“Admiral, I’ve made arrangements for the flight. We leave in three days.” Joe Pearson told Admiral Jiggs Stark.
“That’s wonderful Joe. How are you doing with the other task I assigned you?” Stark asked his aid.
“That’s a little more difficult, Sir. I just got off the phone with Admiral Nelson and I’m afraid he’s a little upset.”
“What did he say?”
“His exact words were. You tell Jiggs Stark that I’m not one of his lackeys to be ordered around. He also said he was on his way here to see you,” Joe told him.
“Uh oh. That sounds like trouble. Maybe I should have informed Harry ahead of time. I forgot he doesn’t like surprises.”
“He did sound kind of angry, Sir.”
“It won’t take him long to get here. Why don’t you order some coffee and sweet rolls from room service. Maybe we can calm Harry down with some sweets.”
“Yes, Sir,” Joe said not at all convinced that a few sweet rolls would placate Harriman Nelson.
******
Harriman Nelson was fuming, in his mind Jiggs Stark had stepped over the line of friendship, ‘How dare he go and make plans for my men without informing me. I won’t stand for it,’ he thought as he pulled up to the entrance of the Four Seasons Hotel. Without a word he tossed his keys to the valet parking attendant and rushed inside. He knew the room number and headed directly for it. Lifting his hand he knocked loudly. When it wasn’t answered immediately he knocked again. As he pulled his hand back to knock for the third time the door opened and he barely succeeded in preventing himself from striking Starks aid.
“Admiral Nelson, please come in,” Joe said quickly.
“Where is he?” Nelson asked his voice betraying his agitation.
“He’s in the solarium, Admiral. Please go right on in.”
Nelson hurried through the door and out onto the solarium. Jiggs Stark sat looking out over the ocean, “Hello, Harry, come on in.”
“What reason do you have for shanghaiing me and six members of my crew?”
“Come on, Harry. I’m not shanghaiing anyone. You’re always telling me to take the time to get to know this special crew of yours. Well I thought this would be the perfect opportunity. My only regret is that Chip Morton is already away on assignment and can’t come with us.”
“What makes you think any of us are going?” Nelson asked taking a cup of coffee from Joe. He sat down opposite Jiggs Stark and placed the cup on the small table.
“I know how much you love a challenge, Harry, and that’s just what this is going to be. It’s going to be up to you to keep the peace while we undergo this little expedition into the mountains. Imagine if you will the majestic Canadian Rockies. A beautiful scenic valley hidden away from any but the heartiest of travellers, with lakes and rivers so clear you can see the bottom at the deepest point. Mountain peaks so high they seem to rise above the clouds.”
Nelson found himself being drawn into the wonderful pictures Starks words were conjuring up, “Why the Canadian Rockies?” he asked curiously. “I have a cabin on Eagle Lake.”
“I know that, Harry, and from what I hear it’s beautiful. It’s just not what I was looking for. I wanted something that would make us all have to work together. What better way than a group of men undertaking a survival mission into the mountains. All we take is what we can carry. Each man is to have a backpack full of supplies and a pup tent. Two weeks in the wilds with nothing else to do but talk to each other and do some fishing. Please, Harry, say you and your men will go with us. Don’t let Joe’s efforts be in vain?”
“So you gave Joe the job of convincing me to go. I’m sorry, Joe,” Nelson said glancing at the younger man, “I didn’t mean to shout at you. Everything you said made sense it’s just that I hate when someone tries to put something over on me.” Turning back to Stark he said, “I want everything up front, Jiggs. When are we supposed to leave?”
“Three days from now. We fly to Edmonton, Alberta. From there we drive into Banff. I reserved a number of hotel rooms for the night so we can be well rested for our trip the next morning,” Stark explained.
“Who’s going to guide us into the mountains?”
“I hired the best guide around, a man by the name of Bryan Parker. He’s lived as a recluse for years and only comes down from the mountains when he needs to make some money for necessities. I was lucky enough to catch him before anyone else did.”
“You’re so sure we’ll go?”
“Pretty sure. As I said I know how much you love challenges. More coffee?” he asked grinning triumphantly.
