The Adventures of Grizzly Gus and Misty Hill

By Rick Birkenholtz

Gus, fifty-five, built a log cabin in a remote area in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. He did so to get away from bad relationships, which resulted in a failed business and two divorces. Gus wanted to be alone and responsible for only himself. Misty, seventeen, lost her beloved outdoorsman father in a motorcycle accident. She blames her mother. Only months later, her mother gets a “loser” boyfriend, whom Misty despises. Her mother thinks that Misty’s boyfriend, David, is too old for her daughter. They have fights over each other’s boyfriends. One day, Misty believes that David has a new girlfriend. Misty is crushed. She decides to head up into the mountains to camp out and “get away from it all” for a few days. An accident leaves Misty unconscious in a stream of icy-cold water. Misty is rescued by mountain man Gus, who carries her body to his cabin. Their adventures over the next several months include wild animals, bad people, and good people. Learn how this mountain man and a runaway teenager bond and how their relationship brings them back to civilization. Discover the shocking and surprising ending!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9781662408830

Book preview

Chapter 1

Confrontation

It was a cold, clear, starry night in February, and the city of White Deer, Colorado, was covered with a blanket of snow. Soon, all the streets, parking lots, and driveways were mostly cleared of snow.

An extended-cab, short-bed 1979 Ford pickup turned off First Avenue and onto Broken Arrow Lane. The light-blue-and-white pickup passed several houses, then slowly and quietly pulled up in front of Misty Hill’s house. All that was heard was the crunching of the oversize tires on the snow below. The front porch light of the yellow-and-white split-level home was still on.

The pickup’s lights turned off, but the engine was left running. A boy and girl in the pickup kissed for several seconds.

Well, thanks for supper and the movie, Misty said. I sure hope Mom is asleep. It’s really late. She might kill me!

Oh, just tell her that my pickup wouldn’t start after the movie and that it took a long time to find somebody with jumper cables, David offered the truth. Tomorrow I’ll get my pickup checked out. Either I need a new battery or my alternator is not charging.

I just hope Mom believes me! Misty responded in anguish.

Me too! David agreed.

I guess I’ll see you next week? Unless I’m grounded! Misty lamented.

Let’s hope for the best, David encouraged. Good night.

Good night, David, Misty returned. I love you.

I love you too, David said.

The pair exchanged a quick good-night kiss. Misty picked up her small purse and brushed back her long blond hair. She opened the passenger door, got out, and carefully pushed the door shut as quietly as she could.

She grinned at David through the door window and gave him a little goodbye wave. He returned his own smile and wave.

Misty quickly tiptoed up the sidewalk and to the front door. She found her key in her purse, unlocked the door, and slipped inside. When Misty turned off the porch light, David slowly drove away. Misty laid her purse on the telephone stand and quietly took off her coat and hung it in the closet near the door.

When Misty turned around in the nearly dark room, she could make out that her mother was reclined in her La-Z-Boy chair. Her mother seemed to be asleep. Misty sighed with relief. But that relief was short-lived. Roxanne suddenly sat up and turned on the lamp on the end table.

Do you know what time it is, young lady? the fifty-two-year-old mother asked sternly.

I can explain, Misty started. First, the movie ran late, and then David couldn’t get his pickup started! It took him over an hour to find somebody with jumper cables! David thinks he needs a new battery.

Roxanne stood up, tied the belt cords on her faded pink bathrobe, and brushed back her long light-brown hair. Well, you could at least have called if you were going to be late!

I was going to, but my cell phone was dead, Misty explained. And David forgot to bring his phone. I guess we both had battery problems tonight.

Well, okay, Roxanne relented. I just worry that you are only seventeen and still in high school and David is twenty-two. And hormones being what they are, I don’t want you to be a pregnant high school dropout. A baby would ruin your dreams of becoming a graphic artist one day. You have a talent for art that shouldn’t be wasted.

"I know, Misty replied in a voice that said that she had heard all this before. Then Misty countered, David has dreams too. Since graduating from high school, he has had a good job at the sawmill. He is trying to save enough money to go to college and major in forest management. He would like to work for a timber company or become a forest ranger. David hopes to start college this fall."

I’m glad he has goals, Roxanne conceded. But I think you two are spending too much time together. Too many camping and hiking trips together up into the mountains. If your father were still alive, I’m sure he would agree with me.

If you and Dad hadn’t had that big fight, he would still be alive and I could be spending more time with him camping, fishing, and hunting, Misty said in anguish, almost in tears.

I think you spent too much time with Dad too, Roxanne added. "I sometimes wondered if you and Clay were too close, if you know what I mean." Roxanne raised her head and eyebrows.

Oh, Mom! Misty protested. "Dad and I never did anything like that!"

Well, I certainly hope not! Roxanne said, relieved.

Misty then noticed the coffee table. On it were four empty Coors beer cans, an almost-empty Doritos sack, two candy bar wrappers, and an ashtray with several cigarette butts in it. Crumbs were scattered all over the coffee table and floor. It was Misty’s turn to be upset.

Hmm…looks like Roger was here again this evening! Misty said with disdain in her voice.

Yes, he was, Roxanne admitted. Roger came over, and we watched the basketball game on TV.

Why doesn’t he watch the ball game on his own TV? Misty asked angrily.

Because his TV is broken and he can’t afford a new one, Roxanne informed her.

If Roger had a steady job, maybe he could afford a new TV! Misty said sarcastically. Roger the Work Dodger!

Well, Roger works at two jobs right now, Roxanne defended him.

Yeah, part-time grocery bagger at the A & P and part-time car washer at the Ford dealership! Misty reminded her mom.

He’s still looking for a good-paying, full-time job, Roxanne returned.

Yeah, and in the meantime, he crashes here two or three times a week, drinkin’ beer, eatin’ our food, smokin’, and…and leavin’ the toilet seat up! Misty complained as she raised both hands above her head.

