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Mountain Of Love
by Ernie Johnson (authorernieroy@yahoo.com)

Rated: G   Genre: Miscellaneous   User Review:
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RATED

A religious adventure story. Cal and his friends climb Mount Manhadden to spend a week in the mountains with God. Cal gets an adventure in God's love he never expected, and would never forget.


This screenplay is copyrighted to its author. All rights reserved. This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the author.



MOUNTAIN OF LOVE

FADE IN:

EXT. MANHADDEN STATE PARK - MAIN GATE - DAY
                                                            
BILL GRIMES pulls the Ford van up to the ranger shack at the
entrance to the state park and lowers the drivers window.
                                                            
                       HANK
Good morning, sir, can I help you?
                                                            
                       BILL
Good morning, ranger! My name is
Bill Grimes and we’re supposed to
have a reservation for five for
Overlook Campground; the Holden
Valley Penticostal Church.
                                                            
                       HANK
One second, sir, and I’ll check.
                                                            
Ranger Wilcox pulls out the reservation list. He looks at
the list, as he returns to the open window.
                                                            
                       HANK
Your group is all set, Mr. Grimes.
                                                            
                       BILL
Are we going to be the only ones
up there this weekend?
                                                            
                       HANK
Let’s see! There’s a couple there
now and they’ll be leaving
tomorrow morning. Other
than that I have no one scheduled
on Overlook until next Friday
afternoon. So unless someone
comes in, the campground’s yours
all week. Not too many trek the
hike up Manhadden to get to this
beautiful campground, sir, but for
those who do, it’s worth every
effort.
                                                            
                       BILL
I know just how beautiful it is,
ranger.I’ve been there every year
for the past seven years. The
only things that change every year
are the graduates I bring up there
            (MORE)

2.

                       BILL (cont'd)
with me.
                                                            
                       HANK
You know where to park then?
                                                            
                       BILL
Yes, sir, I do. We park at lot
‘B’ by Roundabout Trail.
                                                            
                       HANK
Ranger Ernie Gillman will be up
there on Tuesday and he’ll be
there on a donkey. It’s just a
routine check to make sure you
folks are okay.
                                                            
                       BILL
I knew a ranger would be up there
but I didn’t know who it would be.
                                                            
Ranger Wilcox hands Bill a piece of paper.
                                                            
                       HANK
Here are your tent site
assignments, per your request. I
went up there last summer and
these are the best sites in the
campground.
                                                            
                       BILL
I know. That’s why I asked for
them.
                                                            
                       HANK
Okay, then, have a great week.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. THE FIVE MEN AT EDEN'S TRAIL - DAY
                                                            
The five-foot six Cal unhooks his backpack. He looks up the
narrow path that serves as Eden’s Trail. His eyebrows
raise.
                                                            
                       CAL
We’re going to climb up there?
                                                            
                       BILL
Yes, and this is the easy part.
Like on any hike, Cal, the thrill
of the climb is to make it to your
destination, with sore muscles and
            (MORE)

3.

                       BILL (cont'd)
all.
                                                            
                       BILL
I think I’ll feel a whole lot
better once we get there Bill.
                                                            
Mark sits on a huge boulder overlooking Loomis Lake, with
both Brad and Greg.
                                                            
                       MARK
Hey, Cal, come over here and look
at this.
                                                            
Cal and Bill join the others by the large boulder.
                                                            
                       CAL
What's up?
                                                            
                       MARK
Have you ever seen Loomis Lake
from here? What a view!
                                                            
                       CAL
No I haven’t, and wow you’re
right! The view is terrific.
                                                            
Cal slides himself onto the huge boulder with the others.
                                                            
                       BRAD
I wonder why there aren't more
people out here fishing on the
lake on such a beautiful day.
There are some great lake trout in
here.
                                                            
Grabbing a spot where he can lean up against the boulder,
the six-foot Sunday school teacher gazes out onto the lake.
                                                            
                       BILL
That’s probably because this is
only Friday, Brad.
                                                            
                       CAL
I know this may sound funny but it
feels like a Saturday to me, but
I’d say you’re right, Bill.
                                                            
                       BILL
We’ll take a few more minutes to
rest, guys, and then we better be
going. We’ve got a good two and a
half-hours climb ahead of us,
with another half-hour stop at the
            (MORE)

4.

                       BILL (cont'd)
Cravitz Caves. I’d like to try
and be at the campground somewhere
around two-thirty to
three o’clock.
                                                            
Moments later the five men go back and grab their backpacks
for their climb uphill.
                                                            
                       BILL
Who wants to lead the group this
time?
                                                            
                       CAL
I will, Bill!
                                                            
Cal then heads towards the narrow trail with his friends
right behind him.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. CLIMBING UP THE NARROW EDEN’S TRAIL - DAY
                                                            
Within minutes the five men are out of sight of Loomis Lake
and the trail winds back and forth up the side of the
mountain.
                                                            
FORTY MINUTES LATER
                                                            
                       GREG
How much further do we have to
climb to get to the Cravitz Caves,
Bill?
                                                            
                       BILL
We’re almost there Greg. Cal
should come up to it in about ten
minutes.
                                                            
                       GREG
That's good because my legs are
tired and I need a rest.
                                                            
Cal approaches another turn in the trail.
                                                            
                       BILL
We’ll all take a rest when we get
there, Greg.
                                                            
                       CAL
I think we’re coming up to it now,
Bill. I see a sign up ahead.
                                                            

5.

Cal makes the climb to the next landing.
                                                            
                       BILL
That’s the only sign I know of
before Cravitz, so we must be
there. Go ahead and get up
there so you can rest, Greg.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. THE CRAVITZ CAVES - DAY
                                                            
The four young men are exhausted and are quick to find a
place to sit down, unhook their backpacks, and remove them
from their shoulders.

Mark sets his backpack quickly on the ground.
                                                            
                       MARK
I know it’s beautiful up here,
Bill, but why do they call it
Eden’s Trail?
                                                            
                       BILL
You young men have climbed the
easiest part of the climb to
Overlook, and yes, Mark, it’s
beautiful up here. From here to
Overlook, the mountain becomes
more like a Biblical Garden of
Eden. You’ll see wild
blueberries, blackberries, and
raspberries up here four times
larger than anywhere else will on
earth. That’s why it was named
Eden’s Trail some forty or so
years ago. Anyway, I’ll give you
guys a half-hour to rest and see
the inside of the Cravitz Caves.
The caves are natural and were
formed years ago by flowing water,
or so it’s told.
                                                            
After a few minutes rest, to give their legs a break, all
but Cal venture into the Cravitz Caves.

While Bill joins the others by the entrance to the caves,
Cal senses he’s being watched and looks all around but sees
nothing.

As Cal watches Bill and the other three young men descend
into the caves, he can hear a bird’s call and with an

6.

instinctive move he looks into the trees around him.

Cal sits on a large flat rock almost forty feet away from
the path that leads down into the belly of the mountain.
Even their voices he can no longer hear as he focuses his
eyes onto a branch of a large birch tree almost a hundred
feet from where he sits. There, perched on a lower limb is
a blue jay that talks to him in a series of chirps.
                                                            
                       CAL
I can hear ya, fella!
                                                            
Cal extends his left arm outward towards the sounds.
                                                            
                       CAL
Come on down; it’s safe.
                                                            
Cal can see the bird and doesn’t take his eyes off it. With
a series of chirps the blue jay flutters its wings and flies
onto Cal’s outstretched arm.
                                                            
                       CAL
See? I told you it was safe down
here.
                                                            
Cal lowers his free hand to pat the bird’s head with his
fingers.
                                                            
                       CAL
Why are you so friendly to me?
                                                            
Cal lowers his left arm so the bird can walk on his leg.

As the four men alight from the depths of the caves Cal
continues to sit on the rock and is holding a conversation
with the wild blue jay.

Greg’s the first of the four men to exit the caves. He
observes Cal’s conversation with the bird and puts a finger
to his mouth to motion the others to be quiet.
                                                            
                       GREG
What’s going on, Bill? Isn’t that
a blue jay on Cal’s lap, and am I
hearing right? Is Cal sitting
there talking to it?
                                                            
Bill looks at Cal.
                                                            
                       BILL
Yes that’s a blue jay on Cal’s leg
and yes he seems to be talking to
it like they’re old friends.
                                                            

7.

The bewildered teacher leads the others as they approach Cal
slow so as not to spook the bird.

Cal looks up as the blue jay turns around in the direction
of Cravitz Caves.
                                                            
                       CAL
Come on over, guys, and meet my
friend.
                                                            
Mark grabs a seat beside Cal.
                                                            
                       MARK
What’s with the bluebird, Cal?
                                                            
                       CAL
Actually it’s a blue jay, Mark,
but to answer your question, when
you guys left to go into the
caves, he was on the limb of that
birch tree out across from me. He
started to talk to me in chirps so
I called him over and he flew out
and onto my arm.
                                                            
                       BRAD
You don’t talk bird talk, Cal.
                                                            
                       CAL
No I don’t Brad, but as I talked
to it and it to me, he allowed me
to pat its head. You guys are now
all around him and he hasn’t
budged a bit because I told him he
was safe down here.
                                                            
                       BILL
I’d say he trusts you, Cal.
                                                            
Bill sits down on the other side of Cal.
                                                            
                       BILL
Blue jays don’t take to humans
like pigeons, sparrows, and some
other birds. Outside of
their own, they even have little
to do with other birds as well.
This is an amazing sight for us
all to see.
                                                            
                       CAL
I don’t think it’s the bird, Bill.
I’m positive God sent this bird
down here for me to see for some
            (MORE)

8.

                       CAL (cont'd)
reason. That’s why I felt God
wanted me to stay behind when I
wanted to go to the caves with you
guys.
                                                            
                       BILL
If that’s true, Cal, I wonder why.
Okay, guys, I guess it’s time to
pick up and head to the
campground.
                                                            
Cal puts his finger down so the bird can climb on.
                                                            
                       CAL
Okay, fella, I guess we’ll see you
at the campground.
                                                            
Cal lifts his arm into the air and as the blue jay takes
off, he chirps and in seconds the bird flies up the mountain
towards Overlook.

Brad grabs his backpack.
                                                            
                       BRAD
Do you think he understood you?
                                                            
                       CAL
Well if he didn’t, then it’s a
coincidence he’s flying in the
direction we’re heading to.
                                                            
Everyone gets hooked up.
                                                            
                       BILL
Mark! Do you want to lead us up
from here?
                                                            
                       MARK
I’d be glad to!
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. OVERLOOK CAMPGROUND - DAY
                                                            
Over an hour later, Brad yells as they reach Overlook
Campground.
                                                            
                       BRAD
      (Yelling)
We made it! We’re at Overlook
Campground.
                                                            

9.

Brad's echo reverberates throughout the forest.
                                                            
Mark, Greg, and Cal run to where Brad stands while he unzips
his backpack that seems to weigh a ton at this point. Brad
lays the pack on the ground.
                                                            
                       BRAD
Finally I can keep that thing off
for a while.
                                                            
Bill brings up the rear and crosses the threshold last.
                                                            
                       BILL
I knew you guys had it in you.
                                                            
Cal looks around the campsite and is quick to notice a tent
and campfire on the far side of the campground, while he
unloads the weight from his shoulders and unhooks his
backpack.
                                                            
                       CAL
That must be the couple the ranger
told us about.
                                                            
Bill places his own backpack on the ground.
                                                            
                       BILL
That appears to be the case.
                                                            
                       GREG
Where are our sites, Bill?
                                                            
                       BILL
Grab your gear and follow me.
                                                            
Bill heads over near the guardrail that surrounds the outer
perimeter from the valley below and extends around to the
rocky ledge at the rear of the campground.
                                                            
                       BILL
Our tent sites are numbers six
through ten.It’s a group site with
one large campfire area for all
five of us. Pick the site you want
and I’ll take what’s left guys.
                                                            
Cal looks around at the five sites and the ground all around
the campground appears to be nice and flat. He goes to site
six, on the far side, and the nearest one to the guardrail
but yet still a good fifteen feet in from it. Mark grabs
site number seven. Greg drops his gear by site number eight,
and Brad number ten at the nearest end of the semi-circle of

10.

sites around the campfire area and near to the guardrail.
Bill places his backpack at number nine.
                                                            
                       BILL
Okay, men, you told me you’ve
practiced setting your tents up,
so let’s get our sleeping
quarters put up!
                                                            
Inside a half-hour all five tents are in place and secured
to the ground with the stakes.
                                                            
                       BILL
Keep your hatchets out, guys.
Before you do anything else we'll
need wood for our fire for supper
and for warmth later on.
                                                            
Brad plops himself on the ground in front of his tent.
                                                            
                       BRAD
Where do you want us to get it,
Bill?
                                                            
Bill secures the last of the tent lines to hold his tent in
place.
                                                            
                       BILL
There’s a whole mountain up here,
Brad. I don’t want you guys to
cut down any live trees though.
There should be enough dead wood
already on the ground to get us
all through until tomorrow
morning.
                                                            
                       CAL
Are we going to fish for our
supper tonight?
                                                            
                       BILL
You have one of two choices.
Either you can catch some fish for
your supper or we can use
one of our cans of soup I asked
you all to bring. They are
supposed to be in case it rains,
but I’d understand. If you have
enough time, and you want to, go
ahead and do some fishing for your
supper, but make sure we have the
wood we need first. Make sure you
guys stay close down there though.
We’re still in the woods and
            (MORE)

11.