Nelson picked up his empty cup and passed it to Stark, “Tell me who you want to take along on this journey again and why?”
“I want Lee Crane because he’s a natural leader and the men look up to him. I want Jamison for medical emergencies even though I’m hoping none come up. I want Kowalski, Patterson and Riley because they seem to represent exactly what the younger members of your crew are capable of. I want Sharkey because he has a nose for finding humour in things that others refuse to see. I want Joe because I need someone on my side in any arguments and I want you there to keep the peace between your crew and myself. Did I leave anyone out?”
“Yeah, Chip Morton but as you said he’s away on another assignment. I’ll speak with Lee and the others. If they want to go, fine, but I’m not going to make it an order.”
“That’s great, Harry. Thank-you. Maybe you should take Joe with you. He can explain everything I want to do. Maybe he’ll be able to convince the others that I’m really not an ogre,” Stark laughed half-heartedly.
Nelson stood in front of the small contingent of Seaview crewmembers, Joe stood beside him, hands held at his side, as it was not an official meeting.
“If you guys will sit down I’ll tell you why I asked you to meet me here,” Nelson smiled as each conversation stopped right on cue, “I want you all to remember that this is voluntary. You don’t have to go if you have other plans.”
“Sounds like you’re sending us behind enemy lines, Admiral,” Lee Crane laughed.
“Not at all, Lee. Just into the mountains with Jiggs Stark,” Nelson said nonchalantly.
“Excuse me, Admiral, I don’t think I heard you right,” Crane said before the other men could react.
“You heard me right, Lee. I think I’ll let Joe explain exactly what will happen if you want to go. As you can see he’s a little nervous so let him finish before you ask any questions and remember he’s only the messenger.”
“Thank –you, Admiral,” Joe said shuffling nervously from one foot to the other. “Admiral Stark asked me to talk with you men. He’s arranged for a two-week camping trip into the Canadian Rockies and he’d like you all to go with him. He’s hired a guide and is willing to pay for the trip. It’s his way of saying he’d like to get to know all of you. It also gives him a chance to see why Admiral Nelson says you’re a unique crew. There are no strings attached to this and he’d like you all to know that it’s ok if you decline his invitation. I’ve been to the Rockies before and I can tell you the breathtaking scenery alone is worth it. Are there any questions?”
“You keep saying camping trip. Does that mean we stay in cabins or tents?” Riley asked.
“Pup tents. We’ll be backpacking through some pretty rough mountainous terrain.” Pearson told them.
“When are we supposed to leave and how long will we be gone?” Patterson asked.
“We leave in three days and we’ll be gone for about two weeks.”
“How long is this backpacking trail supposed to be?” Sharkey asked.
“A total of one hundred and twenty miles in and out and it’s not all trail. The valley Admiral Stark wants to see is sixty miles through dense forest. Most people don’t backpack into the valley anymore, they fly, but the Admiral thought this would bring us closer together. According to the guide it’ll take three days in and three days out. That leaves us with approximately eight days in the valley,” Joe answered and waited to see if there were any more questions.
“Looks like we’re finished here, Joe. Why don’t you go back and tell Jiggs that I’ll let him know what we decide,” Nelson told the nervous aid as he showed him to the door. Closing the door behind Joe, Nelson turned back to his men and asked, “Well what do you think?”
“Camping with Jiggs Stark. I can’t think of a better way to spend two weeks,” Crane said, a smirk on his face.
Nelson couldn’t help laughing at the younger man’s comment. Jiggs Stark was a hard man to get to know. He was a by the book military man and most of Seaview’s crew had had run ins with him. Nelson knew the rest of the crew felt the same way but would never say so openly. “All right, Lee. I know Jiggs can be a pain in the butt sometimes but I think he’s serious about getting to know all of you without military restraints.”
“Yes, Sir,” Crane said, the smile leaving his face momentarily. “Admiral if this is on the level and Admiral Stark is serious about getting to know us then I’m in,” he said.
“Count me in too, Sir,” Sharkey said.
“That’s what I thought, Francis. The rest of you can let me know tomorrow,” Nelson told them.
