldn’t bring along her cellphone and laptop.

Mikey and Barney stared out the window dreaming of what adventures await them once they got to the campsite. Olive sat staring out the window, thinking of how beautiful the mountains were and how much work was in store for her once they reached their destination.

I think this is our turn coming up. Would someone please check the GPS? asked Oscar.

Sure. I will Dad, Kay answered. Oh yeah, we’re being pioneers on this trip and pioneers don’t have GPS.

Alright, that’s enough. I will get the map and check. Oscar, I think you’re right, this is our turn coming up. Here, on the left, Olive said with a smile.

Hurray! After a hundred hours, we are finally here Barney. Mikey was so excited he wanted to jump out of the camper before it even stopped at the park gate.

Good afternoon! Oscar said enthusiastically to the park attendant. We have reservations under the last name of…

No need for names. There’s only one other family staying in the park now so I figure you must be the Owen family.

That is right. I am surprised there aren’t more people camping in the park. Isn’t this the park’s busy season?

Nope. It seems people are not as interested in camping as they used to be.

That’s a shame, said Oscar. This is a beautiful park, from what we have seen so far. At least we will have lots of quiet privacy, with the park being so empty.

Oh great. Solitude. Just what I was hoping for, said Kay.

Yeah Kay, started Mikey, All that quiet. Except for sounds at night that you’ve never heard before. The scratching at the camper window. The growling noise when you go to the outhouse…

OUTHOUSE! Kay bellowed at the top of her lungs. We have a camper. What if I have to… you know, in the middle of the night. NO WAY am I going outside in the middle of the night.

Relax. If you have to ‘you know’ in the middle of the night, you can use the facilities in the camper. Unless you decide you’d like to sleep in the tent and be Pioneer Kate!

Mom, would you please tell Pioneer Dad to stop with the Pioneer stuff, PLEASE?

With all that being said, they drove around the park, found a beautiful spot with a picnic table and trees near a nice pond and parked their camper.

Alright. Everybody can start using all this energy to begin setting up the tents and getting the campsite in order. The sooner we are settled in, the sooner I can start dinner and you can go explore the campground, said Olive, with her calm, sensible voice.

Well, everyone did as she asked. Oscar and Mikey got the tents set up and gathered some firewood. Kay gathered three sticks to help with starting the fire. Olive got a nice table set with potato salad, baked beans, and a pile of hamburgers and hotdogs ready for cooking on the campfire.

They had a delicious meal and were all well stuffed when Mikey heard a strange rustling sound coming from the woods near the tents.

Hey, did you guys hear that? It’s coming from the woods. Right over there by those really big trees and that wall of rocks!

OK Mikey. If you really want to tell spooky stories, I guess we can, replied Oscar.

No Dad. I really heard strange sounds coming from over there, as he pointed towards the big trees and rocks.

Right then, from that very direction, came another sound. The sound of breaking sticks and rustling leaves as if they were being walked through.

Oscar quietly whispered, Everyone. Get into the camper and shut the door.

Oscar, what are you thinking of doing? asked Olive.

Just do as I say please. I am going to get a bit closer and shine my flashlight over there.

He quietly walked ever so cautiously towards the place where the sounds came from. Shining his light in all directions, he couldn’t see anything that would have made the sound they all heard.

He went back to the camper and reported to the family he had not seen a thing. That it more than likely was a raccoon or opossum. That there are many different kinds of harmless animals that are active during the night time.

This made them feel a little better. Still Kay wasn’t too sure. So to show her that there was nothing to be frightened of, Oscar and Mikey said they would sleep out in the tent.

While Oscar had explained all of this to his family, out in the woods there really was something moving. It was not a raccoon or opossum, it was a bear, a real live bear.

He, the bear, had been secretly watching the family all afternoon. It soon got dark. Normally, being a bear, the dark, or little else, would not bother him. But this bear was not a big bear. He was just a baby and he was all alone. Just a few days before he had been playing in the woods with his sister and mother. Without a care in the world, he wandered off chasing a big butterfly. It was only for a short time but he got turned around and soon realized that he was lost.