                       BILL (cont'd)
there are wild animals that love
these woods more than we do.
                                                            
                       CAL
Are you coming with us, Bill?
                                                            
A blue jay flies down from the trees and lands on the top
rail of the outer rail, near Cal.
                                                            
                       BILL
The four of you don’t need me to
tag along. I think I’ll catch
myself a little nap.
                                                            
Bill heads to his tent.
                                                            
                       BJ
Chirp, chirp, chirp.
                                                            
Cal and the others turn to look at all the commotion behind
them.
                                                            
                       CAL
Well I’ll be. Hey, guys, I think
this is our friend from the
Cravitz Caves. What do you
say we call him, or her, B J?
                                                            
Cal extends his arm towards the bird. The bird’s wings
flutter and he flies onto Cal’s outstretched arm.
                                                            
                       CAL
What’s up, B J?
                                                            
The bird responds as though he understood what Cal asked
him.
                                                            
                       BJ
Chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp!
                                                            
Cal talks to B J like he’d talk to a friend.
                                                            
                       CAL
We’ve got to go and get some wood
for our fire, buddy.
                                                            
Mark, Brad, and Greg all join their friend by the rail and
they look at his friend.
                                                            
                       MARK
Can you understand him, Cal?
                                                            

12.

                       CAL
I can’t understand him, Mark, but
something, inside me, tells me
this bird understands me. I guess
you can call it a gut instinct.
                                                            
As Cal says that, B J chirps twice and flies off Cal’s arm.
In seconds he’s in the air and flies into the direction of
Eden’s Trail. He chirps some more and then flies back and
lands on Cal’s shoulder while Cal’s friends look on.
                                                            
                       GREG
What’s B J trying to say Cal?
                                                            
                       CAL
I’m not a hundred percent sure,
but my first instinct’s say he
wants us to follow him. By the
looks of things he wants us to go
down Eden’s Trail.
                                                            
                       BRAD
We’ve got work to do, Cal, but
maybe B J knows where we can get
some easy wood that won’t take us
all afternoon.
                                                            
                       CAL
Bill isn’t coming with us, is he?
                                                            
                       MARK
He’s gone inside his tent for a
rest.
                                                            
                       CAL
Okay, Bee Jay, if my friends are
right, then lead the way to where
we can get the wood we need for
the campfire, will you my friend?
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. FOLLOWING BJ DOWN EDEN'S TRAIL - DAY
                                                            
To the air B J goes and heads straight for Eden’s Trail once
again with Cal and the others in pursuit. He stays within
eye-shot of the four young men as he sits perched atop the
rail at the footbridge by Bear Creek and waits for them.
                                                            
                       CAL
Which way do you want us to go B
J?
                                                            

13.

B J takes to the air again and crosses the footbridge. Once
on the other side he flies to the right and heads into the
woods beyond the trail that follows the creek. Cal sees him
and starts across the footbridge.

Mark crosses the footbridge behind his friend.
                                                            
                       MARK
Where in the world is he taking
us, Cal?
                                                            
                       CAL
Your guess is as good as mine.
Keep B J in your sights.
                                                            
Bee Jay takes off above the deep brush on the right side of
the trail.

The other two young men cross the footbridge behind Cal and
Mark and moments later all four of them are deep into the
woods of Manhadden, as B J stops and lands on a branch of a
nearby tree.

As Cal looks up at the bird, he just about trips over
several downed trees that are buried by all the thick
underbrush.
                                                            
                       CAL
Watch your step guys. This area
is loaded with wood.
                                                            
Cal brushes aside some of the high grassy underbrush.
                                                            
                       CAL
From what I can see in here it
looks like this will burn real
good too.
                                                            
Mark takes a closer look.
                                                            
                       MARK
It’s dead wood, Cal, so it should
break apart rather easy.
                                                            
                       BRAD
How should we work this, Cal?
                                                            
                       CAL
Let's carry what we can out to the
trail, a few pieces at a time.
Mark will break them up into short
pieces. Even though we have our
            (MORE)

14.

                       CAL (cont'd)
hatchets it doesn't look like
we'll need them here. Once we have
enough pieces out by the trail
we'll take a short break before we
carry them up to the campground.
The smaller pieces of wood we need
for the kindling we'll get in and
around the campground.
                                                            
Moments later the four young men break up several fallen
birch trees that range about eight inches in diameter and
they start to bring the short sections out by the trail and
stack them in a pile.
                                                            
Each man makes several trips back and forth.
                                                            
                       MARK
That should be enough, Cal.
                                                            
As the four young men take a break, Cal finds a soft place
in the grass to sit down.
                                                            
                       CAL
I agree. We must have twenty-five
to thirty pieces in that pile. I
doubt we’ll start a fire until
it’s time to cook our supper
tonight.
                                                            
                       GREG
Do we have to lug these a few at a
time back up to the campground?
                                                            
                       CAL
Well unlike when we were at Mark's
house, Brad, we don't have the
luxury of having a wheelbarrow up
here with us. Out here we have to
do it the old fashioned way or do
without. You're the smallest one
of us guys, Brad, so we'll let you
take up one load then stay up
there and start getting the
kindling and smaller branches for
us. The rest of us will lug these
logs up there.
                                                            
                       BRAD
Thanks, Cal, that would be good!
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 

15.

EXT. OVERLOOK CAMPGROUND - DAY
                                                            
When the three men return to the campground, with their
final load, Brad is at the campsite with enough kindling and
smaller branches to last the night and into the morning.

Brad stands to help his friends.
                                                            
                       BRAD
Everything’s all set to start the
fire, Cal.
                                                            
Dropping his armload of logs, Cal then looks at his watch.
                                                            
                       CAL
Good! It’s four o’clock. Don’t
start a fire yet. We need to go
to Bear Creek and catch some fish
for our supper.
                                                            
                       GREG
How many can we keep a day?
                                                            
                       CAL
According to Bill we’re allowed to
keep three trout a day from Bear
Creek, but he also says
that the fish up here are much
bigger than we are used to, so we
don’t want to catch more
than we can eat. Let’s call it
quits at two, unless our fish are
smaller than what Bill
thinks we’ll get, and then we can
see how we make out with that.
                                                            
                       BRAD
That will mean we’ll have more
than a whole fish to eat for our
supper.
                                                            
                       CAL
      (Laughing)
After that hike up here, and then
setting everything up and getting
the wood, I could eat two by
myself. Come on, guys, let’s go
and get our gear.
                                                            
Cal heads to his tent and reaches into his backpack. With
some forethought before the trip Cal didn’t know what the
bait situation would be like up here so he packed a can into

16.

his backpack with twenty worms inside to use in an
emergency.
                                                            
Mark stands by Eden’s trail with his fishing pole.
                                                            
                       MARK
Did anyone think about bait, Cal?
                                                            
Cal grabs his pole.
                                                            
                       CAL
I don’t know about you guys, but I
sure did. I have about two dozen
worms with me I brought
from home.
                                                            
                       GREG
I thought about everything but the
bait.
                                                            
Cal catches up to the others who wait by Eden's Trail.
                                                            
                       CAL
I have the can with me so let's
wait until we're at the footbridge
and I'll give you all two each.
After that it's find your own,
which is what I'll need to do
sometime tomorrow.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. OVERLOOK CAMPGROUND TO BEAR CREEK - DAY
                                                            
Cal and the others can feel the warmth of the afternoon sun
as it shines down on them from the western sky behind the
outer rail. They waste no time in heading back down Eden’s
Trail to the footbridge that crosses Bear Creek.
                                                            
Cal opens the plastic container with the worms.
                                                            
                       CAL
Here you go guys!
                                                            
Cal hands his friends three worms each.
                                                            
                       BRAD
I thought you were only giving us
two, Cal.
                                                            

17.

                       CAL
      (Smiling)
You may just need an extra one
Brad.
                                                            
                       MARK
Who’s going where, Cal?
                                                            
Cal turns to look at the footbridge.
                                                            
                       CAL
It doesn’t matter, Mark. There
are two sides of the trail and two
ends of the footbridge with paths
leading away from the trail at all
four points. My suggestion is to
not go very far. We don’t need
anyone getting lost up here, and
even more so near dark. I’m going
to try the other side of the
footbridge off to the left.
                                                            
Cal crosses the bridge and turns left down a matted path of
heavy thick grass.

Mark starts to cross the bridge.
                                                            
                       MARK
And I’ll take the opposite side to
the right.
                                                            
                       GREG
I'll take this side, across the
creek from Mark and you can fish
across from Cal, Brad.
                                                            
                       BRAD
Done deal. Good luck!
                                                            
Brad baits his hook before heading in.

On both ends of the footbridge are paths that follow the
creek; paths that have been used in the past by either wild
animals or other fishermen before them.
                                                            
Although there’s a path on the lower side of the footbridge,
Cal can’t find any easy access to the creek itself. The
path then takes him through some tall grass and seems to be
swallowed up by the woods in front of him. Cal trudges
through the tall grass and heads into the woods in front of
him.
                                                            

18.

Once he’s out of sight of the footbridge Cal can see that
there’s a huge opening through the trees and widens into a
large pool.
                                                            
                       CAL
      (Speaking Quietly)
Wait until the guys see this
place.
                                                            
As Cal heads further into the woods he sees a huge pool of
water. On the backside of the pool he sees a waterfall that
feeds into the pool and is about six feet high. As he baits
his hook by the water’s edge he can see that there's access
to the pool from both sides of the creek. He heads to the
lower side of the pool and without hesitation he heads into
the water, sneakers and all.
                                                            
Cal's legs and ankles are instantly hit with the chill of
the creek's water.
                                                            
                       CAL
      (In a Whisper)
Whew!
                                                            
Cal casts his line deep into the pool below the falls.
                                                            
                       CAL
Okay, Lord, we need some supper.
                                                            
The worm no sooner hits the water and Cal’s fishing line
tightens. Instinctively Cal sets the hook and his rod bends
down to the water.

The fish is on and runs for deep water. He let’s the fish
run until it stops when he attempts to reel in the slack
line. Ten… twenty… thirty feet of line he reels in as the
fish makes its way towards him. Without warning his fish
darts out of the water twenty feet in front of him and
thrashes its head in an attempt to shake the hook free of
its mouth. It’s the largest fish he’s ever seen and his
heart pounds as he guesses the fish to be about two feet
long. He plays the fish for what seems to be an eternity
but after almost fifteen minutes his trophy brown trout
succumbs and he’s able to land the fish and drag it to
shore.
                                                            
On the opposite side of the pool Brad watches as his friend
secures his catch to a stringer and attaches it to a tree
that stands just inside the water line and allows Cal’s
trout to stay fresh while he fishes for another.

Brad caught a smaller one in a deep hole just below the
pool, but he baits up once again. Where he’s closer to the

19.

waterfalls than his friend on the opposite side of the pool
he does not step into the water and is able to cast his line
right where the falls drop into the creek.
                                                            
The tempting worm doesn’t take long to catch the eye of yet
another large brown trout and seconds later, as Brad waits,
his line tightens and he watches as his rod bends deep
towards the water. Brad sets the hook in an instant and the
fight begins. The trout dives into the deeper water in
hopes it can shake the hook that is locked in its mouth but
Brad is patient and lets the trout run. When the fish stops
Brad starts to reel it in.