“I don’t need to wait till tomorrow. A trip to the Canadian Rockies sounds great, I’m in, Admiral,” Kowalski grinned.
“I’ll have to talk with my wife but I’m pretty certain she’d love the chance to visit her family for two weeks. Can I use the phone?” Patterson asked.
“Go ahead, Pat. Anyone else?” Nelson asked.
“I dig the mountains almost as much as the big waves. I think it’ll be cool to climb a mountain. I’m in,” Riley stated happily.
All eyes turned to Will Jamison who hadn’t uttered a word through the whole exchange, “Well, Jamie, what do you say?”
“I thought I had till tomorrow?”
“You do Jamie,” Nelson said.
Jamie grinned and stood up, “Do you really think I’d let you men go into the wilds without professional medical personnel available. This crew is well known for finding ways to injure themselves and a mountain is a whole new battleground. I’m in and I’ll order the biggest medical kit I can carry, Captain,” he said looking at Crane directly.
“Jamie!” Crane exclaimed.
“Hey, better safe than sorry, Lee. You do have a tendency to attract accidents,” Nelson laughed.
“I’m in as well, Admiral. Jenny was very pleased with two weeks in Florida.” Patterson said as he put the phone back in its cradle.
“I guess I need to let Jiggs know we’re all in. I’ll call you all with the details and departure times,” Nelson told his men. Slowly they exited the room leaving only Nelson and Crane. “What’s wrong Lee?”
“I just can’t help feeling Admiral Stark has an ulterior motive for this trip.”
“What kind of ulterior motive?”
“I don’t know, Sir. I just hope he isn’t too hard on the men. I’m used to it, they aren’t.”
“Come on, Lee, it’s only two weeks,” Nelson said.
“Two weeks in the wilderness with Admiral Stark and not a torpedo tube in sight to jettison him out of,” Crane said, half serious.
Nelson couldn’t hold back the grin that spread over his face. He knew Lee Crane had great respect for Jiggs Stark. He just didn’t like how Stark treated his men sometimes.
Jiggs Stark looked at the group of men he’d selected to go with him. They’d arrived in Banff the night before and stayed in the hotel overnight. He’d called them all early this morning in order to meet their guide at the Last Point parking lot. They’d reached the selected starting point an hour early and were waiting for Bryan Parker to put in an appearance.
“You sure Parker is going to show?” Nelson asked.
“He’ll show. From what I’ve heard the man is completely trustworthy. His reputation says it all.” Stark said firmly.
“Let’s hope he lives up to his reputation,” Crane said softly.
“Maybe that’s him now,” Sharkey said pointing to a man just emerging from a stand of trees. All eyes turned in the direction he indicated.
A tall blocky man with long red hair, and thick beard both streaked with grey came into view. He carried himself with an ear of confidence and a devil may care attitude. He had a large bulky backpack thrown over his shoulders and walked briskly towards them, “You must be the group of city slickers I’m supposed to guide to the lost valley,” he said gruffly.
Before anyone could protest his arrogance, Stark interceded, “You must be Bryan Parker.”
“That’s right. I hope you all understand you’re in for a rough trip.” Parker laughed.
“We’ve been on rough trips before,” Crane said simply.
“Maybe you have,” Parker said, looking the younger man up and down, “But given that you look like you’ve never had to do a lick of hard work I’ll just reserve judgement.” He turned away from Lee Crane and once again spoke to Stark, “Look, Admiral, it’s your money and your show.”
“Yes it is and I’d like you to remember that when you’re addressing my party.”
Parker let loose a hearty laugh, “This ain’t no party, Admiral. This is a gruelling trek through harsh unforgiving wilderness. There are all kinds of wild animals out here.”
“Mr. Parker, are you trying to discourage us?” Nelson asked.
“In a nutshell, yep. I don’t think any of you are sturdy enough to make it,” he said.
“You’d be amazed at how sturdy this group is,” Crane said fury at Parkers arrogance evident in his voice.
“You look like you’d be blown away by the first strong gust of wind,” Parker stated.
“We’ve all weathered many harsh storms, Parker. Some of them would probably rival your mountain storms for severity. I don’t think you have any idea what we can do. Ever been in the middle of the ocean during a hurricane or typhoon?” Crane asked.