He looked for his mother and sister. Little did he know, while they were looking for him, they had been caught in a big metal bear trap and relocated to another part of the park. Now being all alone, he thought just maybe these two-legged creatures might know where his momma and his sister were. Maybe they even had them in one of their shelters.

With all the excitement outside, Olive thought it might be good idea to have everybody sleep inside the camper. However, the two brave pioneer men wanted to prove to the women folk that here was nothing to be a-feared of. So with a bit of hesitation from Mikey, the men grabbed their flashlights and headed out to the tents.

Which tent would you like to sleep in, Mikey? asked Oscar, knowing darn well Mikey was still a bit scared and wanted them both to sleep in the same tent.

Ummm, I guess it doesn’t really matter too much dad, but I thought that maybe if we both slept in the same tent we’d stay warmer.

I guess you’re probably right Mike. We’ll stay much warmer that way and we can each keep an ear out in case mom or sis need something. Right?

Yes, that’s it. I mean… You’re right. They might need something and we’ll be sure to hear them if they need something.

As Mikey and his father got settled into their tent, the little lost bear, being scared and alone, could hear his tummy starting to make growling sounds. With all that had happened this day, getting lost and losing track of his mom and sister, he forgot that he had not had anything to eat since very early that morning. He was very hungry.

Without his mom there to provide food, he knew he would have to find something to eat on his own. Now he must remember all that his mom had shown him and told him about what to do to find food. It was already dark so he couldn’t easily find any berry bushes to pick over or logs to look under for grubs. It was also too dark to go fishing, but he could smell something wafting through the air that just might fill his hungry belly. Now where was that smell coming from?

He took a great big sniff and discovered that the smell of food was coming from where the two-leggeds were. Now he would have to sneak up close, look in every direction for where the tasty smell was coming from exactly, make sure the two-leggeds were all in their sleeping places, then run into the camp, grab the food and run back to the woods as fast as possible. But wait. What about his mom and sis. He was pretty sure they were in the camp somewhere or someplace close. How could he sneak in, look for his family and grab some food all without being discovered?

Hmmm. How can I sneak into that camping place with all those two-leggeds and one of those four-leggeds that makes that loud, funny, woofy sound whenever they see anything? After giving the situation much thought, the little bear also remembered the one thing that his mother often taught him. She had always made sure that he and his sister knew who they were. They were BEARS! Big Mighty Lords of the Forests that all other creature feared and respected. Having remembered that, the little bear took a deep breath, shook his whole body and ruffled out every hair on his back. He then stood up on two legs and with the mightiest growl that only a little bear could muster, he marched himself right into the campground to claim his dinner and find his family.

Just as he entered into the light of the campfire, the door of the camper opened. Out stepped Kay and Barney. There was silence for three, maybe four seconds while all six eyes stared at each other. Then it happened. Every noise that could ever be imagined came all at once. Barking, bawling, hollering and screaming sounded as Baby Bear ran back to the woods with Barney the dog close behind. And in last place, came Kay, being dragged by the dog’s leash and screaming out words that haven’t even been invented yet. The scared little bear escaped back into the woods. Barney, with Kay, still screaming strange words, in tow, stopped the chase.

WHAT IN THE WORLD? yelled Olive as she ran out of the camper.

Mom! Tell dad we are going home right now, Kay stated as she walked past her

Well, what happened? Olive asked again. By this time Oscar and Mikey were out of their tent and also were wondering what had happened?

Well, I will tell you ‘pioneers’ what happened. Being the considerate person that I am, I thought I would take Barney out to do his duties. And, as long as I was out, I also would, you know, do my duties in that… eeww, outhouse. But when I came out of the camper with Barney, there was a giant grizzly bear with huge fangs and licking his lips standing there glaring at me. If it weren’t for Barney, he would have ripped me into shreds.

Well, I am sure it was a scary thing to have happen to you, said Oscar, "but I did happen to get a glance at the ‘Grizzly Bear’ as he ran by and I am pretty sure you’ll have to wait quite a few months before that little guy can, ‘rip you to shreds.’ I am sure he smelled our food and was just coming to see what he could find to eat. However, where there is a baby bear there’s sure to be a mother bear too, so to be on the safe side, Mikey and I’d better sleep inside the camper tonight.