Oh, I know he’s not perfect, Roxanne admitted, but since your dad died, I’ve been lonely for male companionship. You, for one, should be able to relate to that. You and David enjoy spending a lot of time together. Right?

Well, yes, Misty agreed. But, Mom, I think you deserve a lot better than Roger!

Well, maybe I do, Roxanne admitted, but Roger is all that I have right now. I am an adult woman with adult needs. You are just a teenager, and you shouldn’t be judging me.

After a long pause, Misty said quietly, I judge you because you are my mom and I love you. I don’t want you to get hurt.

Oh, Misty, I love you too, Roxanne had to say and then held out her arms to welcome a hug.

Misty responded, and mother and daughter hugged each other. After several moments, they separated.

It’s after midnight now, Roxanne announced. I guess we had better get to bed. Don’t forget to put your cell phone on the charger. Good night, Misty.

I won’t forget. Good night, Mom, Misty returned.

Misty picked up her purse and pulled out her cell phone. She headed up the stairs to her bedroom and plugged her phone into the charger. Roxanne went down the hall to her bedroom.

Chapter 2

Grounded

February in Colorado had started with a snowstorm, but an unusually warm spell followed a few days later, beginning the snow-melting process. The friction between Misty and her mother was also warming up. Their dislike for each other’s boyfriends kept escalating their arguments.

Late one Saturday afternoon, David drove up in front of Misty’s house in his old Ford pickup. Misty and David spoke briefly, wished each other a happy Valentine’s Day, kissed, and said goodbye. Misty pulled her rifle case and backpack from behind the seat and headed for her house. Roxanne watched them arrive as she peered through an opening in the living room curtains. David drove away.

Misty came inside, and set her rifle case and backpack down near the wall. She next took off her coat and knit cap and hung them in the closet. Misty sat down on the little chair near the door and took off her hiking boots. It was then that she noticed that her mom was in the living room.

Oh, hi, Mom! Misty responded with a smile.

Did you and David have a good time at the shooting range? Roxanne asked.

Oh, we had a great time! Misty exclaimed.

You must have, since you are over two hours later than you said you would be! Roxanne said, concerned. You said you would be back around three thirty. It’s now after five thirty. You could have called me.

I did, Misty confessed. I didn’t get you directly, so I left a text message on your phone.

Roxanne picked up her purse from the coffee table, pulled out her cell phone, and flipped it open. Okay, I see your message, Roxanne admitted. But it doesn’t say why you would be late.

Well, we didn’t go to the shooting range, Misty confessed. We decided that it would be more fun if we went up to David’s uncle’s cabin in the mountains to target-shoot. His uncle Carroll keeps a bunch of cans and plastic bottles for targets to shoot at.

Misty turned around, took her hunting vest off, and hung it in the closet. When she turned back around, Roxanne noticed that the buttons on Misty’s blouse were misbuttoned. A serious, all-knowing look came to Roxanne’s face. Was it very warm in his uncle’s cabin?

It was cold in the cabin when we got there, so David built a fire in the big stone fireplace. Then we went outside to set up targets. After shooting off a couple of boxes of cartridges, we went back to the cabin to warm up, Misty recounted. Why are you frowning? Misty had to ask.

From the looks of your blouse, I bet it got really hot in that cabin! Roxanne observed.

What? Misty said and looked down at the front of her misbuttoned blouse. Her face turned red.

Well? Roxanne said as she waited for an explanation.

Misty lowered her head, took a deep breath, and finally admitted, Yes, we fooled around for a while.

I thought so, Roxanne said. Has anything that I warned you about these last few years sunk in?

Misty came back with, David and I love each other. David even said he would like to marry me as soon as I graduate.

Oh, really? Roxanne said and then folded her arms. I think you two need a cooling-off period. You are grounded for thirty days.

Mother! Misty protested. Thirty days?

And I’m going to call David’s mother and fill her in on the reason for the grounding, Roxanne added.

Ohh! Misty said in anger and stormed off upstairs to her bedroom. She threw herself on her bed and started to cry.

The atmosphere was cool in the Hill house for the next four weeks. Misty and her mother barely spoke to each other. A few words at breakfast and a few words when Misty came home from school were the only exchanges. Misty spent most of her time in her bedroom, doing homework or working on her art projects. She kept in touch with David on her cell phone.

One day, David told Misty that he would be gone for two weeks on a trip with a friend to California. His boss was sending them to a conference on the management of the Redwood Forest National Park. David also said that cell phone use in that remote area was very limited. Misty said that she understood and they could talk again when he got back.

The first Thursday in April came, and the Rocky Mountain High School was having furnace problems. Everyone was sent home after lunch. As Misty drove her Ford Bronco home, she remembered that her mother had the day off and would probably be home. Misty was not looking forward to any more confrontations.

As Misty approached her home, she saw a red vehicle in the driveway that she recognized. It was Roger’s beat-up Jeep Wrangler. Misty parked on the street, but she hesitated going into the house. Her anger welled up in her as she reached the front door.

Misty slowly opened the door, expecting to see Roger on the sofa with a can of Coors beer in his hand, but to her surprise, no one was in the living room. There were two empty beer cans on the coffee table. A man’s coat and stocking cap were draped over the back of the sofa. Misty could faintly hear music coming from upstairs.

Slowly Misty crept up the stairs and followed the music to her mother’s bedroom. The radio was playing golden oldies songs. The bedroom door was open a few inches. Misty peeked through the gap and saw her mother, dressed only in her bra and panties, and Roger, dressed only in his white undershorts. They were in each other’s arms, rolling around on the bed.

The sight shocked Misty so much that her first instinct was to scream. Suddenly, an idea came to her. She quickly and quietly rushed downstairs to the gun safe. Misty pulled out her Winchester rifle and loaded one cartridge into the chamber. Back upstairs, she again peeked through the door gap. Her mother was now braless.