“Can’t say I have.”
“Well everyone here has. So don’t be so condescending until you see how well we carry ourselves. I’m sure I speak for everyone here when I say we’ll pull our own weight, I hope you do the same,” Crane told the mountain man.
Parker glared at Crane for what seemed an endless period of time. Suddenly, without warning the older man’s face changed and he began to laugh, “I think maybe you do have some fight in you after all. Tell you what since you’re so all fired ready to face the dangers of these mountains you’ll be our rear guard. That means you’ll have to keep your eyes open for anyone or anything following us. What’s your name?”
“Lee Crane.”
“Well then Lee Crane, do you know how to use a rifle?”
“I’ve used them before.”
“Good, here’s yours,” Parker said tossing one of two rifles he carried to Crane.
Crane caught the unfamiliar rifle in one hand, “Thanks, I guess,” he said, checking the safety and then pushing the rifle into the strap on his pack.
Parker nodded approvingly, “I’d like each of you to tell me your names before we begin,” he said to the rest of the group.
Beginning with Stark each man took his turn giving his name. When introductions were finished, Parker again looked them over, “I hope your right, Crane. But I’m afraid this group looks like a sorry lot. Packs up. Let’s move out,” he said before anyone could protest.
Parker took the point, followed by Patterson, Kowalski, Riley, Nelson, Stark, Joe, Jamison, Sharkey, and finally Lee Crane held the rear.
“Where did you find this guy, Jiggs?” Nelson asked quietly.
“He came highly recommended by a friend of Joes. I hope his gruffness isn’t going to cause problems,” Stark said.
“My men are not going to let his attitude get to them. They’ll pull their own weight and make Parker eat his words,” Nelson said confidently.
Unbeknownst to either Stark or Nelson, Parker could hear their whole conversation, ‘that’s what I like to hear. I hope you’re right about your men Admiral Nelson because this ain’t no walk in the park. They’re gonna need every ounce of strength and determination they can muster to make it through the next couple of weeks,’ he thought.
********
They’d been on the trail for nearly two hours when Parker held up his hands and called for them to stop, “We’ll break here for fifteen minutes,” he told them. “From here on we’ll be making our own trail as we leave the regular trails behind. Crane,” Lee looked up at his name, “Let me know when you want someone else to take the point.”
“I’m fine,” Crane told him.
“Just don’t become overconfident out here. You’re our rear guard and I don’t want any surprises sneaking up on us. Understood?” Parker asked.
“Of course,” Crane told him sitting back and drinking from his canteen.
“Don’t go anywhere,” Parker told them as he walked off into the trees.
“Why do you think he’s picking on the Skipper,” Patterson asked Kowalski and Riley.
“I don’t think he’s picking on him exactly,” Kowalski told him. “I think it’s more like seeing how far he can push him.”
“I don’t dig that mans attitude at all,” Riley quipped.
“The Skipper can handle him,” Kowalski said confidently, smiling as Patterson and Riley nodded their heads in agreement.
Sharkey sat next to Jamison and took a deep drink from his own canteen, “How ya doin Doc?” he asked.
“Actually, Chief, I’m doing fine, but we haven’t gotten to the tough part yet according to Parker.”
“He’s blunt isn’t he?”
“Yes he is. I just hope he knows what he’s doing.”
“Me too, Doc. I’d hate to think I was going through all this just to feed his ego.” Sharkey said. Jamison laughed and they both lapsed into silence.
“On your feet, people,” Parker said as he rejoined the group. “Let’s get this show on the road. Don’t forget to watch our backs, Crane.”
“I won’t, Parker, You just make sure you watch our front,” Crane shouted at Parker’s retreating back. He barely heard the mans laughter as he pushed his backpack up on his shoulders.
They’d stopped for lunch at mid afternoon. Parker let them relax and talk for over an hour before giving the signal to move out. They’d been moving steadily upwards for almost three hours now. No one had complained about the long stretch without a break and everyone seemed to be pulling his own weight. ‘They’re in better shape than I gave them credit for,’ Parker thought as he pushed the group towards what would be their first campground. ‘Maybe I’ve misjudged them. Have to watch that Crane fella. He reminds me of myself a few years ago.’