Cal watches the action on the other side and knows better
than to cast his line until Brad lands his catch. Once Brad
has his fish on shore he casts his line deep into the pool a
second time. This time; however, the line drifts down with
the flow of the water into the middle of the pool before his
line tightens. As before, he plays the fish with
proficiency until almost twelve minutes later the fish is
brought ashore.

Both Brad and Cal point back towards the footbridge and they
follow their respective paths back there where Mark and Greg
wait for them.
                                                            
Greg sees his friend step out of the woods about a hundred
feet away.
                                                            
                       GREG
How’d you make out?
                                                            
Cal waits until he gets closer.
                                                            
                       CAL
I’ve got two and they have to be
better than twenty inches long,
Greg. How about you guys?
                                                            
                       GREG
Mark and I both got two that are
in the eighteen-inch range.
                                                            
                       CAL
Wow! We have more fish than we
need, that’s for sure. Have you
two been waiting long?
                                                            
                       MARK
We got here about five minutes
ago. There’s Brad. I wonder how
he made out.
                                                            

20.

Greg can see the stringer of two trout by his friend’s side
as he approaches the footbridge.
                                                            
                       GREG
It looks like he did okay. Nice
job, Brad!
                                                            
                       BRAD
This place is phenomenal to fish
in. The fish in here are big and
also they’re fat. They put up
more of a fight than those small
brook trout and rainbows we’re
used to catching. That pool where
Cal and I were fishing is loaded
with large trout and can they give
you a fight.
                                                            
                       CAL
We better clean these trout down
here before we go back to the
campground.
                                                            
                       GREG
What will we do with the heads?
                                                            
                       CAL
We should try to bury them in the
ground somehow. Let’s go guys!
                                                            
Cal heads down one of the paths to the creek.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. OVERLOOK CAMPGROUND - DAY
                                                            
By five-thirty the four young men return to the campsite.
Bill’s awake and has a fire started as they reach the tent
sites.
                                                            
Cal leads the group over to the fire.
                                                            
                       BILL
I see you young men have had some
fun down there at Bear Creek.
                                                            
                       CAL
We each caught two, Bill, but
these trout are so big we have
more than we can eat, I believe.
                                                            

21.

                       MARK
We filled our canteens while there
Bill, so we can make some coffee.
                                                            
                       BILL
After we fill the pot, Cal, will
two of you go back to the creek
and fill the canteens again,
please?
                                                            
                       GREG
Brad and I can go, Bill.
                                                            
                       BILL
Thanks, Greg! Let me get the
coffeepot and the coffee out of
the tent. You guys better get
your pans out so you can cook
these fish.
                                                            
Bill gets up to go to his tent.

Brad pulls a frying pan out of his back pack.
                                                            
                       BRAD
The fish we caught at home were
just big enough to fit into our
small pans, Cal, so what’re we
going to do we these big things?
                                                            
Cal pulls out his own frying pan.
                                                            
                       CAL
We’ll have to cut them down to fit
and cook one piece at a time. We
don’t have any other choice.
                                                            
Bill rejoins the group.
                                                            
                       BILL
Now you guys know why I told you
to bring plastic bags with you, so
you can put your fish down on them
while you cook the others.
                                                            
At a quarter past six the five men sit there and as they eat
Cal looks at the tent on the other side of the campground.
He can see they have a fire going but they have not done any
cooking. Cal looks at Bill.
                                                            
                       CAL
Bill! I wonder if our neighbors
would like to have some of our
fish. There’s more than enough
            (MORE)

22.

                       CAL (cont'd)
here for us and them too. I
wouldn’t want to leave it out all
night then have it in the morning.
                                                            
                       BILL
You’ve got a good point. Let me
take a walk over there and find
out.
                                                            
Bill lays his plate of fish on the ground, and then stands
to head to their neighbor’s tent next door.

He approaches the man and woman, by the tent on the far side
of the campground.
                                                            
                       BILL
Good evening, folks! My name’s
Bill Grimes and my young friends
and I are here from the Holden
Valley Penticostal Church. One of
the young men couldn’t help but
notice that you folks weren’t
cooking this evening.
                                                            
The woman is seated on the ground around their campfire.
                                                            
                       MARY
That’s because we ran out of food
around noon today, except for this
bowl of berries that we found
along the trail this afternoon,
Mr. Grimes.
                                                            
                       BILL
We don’t have much, ma’am, but the
five of us have had our fill of
fish for this evening and would
love to share what we have left
with you folks, if you’re hungry
that is.
                                                            
The man stands to shake Bill’s hand.
                                                            
                       RAY
The smell of your hot fish has
drifted our way, Mr. Grimes, and I
know my wife’s hungry and so am I.
This is very kind of you all.
                                                            
Bill returns the handshake.
                                                            

23.

                       BILL
Come on over and grab yourselves a
plate while I introduce you folks
to the rest of the group.
                                                            
                       RAY
My name’s Ray and this is my wife,
Mary.
                                                            
                       BILL
Nice to meet you folks! Come on
over!
                                                            
Bill leads the way back to the campfire. Stopping, he waits
for his guests to catch up.
                                                            
                       BILL
I’d like you folks to meet the
graduated seniors from our Sunday
school class. To my left is Cal,
Brad, Mark, and last but not least
is Greg. Men! This is Ray and
his wife Mary.
                                                            
Within minutes the two guests sit down by the campfire and
they talk with their new friends for over an hour while they
eat the fresh cooked trout.
                                                            
                       MARY
We’d like to thank you all for the
delicious meal you guys cooked.
                                                            
Mary throws the paper plate into the fire to burn away.
                                                            
                       RAY
Yes, that was very kind of you
folks to offer us some of the
leftover food.
                                                            
Ray stands and does likewise, throwing his paper plate into
the fire.
                                                            
                       RAY
I see you still have a few pieces
left over, Mr. Grimes.
                                                            
Bill smiles as he stands along with his four young charges.
                                                            
                       BILL
These young men didn’t know how
big the fish got up here on
Manhadden.
                                                            

24.

                       MARY
Have a nice evening, guys, and
thanks again!
                                                            
Mary and her husband return to their own tent site.

Cal and the others no sooner sit back down by the fire,
after Mark put on another two logs for warmth, when he
catches some movement out of the corner of his eyes and it’s
coming from Eden’s Trail.

Cal turns his head to get a better look and in the shadows
of the trees he makes out the form of a small creature of
the woods.
                                                            
                       CAL
Is that a raccoon coming our way?
                                                            
Instinctively the other four men look in the same direction
as Cal. Bill stands and gets a better look.
                                                            
                       BILL
It sure is Cal! He or she
probably smelled the cooked fish
and is here for a handout.
                                                            
                       CAL
I don’t know about you guys, but
I’ve had more than I need for one
meal. Is everyone full?
                                                            
Cal's eyes stay trained on the raccoon.
                                                            
                       MARK
I’ve had plenty, Cal.
                                                            
                       BRAD
Me, too!
                                                            
                       GREG
I’m full until at least breakfast.
                                                            
Bill sits back down on the ground.
                                                            
                       BILL
I must have had the big one of
yours, Cal. I don’t need any more
for tonight.
                                                            
                       CAL
I wonder if he’ll take food from
me.
                                                            

25.

Cal reaches into one of the pans that still have fish
inside. He turns back towards the raccoon that now stands
on all four legs not more than twenty feet away from him.
                                                            
                       CAL
Come on, fella, it’s safe over
here.
                                                            
Cal breaks off a piece of the fish and throws it towards the
raccoon.

The piece of fish lands about five feet in front of the
animal between him and Cal. With slow deliberate steps the
raccoon approaches the cooked delicacy.

Cal and the others just sit there and watch and in a matter
of seconds the raccoon devours the piece of meat like it was
starved.
                                                            
                       CAL
Do you want another one?
                                                            
Cal holds the piece of meat in his hand for the animal to
come over and take.

Brad speaks softly so as not to spook their new friend.
                                                            
                       BRAD
What’s with Cal and the animals
and birds around here, Bill?
                                                            
Brad and the others watch as the raccoon walks over to Cal
slow and takes the fish from his hand.
                                                            
                       BILL
I guess this is what makes this
mountain so special, Brad. Only
God knows why He does what He does
up here.
                                                            
Bill sits there and watches the raccoon eat and chatter at
cal like they’re long lost friends.
                                                            
                       CAL
I don’t know if you’re a boy or a
girl raccoon, but I think I’ll
call you Bandit because of the
mask you wear over your eyes.
                                                            
Cal breaks off another piece of fish and holds it out for
Bandit to take.
                                                            

26.

                       CAL
Help yourself, little buddy!
                                                            
As Bandit takes the fish from Cal's hand, with his free hand
Cal reaches out and pets the animal across the head.
                                                            
                       MARK
If I hadn’t seen it with my own
eyes I’d say that what I just saw
was almost impossible.
                                                            
                       BILL
Under normal circumstances, Mark,
I’d say you were right, but Mount
Manhadden is not your normal
mountain.
                                                            
                       CAL
I think we have us a friend here,
Bill. Come on over and pet him,
guys.
                                                            
Bill and the others get up slow so as not to spook their new
friend of the woods, while he sits there and devours the
last few pieces of trout that were in the pan. As Bandit
lays there with its front paws across Cal’s lap he chatters
up a storm while each of the four men comes over and pets
the animal.
                                                            
                       CAL
See fella! I told you it’s safe
over here.
                                                            
The raccoon looks up at his new friend.
                                                            
                       CAL
That’s all we have for you today
though, Bandit, but if you come
back tomorrow morning I’m sure
there’ll be some more left over
for you.
                                                            
While Cal made friends with Bandit, Bill places more wood
onto the fire as the sun starts to descend behind the trees.

Bandit stands on all fours and looks at his friend Cal then
chatters some more before he turns and heads back to Eden’s
Trail.
                                                            

27.

                       GREG
      (Laughing)
Do you have a monopoly on the
creatures in the woods up here,
Cal?
                                                            
                       CAL
      (Shrugging
       Shoulders)
I don’t think I’d call it a
monopoly, Greg, but so far the
animals and birds up here have
taken a liking to me.
                                                            
                       MARK
      (Laughing)
What are we going to see next,
Cal, a bear?
                                                            
Mark returns to the other side of the fire and sits down.
                                                            
                       BILL
Ok guys let’s get the pans clean
so they can be ready for breakfast
in the morning. After that we’ll
have our devotions early then,
when you guys are ready to hit the
sack your tents are all set up.
                                                            
Bill prepares for the evening devotions while the four young
men clean their pans.

As Cal and the other four young men settle down, Mark throws
one more log onto the campfire as they can see that the last
of the sun’s rays have reached the tops of the trees around
them.

Mark takes a seat by the warm fire.
                                                            
                       MARK
I guess we’re ready, Bill.
                                                            
All four of them can see that Bill has his Bible out.
                                                            
                       BILL
Where it’s getting too dark to be
able to read our Bibles with any
effectiveness, I’m going to throw
a few questions at you guys and we
can discuss the answers. That
will be our devotions for tonight.
                                                            

28.

                       BRAD
What kinds of questions, Bill?
                                                            
                       BILL
Well let’s start with this one and
see where we go from there. Before
we left the church this morning
Pastor Tim prayed that we’d get to
see what He, referring to God,
wanted us to see. I know we’ve
only been up here for about six
hours now, but in that time what
have we seen that we feel came
from God? You start us off, Brad
and after we discuss your answer
well go to the next man on your
right and so on down the line.
                                                            
Brad runs his hand over his chin.
                                                            
                       BRAD
Let’s see! When we started up
this mountain, from Loomis Lake,
we all knew it was going to be a
tough climb. I guess you could
say that for me Overlook
Campground was like Heaven in a
way. No one can say it’s going to
be an easy path to get to, but
with teamwork we can make it, just
like we made it to this
campground.
                                                            
                       BILL
That concept is good, and you’re
right, the road to Heaven is not
an easy road, but the rewards for
the struggle to get there far
outweigh any other option. What
about you Mark?
                                                            
                       MARK
I guess that for me it was the
blue jay, Bill. I’ve lived on a
farm all my life and have seen a
number of blue jays. Not one of
them can I remember ever getting
close to a human being in any
form. To think that God gave that
bird some inner peace that allowed
it to fly down to Cal is the only
conclusion that would make any
sense. You were asleep, Bill, or
at least in your tent anyway, when
            (MORE)

29.