Misty kicked open the door, aimed the rifle above the head of the bed, and shouted, stop raping my mother!

The couple instantly broke off their embrace and faced the rifle-toting daughter.

Misty! her mother shouted.

Oh my God! Roger managed.

He wasn’t raping me! Roxanne quickly explained. But the explanation came at the same time Misty fired a slug through the bedroom wall.

Misty! No! Roxanne shouted as she tried to cover herself up. Think of what you are doing!

Misty aimed the empty rifle at Roger. Get dressed and get out of here! she commanded.

Okay, okay, don’t shoot! Roger blurted out.

In record time, Roger pulled on his T-shirt, his blue jeans, and his shirt. He bent down and picked up his socks and shoes and headed down the hallway.

Misty’s rifle followed Roger down the stairs and to the front door. Roger sat down on the little chair by the door and put on his socks and shoes. I need my coat and cap, Roger said.

Go ahead, Misty said as she aimed the rifle toward the sofa.

Roger grabbed his coat and cap and rushed out the door. Roxanne, now dressed in her pink bathrobe, came down the stairs and into the living room.

Were you out of your mind, young lady? her mother said sternly.

Ahh…temporary insanity? Misty offered. I felt like I was in a movie and I was the jealous husband who came home early and found his wife in bed with another man.

You could have killed somebody! Roxanne reminded her.

Not really, Misty came back. I’m a very good shot, and I only had one cartridge in the rifle.

She put the rifle back in the gun safe and came back to her mother.

Why are you home so early? Roxanne asked.

Furnace problems at the high school, Misty replied simply.

Why, for God’s sake, the rifle? Roxanne said in anguish.

I just wanted to scare the shit out of him, Misty said without remorse.

Well, you certainly did that! Roxanne agreed. I may never see Roger again!

Good, Misty replied with a victorious grin.

Look, young lady, Roger and I are consenting adults, and what we were about to do is not your concern, Roxanne admonished.

It is my concern if my mother gets a venereal disease or gets beaten up by an angry boyfriend that’s drunk or high on drugs! Misty informed her.

Roger is not like that, Roxanne defended him.

Well, he’s certainly not like Dad! Misty had to say.

Let’s not drag your dad into this discussion, Roxanne returned.

I can’t help it! Misty shouted in anguish. We wouldn’t be talking like this right now if you and Dad hadn’t had that big fight over a year ago! Did Dad ever hit you?

No, she admitted. We had had several fights over the years, but he never hit me.

That’s what I thought, Misty said smugly. That’s why Dad took off on his motorcycle, so he could cool off rather than hit you, she reasoned. Misty’s eyes started to tear up as she thought about her dad. Then that truck pulled out in front of Dad’s motorcycle and killed him! I miss Dad so much!

I miss Clay, too, but what is past is past and we need to get on with our lives, Roxanne reminded her.

I know, I know. I’ve heard all this before, Misty said in anguish.

Roger fills a little of the void in my life, Roxanne explained. I have needs.

Oh, I see. You have hormones but I don’t? Misty returned.

You’re only seventeen! Roxanne reminded her. "And I am going to protect you for as long as I can. I know that you have heard this before, but as long as you are in my house, you need to follow my rules. I don’t want my daughter to be a pregnant, unwed teenager and ruin her future."

I see, Misty said flatly, and then she took a deep breath. Well, I’ll be eighteen in June, and legally, I’ll be an adult. I might have to move out, get a job, get my own apartment.

And what about school? Roxanne reminded her.

I’ll finish my senior year while I hold down a part-time job. After graduation, David and I will probably get married, Misty said with confidence.

So you think you have your life all planned out, do you? Roxanne asked.

Well, it’s one possible plan, Misty admitted.

Good luck with that one, Roxanne said while shaking her head.

Misty looked at her watch. Oh, I’d better get my homework done. There will probably be school tomorrow.

One last thing: don’t you ever pull a stunt like that again! Roxanne warned her. You might have killed somebody, only if by accident!

Yes, Mom, I realize that, Misty confessed. I’m sorry.

Supper at six, her mother said simply.

Okay, Mom, Misty said and then trudged off for her bedroom.

Chapter 3

The Big Decision

Misty had difficulty finishing her homework. She kept thinking about her mother and the afternoon’s episode. Misty smiled when she remembered how fast Roger tried to dress and get out of the house. She also thought about David and wished he were back from California.

Tomorrow was Friday. Several of her classmates usually stopped by McDonald’s for a burger, fries, and a drink before the basketball game. Misty’s grounding period was over. David often stopped there after work, but now he was supposed to be on his way back from California. She decided to stop there anyway and meet and talk with friends.

After school, Misty stopped at a gas station to fill up her Bronco. Then she stopped at a store to pick up a few art supplies. Misty next drove to the McDonald’s and parked at the side of the building. She had started for the side door when she noticed that David’s Ford pickup was parked in front of the building. If he was back from California, why didn’t he call her? she thought. Misty smiled with anticipation on seeing David again.

Misty peered through a clear spot in a mostly frosted-over window. There in a booth sat David, who had a young woman sitting across from him. Misty noticed her long blond hair and how pretty she was. David was leaning forward, holding her hand over the table, and it looked like he was about to kiss her hand. Misty was crushed. David had a new girlfriend. Misty turned around and quickly went to her car. As she drove home, she cried all the way.

When Misty drove down her street, she saw a familiar red Jeep back out of their driveway and drive off in the opposite direction. It was Roger. Disgust was added to her already-emotional state. She pulled into the driveway and turned off the engine. Misty opened her purse and pulled out a Kleenex to wipe her eyes dry and blow her nose. She did not want her mother to see her crying.

Misty gathered up her art supplies and entered the house. Trying not to reveal her emotional state, she simply called out, I’m home, Mom!

From the kitchen, Roxanne called back, Have you had anything to eat?