Parker spotted a large bear on a hill about half a mile away. He knew most bears wouldn’t attack unless they felt threatened. He elected not to say anything to the others, instead waited to see if his rear guard was up to the job. He was surprised when Crane called from the back.
“Hey, Parker, Are we far enough away from that bear?”
“Why? You afraid it might attack you?” Parker yelled back over his shoulder, not wanting the others to see his grin.
“Not at all. Bears don’t usually attack unless they feel threatened. I just wanted to make sure you weren’t planning on getting any closer to it,” Crane answered.
Parker stopped and turned back to his point man, “Well done, Crane. I see you’ve studied bears.” He saw the others among the group turn and look in the direction of the bear.
Crane just grinned back at the older man, ‘you would be surprised to know what else we’ve studied. All you see is a bunch of greenhorns. I think you’re in for a few more surprises. Just give us a chance to prove what we’re made of,’ he thought, smiling inwardly.
“Maybe I should let you take the point for awhile,” Parker said.
“Only if you have a map. I don’t know the location of the lost valley,” Crane said.
“Sorry the map only exists in my head. Let’s move out,” Parker told them, not giving anyone a chance to protest.
They carried on for another hour before Parker called a halt for the night. He faced the group as they sat down and began removing their gear, “It gets dark around these parts mighty quick once the sun goes down so I suggest you each get your tents up before supper. Any objections?”
Without saying a word packs were opened and tents began to be pitched in a semi circle. Nelson had his up first and turned to help Sharkey. Joe came to the aid of Jiggs Stark who seemed ill at ease with the instructions.
Crane, Kowalski, Patterson and Riley had been trying to control their laughter as time after time Stark’s tent collapsed.
“Who said these contraptions were so easy a five year old could do it,” Stark grumbled. “Not that one, Joe!” Stark yelled as his aid pulled a string causing the whole thing to fold up again with Stark inside. “Of all the...”
“Now, Jiggs. This is supposed to be a get to know you better trip. Do you want us all to remember you being the grouch of the group,” Nelson asked his friend.
Stark wore a sheepish grin on his face as he poked his head out from under the canvas, “I’ll have you know that I’ve never been called a grouch,” he said.
“Not to your face anyway,” Nelson told him and heard snickers from the rest of the group.
“Maybe your right about that, Harry. Think some of your people would help an old grouch get his tent up before nightfall?” he asked scrambling to his feet.
“I think that can be arranged,” Nelson said. Before he was able to order any one to help, Patterson, Kowalski, and Riley began to put the tent together for him. Nelson found himself smiling at how easily his men seemed to do his bidding even before he asked them.
“You know, Harry. There may be something to the way you and Crane run your boat. I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone come to my aid that quickly. Except, Joe, of course.” Stark told him seriously.
“I told you it has merit,” Nelson grinned.
Parker finished his tent and after watching and listening to the interchange between these men, walked over to join them, “Think I can get some volunteers to gather some firewood and bring some water from the creek?”
“I’ll get some wood,” Kowalski said.
“I’ll bring the water,” Riley said.
“You’re Riley, right?” Parker asked.
“That’s right.”
“Well, Riley, you’ll find two retractable water buckets outside my tent. Fill them both.”
“Yes sir,” Riley said grinning broadly. He began to sing loudly as he walked briskly towards the empty buckets.
“You’re Kowalski?” Parker asked.
“That’s right.”
“Take someone with you and gather some dry wood. Don’t stray to far, and watch out for skunks. I don’t think we brought any tomato juice,” Parker laughed at his own joke.
“I’ll go with you, Ski,” Patterson volunteered.
“Thanks, Pat,” Kowalski said and the two men walked towards the trees. It didn’t take the two able-bodied seamen long to gather enough firewood for the long cold night. By the time they returned to the campsite the second time, a warm fire was blazing in a circle or large rocks.
A pot of coffee was brewing in the centre and on the side was another pot filled with the unmistakable aroma of baked beans. Biscuits were warming on the rocks.
Kowalski looked at Patterson, a grin on his face, “Looks like it could get windy up here tonight, Pat.”