                       MARK (cont'd)
the blue jay came back a second
time. When it came back here, it
took or led us to where there was
enough wood for the fire tonight.
That had to be God’s doing.
                                                            
                       BILL
I didn’t know our feathered friend
returned, Mark, but by all
accounts God is showing you young
men things that only He can do.
Very good, Mark. You’re next,
Greg.
                                                            
                       GREG
I have to agree with both Mark and
Brad, because we’ve seen things we
know are impossible outside of
God. I guess it would be in the
way our masked friend took to us
all so easy. We’ve all seen
raccoons and they are skittish
animals who scavenge for food.
Bandit, I suppose, would’ve been
no different except he came right
up to Cal like they were long lost
friends almost. Within maybe two
minutes the raccoon was lying
across his lap and eating food
from his hand. I would have to
say that God had His hand in that.
                                                            
                       BILL
When we want to see God’s love and
grace we but only need to see the
animals around us. Each one of
them has its own specific purpose.
As one human being I know that
our friend the raccoon didn’t just
up and walk up to Cal without
God’s intervention. That’s good
thinking, Greg. What about you,
Cal?
                                                            
                       CAL
There’s no way I can disagree with
any of the guys, Bill. Even
though we’re not forest rangers,
there’s no earthly explanation for
what’s going on up here. God
teaches us, in His word, that
we’re to share, just like Jesus
did on the mount when he had the
            (MORE)

30.

                       CAL (cont'd)
three loaves and the fishes. We
did the same thing here tonight,
in a way, and even with the
addition of Bandit we used every
scrap of the fish and no one went
away from here hungry, not even
the raccoon. I’m convinced that
we’re not through seeing what God
has in store for us this week.
                                                            
                       BILL
Very well put, Cal. Now I know
why the guys look to you for
leadership. Now what I’d like you
guys to do is to find some time
alone with God. Take some time to
pray before you go to bed.
                                                            
                       BRAD
Does it matter where, Bill?
                                                            
Bill stands to go to his tent.
                                                            
                       BILL
You can do it where you want to,
Brad, even if it is in the privacy
of your own tent. That’s where
I’m going. The last person into
their tent, will you please see
that the fire is put out?
                                                            
Bill unzips the front of his tent.
                                                            
                       GREG
Good night, Bill!
                                                            
                       BILL
Good night, guys, and God bless.
                                                            
Bill heads into the solitude of his tent.

Mark stands by the fire and warms his hands.
                                                            
                       MARK
I think that’s where I’m going to
head, guys.
                                                            
Cal remains seated by what’s left of the fire.
                                                            
                       CAL
Good night, Mark!
                                                            

31.

Greg looks at Cal.
                                                            
                       GREG
Are you staying out here?
                                                            
                       CAL
I’m going to for a little while.
Even though we’ve had a long day,
and I’m sure we’ll have seven more
of them to go, my body’s not quite
ready to go to sleep yet.
                                                            
                       GREG
Then I’ll see you in the morning.
Good night, Brad, Cal!
                                                            
                       BRAD
Good night!
                                                            
Brad turns towards Cal.
                                                            
                       BRAD
Are you okay, Cal?
                                                            
                       CAL
I’m fine, really. I’m just
wondering why God chose me to be
the recipient of these wonders
we’ve witnessed so far.
                                                            
                       BRAD
Do you want my opinion?
                                                            
                       CAL
Sure!
                                                            
                       BRAD
Of the four teens who climbed up
here today, Cal, at the church,
and it came to a Bible quiz, who
studied the hardest?
                                                            
                       CAL
I guess most would say it was me,
but why?
                                                            
                       BRAD
You go the extra mile for God, and
more than most of us do. That’s
not to knock you in any way,
friend, but it appears God notices
and this is His way to repay you.
God has His reasons for what He
does. You’re getting
            (MORE)

32.

                       BRAD (cont'd)
a blessing that very few people
ever get. Enjoy these blessings
for our God has a purpose for
them.
                                                            
                       CAL
Thanks!
                                                            
                       BRAD
I’m going to my tent to pray and
then I’ll crash until daylight
tomorrow morning. Goodnight!
                                                            
                       CAL
Goodnight!
                                                            
Cal sits by the remnants of what was a warm fire earlier in
the evening. The chill of the mountain air; however, forces
him to get his jacket out of his tent and puts it on.

Even though he knows there’s a moon out, he can see that it
hangs in the sky on the opposite side of the mountain. He
closes his eyes.
                                                            
                       CAL
      (Praying Aloud)
Thank you, Lord, for the
opportunity to be in your
presence. This trip to Manhadden
is no ordinary trip, to an
ordinary mountain, but
rather a trip to your Mountain of
Love. My spirit senses there’s
more for me to see here, Lord, and
I hope I’m ready and worthy to
receive it. In your Holy Name I
pray, Lord,
amen.
                                                            
He looks at the fire that’s just about out. After he stirs
the few hot remaining embers until they’re out, he stands
and goes to the outer rail just beyond his tent. As he
looks into the valley below he can barely see Loomis Lake
with the moon’s light that shines across the water. With
the moon now high into the night’s sky, he feels it’s time
to go to bed. A final stir of the ashes to be sure the
fire’s out he then heads to his tent.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 

33.

EXT. OVERLOOK CAMPGROUND - SATURDAY - DAY
                                                            
The five men are seated around the campfire after the
evening meal.

Bandit and his mate, now known as Mrs. B., show up with
their offspring at the conclusion of the evening meal for
their handout of leftovers.

The two young raccoons rub up against Brad's leg.
                                                            
                       BRAD
Boy do they know us now, Cal.
                                                            
                       CAL
      (Chuckling)
Yes they do, and by the looks of
things, the little ones have taken
a liking to you, Brad. Since they
showed up here, this morning, at
breakfast, all of them have become
a part of our family.
                                                            
                       BRAD
I guess that’s because I was their
first human contact, Cal, and now
they look at me as a part of their
family. They’re so cute.
                                                            
Mark hands a piece of fish to Mrs. B.
                                                            
                       MARK
Why have we been so blessed, Bill?
                                                            
                       BILL
We may never get to know why all
these good things are happening to
us up here, Mark. I can say this,
though, and that is God knows the
four of you love nature and you
four also love Him. This may just
be His way of rewarding you all
for your faithfulness.
                                                            
Cal holds out another piece of fish for Bandit to feast on.
                                                            
                       CAL
What better way can we get to
enjoy God’s love, outside of being
in Heaven with Him, than by the
very animals He created? I’ve got
a deep feeling inside me that we
haven’t seen the last of these
miracles we’ve been a witness to
            (MORE)

34.

                       CAL (cont'd)
on this mountain.
                                                            
Greg sits down beside Cal.
                                                            
                       GREG
What makes you say that?
                                                            
                       CAL
That scripture in Romans, where
they were talking about Heaven,
and how the lion shall lie down by
the lamb? Well that scripture
has been going over and over in my
head for the past couple of hours,
now, and it’s like
God’s trying to tell me something
through it.
                                                            
                       BRAD
We all know that there are neither
lions nor sheep up here on
Manhadden.
                                                            
Brad sits down on the ground with his two furry friends in
his arms.
                                                            
                       CAL
That may very well be, Brad, but
if you remember what Ranger Wilson
said, he mentioned that mountain
lions have been spotted here on
Manhadden.
                                                            
                       BRAD
Okay, so that would cover the
lion’s aspect, but what about the
lambs?
                                                            
                       CAL
We may not have any lambs up here,
to speak of,
but we do have deer. To a
mountain lion, one
is as tasty as the other is. What
do you think, Bill?
                                                            
                       BILL
I was lost in listening to you
guys. This looks like our
devotional time right here and
now.
                                                            

35.

                       GREG
We’ve been here a day and a half,
Bill, and so far all we’ve seen is
a blue jay and our raccoon
friends.
                                                            
                       BILL
Would you want to see everything
there was to see up here in just
two short days, when you have the
entire week to spend up here,
Greg?
                                                            
                       GREG
I guess not! That would take away
all the joy of the next day’s
adventure.
                                                            
                       BILL
Even though what you’ve seen so
far is only a blue-jay and four
raccoons, guys, that’s much more
than any of the others got to see
and enjoy on my previous trips up
here to Manhadden.
                                                            
                       CAL
Do you believe God’s trying to
tell me something?
                                                            
                       BILL
There’s a good chance He is, Cal.
                                                            
                       CAL
What’s the best way to decipher
what He’s trying to say?
                                                            
                       BILL
What does Pastor Tim tell us in
church?
                                                            
                       CAL
When in doubt, pray and read our
Bibles.
                                                            
                       BILL
That would be my answer as well.
God knows what’s going on through
your mind, because He’s our
Heavenly Father. In a way He’s no
different than our earthly fathers
because He wants us, His children,
to talk to Him. Before it gets
too dark, guys, why don’t you find
            (MORE)

36.

                       BILL (cont'd)
a place by yourselves and spend
some time doing just that?
                                                            
                       MARK
Where will you be, Bill?
                                                            
                       BILL
I’ll stay right here by the fire
to keep it going, but yes this is
also going to be my time with God
too.
                                                            
Cal heads over to the outer rail beside his tent and sits on
the ground. He lets his legs dangle over the edge and rests
his arms across the bottom rail while he folds his hands to
pray. Before he closes his eyes he looks out into the
valley below Overlook while the song ‘Peace in the Valley’
comes to his head. While he feels an inner peace inside
him, God’s words about the lion that lies down by the lamb
remains fresh in his head.

A stray eagle soars through the early evening’s sky as Cal
bows his head and prays.
                                                            
                       CAL
      (Quietly Aloud)
Lord! In two days you’ve allowed
me to see things here on Manhadden
that go beyond normal
understanding. We all agree that
these things are from you. You,
oh God, seem to be trying to tell
me there’s more for me to see
here. Your scriptures reinforce
my feelings. Whatever it is you
have for me to see, God,
I’m ready. May you richly bless
my friends who are here with me
this week. Thank you for all
you’ve given us so far. In thy
name I pray, Lord, amen.
                                                            
A sense of weariness befalls Cal as he continues to sit
there and he lays his head onto the lower outer rail. Cal
starts to drift off into a light sleep when the sound of
flapping wings awakens him with a start. The wings,
however, are not from his friend Bee Jay as he can hear that
these wings are stronger and more pronounced.

With a sudden jolt he lifts his head and grabs onto the
bottom rail simultaneously.
                                                            

37.

                       CAL
What in the world?
                                                            
                       MR. OWL
Hoo, hoo.
                                                            
An owl lands on the lower outer rail a foot away from Cal's
arm.

Cal looks around but in the darkness it appears his friends
have gone to their tents for the night. Cal looks back to
his feathered friend.
                                                            
                       CAL
Who is right! Who are you and
what are you doing here beside me?
                                                            
                       MR. OWL
Hoo, hoo, hoo.
                                                            
                       CAL
And just what can I do for you,
Mr. Owl?
                                                            
With a slight movement of his wings, the owl lifts off the
lower rail and lands on the sleeve of Cal’s left arm.
                                                            
                       MR. OWL
Hoo, hoo, hoo…
                                                            
                       CAL
I’m sorry, Mr. Owl, but I don’t
understand hoo language.
                                                            
In a slow motion of his free hand, Cal rubs the head of his
new feathered friend.

The owl sits on Cal’s arm content.
                                                            
                       MR. OWL
Hooooooooo.
                                                            
                       CAL
I take it you like that?
                                                            
                       MR. OWL
Hoo…
                                                            
The bird then flaps its wings and flies back to its perch in
one of the nearby trees from where it came.
                                                            

38.

                       CAL
I don’t know where you are, my
friend, but thanks for the visit.
                                                            
Where he can now see the moon as it rises well into the
night’s sky above the mountain peak he starts to head
towards his tent. As he passes the campfire he checks to
make sure the fire is out and then continues on.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. OVERLOOK CAMPGROUND - SUNDAY - DAY
                                                            
When Sunday morning arrives it’s Mark and Brad who get ready
to go to Bear Creek for their breakfast while Greg starts
the morning campfire.
                                                            
                       GREG
I’ll head down to the creek with
you guys and bring back the water
for our coffee.
                                                            
Greg grabs the canteens outside each tent.
                                                            
                       GREG
Should we wake up Cal?
                                                            
                       MARK
Something tells me he was up late
last night, Greg. Brad and I can
get two fish apiece and that
should be plenty for our
breakfast.
                                                            
Mark grabs his fishing rod.