Now it is getting late and I am sure we have disturbed the only other campers in the park, so let’s go to bed and try to get some sleep. I am sure things will look better in the morning, Oscar calmly said to his wide-eyed family. Off to bed they went, though none of them thought they would really get any sleep.

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Well. The baby bear was scared and worried. He thought for sure his momma and sister were somewhere in that camper. If they weren’t, where could they be?

As we may recall, Momma Bear and Sister Bear were taken away to be relocated to the other side of the park. The two bears had been turned loose by now and had only one thing on their minds… to get back to their little baby bear as quickly as possible.

Oh Momma, do you know where we are? How are we going to find our Baby Bear? said the younger female bear.

"Don’t you worry little one. We will get home and find your baby brother as fast as our four legs can carry us. I have been in this part of the woods before, when I was myself but a cub. I think I can remember the way back home. However, we must move quickly as it is a long journey. We also must move ever so quietly. We cannot attract any attention to ourselves. Let’s fill up on the sweet berries here and start back home. Remember small one, we must be ever so quiet and stay away from all places where the two-leggeds are so we are not spotted and captured again.

Our Baby Bear is waiting for us and we cannot let him down. He can’t take care of himself yet! And with that, Momma and Sister Bear were off to find their way back home. They had a long journey ahead and must be as quick and as out of sight as possible.

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GOOD MORNING O’ PIONEER FAMILY! A happy but quite irritating voice came roaring from the back room of the camper. Rise and shine. Let’s get the griddle hot and the orange juice not.

Oscar, Olive said sleepily, Must you be so cheerful?

Well, camping family, after the adventure we had last night, we sure could use some hotcakes and bacon. Don’t ya think?

Well, I am sure we all could use a good hot breakfast but don’t you think maybe the smell of breakfast on the griddle might bring back the visitor we had last night? asked Olive.

Good point Mom, stated Kay, clutching her pillow. Maybe we should stay in the camper and just have a bowl of cereal.

I don’t think we have to go that far. We can still have a nice hot breakfast and we’ll just eat it inside the camper. Having said that, Olive got breakfast started.

CHAPTER THREE

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Not too far from where the conversation over where to eat breakfast was taking place, the little bear woke up to the wonderful smell of bacon cooking.

Yummy. Something smells so good, and I bet I know where it’s coming from too.

As the little bear sat, his mouthwatering, he knew he must come up with a plan for getting some food. He could go find some berries, that’d be OK. Or he could go to the river and try to catch a fish. Or, he could figure out a way to get some of that delicious smelling bacon. Bacon it was. Now, how to get it.

The first thing to do, he figured, was to go spy on happenings at the campsite. He did not want to run into that screeching, two-legged girl or that giant, noisy dog, so he must sneak as quietly and close to the ground as possible to get a closer look. So down he got on his belly and ever so quietly sneaked right up to the edge of the family’s campsite.

Hmmm… I don’t see anybody. They must be inside that place they ran into last night, Baby Bear said to himself. He thought he must find a way to get all of them out just long enough for him to run in, grab some bacon and get out!

That’s not very nice, to take someone’s food without asking, he thought. To be fair, I better leave something for a trade.

What could he bring to leave in trade for his piece of bacon? He thought very hard about what to leave. After all, he did not know much about what two-leggeds might like..

After much thinking, he figured that since the girl had screamed so loud last night, maybe she would like some nice, fresh honey to calm her nerves. Honey makes almost everyone feel good, he thought to himself. Maybe then she would sweeten up and wouldn’t scream anymore. And the nice two-legged lady, who spoke softly like his own Momma, might like a nice bunch of fresh berries.

Now, having thought of what he’d trade for the bacon, he must come up with an idea to get everyone out of the camper place. It didn’t take him very long to figure out, after last night, all he had to do was act like ferocious bear. Still, he had to get them to leave the camp. That’s where his great idea got stuck.