“A real gale force,” Patterson agreed.
“Maybe you two knuckleheads should batten down the hatches,” Sharkey said from behind the two men. He walked back towards his tent trying to keep himself from laughing outright at what the two men had thought was a private conversation. Once inside his tent he fell to the ground in laughter.
The next morning found Crane, Stark, and Nelson sitting by the fire drinking coffee, their breaths visible in the cold morning air, “What made you decide to ask us all to go camping? I mean I’ve never pictured you as the camping type,” Crane asked.
“I don’t think anybody has,” Stark laughed, “Actually, I thought it would be good to get you all away from the sea and maybe see another side of you.”
“The dry side,” Crane said in a deadpan voice.
Nelson’s reaction was immediate as his laughter rose on the cold morning air, “I see you haven’t lost your sense of humour, Lee.”
“Is he always this sharp in the morning?” Stark asked Nelson.
“Most of the time,” Nelson said and the three sat back to wait for the rest of the group to wake up.
By evening the group had made it’s way to the bottom of an infrequently used trail. Parker called a halt and waited for everyone to take their seats, “Now this is where we separate the men from the boys. This is not really a trail but it’s the only way to get to the lost valley. It’s rocky and in places we have to skirt the edges of some pretty steep inclines. So if any of you boys want to turn around now’s the time,” he said looking at each man individually. “No takers,” he said, “Then I guess we move on. We should make it about quarter of the distance up the trail this evening. By then it’ll be getting dark and we’ll be unable to go any further so we’ll make camp there for the night. Maybe we can even catch a few trout in the creek for supper. You ready back there, Crane?”
“Ready whenever you are, Parker,” Lee answered.
“Then let’s move out,” Parker said and without another word began the gruelling trek up the seldom used trail. He kept the group moving at a fairly swift pace that brought them through rough foliage. Trees stood straight and tall on either side of the men and sometimes it was necessary to force their way through.
On one such occasion a branch released to soon by Riley swung back catching Sharkey on the cheek. A small cut and some harsh language from the Chief was the final result. Jamie quickly placed a bandage on the cheek and the group moved out again. Sharkey insisted that he go in front of Riley this time, eliciting grins from the rest of the men, including Parker.
Two hours later and without any more mishaps they reached a small crest overlooking a small valley. A narrow creek ran along one side of the small valley. A forest of tall strait coniferous trees of varying types, including beautiful spruces so tall they blocked the view of the mountains dominated the rest of the flat ground. The grass was so green and in places had grown as tall as a medium sized man. Summer flowers were in full bloom and as the sun began to slide down over the mountains the valley seemed to be fading from reality.
“This is absolutely beautiful,” Stark said, unaware he’d spoken aloud.
“Yes it is. Nature is full of beauty, but it can also be very dangerous and unforgiving,” Parker told him. “Let’s get down to the creek and make camp.”
Happy and smiling the group hurried carefully down the small trail into the valley. Light was quickly fading and as soon as Crane had his tent up he found Nelson and the two made a small fireplace of rocks. By the time the others joined them they had a fair sized blaze going and were warming their hands over the flames.
“I wonder where Parker went,” Stark said.
“I saw him go down by the creek,” Patterson told him.
“Probably trying to catch some of those trout he mentioned. Anyone want to go help him?” Nelson asked.
“He probably doesn’t need any help,” Riley stated.
“Yeah, he’d probably think we were insulting him. Greenhorns that we are,” Jamison said as he changed the small bandage on Sharkey’s cheek.
“He’s right, you know? None of us has ever been to the wilderness on a camping trip. I mean I’ve been to you’re cabin, Admiral and I’ve been on many missions that left me in the wilds of some country or another but as for being able to find our way out of these mountains I think we are better off with Parker as our guide. The man certainly seems to know his way around,” Crane told them.
“Don’t tell me you like the man, Skipper?” Sharkey asked.
“It’s not a matter of whether I like the man or not. But I do admire his ability to survive out here. I think I’ll go see how he’s doing,” Crane said, standing and walking towards the creek.
“Better take your flashlight, Captain,” Stark said.
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