Brad grabs his pole beside the tent.
                                                            
                       BRAD
We’re going to need some bait,
Mark.
                                                            
                       MARK
Cal showed me where to get some so
we should be fine.
                                                            
An hour later Greg can see both Mark and Brad as they return
to the campground with two cleaned fish each. They approach
the campfire.
                                                            

39.

                       GREG
It looks like the fishing was
good, huh?
                                                            
Mark lays his two fish across the grill.
                                                            
                       MARK
This kind of fishing could spoil
me from wanting to fish anywhere
else, Greg.
                                                            
                       GREG
How big were they before you cut
the heads off?
                                                            
                       MARK
I’d guess they were somewhere near
the twenty-inch range.
                                                            
Brad lays his two fish alongside Mark’s.
                                                            
                       BRAD
Let’s get these fish cooked before
we wake up Cal and Bill.
                                                            
                       GREG
The coffee’s ready, guys, if you
want some.
                                                            
Mark reaches for the coffee pot.
                                                            
                       MARK
Oh man, that sounds real good. It
was a little chilly down by the
pool even though I stayed out of
the water.
                                                            
Cal exits the tent and rubs his eyes.
                                                            
                       CAL
Mmm… Something smells good out
here. What time is it?
                                                            
                       BRAD
It’s almost nine. What time did
you go to bed?
                                                            
                       CAL
Somewhere around midnight I guess.
I was able to see the moon above
the mountain so it had
to be after eleven anyway.
                                                            

40.

Brad pours Cal a cup of coffee.
                                                            
                       BRAD
What made you stay up so late?
                                                            
                       CAL
I had a new visitor here to chat
with me for a while.
                                                            
                       MARK
Who would have been up here at
that hour of the night?
                                                            
                       CAL
Not a who, but a what! It was an
owl and it flew down and landed on
the lower rail only inches away
from where I was sitting.
                                                            
Bill leaves the privacy of his tent.
                                                            
                       BILL
Did I hear you right, Cal?
                                                            
                       CAL
You heard me right. Granted, I
have no idea what that owl was
trying to say because its only
words were hoo.
                                                            
All the guys around the campfire chuckle at Cal’s sense of
humor.
                                                            
                       BILL
      (Chuckling)
The blue jay I found amazing
enough in its own right. The
raccoon, however, well we had food
for it and we were more than
willing to share that food with
him, so I can understand him, but
now an owl? I've heard it said
many times that God works in
mysterious ways, but even this
goes well beyond my comprehension.
                                                            
Greg grabs a seat near the fire.
                                                            
                       GREG
Howe long did it talk with you?
                                                            

41.

                       CAL
That would be hard to say, Greg,
but my best guess would be close
to an hour. At one point it flew
off the rail and landed on my arm
and hoo'd up a storm at me. He
even let me rub his head while he
sat there as content as can be.
Then, when he was done talking to
me, he flew off into the darkness
of the trees from where he came.
At that point I went to bed.
                                                            
                       GREG
Our breakfast is ready guys.
                                                            
Greg places some fish on paper plates for each one of them.
                                                            
                       BILL
Before we eat, men, let’s bow our
heads and thank God for our food.
                                                            
After the prayer Cal reaches for a plate of the fish.
                                                            
                       CAL
What’s on tap today, Bill?
                                                            
                       BILL
Today we’re going to do something
a little different, guys. You all
brought your bibles with you so
I’m going to let each one of you
go and find a place where you can
be alone with God. Read God’s
word and spend some time in
prayer. Refresh yourselves in His
love and grace.
                                                            
                       BRAD
Do we have a set time for this,
Bill?
                                                            
                       BILL
I’d never set a timetable on God,
Brad. When you’re done you’ll
know it. For each one it will be
different, I’m sure, or at least
it could be, anyway.
                                                            
Cal takes a sip of his hot coffee.
                                                            
                       CAL
I know where I'm going.
                                                            

42.

                       BILL
Where’s that?
                                                            
                       CAL
There's a nice beautiful spot down
by the pool where I have been
fishing in Bear Creek. By the time
I get there the sun will shine on
the rock I want to sit on. It's
really beautiful there, Bill.
                                                            
                       BILL
I went down to the pool last year,
Cal, and you’re right, it is
beautiful.
                                                            
                       MARK
I think I’ll head out to Cramer’s
Pond Overlook.
                                                            
Bill looks at both Brad and Greg.
                                                            
                       BILL
What about you two?
                                                            
                       BRAD
There was a really nice and quiet
spot beside those blackberry
bushes where we got the berries
yesterday when we went to the
tower, Bill. Where there’s no one
up here, except for us, I won’t be
interrupted.
                                                            
                       BILL
Good choice, Brad.
                                                            
                       GREG
I think I might just take a hike
down to the Cravitz Caves. It’s
quiet down there and it has a
comfortable place where I can sit
and read my Bible.
                                                            
                       BILL
That’s a little hike down there
Greg, but it’s also a good choice.
                                                            
                       CAL
What about you Bill?
                                                            

43.

                       BILL
See that boulder at the far end of
the campground, by the outer rail?
                                                            
                       CAL
Yeah!
                                                            
                       BILL
Well that’s going to be my pew.
When I get ready to pray all I’ll
have to do is kneel down by the
outer rail.
                                                            
                       CAL
I wonder if Bandit…
                                                            
Cal starts to say but hears the familiar chatters of his
four-legged friend coming up from behind him.
                                                            
                       MARK
He’s alone this time, Cal.
                                                            
Mark stands to look and see if Bandit’s mate and family
follow behind him.
                                                            
                       BILL
At least I don’t see the rest of
his family.
                                                            
                       CAL
She might just be nursing them
today, Mark.
                                                            
Cal turns to greet his friend.
                                                            
                       CAL
Good morning, Bandit!
                                                            
Cal rubs the raccoon’s head as though he were a canine
companion.
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter, chatter, chatter…
                                                            
Bandit looks at the grill with one piece of fish left in the
corner.
                                                            
                       CAL
Are you hungry?
                                                            
Cal then places the last piece of fish onto his empty plate
and puts it in front of Bandit.


44.

Bandit eats slowly and in a matter of five minutes he
devours one half a trout.
                                                            
                       BRAD
Do you feel better now, Bandit?
                                                            
Suddenly, as if he were spooked by something, Bandit turns
and looks in the direction of Eden’s Trail.
                                                            
Cal runs to Bandit’s side.
                                                            
                       CAL
What’s wrong, Bandit?
                                                            
Cal turns his head in the same direction as Bandit’s.

After several quick chatters Bandit takes off towards Eden’s
trail in a fast scamper. Mark follows him to the edge of
the campground and looks down the trail.

Mark returns to the campfire.
                                                            
                       MARK
I don’t know what his problem was,
Cal, but he’s gone.
                                                            
                       BILL
The animals of the forest have
sensitive ears, guys, and they can
hear things we humans can’t. Take
for example the dog whistle at
home. A dog can hear that thing
almost a half mile away or more
but we can’t hear it even
when we blow it ourselves. That
same thing goes here in the woods.
                                                            
A scowl of concern forms on Cal's face.
                                                            
                       CAL
I wonder if it has something to do
with his family.
                                                            
                       BILL
We may never know unless God wants
us to know. This may be just one
of the secrets of the forest.
                                                            
                       GREG
Should we make sure the fire is
out before we leave for our time
alone with God, Bill?
                                                            

45.

                       BILL
There’s no wind up here, Greg, and
I’ll be only a few feet away. I’ll
let it run its own course and die
out on its own.
                                                            
                       GREG
Want us to head out now then?
                                                            
                       BILL
You guys can head out when you’re
ready. There’s no need to hurry
back here. I have nothing planned
for today.
                                                            
                       GREG
Well I better get going. I’ve got
the longest hike to get to where
I’m going.
                                                            
Greg runs to his tent to get his Bible.
                                                            
                       MARK
Take your time, Greg.
                                                            
                       GREG
I will, and thanks!
                                                            
                       CAL
I guess I’ll get going too.
                                                            
Cal checks his pocket to be sure his Bible is in there. He
stands to leave.
                                                            
                       BILL
You seem down, Cal!
                                                            
                       CAL
I’m concerned about Bandit. In
just about two short days he and
his family have become like our
own; much the same as a family
pet.
                                                            
                       BILL
I've not become as emotionally
attached to Bandit as the rest of
you have and what's happening on
this mountain goes beyond anything
I've seen in the number of years
I've been coming up here. My
advice is this, give it to God and
let Him handle it His way.
                                                            

46.

                       CAL
I’ll try, Bill. I’ll see you in a
few hours.
                                                            
Cal heads towards Eden’s Trail where Greg waits for him.
                                                            
                       GREG
I’ll go down as far as the
footbridge with you.
                                                            
Greg leads the way.
                                                            
                       CAL
Thanks, Greg!
                                                            
Cal follows his friend.
                                                            
                       MARK
Are you ready Brad? I’ll stay
with you until we reach that
cluster of blackberry bushes on
the trail.
                                                            
                       BRAD
I’m ready!
                                                            
                       MARK
We’ll be back in a couple of
hours, Bill.
                                                            
Mark leads the way down Eden’s Trail North.
                                                            
As the four young men leave camp Bill goes to his tent and
gets out his Bible. After a quick look at the fire he heads
to the large boulder by the edge of the campground. Even
though he’s in the shadows of the trees there’s enough light
for him to be able to read God’s Word.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. BEAR CREEK - FOOTBRIDGE - DAY
                                                            
Greg and Cal reach the footbridge at Bear Creek.
                                                            
                       GREG
Everything will be okay with
Bandit.
                                                            
                       CAL
You may be right, but I wished I
knew why he took off on a run the
way he did.
                                                            

47.

                       GREG
Don’t go looking for him or you
might get lost up here. If God
wants you to know something
he’ll reveal it to you.
                                                            
                       CAL
I promise I won’t. Be careful
hiking down to Cravitz.
                                                            
                       GREG
Thanks! Bye!
                                                            
Greg continues down the trail.
                                                            
FADE IN:
                                                            
 
INT. THE FOOTBRIDGE TO THE POOL - DAY
                                                            
Cal watches for a few minutes and then takes a left through
the thick brush and down the narrow path that takes him to
the pool where he fishes.

Once he gets to the pool area he looks around but he sees
nothing. He heads around the perimeter of the pool to the
far side by the falls and grabs a seat on a large rock that
sits up against a tree.

Before he starts to read his Bible he bows his head and
prays out loud.
                                                            
                       CAL
Lord! You put Bandit and his
family in my path for a reason.
Why you've done that I don't know.
I feel right now that Bandit, in
some way, needs my help or
assistance, but in what way I'm
not sure. If I'm right, Lord,
please reveal this to me so I can
help my friend in need. I ask
this in your Holy Name, Lord,
amen.
                                                            
When Cal opens his eyes and lifts his head he can see a
familiar masked furball running towards him and he’s
chattering wildly. He jumps to his feet.
                                                            
                       CAL
What’s wrong, Bandit?
                                                            

48.

Cal jumps down from the boulder.
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter..., chatter..., chatter,
chatter.
                                                            
Bandit turns away from Cal.
                                                            
                       CAL
Do you want me to follow you?
                                                            
Bandit stops, turns back towards his friend and chatters
some more, then turns and heads away from the pool with Cal
right behind him.
                                                            
FADE IN:
                                                            
 
EXT. ENTERING THE WOODS FROM THE POOL - DAY
                                                            
                       CAL
Slow down, Bandit! I can’t keep
up with you.
                                                            
Cal tries to catch up to his four-legged friend.

Once away from the area around the pool the forest is thick
with trees and brush. Cal has to duck and swerve to keep
from hitting low hanging branches and trying to keep up with
his masked friend.

Almost out of breath, Cal comes to a spot with a clearing
that Bandit led him to. In front of him, on the ground and
trying to stand, is a young fawn with its mother, a
full-grown doe who gets to her feet to protect her baby.
                                                            
Bandit moves ahead of Cal and goes up to within three feet
of the doe. He chatters at the doe who's almost twenty times
bigger than Bandit.