Yes, I had a burger and fries at McDonald’s, Misty lied. She was not hungry. I’ve got a paper that’s due Monday, so I’ll be in my room all evening, Misty lied again as she started up the stairs to her room.

Okay, Roxanne called back. Oh, by the way, after breakfast tomorrow, I have to go back into work to help finish an advertising project. I probably won’t be back until after lunch sometime, so you’ll have to fix your own lunch.

Okay, Misty replied and then continued to her room. Once inside her room, she threw herself backward onto her bed, arms outstretched. She stared at the ceiling, deep in thought. Tears trickled out of the corners of her eyes. Misty’s emotions were all over the place. She even told herself that she wanted to die. After several minutes, Misty sat up in bed. She decided what to do, and she was going to do it tomorrow, while her mother was gone.

Misty stood up and stepped to her dresser. She fingered her two track trophies. Then she picked up a music box that David had given her last Christmas. Misty wound it up. It played When You Wish Upon a Star. When the music ended, she went to the bathroom, got dressed for bed, and went to sleep.

The next morning, mother and daughter were eating breakfast. They only shared small talk. Roxanne had no idea what Misty was about to do.

As soon as her mother left for work, Misty started her plan. She pulled her backpack out of her closet and stuffed in two changes of clothes and underwear. From the bathroom she added a bar of soap, a sample bottle of shampoo, toothbrush, half-full tube of toothpaste, hairbrush, washcloth, towel, Kotex napkins, fingernail clipper, a roll of toilet paper, and a first aid kit.

Misty went back to her bedroom and put on her hiking boots. From her stuffed-animal collection, she selected the kangaroo. From inside the kangaroo’s pouch she removed a fold of money. Misty counted out $520. It was the total of her babysitting money, the sale of a shotgun, and her Christmas money from her grandma Ruth. She tucked the money into her purse and checked her cell phone to make certain it was charged up.

Downstairs at the gun safe, Misty pulled out her Winchester rifle and put it in its case. She took two boxes of cartridges, a hunting knife, a Swiss Army knife, a fire starter, and a compass.

Next, Misty went to the basement. She carried up a pup tent, a Coleman lantern, a sleeping bag, a hatchet, and a canteen. She filled the canteen with cold water. From the front closet, Misty pulled out her hunting vest, her coat, and her knit cap and put them all on. It took two trips to her Bronco to get all her gear loaded.

Misty suddenly remembered that she needed to leave her mother a note so she would not think she had been kidnapped and call the police. Back in the house, Misty sat down at the desk and pulled a sheet of notepaper out of the top drawer. Misty tapped her pen on the paper for a couple of minutes as she thought about what she was going to write. Then she started writing.

Dear Mom,

I can’t take it anymore. When Dad died, part of me died too. But I had you for support. Then I met David, and now I had a boyfriend. That really helped. Then Roger started coming around. I couldn’t believe that you could be interested in somebody that was a complete opposite of Dad!

Yesterday, I saw David at McDonald’s! He was back from California and didn’t even call me! He didn’t see me, but I saw him with another girl! He was holding her hand, and they were both laughing! David has a new girlfriend! I cannot believe this. I cried all the way home. As I came home, I saw Roger just driving away from our house. That was the last straw!

So I have decided to get away for a while. I have the Bronco gassed up. I have my camping stuff, and I have my money stash. I don’t know just how long I’ll be gone. Maybe a week. Maybe several weeks. I just need some time to think things out. Don’t worry, I can take care of myself.

I still love you.

Goodbye.

XOXOXO,

Misty

Misty took an unused magnet from the refrigerator and stuck the letter to the door. She still loved David and felt that she should leave him a note too. She decided to leave him a text message. Misty went back to the Bronco, got in, and pulled her cell phone from her purse. She tapped in a short message that said she still loved him even though she saw him with a new girlfriend; she just needed to get away for a while. She shed a tear as she turned off her phone.

Misty drove downtown to the grocery store. There she bought a case of spring water, two cases of Gatorade, three dozen packages of beef jerky, and four boxes of trail mix bars. For her sweet tooth, she bought a large bag of M&M candies.

After loading the Bronco with her provisions, Misty retrieved the Colorado road map from the glove compartment. She unfolded it across the steering wheel. Misty and her dad had taken numerous camping, fishing, and hunting trips together into the mountains the last few years.

Her mother only went on a few of these trips with them because she just was not the outdoors type.

Misty was familiar with several mountain areas, but she decided to go someplace farther away and deeper into the mountains. She wanted someplace where there were very few people. She studied the map for several minutes. Misty chose an area that was farther south in the state. She laid the map over the passenger seat.

Misty started the Bronco and headed south out of White Deer and down the main highway. As she drove, she fought her emotions. Misty wished her dad were with her right now. She wished David were with her and they were on their honeymoon. What would her mom do when she read the letter? Was she crazy for doing this? Maybe. She knew that she could turn around at any time. But no, she was determined to go through with her decision.

Chapter 4

The Bronco

Misty continued to drive south on the main highway. Of course, south was only an approximation in the mountainous western half of Colorado. She was actually headed more southwesterly. Only the eastern half of Colorado had straight north, south, east, and west roads.

After Misty had driven about fifteen miles, she thought about how well the Bronco was running.

Good girl, Misty said as she patted her hand on the dash several times. Misty chuckled as she remembered how her dad always referred to the Bronco as him or boy, and she always referred to it as her or girl. Many times they had friendly arguments that were never resolved on whether the Bronco was male or female.

Clay bought the 1966 Ford Bronco as a restoration project when Misty was eleven years old. He intended for it to be restored so the family could use it to make camping and hunting trips up into the mountains. The Bronco needed a complete restoration, but Misty eagerly helped her dad with the work. She did not mind getting dirty and greasy. Clay loved having her help him. Misty knew that she was both daughter and son to him. A deep bond developed between them in the three years it took to restore the Bronco.

