Chapter 2
The foursome climbed into the Swenton's jeep and began the long, winding journey towards the rugged Carlson Mountains. Tricia had a strange feeling as she turned to see the "Orangeville: City Limits" sign fade into the distance as they left their secure suburban town and headed into the untamed wilds of the primitive wilderness.
As Ron turned off the main highway and onto the makeshift dirt road leading into the Carlson Mountains, Tricia had a strange feeling that they were journeying back through time as sprawling trees and bushes began to sprout out of the ground like angry phantoms. The foursome huddled together as the vegetation became thicker and scraped against the rugged frame of the jeep.
"Ouch!" Tricia said as a bush scraped against her delicious skin.
"Watch out, honey," Don said, as he tenderly hugged his voluptuous teenage wife and pulled her tenderly to his side.
There was a trail of dust whipping up behind the jeep and small bits of gravel were flying all over like a miniature meteorite shower. The jeep bucked and shook like it was in the midst of a tremendous earthquake and Ron was struggling hard to maintain control of the wildly rocking vehicle.
"Jesus!" Ron said. "This is like riding a bronco!"
"Hey, Ron," Don said, as he pointed to a long, winding fire-break which meandered comfortably up the hill. "We might have a better ride if we go up the fire-break. The ground is probably damper since all that grass surrounds it."
"Sounds like a good idea, Don," Ron said. "Hold on! I'll give it a try!"
Ron suddenly swerved off of the dirt road and began guiding his jeep up the side of the hill. The ride was rough and unruly for a few minutes, then Ron finally reached the fire trail and the ride smoothed out perceptibly.
"That's better," Sally said.
They cruised comfortably on the fire trail for hours, easily going round and round the hill as they increased their altitude.
Suddenly, a jagged, rugged peak of a rocky, craggy mountain loomed into view.
"Well, we won't be able to drive too much longer folks," Ron said, "cause that's where we're going and there's only one way to get there and that's to hike!"
"We'd better find someplace to park the jeep." Don said, "if we at least want to be at the base of that baby before nightfall!"
"Good idea," Ron replied as he guided the jeep towards a large, high clump of brush and pulled to a halt.
"O.K.! " Ron said. "Everyone out. Let's push this thing underneath those bushes. It'll be a great camouflage!"
The foursome quickly hid the jeep as Ron and Don recorded the co-ordinates of the jeep's location on a topological map of the area.
"O.K. Let's get out of here with our gear!" Ron said.