I’ve got it. I’ll go to the next campsite where there are more two-leggeds. I will walk into that campsite on my two legs and give them the biggest roar I can. I will scare them and they all will scream. When these guys hear the screaming and yelling from the other campsite, they will run over to see what happened. I can then run back into the family’s camper, grab some bacon, leave my trades and run back into the woods. Yeah that’ll work. It just has to. That all sounded like lots of work to the little bear.

With his plan in his head, the little bear went into action. He went to the berry bushes and gathered many berries. Since bears don’t have buckets or pockets, he found a nice big piece of bark from a pine tree to carry all the berries on. Next he went to an old tree that had fallen down many years before. One of its hollow branches contained a very nice nest of honey bees and lots of honey. So he snapped the honey-loaded branch off the tree. He just knew his trade was good one.

He placed his trade items close to the campsite because he knew things would move fast once they got going and there was no room for any mistakes. It was time for action!

Baby Bear went to the occupied campsite nearby. It was farther than he thought it would be. He crept closer and saw a family not too different than the one he had been watching. As he did the night before, he gathered his courage, ruffled his fur and let out a roar bigger than even he thought he could. He stomped his hind legs, roared and waved his paws. The four members of this camping family did indeed run screaming. But the screaming he heard wasn’t really screaming, it was laughter.

Oh, hurry, hurry! Someone find the video camera. This the cutest thing I have ever seen in my life! the little bear heard someone yelling. We gotta get a video of this. It’s so cute. A baby bear acting like a big, mean, grownup bear, said someone from the campsite.

Well, that was not the exact reaction he planned on. He decided to scram.

Oh well, he thought, I gave it a try. Now I’m getting out of here. So he started back towards the first campsite and his little hidden spot in the woods. He soon heard his two-legged family in the distance. It had worked! They all were going to see what was going on in the other camp. Even the big barking dog had gone.

I better hurry back to finish my plan and get my bacon, said Baby Bear. So as fast as he could run, the little bear made it back to the campsite, grabbed his trade goods and ran into the camper so he could make the swap for the bacon.

He left the berries where he found the bacon and then put the honey stick hive on a pile of clothes on a bed. They were the same color as the screeching girl was wearing the night before, so he figured they must be hers. He wanted her to have a sweet treat because she seemed so upset the night before. He put down the branch with honey hive in it, then quickly exited the camper and went back into the woods with his bacon.

In no time at all he was eating his delicious bacon along with some yummy berries. When his hungry belly was finally full and he was lying in a large pile of soft leaves, he thought life was good as he drifted off into some well-deserved sleep.

Meanwhile, back at the campsite where he had just made his debut as the funny little bear instead of the hungry, ferocious, scary bear, the camping families were laughing. The Owens told the story of the little bear they met the night before and how they all had scared each other. All had a good chuckle and agreed to get together soon. Back to their camper went the Owen family, talking about what they would like to do that day.

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Mikey was very eager to use his new Mighty Mountain Adventure Kit. So with more than a little nudging on Mikey’s part, he and Kay set off to do some exploring.

Now whatever you do don’t get lost. It’s very easy to get turned around in the woods. And remember, there is still a baby bear out there determined to jump out and scare the dickens out of you and somewhere nearby is his mother, Olive said. Oh, and remember to take some water and snacks. Have fun too but be careful. Be back before dark.

The kids left on their little adventure so Olive thought she’d clean up after breakfast. Where’s my bacon? she asked herself. Hmm, I must not have cooked as much as I thought, she said to herself.

I guess I’ll tidy up the camper instead. She went back to where Kay had her bunk. It looked like a tornado had hit it. She saw that all her clothes were piled up with a stick laid on them; for some strange reason that only Kay would know.

"Nope. I am going to let Kay pick up after herself. She is at the age where she needs to start taking some responsibility.

I think I will find Oscar and we will go for a walk too, Olive said to herself. She walked to where Oscar was sitting on his lawn chair drinking coffee. She heard a familiar WOOF!

Those kids went off through the forest on their adventure and forgot to take Barney, she said to Oscar. They’d be surprised if we forgot to take them home. I think its KP for Kay tonight and Mikey can stick around the campground tomorrow like that poor dog has to do today. Let’s take him for a stroll. Off they went for a nice long walk.