Misty remembered when her dad rented the engine hoist so they could pull the engine and transmission out. Clay took them to a local shop for rebuilding. Six weeks later, they reinstalled the rebuilt units. Misty shared her dad’s excitement when he got the engine started for the first time.

Misty smiled as she recalled the little jig they danced and the victory hug that followed. The brakes and the wheel bearings were the next project to be completed.

When it came time to do the body work, even her mother helped with the sanding. Misty chuckled again as she remembered all three of them looking like zombies covered in dust from head to foot. The garage was also a dusty mess.

The Bronco was originally all white. But her dad did not like white vehicles, she remembered. Misty quoted out loud her dad’s joke, You could lose a white car in a Colorado snowstorm if you weren’t careful! Her dad liked red, but he wanted Misty’s and Roxanne’s votes on color. They also voted for red. Clay had the Ford dealer’s body shop paint the Bronco red with a white grill and topper.

When Roxanne was Misty’s age, she took an upholstery course one summer. She had wanted to reupholster her mom and dad’s dining room chairs. She later reupholstered Grandma Ruth’s antique love seat. So when it came time to do the Bronco’s seats, Roxanne was first in line to do them. Misty recalled helping her mom with the project and the several fingernails her mom broke before they were finished.

The Bronco’s restoration was completed just before Misty’s fourteenth birthday. As soon as Misty got her driver’s permit, her dad taught her how to drive the Bronco. Misty also recalled the time she put a bad scratch in the Bronco’s right rear fender when she backed into a mailbox. She knew her dad was angry, but he kept his cool. He scolded her but then gave her a hug. Misty’s eyes watered as she recalled the moment.

When Misty turned sixteen, her mom and dad gave her a gift in a very small box. At first, she was disappointed at its size. Then she unwrapped the box. Inside were the keys and title to the Bronco. Misty was elated. Tears came to Misty’s eyes as she remembered that special birthday with mixed emotions, because her dad died in the accident only a month later.

Misty’s fond memories included the summer they all went to Disneyland and the numerous camping trips they shared as she grew up. However, her mother went on fewer and fewer trips as the years went by because she really did not care much for camping and roughing it.

Misty recalled one very special fishing trip with her dad. They were wearing their waders and fly casting in the middle of a rocky, shallow stream. Her dad slipped on a rock and fell into the water, completely soaking himself. When he stood up, he put his hands on his waist with his elbows out. He moved his arms back and forth like fins while he made a fish face with his lips and eyes. They both had laughed until they cried.

Misty laughed out loud. The good memories helped dry Misty’s eyes and put a smile on her face. She again patted her hand on the Bronco’s dash.

Chapter 5

Smokey the Bayer

Misty had her head filled with so many thoughts that she was not completely focused on her driving. She suddenly noticed the junction sign she needed to see just as she passed it. Misty hit the brakes hard and made a right turn onto the highway, headed west. As soon as there was a safe, wide shoulder, Misty pulled over so she could study the map. There were over twenty national parks in Colorado, and she wanted to find the one she had selected earlier. She estimated that she had at least another thirty miles to reach the park.

Misty’s stomach felt queasy. She asked herself, Am I getting an ulcer from all the stress, or am I just hungry? While Misty was stopped, she decided to get a snack and a drink. She reached around between the seats and pulled out a box of trail mix bars, opened it, and took out a bar. Next, she retrieved a bottle of Gatorade. Misty unwrapped the bar and uncapped the bottle. She set both items into the double drink holder her dad had made that was mounted between the front seats. As she drove up the winding mountain highway, she took bites and drinks whenever there was a straight section in the road.

The morning sun gave way to an overcast sky. About forty minutes later, Misty reached the entrance to the park she had found on the map. She drove up the winding blacktop road that led to the park office and ranger station.

Soon the station, surrounded by tall ponderosa pines on three sides, came into view on Misty’s right. The ranger station was sided with brown log-type siding. The building had a large, full-length open porch along the front. A large brown-metal-covered utility building was in the far left corner of the compound. A split-rail fence bordered two sides of the large graveled parking lot.

There were only two vehicles in the area. To Misty’s left was a black Dodge four-wheel-drive pickup with a large white over-the-cab camper on it, backed up to the fence. In the front of the office was a green Ford Explorer with park insignia on the door. Misty pulled up and parked beside the ranger’s car.

When Misty got out of her car, she saw a brown-uniformed man on the front porch near the door. He had a hammer in his hand and was nailing something to the wall. Misty walked up the three steps and onto the porch. The man turned to greet Misty and removed a nail between his lips.

Well, howdy, miss, the man greeted. What can I do for you?

Hello, Misty returned with a smile, and then she felt that she needed to lie. I’m going to join some friends who are camping up farther on the mountain. They gave me good directions, but if you have a trail map of the area, it would be helpful.

We sure do, the ranger said. Just let me put this last nail in the new bulletin board. He hammered the last nail home and turned back to Misty.

I also need to use the ladies’ room, Misty informed him.

The park isn’t officially open until April 15. I’m just here early to get a head start on a few projects, the ranger explained. The water in the ladies’ restroom is not turned on yet, but follow me inside and I’ll get it going for you.

Okay, Misty replied and followed him inside.

The ranger flipped on the lights and headed to the back of the building. He opened the ladies’ room door, turned on the lights, and got down on all fours. Between the toilet and the sink, he turned on a valve. Soon Misty heard water rushing into the toilet tank.

There you go, the ranger said as he got back up. He stepped outside.

Thanks a lot, Misty said and then closed the door. When she was finished and came out of the restroom, the ranger was standing there with a map in his hand.

Here’s your trail map, miss, he said as he handed it to her.

Oh, thanks again, Misty said.

I’m a little concerned about allowing a young lady to head up the mountain trail by herself, the ranger said.

Oh, I’m a very experienced hiker and hunter, Misty informed him. I have my compass, my canteen, my rifle, and my food supplies.