Cal watches as Bandit walks back to him with his back and
forth movement.
                                                            
                       CAL
      (Speaking Softly)
What do you want me to do, Bandit?
                                                            
Cal kneels down by his masked friend but keeps a close eye
on the protective doe.
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter…
                                                            

49.

Bandit heads to the fawn that continues to struggle to try
and stand. Bandit stops and looks at Cal.
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter.
                                                            
With his eyes open, Cal prays a quick prayer.
                                                            
                       CAL
Lord please guide me in what I
might have to do here and please
give some peace to that doe who
stands guard over its fawn. I’m
aware that animal can crush me
with its hooves if it felt the
need to. I ask this in your
Holy Name, Lord, amen.
                                                            
With a slow movement towards the fallen fawn, Cal can easily
see the doe on the other side and she faces him. As he
nears the young fawn he can see that the young deer injured
it’s right leg and can’t stand. He pats the fawn’s head
trying to comfort the animal. Cal looks at Bandit.
                                                            
                       CAL
I’m no doctor, Bandit, and I don’t
know if I can help your friend
here or not. I’ll try and put a
splint of some kind to keep his
leg still, Bandit, but I can’t
guarantee anything.
                                                            
Cal stands and takes a quick look around. He still has his
hatchet in the sheath attached to his belt. He finds a thin
branch of a tree that’s straight and hacks it off with the
hatchet. Once free of the tree he cuts two pieces about
twelve inches long each.

When Cal returns to the fawn he can see that the doe knelt
down beside its offspring and keeps its eyes focused on him.
He removes his shirt and undershirt, and then replaces his
outer shirt. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his
pocketknife and cuts four long strips from the white shirt.

Before he attempts to touch the fawn’s injured leg, Cal pats
the fawn’s head once again.
                                                            
                       CAL
This might hurt a little, fella,
but I’m hoping it will help you to
heal and maybe even walk.
                                                            

50.

Cal looks at the doe as he stands and gets between her and
her fawn. He then kneels down on the young deer’s right
side. He takes the two twigs and one of the strips of
cloth. Then, with caution, he gently grabs the limp right
leg of the fawn. Very slowly he straightens out the leg.

The fawn struggles briefly.
                                                            
                       CAL
Easy there, fella!
                                                            
The adjustment to the fawn's leg causes him to struggle in
pain.

Cal then takes the twigs and places them on both sides of
the joint and holds them there with his left hand. With his
free hand he takes one strip of cloth and wraps it around
the top of the twigs once and tries to make a single knot
just to hold the twigs in place. This process he repeats at
the lower part of the twigs until the two twigs stay in
place by themselves.

Now that he’s able to use both hands he takes one of the
strips and makes a secure knot just above the knee joint of
the fawn. He does the same just below the knee joint. Once
those two strips are secure he then tightens the first two
strips of cloth to make a facsimile of a splint.

Cal prays out loud.
                                                            
                       CAL
Okay, Lord! You gave me the
knowledge to be able to do this.
It’s now up to you to help heal
this young animal.
                                                            
Cal places his hand over the splint.
                                                            
                       CAL
      (Praying Aloud)
In the name of Jesus Christ, the
greatest healer of all, I pray now
that this animal gets healed this
day. In Jesus name I pray,
amen.
                                                            
Bandit stands and goes over to the fawn.
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter..., chatter..., chatter.
                                                            
Cal stands and goes beside the doe and pats her on the head.
She stays on the ground and in a matter of seconds they

51.

watch as the young fawn wiggles and struggles but does
manage to get to his feet.
                                                            
                       CAL
Thank you, Lord!
                                                            
Both Cal and the doe stand together. The fawn instinctively
goes to its mother and nurses while standing. The doe
nudges its head against Cal’s chest. He pat’s the doe.
                                                            
                       CAL
Without your love for your hurt
son and the trust you put in me, I
couldn’t have helped. The same
God that put you on this earth put
me here, too. Without His love
this would not have happened. What
do you say, Bandit? Is it time
for us to go back now?
                                                            
Bandit chatters and turns to go as Cal one more time pats
the doe on the head.
                                                            
                       CAL
I think I’ll call you Brownie.
Outside of the white bushy tail
you’re all brown.
                                                            
Cal turns and starts to leave.
                                                            
Brownie takes its right hoof and drags it several times on
the ground in front of it, as Cal watches.
                                                            
                       CAL
Bye, Brownie!
                                                            
Cal starts to follow Bandit back into the woods. For a
brief moment he turns towards his new animal friends as the
fawn stops nursing and looks at him. Cal kneels down and
watches the young deer that then hobbles his way over to
him.
                                                            
                       CAL
And just what am I going to call
you, young fella?
                                                            
The fawn starts to lick Cal's face. The doe follows her
son’s lead and goes to be by his side.
                                                            
                       CAL
You two are something else,
Brownie.
                                                            

52.

Cal hugs the wild doe.
                                                            
                       CAL
I know what to call him. I’ll
call him Splinter because of the
splint I put on his leg.
                                                            
Splinter looks at Cal and its new friend gives the young
fawn a gentle hug.
                                                            
                       CAL
You’re welcome, splinter. I’m
glad I was here to help.
                                                            
He watches as Brownie turns to go back in the opposite
direction with Splinter hobbling alongside.

When Cal stands he feels good about himself and turns to
look for Bandit who stands and waits for him about twenty
feet away.
                                                            
                       CAL
Okay, Bandit, I’m ready to go back
to the pool. Now I know what it
was that upset you at the
campground.
                                                            
Bandit zigzags his way through the forest in front of Cal
and almost fifteen minutes later he exits the woods by the
pool.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. BEAR CREEK - THE POOL - DAY
                                                            
Cal kneels down in front of his masked friend.
                                                            
                       CAL
You did a good job of leading me
to that hurt fawn, Bandit.
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter…
                                                            
                       CAL
I sure wish I knew what you were
saying, Bandit, but I’m under the
opinion that you can understand
me. Are you going to head back to
be with the family now?
                                                            

53.

Bandit chatters a couple more times and then, as Cal stands
there and watches, he turns and heads back into the woods.

Cal watches his friend disappear into the shadows of the
forest in front of him.
                                                            
                       CAL
Well, Lord, you've more than given
me what I came to this mountain
for. What other blessings do you
have in store for me this week?
                                                            
Cal looks at his watch and can see that the better part of
two hours has elapsed since he got there. Once again he
lifts himself onto the large boulder, pulls out his Bible,
and then starts to read.

By two o’clock he’s ready to head back to the campground. He
climbs off the boulder and works his way around the pool
area towards the path that leads to the footbridge.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. OVERLOOK CAMPGROUND - DAY
                                                            
Cal’s the last of the young men to return to the camp. As
he nears the campfire the others can see something’s
happened, by the look on Cal's face.

Cal reaches for the coffee pot.
                                                            
                       MARK
What gives, Cal?
                                                            
Cal pours himself a coffee.
                                                            
                       CAL
Does it show that much?
                                                            
                       MARK
Let’s just say that if you were an
angel, your halo would be
illuminated about now.
                                                            
                       CAL
Well I found out why Bandit took
off in such a hurry this morning.
                                                            
                       BILL
I’m sure the rest of the guys
would like to know Cal. I know I
would, at least, seeing as you
didn’t go to the pool area to find
            (MORE)

54.

                       BILL (cont'd)
him.
                                                            
Cal goes on to explain the events of the previous four hours
as all of them listen.
                                                            
                       GREG
You said that Splinter stood up,
Cal, but did God heal him?
                                                            
                       CAL
Healing, by God, takes place
because of faith. We've all seen
that in the Bible. An example of
that is when Jesus said, 'Your
faith has made you well.' As human
beings who believe in God, we
either have that amount of faith
or we fall short. How animals
connect to God, or even if they
do, is an area I wouldn't dare
step into. Just the fact that
Splinter was able to stand by
himself leads me to believe there
was faith of some kind, even if it
was from me. To reinforce what
God allowed me to do for the
injured Splinter, I did what our
Bibles tell us we're supposed to
do, in that I laid my hand on the
injured leg and prayed, in faith,
that God would heal him today.
                                                            
                       BILL
What happened after you prayed
that prayer?
                                                            
                       CAL
Splinter wiggled and struggled but
managed to get to his feet and
then he hobbled over to Brownie
and started to nurse. I guess he
was hungry. We then said our
good-byes, or I did anyway, and
then I turned and followed Bandit
back to the pool.
                                                            
                       BILL
It appears as though God worked
through your faith in Him to not
only calm both the fawn and doe,
but also when you laid your hands
on Splinter and prayed for him.
                                                            

55.

                       GREG
Does that mean Splinter is healed,
Bill?
                                                            
                       BILL
It’s hard to say without seeing
the animal, Greg, but by all
accounts it appears God’s
done just that.
                                                            
Mark casually glances towards Eden’s Trail.
                                                            
                       MARK
I think we’re about to find out.
                                                            
Mark sees a full-grown doe prancing onto the edge of the
campground. Behind her he can see a fawn that appears to be
hobbling and behind him, bringing up the rear of the family,
is an eleven point buck.
                                                            
                       MARK
It looks like Splinter brought his
whole family to see us.
                                                            
Cal and the others get up quickly, once Cal spots his
friends.
                                                            
                       CAL
Brownie! Splinter! I didn’t
expect to see you two again.
                                                            
Cal heads over to the doe.
                                                            
                       BILL
Be careful, Cal! There’s no way
of knowing what the buck will do
or is thinking.
                                                            
                       BRAD
Should we go over there with him,
Bill?
                                                            
                       BILL
Cal knows two of them, Brad. Let’s
wait and see what the buck does.
                                                            
The four of them watch while Cal approaches the family of
deer. He pats the head of the young fawn.
                                                            
                       CAL
I see you brought your daddy with
you, Splinter.
                                                            

56.

Splinter stands there and with his splinted leg he runs his
hoof across the ground in front of Cal.
                                                            
                       CAL
What’s wrong, Splinter?
                                                            
Brownie walks around the fawn and puts her face right up
against the splint in an attempt to chew the cloth in order
to remove it.
                                                            
                       BILL
It appears she wants the splint
off there, Cal.
                                                            
                       BILL
It does look that way, Bill. Okay,
Brownie, I’ll take it off there
and we’ll check his leg.
                                                            
Cal reaches into his front right pocket and gets out the
jackknife.
                                                            
                       CAL
Easy, Splinter!
                                                            
Cal cuts the top and bottom strip.
                                                            
                       CAL
Are you ready Splinter?
                                                            
Cal once again rubs the fawn’s head.
                                                            
                       CAL
Here goes!
                                                            
Cal removes the two remaining strips of cloth that hold the
splint against the injured leg of the young deer.

As he removes the two pieces of wood from against its leg,
Splinter sprints about the campground like a young child on
the loose.

Brad kneels down as Splinter hops over to him.
                                                            
                       BRAD
God answered your prayer, Cal.
                                                            
While Cal’s rubs Brownie’s head, the buck heads up behind
Cal and nudges him with its nose.
                                                            
                       CAL
What in the world?
                                                            

57.

Cal turns around to face a rack full of antlers. Bill
starts to roar with laughter and heads over to Cal.
                                                            
                       BILL
It looks like that’s his way of
saying thank you, Cal.
                                                            
                       CAL
I’m sure it is, Bill, but he just
startled me is all.
                                                            
                       BILL
Want to know what I think?
                                                            
                       CAL
What’s that?
                                                            
                       BILL
This family of deer came up here
to let you know your prayer was
answered.
                                                            
Bill pats the buck on the head.
                                                            
                       BILL
He could have just as easily gored
you with almost any one of those
points on the antlers,
but he didn’t come down here to
hurt anyone, now did you, fella?
                                                            
With his head held high the buck runs his left front hoof
across the ground in front of Bill.
                                                            
                       GREG
That must be his way of answering
us, Bill.
                                                            
                       BILL
I’d have to say you’re right.
                                                            
Moments later the buck,doe, and fawn head towards Eden's
Trail and head back to their home.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. OVERLOOK CAMPGROUND - MONDAY - DAY
                                                            
Cal awakens at the crack of dawn. As he leaves his tent he
feels the warmth of the early morning summer air.
                                                            
EDEN'S TRAIL TO THE BEAR CREEK POOL
                                                            

58.

