by Sandy Nadeau
Mandy couldn’t help but catch the raised eyebrows reflecting in her mirrors.
When they reached the crest of the hill, another road, smaller in width, led off to the right. The Jeep bounced through the turn and the forest grew thicker.
“We are actually now on Forest Service land. It’s isolated back here so not too many people find this area. Which is good, because the old buildings you are about to see have survived fairly well.”
Mandy made another turn onto what barely resembled a road. The Jeep bounced over some rocks and headed into a more open area. The passengers held on to the framework above their heads. Checking in her mirror, Mandy saw that Jenny still had her arms crossed and was slouched down, letting the jolting shake her up. Mandy could feel the girl’s knees in the back of her seat.
The gray remains of old buildings stood before them.
Mandy caught the barest glimmer of wide-eyed wonder in Jenny’s eyes. “Welcome to Sugar Creek.”
“Wow. How old is this place?” Rick asked.
They walked over to the nearest structure with its weather-worn wood and rusty, odd shaped nails.
“We’re not really sure, but some of the historical records indicate around 1875. Prospectors discovered this area when they saw good color, which meant gold. When the word got out, people flocked in and were disappointed in a short amount of time. They found some gold, but it played out fast. This town may have had around fifty people in its prime.”
“Isn’t it interesting that people would live way up here, Jenny?” Connie asked her daughter.
“Seems pretty dumb to me. There wouldn’t be anything to do.”
“Oh, there’d be plenty. They worked hard in those days just to stay alive. They had to hunt for food every day. You can’t grow much at this altitude so it took a lot of preparation to be ready for winter. And they always had to be on the lookout for mountain lions or rogue bears.”
“Mountain lions!” Jenny jumped out from a crooked old doorway, eyes wide.
“Sure. They’re the residents of the mountains. Don’t worry, with this many together, they won’t bother us. Just don’t wander off alone, and never, ever run if you see one. They’ll think you are prey and catch you faster than you can blink.”
Jenny scooted closer to her father.
“A man by the name of Obadiah Gilman arrived here with the prospectors. He soon found out how hard he had to work to find gold, but saw more and more people arrive or pass through every day. He decided to open up a trading post to serve the needs of the new residents.” Mandy walked over to one of the buildings at the center of the settlement.
“This is believed to be the store, because of its size. Come on over. You’ll see what’s left of a large counter. Mountain men could bring their pelts and barter for more provisions to take back up into the hills to keep prospecting. Old Obadiah became more and more greedy as the mining diminished and some people moved away. The residents who remained knew he was cheating them out of their hard-earned income. When the community found proof, an angry mob chased Obadiah out of town. Not too long after that, the town died.”
“Wow. That’s quite a story.” Rick commented.
“We’ve collected many of these stories in the history booklets in the office. Our history is so important.”
Jenny made a grunting sound. “What good is history? It doesn’t matter anymore.”
“Sure it does. It tells so much of where we’ve been, what people had to go through to get us where we are today. It helps us appreciate what we have.”
Jenny rolled her eyes.
“I find it fascinating.” Connie stood looking over every building.
They explored the town site a bit more, Jenny sticking close as she gazed in every direction. Her feet slipped on the gravel paths, but her arms stayed wrapped tight around her.
The rest of the morning was spent looking at amazing vistas of the mountain ranges from the old Jeep roads. The highest peaks in the distance still wore a covering of bright white snow, a stark contrast against the blue sky. When they neared a high country meadow, Mandy stopped the Jeep and pointed out a large herd of elk grazing. A stiff, cold breeze blew up from the valley to the crest of the hill.
Jenny sat up to see the large animals, until her dad noticed. Her expression changed, and she sat back against the seat.
Mandy longed to reach out and help her enjoy the vacation.
The animals had a darker neck and head area compared to the tan color of their hefty bodies. From the back, they were more visible with their lighter-colored rumps.
“Can we get any closer to them?” Rick strained against the seat belt with camera in hand.
“I’ll drive over to that pull-off and you can get some better shots. The elk are docile this time of year, but you have to remember, an animal can be very unpredictable, especially a pregnant one and you never want to put yourself in a position where the elk feels threatened or their young are in danger. Those mommas will come after you if they feel they have to protect the herd.”
Mandy drove up the hill that overlooked the meadow. Other than grasses, the only thing that remained were the gray stumps of trees cut in years past, or fell from wind and age.
Rick and Connie got out. Small yellow flowers growing close to the ground made Connie stop to take a picture, along with small white tufts of flowers. Lichen-covered rocks littered the area.
“Come on Jenny. Come see the elk.”
She gave a dramatic roll of her eyes.
“Don’t go any farther than that clump of scrub oak over there, and watch your step.” Mandy leaned against the front end of the Jeep.
Jenny got out and sat on a nearby rock. She plucked at the sparse tall grass blades and tossed them into the wind.
Mandy sent up a little prayer. “You know, when I was your age, I hated to go places with my parents.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. It was so boring, and I didn’t want to leave my friends. I bet you feel a bit like that.”