Well, okay, he said reluctantly. Then I need to know your name and where you are from, just in case—

He did not need to finish his sentence.

I’m Misty Hill from White Deer, Colorado, she informed him.

Misty Hill, he repeated to himself. That’s very poetic. It sounds like a movie star name or a character in some novel.

Well, thank you, Misty said as she focused on his brass name tag. Sam Bayer, she read out loud and then smiled. Did anyone ever call you Smokey the Bayer? she had to ask.

Oh, yes, Ranger Bayer admitted. So often that my nickname has been Smokey for several years. Most people who know me call me that.

Well, I think that is really cool, Misty had to tell him.

Thanks, Smokey said. At least it’s better than the Bayer aspirin jokes I have heard.

They both went back outside to the porch.

By the way, is it okay if I leave my car in the parking lot for a couple of weeks? Misty asked.

Oh, sure, Smokey said. People often leave a vehicle for days, weeks, and occasionally for over a month. Just park it back there beside that black Dodge and lock it up. However, the park service cannot be responsible for it.

I understand, Misty said.

Say, that’s a pretty sharp old Bronco you have there, Smokey said, impressed. What year is it?

It’s a 1966, Misty said and then proudly added, My dad and I restored it ourselves. Well, except for the paint.

Wasn’t that the first year Ford made them? Smokey asked.

Yes, it was, Misty replied.

Well, you have a real classic there. Have a good hike and don’t feed the bears! Smokey said.

Okay, thanks, Misty replied as she raised her hand in a goodbye.

Misty backed the Bronco up and parked beside the Dodge. She knew that she could not carry all her gear and provisions at one time. First, she would carry a few essentials and find a good campsite or possibly a small cave. Then she would make a second trip for the rest of any needed items. She repacked her backpack to only include one change of clothes. Misty kept her small personal items, her hatchet, the first aid kit, a box of cartridges. She added a bottle of Gatorade, three trail mix bars, and her purse. The rifle was taken out of its case and leaned up against the Bronco. The canteen and sleeping bag were pulled out and set on the ground. There was an old Army blanket in the back. Misty spread it over her remaining supplies and camping equipment to keep them from prying eyes.

Misty struggled to put on the heavy backpack. After Misty locked the doors and the topper, she stuffed the keys into her front jeans pocket. From her coat pocket Misty produced the ranger’s trail map.

She studied it and decided on a course and put the map back into her pocket. Misty slung her rifle over one shoulder and her canteen over the other. After picking up her sleeping bag roll, Misty took a deep breath and started walking out of the ranger station parking lot. She then headed north on an old gravel road that bordered the park and looked like it only had occasional use.

Chapter 6

Disaster Trail

After Misty had hiked north for about two miles, she found that she was at a junction of sorts. To her right the road turned sharply and continued down the mountain to the east. Straight ahead, the road was much less traveled and was overgrown with grass and weeds. There was only a faint trail visible where some ATVs had traveled. Up ahead she could make out a bridge. Misty sat down on a large rock to rest and study her map. Since the sky was now heavily overcast, she had to use her compass to find due north. She ate half of a trail mix bar and took several swallows of water from her canteen. Misty took a second look at the map and decided to continue north across the bridge.

Suddenly, there was a rustle in the brush. Fearing a bear, she grabbed her rifle and took the safety off. Two deer appeared and bounded off into a dense stand of Douglas fir trees. Misty hoped that the two deer would be the worst thing she would encounter.

About a hundred and fifty feet later, Misty came to the edge of the bridge. There she saw that the forty-foot-long bridge was in terrible condition. Many of the bridge planks had rotted and fallen away. Through the voids she could see the water rushing down below in the ravine. Misty took a deep breath and slowly made her way across the bridge, stepping over the holes and trying not to step on any rotten planks. Even the rusty bridge railing was wobbly as she used it to make her way to the other side. She let out a big sigh of relief when she made it to solid ground. Misty hoped there were not any more bridges ahead like that one.

As Misty walked the next mile, she now believed that this must have been an old logging road. She saw a sign that marked the edge of the national park. She was now officially in the wilderness.

To the left of the logging road, there was a deep, fast-running creek. It followed the road, sometimes close, sometimes farther away. Misty could tell that it was too deep to cross to find a campsite. She would have to find a spot on the right.

In the next mile, her belief that this was a logging road was confirmed. There to her right was a huge area that was void of mature trees. In their place were thousands of small evergreen trees. They ranged in height from three feet to six feet. Misty smiled as she thought that the area looked like a giant Christmas tree farm. She soon saw a fallen log to her right, so she decided to stop and sit on it and take a break. Misty ate the rest of her trail mix bar and washed it down with several drinks from her canteen. Then she heard a shriek overhead and looked up. It was a bald eagle.

After a ten-minute break, Misty headed up the road. The sky was very dark by now, and rain was imminent. Her legs were a little tired, but she was in excellent shape. She was a track star in high school and could outrun most boys. Also, taking hikes with David kept her in shape.

In the next mile, the large creek disappeared to the left and mature trees were again part of the scenery. There were clumps of snow where large snowdrifts used to be. The remains of finger drifts still crossed the road occasionally. Misty hoped that she would find an old logging shed or a miner’s shack to stay in before it rained. A few yards later, Misty stepped on a stick that made a loud crack when it broke. Suddenly, a covey of about ten quail flew up only six feet in front of Misty and flew away with a loud flutter of wings.

Oh Lord! Misty yelled. She dropped her sleeping bag and put her right hand over her heart. At least it wasn’t a bear! she told herself.

The landscape changed over the next mile. It had a lot more rocks and boulders and fewer trees. Also, a smaller and faster-flowing stream appeared to the left of the logging road. Misty imagined that this stream flowed into the big creek at the old bridge. The sky began to drizzle, which caused a leg-tired Misty to wonder if getting away from it all was such a good idea after all.