Fifteen minutes later he leaves the campground as the first
rays of the morning's sun brighten the cozy knoll where it
sits. After a quick stop for bait he heads to the
footbridge at Bear Creek. Once on the other side of the
short bridge he takes an immediate left onto the padded path
that will take him to the pool area. When he reaches the
pool he heads around to his right to the far side of the
pool. He baits his hook on shore then takes a few steps
into the chilly mountain water to secure his stringer to the
only tree that grows up out of the pool, only a few feet
from shore.

He steps into the pool a little further until the water is
just above his knees. After a perfect cast into the deepest
corner of the pool, just below the waterfalls, he allows his
line to drift towards the middle. Within seconds his line
tightens and the rod bends down and into the water. He sets
the hook with a yank on the pole.
                                                            
                       CAL
      (Quietly)
Got you!
                                                            
The fish on the other end of the line, however, has other
plans and swims for deeper water. Cal allows the fish to
run until it stops and he starts to reel in as he backs up
and out of the water.
                                                            
                       CAL
      (Quietly)
You’re not going to get away for
me that easy, Mr. Trout.
                                                            
His prize catch takes a leap out of the water in the middle
of the pool. Cal continues to back out of the water as his
breakfast gets a new life and dives once again for the
security of deeper water.

Almost fifteen minutes elapse before Cal can land the large
brown trout that grabbed his bait.
                                                            
                       CAL
I told you a while ago that you
weren’t going to get away from me.
                                                            
Cal secures the fish to the stringer at the tree.

Once he washes his hands he re-baits his hook and casts
again in almost the identical spot as before. This time,
however, the line drifts beyond the center of the pool and
he’s about to reel in when his bait is attacked by another
large fish that he feels has to be another brown trout. For

59.

the second time Cal plays the fish so as not to lose it and
backs out of the water while he brings the fish to shore.
                                                            
                       CAL
      (Quietly)
I only need one more of you babies
and there will be enough for all
of us at breakfast.
                                                            
He baits his hook for the third time. He then heads back
out to the same spot where he made the two previous casts
and let the worm fly towards the falls. He’s deep in
thought about where his bait and line are when he hears a
commotion in the water behind him and close to where his
fish are stashed. He casually turns around for a look-see
and stops dead in his tracks. In the water, and making a
gourmet meal out of his fresh catch, are two bear cubs while
their mother stands on shore and observes.
                                                            
                       CAL
      (YELLING)
Hey! Get away from my fish!
                                                            
Cal flails his arms in the air.
                                                            
                       CAL
      (Disgruntled)
Come on, now, get your own fish!
                                                            
His words fall on deaf ears, however, as the mother bear
stands on her back legs and lets out a deep and intimidating
growl while she faces him. The two small cubs remain in the
water and continue with their feast while Cal reels in his
line.
                                                            
                       CAL
God has taught me to share, but I
never dreamt he meant I was to
share with wild bears. If you
want them, they’re yours.
                                                            
Cal then grabs his hook.
                                                            
                       CAL
I hope you enjoy them.
                                                            
His only way back to camp is blocked by a huge brown bear
and her two cubs, so he climbs the short rock ledge and fish
above the pool and away from the wily bears.

Once he gets onto the land above the pool he stands there
and looks at the three bears by the pool’s edge. The cubs
made light work of his prize fish and were returning to

60.

their mother. The mother, now back on all four legs,
continues to stand there and looks directly at Cal.

He finally turns and looks for a new spot from where to cast
his line. He sees a spot that flows under a fallen tree and
casts above it to let the bait drift down to the tree. As
soon as his bait goes under the tree Cal’s line tightens and
with instinct he pulls back on the rod and sets the hook.
After he landed the fourteen-inch brown trout he find a
stick with which he can carry it.

It’s now seven o’clock and Cal’s both tired and hungry.
                                                            
                       CAL
Where are those blueberry or
blackberry bushes when I need
them?
                                                            
He looks away from the creek and towards the downhill side
of the forest. As he steps up and onto his toes he can see
a row of bushes with an opening that serves as a path.
                                                            
                       CAL
I wonder where this goes?
                                                            
Cal grabs the fish he set on the ground moments earlier. He
removes the bait from the hook and secures the line to an
eyelet on his pole and then heads to the opening in the
bushes.

Beyond the row of bushes is an open field. On the other
side of the field Cal can see blackberries as big as the
ones he saw on the trail a day earlier.
                                                            
                       CAL
That’s what I need right now, some
energy.
                                                            
Cal heads to the row of blackberry bushes that are loaded
with the ripe fruit. He helps himself until he’s full.
                                                            
                       CAL
Now I’m exhausted!
                                                            
Cal lays the fish and fishing pole down on the ground.
                                                            
                       CAL
This field is grassy enough so
I’ll just rest here a few minutes.
                                                            
Cal lies down on the soft grass and dozes off into a restful
sleep.
                                                            

61.

CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. OVERLOOK CAMPGROUND - SEVEN A.M. - DAY
                                                            
By seven o’clock the others at the campground start to
awaken.

Mark's the last one to leave his tent.
                                                            
                       MARK
Has anyone seen Cal?
                                                            
Brad looks at Cal’s tent.
                                                            
                       BRAD
I haven’t seen him, but he could
be down at the creek fishing. His
fishing rod’s gone.
                                                            
                       MARK
That means he’s getting our
breakfast. Do you want to get a
fire going and I’ll go get the
water for our coffee?
                                                            
Mark starts to round up the five canteens.
                                                            
                       GREG
We’ll get the fire going for you,
Mark.
                                                            
Brad grabs a few pieces of the kindling needed to start it.
                                                            
                       BRAD
Should one of us go with you,
Mark?
                                                            
                       BILL
We’ll wait until the coffee’s
ready, Brad. Cal should be back
here by then.
                                                            
Bill grabs a seat by the unlit campfire.
                                                            
                       GREG
What’s on our agenda today, Bill?
                                                            
                       BILL
I haven’t got anything planned for
today, as yet, so I’ll wait until
you guys have eaten and we can
            (MORE)

62.

                       BILL (cont'd)
make plans then.
                                                            
A few moments later Mark returns with the canteens filled
with fresh water from Bear Creek.
                                                            
                       MARK
Who’s making the coffee this
morning?
                                                            
Bill reaches for the coffee pot.
                                                            
                       BILL
I’ll take care of it this morning.
                                                            
                       MARK
While you’re making the coffee,
Bill, I’ll grab my rod and go to
the creek and see if Cal needs any
help catching the fish.
                                                            
                       BILL
Okay, Mark, good thinking! The
coffee will be ready for you guys
when the two of you get back here,
maybe fifteen minutes or so.
                                                            
Mark grabs his fishing pole and heads to Eden’s Trail once
again.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. GRASSY FIELD WHERE CAL RESTS - DAY
                                                            
Cal’s in a restful sleep in the tall grassy bed. While he
sleeps, Splinter pokes his small head through the bushes
only a few feet from where he lays, and he sees Cal lying on
the ground. The young fawn goes over to his friend and
starts to lick his face.
                                                            
                       CAL
      (Shaking His Head)
What in the world?
                                                            
Cal awakens to a wet tongue and nose about his face and
forehead. He sits upright in the grass.
                                                            
                       CAL
      (Rubbing His Eyes)
Is that you, Splinter?
                                                            

63.

Splinter never moves but allows Cal to rub his head and
back.
                                                            
                       CAL
What are you doing here, little
buddy?
                                                            
Cal looks around for his mother Brownie.
                                                            
                       CAL
Where’s your momma, Splinter?
                                                            
The young fawn turns his head towards the thick brush from
where he came, as Brownie sticks her head through.
                                                            
                       CAL
I didn’t think you’d allow
Splinter to be out here all alone,
Brownie.
                                                            
Brownie taps her hoof on the ground and Splinter prances
towards her. Within an instant Cal watches as Brownie and
Splinter disappear into the thick brush and are gone.
                                                            
                       CAL
That didn’t last long.
                                                            
Cal bends to pick up his fishing pole and solitary dry fish.
                                                            
                       CAL
Now what do I do, Lord? If I go
back the way I came, by the pool,
the bears could still be there so
where do I go from here?
                                                            
From the far end of the blackberry bushes Cal hears a
familiar sound.
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter.
                                                            
                       CAL
Is that you, Bandit?
                                                            
Cal stands there as his masked friend appears from behind
the bushes.
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter.
                                                            
Cal turns to walk away.
                                                            

64.

                       CAL
Do you want me to follow you?
                                                            
Bandit turns towards Cal and chatters some more, and then he
turns again and starts to walk down a narrow matted path.
                                                            
                       CAL
Wait up, Bandit, I’m right behind
you.
                                                            
Cal quickens his pace to catch the four-legged creature of
the woods.
                                                            
                       CAL
Okay, Bandit, I’m on your turf
now, so lead on my masked friend.
                                                            
Cal follows his friend deeper into the woods and away from
the direction of the campground. For what seems to be over
an hour Cal continues to traipse behind Bandit until he
finally tires and becomes hungry as well.
                                                            
                       CAL
Bandit! Wait up pal! I don’t
have four legs like you do little
buddy. Give me a breather.
                                                            
Cal sits down on a fallen tree trunk that crosses the path.
                                                            
                       CAL
      (Looking Around)
Are there any berries in the area,
Bandit?
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter.
                                                            
                       CAL
I hope that means yes, Bandit.
Give me a few minutes to rest my
weary legs and I’ll be right with
you.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. BEAR CREEK FOOTBRIDGE - DAY
                                                            
Mark reaches the footbridge and crosses it. Once on the
other side he takes the same sharp left Cal made and follows
the matted path to the edge of the woods. Once he brushes
some of the loose branches aside he heads into the pool
area.

65.


Mark looks at the pool area.
                                                            
                       MARK
Now I know why Cal likes to fish
here.
                                                            
Mark takes a quick look around the pool.
                                                            
                       MARK
      (Slight Yell)
Cal! Cal, are you here?
                                                            
As Mark continues to look around, he also tries to listen
for his friend.
                                                            
Mark then works his way around the pool to get a better view
and heads to his right. Once he gets near to the tree that
sticks out of the water, by the pool’s edge, he’s quick to
recognize Cal’s stringer still tied to the tree.
                                                            
                       MARK
What in the world is Cal’s
stringer doing still tied there
without him around?
                                                            
Mark moves to get a closer look. He looks down at the
ground to watch where he’s stepping and sees footprints of
at least two animals and one of them is large.
                                                            
                       MARK
Those are bear tracks in the soft
mud, but where’s Cal?
                                                            
Mark then steps into the cool water to take a better look at
the stringer. All he can see are the remnants of what were
two trout.
                                                            
                       MARK
      (Yelling)
Cal! Can you hear me?
                                                            
The thick forest around him, as well as the noise from the
pounding water at the falls by the far edge of the pool,
voids his yell of an echo that could possibly reach his
friend.
                                                            
Mark bows his head, and prays aloud.
                                                            
                       MARK
Lord, protect my friend until we
can find him, amen.
                                                            

66.

Mark then makes a hasty retreat from the pool area and heads
back to camp on a run.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. OVERLOOK CAMPGROUND - DAY
                                                            
When Mark reaches the campground, he's almost out of breath.
                                                            
                       MARK
Bill! I didn’t find Cal by the
pool, but I did find a partially
empty stringer and what I believe
are bear tracks by the edge of the
pool where Cal’s stringer was
tied.
                                                            
All three men arise.
                                                            
                       BILL
Did you say bear tracks?
                                                            
                       MARK
Yes, and it appears there are more
than one of them. One is either
the father or mother and the other
one I’m sure is a cub. There
could even be two cubs, there were
so many tracks in the mud there.
                                                            
A hint of urgency and concern is apparent in his voice.
                                                            
                       BILL
Let’s get this fire out quick and
get down there.
                                                            
                       BRAD
What should we take with us, Bill?
                                                            
                       BILL
Make sure you guys have your
hatchets with you. I don’t know
what we’ll face when we get there
but we should be prepared to
defend ourselves if it becomes
necessary. Are you guys ready?
                                                            
Mark returns from inside his tent.
                                                            
                       MARK
As soon as we get our hatchets we
will be.
                                                            

67.

FADE IN:
                                                            
 
EXT. OVERLOOK CAMPGROUND TO FOOTBRIDGE - DAY
                                                            
Moments later the three teens and Bill make their way down
Eden’s Trail and head for Bear Creek.