“I do. I didn’t want to come, but Dad said we needed some family time.” Sarcasm dripped off the words. “We have that at home. I don’t know why we have to do it out here. I’m homeschooled, so we’re always together, well, except for Dad. He’s always working. Even here, he’s been working.”
“You might be surprised how much fun you can have around this place. If you want, I could teach you something about horses while you’re here.”
“Really?” Jenny sat up. “I like horses. I’ve always wanted to learn how to ride.” Then she slumped again. “But Dad said we need to see the sights. Do things together.”
“How about we talk to them and work out some time with the horses. You’re here for twelve days.”
“Um…sure. I don’t think Dad will let me, but you can try.”
Mandy prayed that it could work out for everyone’s benefit.
“Wow.” Rick wore a huge smile as they returned to the Jeep. “We got some great shots. You can tell some of them are pregnant. When do they give birth?”
“Late June, sometimes July. The babies get spots just like a deer’s fawn. If you watch them long enough, they play like any kids. Everything they do is for learning purposes. Every now and then, they’ll come wandering through the main yard at the ranch. Barney doesn’t even get up any more when they come through. He’s so used to them. And they don’t like to move for the Jeeps, so sometimes you just have to wait them out.”
Mandy drove the family to her favorite spot for a picnic lunch. Craggy mountains perched high above the meadow in the distance. She pulled up next to a creek with green grasses waving. The steep peaks surrounding them protected the area from wind. The warmth of the sun allowed them to remove light jackets.
She pulled out the basket, blanket, and cooler that the kitchen staff had prepared.
A high waterfall came off the gray mountain to feed the creek below, near where Mandy settled the blanket and basket. Thick vegetation lined the water edges.
&nbs
p; “This is the most amazing spot I’ve ever seen in my life.” Connie whispered.
“Yes, I agree. We feel blessed to have areas like this so close by. This is our absolute favorite spot to picnic.” Mandy laid out the sandwiches, chips, and chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.
Birds chirped and butterflies danced.
“What kind of bird is that?” Connie pointed down to the water.
“Oh, that’s a Dipper, or Water Ouzel.” The small black bird dove underwater only to pop back out several feet away.
“Jenny, can you see that bird? Isn’t that funny? Look at him just dive under the water.”
The girl uttered something unintelligible.
“I know you haven’t signed up for the horses, but I wondered, we don’t have a full booking this week, so if you want, I could work with Jenny in your free time and teach her how to ride,” Mandy offered.
“Oh, I don’t know…” Connie’s eyes widened then looked to her husband.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. Jenny’s never ridden.” Rick shook his head.
“Dad...” Jenny whined.
“We have very good horses. They’re very used to rookies. I’m a great teacher and our wranglers are the best.”
“Well, I guess you could try it.”
“Really?” Jenny was thrilled. “I’ll be careful Dad. I will. Mandy will help me.”
They finished their lunch, cleaned up, checked the area for any trash, and loaded back into the Jeep. The drive back to the ranch held sights that were more incredible.
Mandy checked the rearview mirror and noted the faint smile on Jenny’s face.
5
The Carter family had a pink tinge to their faces despite sun block. Exhausted from the excursion, Rick and Connie decided to go rest.
Jenny marched towards the pond and plopped down on a bench.
Mandy headed over to the office. “Hey, Sue. How’s it going?”
“Oh, great. I’m just going through the mail. How was the ride?”
“It’s beautiful out today. I took them up to Sugar Creek, and then picnicked up at the waterfall viewpoint.”
“Oh, I love it there. I need to go up one of these days. I haven’t been since last August. Now here it is half way through May. I’m having withdrawals.”
“I know what you mean. I—”
“Mandy, what in the world….?” Sue handed her a piece of paper that had been crammed into the mail pile.
Stay away from the mine
Or there will be more fires and trouble.
You won’t be going on with your plan.
Just back off and no one gets hurt.
“What is going on? Call Jon and tell him to get in here.”
Sue radioed Jon.
He came rushing into the office minutes later.
“Jon, look at this.”
Jon read it. “Call the sheriff, Sue. We have a definite problem here.”
Sue placed the call and handed the phone to Jon. Jon asked the dispatcher to send the sheriff to the ranch to discuss the letter and the fire.
“We’ll have to tell everyone to watch for anything suspicious or out of order. Sue, call the staff. Tell them there will be a meeting at 6:30 PM in the conference room.”
“You got it.”
Worry lines creased Jon’s face as they walked to their home. Jon and Mandy had fallen into the habit of discussing everything on their porch, within view of the mountains during the warm months.
Mandy went inside for some cups and a carafe of coffee.
Within twenty minutes, the sheriff pulled in.
“Hey, Jon, Mandy. What’s going on?” The officer extended his hand in greeting. Jon took his proffered hand. Mandy handed him a cup of coffee.
“Well, you heard about the fire this past week. Now we received this letter in the mail this morning.” Jon handed him the paper and pointed to the chairs, inviting Ed to sit. “We also had a brake line possibly tampered with on one of the Jeeps.”
“Hmmm…getting a little too intriguing isn’t it. Anyone else touch the letter?” Ed dropped it into a clear plastic bag he had removed from his pocket.