Then, to her far left, through the drizzle, Misty made out a small level clearing that had a large rocky outcrop next to it. The outcrop seemed to have an overhanging ledge that sheltered a large cave-like depression in the rock. It was not a cave, but it would make a good campsite. But how was she going to cross that stream? Misty approached the rocky stream bank.

Thank goodness! Misty exclaimed as she looked down. There was a fallen thirty-foot-long tree over the stream below. She now had her own bridge to the promising campsite. Misty studied the situation. The tree looked to be only ten inches wide, and it was wet from the drizzle.

She decided that it would be too dangerous to try to cross over with all her gear at the same time. Misty left her rifle, her canteen, and her sleeping bag at the top of the bank. She would attempt the first crossing with only her backpack and then make a second trip with the rest of her gear.

Misty slowly made her way down the slippery, rocky embankment to the fallen tree. She saw the water below as it churned its way over the rocks and down the mountain. The stream was six feet wide and maybe three to four feet deep, she thought.

Misty started crossing over on the fallen tree. The bark was slippery from the drizzle, and her loaded backpack made her very top-heavy. Three steps later, Misty lost her balance, screamed, and fell into the cold water below. Her head struck a rock, rendering her unconscious. The cold water flowed over her body and up to her chin. The water in the stream came from snowmelt from the upper mountains and was icy cold. Hypothermia would soon take over her body.

Three minutes later, two large hands reached into the water. They found Misty’s backpack straps, pulled her body from the icy water, over the rocks, and up on the road.

Young man, what the hell are you doing way up here by yourself? the big man asked out loud.

He stood up and looked around in a circle but did not see anyone else. Then he cupped his hands beside his mouth and shouted as loud as he could, help! is anybody out there? help! The man even fired a shot from his rifle but received no response.

Not seeing or hearing any hunting buddy, the man knelt over the lifeless body. He slapped both cheeks and felt the neck for a pulse.

Thank God! he said out loud. It’s slow, but there’s a pulse!

The man knew that he needed to get the boy inside someplace warm and dry as soon as possible. He struggled to get the backpack off. When he pulled it off, the knit cap came off too.

You’re a girl! he exclaimed when he saw the long blond hair. He was even more shocked.

Young lady, what the hell are you doing way up here by yourself? he asked, updating his previous question. Then he noticed the bump on the girl’s right temple. So that’s why you are unconscious. I hope you don’t have a gunshot wound too. I need to get you to my cabin and get you warm and dry as soon as possible!

The mountain man left behind the two turkeys he had shot earlier. His rifle and the girl’s rifle both had straps, so he slung them behind his shoulders. He would have to come back later for the rest of her gear and his turkeys. He picked up the girl’s body.

Ohhh…you’re a big girl. Uh…I bet you would be a lot lighter if you weren’t soaking wet! he groaned. Through the drizzle the mountain man carried the girl’s body two miles to his cabin. The lightly traveled path was barely perceptible; only his boot tracks in the occasional spot of snow gave it away.

Chapter 7

The Savior

The drizzle turned to light rain as the mountain man approached his cabin. He was breathing heavily. His arms were so tired that he was afraid of dropping the girl’s body any minute. Adrenaline alone kept him going. He made it to his cabin’s front porch. One by one he took the steps. He crossed the porch to the front door. Turning her feet toward the door, he used her foot to unlatch it and push it open. He was glad he had forgotten to bar the door before he left earlier to go hunting. Once inside, he turned back and used her feet to close the door.

With muscles burning, he carefully laid the girl down on a bearskin rug that was in the middle of the room. He unshouldered the rifles and leaned them up against the wall next to the door. Quickly he took off his coat and his wide-brimmed hat and threw them on the floor. Kneeling beside her, he raised up her arm and felt her wrist for a pulse.

Thank God you still have a pulse! the mountain man exclaimed. I really hoped I wasn’t carrying a dead body for two miles!

The man rushed to the fireplace, where there was only a flicker of a fire left from the morning. He opened the fire screen and used a poker on the wood to bring the fire up. After adding some kindling to the fire and laying on several sticks of wood, he reclosed the fire screen. He next yanked the single mattress from his bed and dropped it in front of the fireplace.

Back at the girl, he struggled to remove her waterlogged coat and vest. He untied her boots, pulled them off, and poured the water out of them onto the floor.

Girl, I am sorry for what I am about to do, but this no time for modesty, the mountain man apologized. I just hope that you will forgive me later.

He removed the rest of her wet clothing and underwear. As he did so, he checked her body for any gunshot wounds, cuts, and bruises.

Good news, girl! You have no damage except that nasty bump on the head. I wish I had some ice to put on it, he reported.

The mountain man picked up her naked body and laid it on the mattress. He rushed to the closet and grabbed some towels and blankets. On his knees, he quickly dried her body with the towels. He briskly massaged her arms and legs, hoping to increase her circulation. He then covered her with two blankets and a fur rug made from a mountain sheep. With another towel, he tried to dry her long blond hair, then lifted her head and wrapped the towel around it instead. The pillow that previously fell off the mattress was put under the girl’s head.

Still on his knees, the mountain man leaned back and said, Well, girl, that’s about all I can do for now. The rest is up to you and God. The man closed his eyes, folded his hands, and whispered a prayer for her recovery.

By now the fire was burning very well, but the man poked at the wood anyway. He dropped in two more sticks of wood.

Does the heat feel good? he asked her. Do you drink coffee? Probably not. I bet you are a Mountain Dew or Pepsi drinker. I need to get something hot inside you as soon as you wake up.

The man went to his cast-iron wood cookstove and started a fire. He fixed a fresh pot of coffee and set it on the stove. It will be several minutes before the coffee is ready, he called out as if the girl could hear. Two coffee cups were taken from his homemade wood cupboard and set on his stick-wood table that he also made himself.