CHAPTER FOUR

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Which way first Kay? Mikey asked.

I don’t know. This was your idea to go out in the woods and explore. By the way, just what are we exploring for anyhow? Do you have any idea, a plan, a map or, knowing how you are, even a first aid kit? she laughed.

Sure I have a plan. I’m just not quite sure exactly what the plan is yet, said Mikey. Acting very sure himself, he took out his Mighty Mountain Adventure Kit and studied the map and kit contents very seriously. When Kay walked over, she told him he was reading the map and directions to the kit upside down.

Oh, I guess we will just… go that way, he said, pointing straight in front of him, for a while and see what we can find. Does that sound OK to you?

You’re the Mighty Mountain Kid, said Kay with a smirk on her face. But do you think that maybe we should find some way to leave a trail behind us so we don’t get lost?" asked his, now somewhat concerned, sister.

Yeah. That’s a great idea. We can drop some of the snacks mom packed for us. Then we can follow them back home. Let’s see what’s in our back packs. Oh rats. Carrots, grapes and those weird energy health bars. We can use those, said Mikey.

Well, if you’re sure. You might get hungry after a while, Kay said, knowing what was coming next.

Kay, if I get hungry, I’ll just share some of your snacks.

How about we just use sticks or rocks. Something like that so we don’t run out of food. Just in case, offered a slightly worried older sister.

That sounds like a better idea Kay. You’re turning into a real pioneer, said Mikey.

Oh please, she snapped back.

Having all that in order, they went off into the woods on their exploration.

Mikey started out on a narrow trail that looked like it was used by small creatures and deer. It wound along a small creek. It also seemed to be narrowing. They kept on walking the trail, not finding anything of real interest to look at or put into their pack to take back to camp.

After walking what seemed like hours and hours, Kay said to her brother, Mikey, don’t you think we have gone far enough? It gets dark early in the woods and if you recall we got a late start.

You are right, but let’s go on for just another fifteen minute or so. OK?

All right. Fifteen minutes then we turn back and head towards camp and I mean it, Kay told Mikey with big sister authority.

Well, it was at that very moment Mikey heard someone go, ’PPSSTT!’ He thought he was hearing things. He heard it again. He stood scratching his head looking at the small stream and in all directions from the path they were on. He did not see anything that looked out of the ordinary. Then again he heard the same ‘PPSSTT’ except this time it was louder.

Kay. Did you hear that sound?

Yeah, what was it? I hope it’s not that annoying little bear’s mother following us, she said with a quaver in her voice.

Grown bears don’t say ‘PPSSTT’, Mikey said, then he whispered, That sounded like a human sound.

Mikey and Kay decided to hurry up and start back towards their campsite when they both heard a young voice say, Wait! The hikers looked at each other with great surprise. There was another person out there with them, but they still weren’t sure which direction the voice was coming from.

Hey, you! Where are you? Mikey asked loudly. We won’t hurt you.

Out of the woods they heard a small voice say to them, I am over here.

We can’t see you. Come out where we can see you. We won’t hurt you, they both said.

Out of the woods, ever so slowly, came a small boy carrying, believe it or not, the very same Mighty Mountain Adventure Kit that Mikey has.

Hi! My name is Mikey and this is my sister Kay. What is your name? Are you camping at the same camp ground as we are?

My name is Jimmy. I am not camping here, I live here with my dad and big brother, Phil. My dad is the park ranger here and we live in a house not too far from here.

Wow, said Mikey. You’re lucky you get to live in the park all the time. That’s so awesome.

We don’t live here all year. Just during the camping season and since hardly anybody goes camping here anymore, they are going to close the park after this summer season is over. I heard my dad tell Phil that. I have spent every summer here since I was born, but I can’t really remember that far back.

Where’s your mom? Mikey asked, not remembering his manners.

"She got very sick when I was still a baby and went to Heaven, Jimmy answered.

Mikey. Mind your own business. That was rude, Kay said.