“Just us, and Sue.”
“Ed, I’m getting really concerned.” Mandy leaned against the porch rail. “It’s one thing to start a fire and run, but now to start threatening us to stop our plans…I just don’t understand who would care so much. What purpose would they have? Would someone really have cut a line? That could have been deadly.”
“I don’t know, Mandy. Are there any other problems with people, besides Shonee? I know he doesn’t like any plans you guys do. ‘Course, he’s not happy with much of anything. We’ve talked to him, but he’s got an alibi for the fire. It appears his hip is acting up again too, so I don’t think he would have been able to hike up to the area. And he sure couldn’t crawl under a Jeep without notice. When Pete and I showed up to question him he got angry. We confirmed that he had been at the courthouse early that morning.”
“You know us, Ed,” Mandy said. “We get along pretty well with most everyone. That’s our business. We’ve even tried to reach out to Shonee over the years, but he won’t have any of it. We just keep our distance now and hope he’ll tolerate us.”
“The trouble started when we applied for a building permit.” Jon responded. “We submitted our application to open up the mine after we make it safe, so guests can have a real old west experience. I don’t know why anyone would care one way or the other.”
“I’d like to head up there and take a look around if you don’t mind.”
“Of course not. We need to get to the bottom of this. Jon and the boys checked some, but didn’t see anything besides the footprints. Maybe you’ll have better luck.”
“Great. I know you must have a lot to do, so I’ll head up and let you know if I find anything.”
Jon shook hands with Ed. “You’re welcome to come back for dinner if you’d like.”
“Oh thanks, but I think Betty would have my hide if I don’t get home for dinner tonight.”
“OK, well, let us know if you find anything. And give Betty our love.”
****
As evening shaded the sky, everyone began to gather around the large, open area Jon and the hands had built for groups.
Rustic log benches lined the edge. Log sections large enough to sit on stood closer to the fire pit for roasting marshmallows.
A couple of the ranch hands had started to play guitars. Another stoked up the flames. The guests came to join in as they all watched the sun go down. It was a time to sing, laugh, and relax before they all crawled in for a good night’s sleep after a day of fresh air and fun.
It helped to hear what they liked and disliked in order to plan the next day and the weeks to come. After all these years of operation, there were few complaints.
Phil played a rousing rendition of “She’ll be Comin’ ‘round the Mountain.”
Jon could see the tension in Mandy’s shoulders. He leaned over and whispered to her. “Relax.”
“Can we sneak away and go for a walk?” Mandy whispered back.
Jon took her hand and they headed off towards the pond. The moonlight led the way without the need for a flashlight.
“I can’t seem to stop worrying. Why would anyone threaten us to stop this project? How could this affect anyone else? We just want to keep our business fresh and exciting. I just don’t understand who could be doing these things.”
“I know hon. I don’t get it, either. All we can do is trust God. Maybe this will be the end of it. We’re kind of stuck until we can meet with the county again, anyway. Let’s just focus on our visitors for now.”
“You’re right. I’m trying.” Mandy leaned into him. “I’m really concerned for Jenny, the young girl from the Carter family. She has that early teen attitude of trying not to enjoy herself.”
“Ah…” Jon wrapped his arm around her. “You’ve found a new mission. You’ve always had such a heart for teenagers.”
> “I remember being that age and the struggle with all the emotions. Remember when our Cindy was thirteen? What a challenge to raise a daughter with hormones charging constantly. Jenny is such a sweet kid. I hate to see her feeling so miserable. The parents seem nice and try to dote on her, but she just won’t have any of it.”
They made their way to a bench on the far side of the pond. As they sat down, Jon held her in both arms. They could see the campfire and they watched the gaiety of the animated singing. Phil stomped his foot and slapped his knee to the rhythm of the music.
“Isn’t it wonderful how people can enjoy just sitting around a campfire, singing, toasting marshmallows…”
Then Jenny jumped up and raced off to the cabin, arms flailing.
The music stopped, but then started up.
After a moment, Connie rose and followed her daughter, disappearing into the shadows.
“Oh, no. I wonder what’s happened now. That poor family.”
Jon pulled her closer. “Don’t worry honey. They’ll work it out. Cindy always got over it. Jenny will, too.”
“I know. It broke my heart then and it still gets me. It’s a tough age to get through. For everybody.”
Mandy rested her head on his shoulder, and they just watched the stars. The moon reflected off the surface of the gently rippling pond. A coyote howled in the distance, sending a message to another of the elusive creatures, who replied with a haunting wail. Crickets chirped all around them with an occasional frog joining the chorus.
The smell of pine wafted on the breeze.
6
The next morning, Mandy spotted Jenny at the corral with Barney. She stepped up on the bottom rail and leaned her arms over the top rail.
“I wondered where my supposedly faithful dog had gone this morning. Looks like you have a friend.”
Jenny kept her eyes on the horses chewing on their hay. “He came out a while ago and just keeps sittin’ there next to me.”
“He likes people. Especially girls.”
Jenny grinned. “I like dogs. They never make you feel bad.”