Mounted above the fireplace was the head of a ten-point buck deer. The mountain man gathered up the girl’s clothing and underwear and hung everything on the antlers to drip and dry.

Just left of the front door was a row of coat pegs. He hung up his coat and hat and then hung up the girl’s wet coat and vest and let them drip on the floor. He took a dry towel and wiped down both rifles and hung them on his gun rack, which was just right of the door. The towel was then laid down below the girl’s dripping coat and vest.

The mountain man pulled his Adirondack chair next to the mattress, sat down, leaned forward, and stroked the girl’s forehead. I wish I had some ice to put on that bump, he repeated as he stroked his big beard.

Well, girl, what am I going to do with you? he asked, wishing she could hear him. If you stay in a comatose state, I need to get you to a hospital, but it’s a ten-mile walk for me to get to the nearest telephone! And what if you wake up while I’m gone? If you wake up with amnesia, how am I going to find out who you are, where you came from, and who might be looking for you? Do you have a dad and mom? Hmm…did you commit a crime and you are running from the law? He leaned over to get a closer look at her face. Or are you just a pretty runaway girl with a rifle?

The mountain man leaned his tired body back into the chair and closed his eyes for a few minutes. Then he smelled the coffee brewing and jumped up to tend to the pot. He poured a little coffee into one of the cups and took a sip to test it.

It’s hot, girl, anytime you’re ready, he announced loudly toward the fireplace. I wished I knew your name. Oh, I know, I bet you have an ID in your backpack. But that would mean a four-mile round trip for me in the rain! I don’t think so right now. He put the coffeepot back on the stove and pushed it to the back to keep it warm. He returned to his Adirondack chair, leaned back, and closed his eyes again. With tired muscles and warmth from the fire, the big man easily fell asleep.

Chapter 8

The Awakening

Misty finally but slowly regained consciousness. Her first sense was that of a terrible headache. With her eyes still closed, she raised her right arm and felt the bump on her head. Next, she heard the crackling of a fire and felt the heat on her right cheek and bare arm.

I’m alive, Misty thought to herself and then opened her eyes. She first saw the hewn log structure of the ceiling. To her right she saw the fire and the stone fireplace. To her left sat a large blond-bearded man who appeared to be asleep. His blond hair was long and disheveled. He was wearing brown-and-orange hunting vest over a red-and-blue plaid shirt.

With her head still pounding, Misty looked down at the fur rug covering her. She moved her hand across her body and realized that she was naked. what the hell! Misty yelled and then sat up and pulled the coverings farther up to her chin. The towel around her head fell off.

The mountain man, startled by her yell, jumped up from his chair, went to her on his knees, and put his hands on her shoulders. Thank God you are okay! he said, much relieved.

Misty screamed and then yelled, Don’t touch me! Don’t touch me!

The mountain man pulled his hands away and leaned back on his haunches.

The confused girl stammered on, I’m…I’m naked! What…where are my clothes? Did…did you undress me? Where’s your wife? Who are you, anyway? Boy, does my head hurt! Then in a low, angry voice, she asked, Did you take advantage of me?

I did not! the mountain man said emphatically.

You didn’t touch me? Misty inquired again.

I didn’t touch you. Well, I had to touch you, but not in a sexual way, he tried to explain.

Ohh…does my head hurt! Misty said as she held her right hand to her bump. Her left hand held the blankets up to her chin. She closed her eyes and laid back down.

Then the mountain man went on to explain how she came to be in his cabin. I had just finished hunting and was headed home when I heard your scream. I was just over the ridge from you. When I got to the top of the ridge, at first, I didn’t see anything or anybody. I even thought I was just hearing an eagle shriek.

The mountain man took a big breath and continued, As I got to the edge of the road, I saw your rifle, canteen, and sleeping bag on the stream bank. When I made my way down to your gear, I saw just your head sticking out of the water! It’s April in the Rockies, and the water in that stream is from snowmelt and is ice-cold! So, I pulled you out of that icy water and checked you for a pulse. I thanked God you had one!

Misty could tell by his voice that he was getting emotional. She opened her eyes, sat up, and turned her face toward him.

Good news, I thought, but now I needed to get you to my cabin. You were cold and soaking wet. I had to get you out of those wet clothes and by the fire to warm you up. I took towels to dry you off, and I massaged your arms and legs to help your circulation. So, if you were a virgin when you came in here, you still are, the big man explained.

Misty calmed down. She pressed her lips together as she considered everything this strange man had just told her. She reached out her hand to him. They held each other’s hand for a minute.

I’m sorry I yelled at you, Misty finally said. It’s just a bit of a shock to fall into a stream and wake up naked in a strange man’s cabin.

I understand, the man replied. It has to be quite a shock for you.

I guess I need to thank you for saving my life, Misty said with a big smile and again reached out her hand. He took her hand in his. Thank you.

You’re welcome. He smiled back.

By the way, what’s my savior’s name? she had to ask.

Just call me Gus, Gus said and then returned, What’s your name?

Misty. Misty Hill, she answered.

Okay, Misty-Misty Hill, Gus joked.

Misty laughed. "Oh no, just one Misty."

I’m glad you remembered your name, Gus said. A bump on the head could mean amnesia. He then held up one finger and slowly moved it back and forth in front of Misty’s face. How many fingers do you see?

Ahh…just one, Misty answered, a bit confused by his question.

You don’t have double vision, Gus decided. That’s a good sign. What is the capital of Canada?

Oh boy, Misty thought for a moment. Ahh…Ottawa?

Correct, Gus confirmed. Do you remember where you were before you came up the mountain?

At the ranger station south of here, Misty recalled.

Wow, that’s about eight miles from where I found you, or ten miles from here! You hiked eight miles this morning? Gus asked, amazed. You must be in great physical shape.

I am, Misty admitted. I ran track in high school, and I have done a lot of hiking. Wait a minute! Ten miles minus eight miles is two miles. You carried me two miles?