It’s OK. He didn’t know and my dad and brother talk about her so I can know about her, said Jimmy.

Thinking he should change the subject now, Mikey said, Wow! I can’t believe they are going to close the park, he said while staring at the ground.

Dad once said that if we could get the campground to fill up this summer, there is a good chance they might change their minds and keep it open. But now he does not think that will happen, Jimmy told his new friends.

Well, they’re not going to close it today, so why don’t you come with us. I see that you have a ‘Mighty Mountain Adventure Kit’ too. Maybe it’s not too late to go exploring after all, Mikey said enthusiastically.

Hold it little brother. We were on our way back to the campsite. Remember?

You are right Kay. It is getting late to start an new adventure today. Hey Jimmy. Do you think your dad would let you come on an adventure with us tomorrow? asked Mikey.

Hey kiddo. Who said I was going to go tromping through the woods with you again tomorrow? asked Kay.

Jimmy! Where are you? You better answer before I have to get Dad, came a young man’s voice from the path behind them.

I’m over here ya big spoil sport, yelled back a disappointed Jimmy.

Then a tall, strapping young man joined the small group standing near the bushes.

Where have you been you little creature. You had Dad and I worried. Remember you are supposed to tell someone before you go out into the woods.

This is Mikey and his sister, uhmm… I didn’t catch your name, Jimmy said.

My name is Kay and I must insist that my brother and I get started back to the campsite. It’s already getting dark, Kay said thinking, ‘WOW! That Phil guy’s cute!’

What about tomorrow Mikey. Wanna go explore? We can go to a secret, cool place I discovered. I can show it to you and we can explore it with our kits, Jimmy said.

Hey, guys. I’m not doin’ anything tomorrow. I’ll come with you, said Phil to the younger boys.

Wow! Great! Thanks! came at once from the two excited little explorers!

Well, I guess it’s only fair that I better come too, Kay interrupted. I guess it would only be fair that I help you keep an eye on my brother.

Yeah Kay. You wouldn’t want to waste all those new dud’s you brought along just sitting around the camper with Mom and Dad, Mikey said, like a true little brother. After the group said their good-byes and had all headed back to their respective homes, Mikey was so excited he wanted to run all the way back to camp.

He couldn’t have asked for anything more wonderful. A new friend. He had no idea he would meet someone out here in the middle of nowhere. Even better, a friend that liked to explore as much as he did and had an ‘Explorer Kit’ too.

Kay also was thinking the same thing. She never dreamed she would meet such a handsome young man out in the middle of the woods. WOW!

Well, by the time they got back to the campsite, it was dark. They could see the campfire was lit and also see their parents with their coats on and both sporting flashlights, as if they were about to go on a hike, or go looking for someone.

Hi Mom. Hi Dad, Mikey said in carefree sort of a voice.

Hi Mom. Hi Dad? asked Olive in a voice that did not sound very happy or carefree.

Do you two have any idea how worried we were? I told you to be back here before dark. IT’S DARK! Olive did not raise her voice very often, but when she did, the kids knew they were in trouble.

Oscar was not very happy either. Do you know how worried we were? It is dark. We’re in a woods which the two of you aren’t familiar with. Anything could happen. Look how upset your mother is. Now, what do you have to say for yourselves?

Well, we met two new friends, Mikey said, hoping to make some difference in the level of trouble he knew they we in.

You met two new friends out the middle of the forest? Haven’t you two listened to what your mother and I have told you about strangers? asked Oscar, who was still mad, but was now more relieved his kids were alright.

But Dad, Kay said meekly, They are the park ranger’s kids. They were super nice and want to take us hiking tomorrow.

After tonight and worrying us like you did, you want to go out in the woods with two strangers you just met? Oscar said with a look of disbelief.

Well, yeah. They were really nice and maybe you could come with us to where we were going meet them tomorrow. If you decide they aren’t the nice kids we said they were, you can come with us, Kay offered.

It’s going to take some thinking on this. If I meet them and decide I like and trust them, then we all can go hiking. How’s that? Oscar asked, knowing that’s not really what they wanted to hear.

"Uhh… You really want to go hiking too