Bill nears the footbridge.
                                                            
                       BILL
Go ahead and lead the way, Mark.
                                                            
Mark leads the quartet across the footbridge and goes left
to follow the path to the pool. Within two minutes the four
of them enter the pool area where Cal loved to fish.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. BEAR CREEK - POOL - DAY
                                                            
Mark leads them around to the lower side of the pool.
                                                            
                       MARK
This is the place, Bill, and
there’s the tree with Cal’s
stringer still attached.
                                                            
Bill looks around.
                                                            
                       BILL
Spread out, guys, and see if you
can find any signs of Cal;
footprints, clothing, or anything
at all.
                                                            
Bill heads towards the wall that separates the pool area and
the creek above it. When he reaches the four-foot high wall
of stone and gravel he leans up against it.
                                                            
                       BILL
Come here, guys!
                                                            
Bill waits for the three teens to gather around him.
                                                            
                       BILL
God just spoke to me the way he
does best, through His Word. He
said to take up your cross and
follow me. If I’m interpreting
this right, it would mean Cal’s
with Him and following Him.
                                                            

68.

                       GREG
What’s the cross Cal had to take
up though, Bill?
                                                            
                       BILL
The appearance of those bears
might have been the cross, Greg.
We all know that Cal fishes
mostly knee deep in the water. If
he were that deep when the bears
came around, he would not
come out and try to scare them
off. I’d say he looked for God’s
guidance and let God lead the
way. I can sense he’s not harmed
and that God’s with him. Before
we leave here let’s say a word of
prayer for Cal. Let’s form a
prayer circle, right here by the
pool, and hold hands when we pray.
                                                            
Bill waits for the small circle to be formed. Once the
circle closes, he prays.
                                                            
                       BILL
Dear God! We want to thank you
for this day and for your love and
grace. We also want to
thank you for Cal Long who’s being
guided by you as we speak.
Whatever it is you intend to
thrill this man with, we ask that
your love and grace abound. Keep
your protective hand over him we
pray, amen.
                                                            
                       BRAD
Are we going back to camp now?
                                                            
                       BILL
I think we should, and when we get
there we’ll spend what time we
need to spend in prayer for Cal.
I’m sure, by now, Cal knows
God is with him, but I doubt he
knows where He’s taking him, and
for that matter neither do we.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 

69.

EXT. CAL IN THE WOODS WITH BANDIT - DAY
                                                            
                       CAL
Okay, Bandit, I’m all rested now,
so where are those berries?
                                                            
Cal grabs his fishing pole and fish.
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter…
                                                            
Cal turns to head in the same direction and away from the
campground. Five minutes later Cal comes to an open field.
He can see that there are bushes on the other side, and that
they appear to be filled with berries of some kind, and he
quickens his pace towards them.

Cal reaches the row of bushes filled with large raspberries.
                                                            
                       CAL
You did it again, Bandit!
                                                            
Cal bends down and asks his friend a question.
                                                            
                       CAL
Would you like this fish of mine?
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter.
                                                            
Bandit responds and stands on his hind legs to accept the
delicacy.
                                                            
                       CAL
Okay, boy, here you go. You’ve
earned it this time, my friend.
                                                            
Cal hands Bandit the dry fish from the stick he’d been
carrying.

Cal watches as Bandit puts the entire fish into his mouth
sideways and scampers off in the direction the two of them
were traveling.
                                                            
                       CAL
Where in the world are you going
now, Bandit?
                                                            
His words fall on deaf ears. He then reaches into the
bushes and grabs a handful of the fresh ripened red
raspberries. Within seconds he has that first bunch
devoured. After a while he gets full and looks around for
his four-legged friend.
                                                            

70.

                       CAL
      (Yelling)
Bandit!
                                                            
Cal waits for a familiar response.
                                                            
                       CAL
I guess you took the fish home to
your family. I better just sit
here and get some rest until
you get back. Heaven only knows
where you’ll take me next my
little friend.
                                                            
Cal then finds a soft spot in the high grass that covers the
field and lies down. The heat of the morning sun allows him
to fall asleep quickly.

Almost an hour passes when Bandit saunters back to the spot
where he left his human friend and finds him asleep in the
grass.
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter.
                                                            
Cal never hears him. When Bandit gets no response he goes
up to his friend and starts to lick his face.
                                                            
                       CAL
What in the world?
                                                            
Cal flails his arms around his face as he awakens from a
sound and restful sleep.
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter.
                                                            
Bandit turns as if to go away again.
                                                            
                       CAL
Hold up, Bandit!
                                                            
Cal sits upright in the grass.
                                                            
                       CAL
Where are we going now?
                                                            
Cal looks square into the eyes of his masked friend when
Bandit returns to his side.
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter.
                                                            

71.

                       CAL
You’ve got me so far away from the
campground now that I have no
other choice but to put my whole
trust in you, Bandit.
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter.
                                                            
Cal stands and bends to grab his fishing pole, and then
follows Bandit alongside the row of raspberry bushes until
once again they’re back into the shadows of the forest.
Uphill and downhill the erstwhile raccoon continues to lead
Cal somewhere.
                                                            
                       CAL
Hold up, Bandit. Is there any
water around here someplace? I’m
quite thirsty now my friend.
                                                            
Cal sits down on a large rock.
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter.
                                                            
Bandit starts to scamper off in a different direction.
                                                            
                       CAL
Slow down, Bandit! I only have
two legs, remember?
                                                            
Cal follows the four-legged fur ball uphill from where he
sat and in a matter of ten minutes they come to the eastern
end of Bear Creek. The rapid flowing water allows Cal to
get a fresh drink so he bends down and with the use of his
hands he scoops up several handfuls of water to his mouth.
                                                            
                       CAL
Ah! That’s much better, Bandit,
but I think its time for another
little rest. My legs are getting
tired.
                                                            
Cal looks on the other side of the creek and sees a huge
tree that he’d like to be able to lean up against.

Bandit crosses the creek on a downed tree that extends
across the stream.
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter.
                                                            

72.

                       CAL
I’m coming, Bandit!
                                                            
Cal checks the log and makes sure it’s safe to cross. When
he makes it to the other side of the downed tree, and across
the creek, Bandit is nowhere to be seen.
                                                            
                       CAL
Now where in the world are you,
Bandit?
                                                            
Cal looks all around for his furry friend.
                                                            
                       CAL
You keep disappearing into thin
air on me. I guess this is a time
to take my break. There’s that
tree I saw from the other side.
                                                            
Cal meanders over to a large evergreen with high limbs.

Cal sets his fishing pole up against the back of the tree
then sits on the ground, on the opposite side, and leans up
against the tree and once again falls asleep.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. OVERLOOK CAMPGROUND - DAY
                                                            
                       MARK
Bill! We need to get something to
eat. It’s twelve o’clock and we
haven’t eaten since last night.
                                                            
                       BILL
I guess this is a good a time to
have that soup we all brought with
us. We only have the small frying
pans that come in the kit
so we can cook them in there.
                                                            
                       MARK
All we need to do, Bill, is open
the cans and cook the soup right
in them. Once we’ve got that done
we can pour the soup out into the
paper cups we brought.
                                                            
Bill looks in the direction of Eden’s Trail.
                                                            
                       BILL
Good idea!
                                                            

73.

                       GREG
Want me to fill the canteens,
Bill?
                                                            
                       BILL
That would be nice, but please
take one of the guys with you. No
more going to the creek alone, not
after what we witnessed at
the pool this morning.
                                                            
                       MARK
I’ll go with him, Bill.
                                                            
                       BRAD
In that case, I’ll start the fire.
                                                            
Brad takes a look at the wood supply.
                                                            
                       BRAD
We’re going to need more wood
soon, Bill.
                                                            
                       BILL
How far from the footbridge is the
spot where you guys got that wood
before?
                                                            
                       BRAD
About three minutes below the
footbridge!
                                                            
                       BILL
Then go with Greg and Mark and
come back with them. Just get
enough to get us through this fire
for now. Later on this afternoon
I’ll have the three of you go down
there and get the wood for tonight
and tomorrow morning.
                                                            
                       MARK
Relax, Bill! Cal, I’m sure, is
having the time of his life.
Everything that’s happened
up here has been the work of God.
Cal told us yesterday morning that
we have yet to see
the wonders God has for us up
here. It was something he felt
when he prayed Saturday night.
                                                            

74.

                       BILL
I know you’re right, Mark, but as
your leader, on this trip, I’d
feel a lot better knowing where
all of you were. Go on! Get that
water and wood.
                                                            
As the three young men head towards Eden’s Trail, Bill
closes his eyes and prays out loud.
                                                            
                       BILL
Lord! It’s your love and grace
that’s brought us to this
mountain. You know this trip has
given us memories only you can
provide. For
our friend Cal, this trip’s been
even more special. You, Lord,
have brought a blue jay, a
raccoon, an owl, and even a deer
into this young man’s life as
though it was an everyday
occurrence. But this morning,
however, you put
at least two bears in his path.
From all accounts it appears
that’s all it was. If it be your
will, Lord, please give us a sign
that I may know Cal is safe and
under your guidance. This I ask
in your Holy Name, Lord, amen.
                                                            
Bill continues to pray, in silence, as Bee Jay, Mr. Owl,
Splinter and Brownie converge by the outer rail. Brownie
and Splinter kneel down on the ground about ten feet from
Bill.
                                                            
Once Bee Jay lands on the rail beside Mr. Owl, he starts to
chirp to get Bill’s attention.

Bill is seated facing the outer rail and as he opens his
eyes he’s taken aback by what he sees.
                                                            
                       BILL
What in the world is this?
                                                            
Splinter stands up and goes over to Bill and scratches his
hoof across the ground in front of him.
                                                            
                       BILL
What are you trying to tell me,
Splinter?
                                                            

75.

Bill pets the head of the young deer.
                                                            
                       BILL
Does this have anything to do with
my friend Cal?
                                                            
Splinter jumps up and off its front legs.
                                                            
                       BILL
Is this my sign from God that
Cal’s okay?
                                                            
Bee Jay and Mr. Owl fly off the top rail and land on his
leg. Bee Jay chirps out an answer and Mr. Owl lets out a
series of hoots to give Bill the answer he searched for.
Brownie joins the others who are now all by Bill, and Bill
stands to pet the full-grown doe as BJ and Mr. Owl fly back
to the top rail.
                                                            
                       BILL
I asked for a sign and God gave me
four of them. Thank you all for
coming.
                                                            
Bee Jay and Mr. Owl fly off into the woods. Splinter and
Brownie turn together and they prance off up Eden’s Trail
North while Bill leans against the outer rail and watches
them disappear.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. CAL AGAINST AN EVERGREEN - DAY
                                                            
Cal’s asleep and has been for over an hour when he’s
awakened by a commotion at the edge of the creek almost
seventy-five feet off to his left and in front of him. As
he wipes his eyes to get a better look, he sees what appears
to be a mother mountain lion and she has two baby cubs with
her. They all are standing by the creek’s edge to get a
drink.
                                                            
                       CAL
      (Praying in a
       Whisper)
What do I do now, Lord? Maybe if
I just sit here and don’t move a
muscle they won’t notice me.
                                                            
Cal sits perfectly still.
                                                            

76.

Moments later one of the young cubs spot Cal and prances
uphill towards him with the other cub and mother right
behind him.
                                                            
                       CAL
      (In a Whisper)
Lord! You brought me up here. I
ask you now to please keep me safe
from harm, amen.
                                                            
Cal pets the young cub like it was a family cat and the
little brown cat soaks up his attention. He also watches as
the second cub joins its brother and jumps up on his leg. A
sense of peace comes over Cal when the mother plops herself
on the ground to his left and closes her eyes, while both
lion cubs play with him like they were family pets.

For over an hour he’s allowed to play with the young cubs
and rub their tummies before they begin to tire out. He
grabs them both and holds them in his arms like they are
babies and both cubs are quick to fall asleep. He takes
this opportunity and closes his eyes as well.

About an hour later, his sleep is disrupted, by a familiar
chattering from his masked friend.
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter.
                                                            
                       CAL
I hear you, Bandit!
                                                            
Cal opens his eyes and looks for the two mountain lion cubs.
                                                            
                       CAL
Are they gone?
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter.
                                                            
                       CAL
I take it that means a yes. Now I
have a question for you, Bandit.
Why do you up and leave me all the
time?
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter… -
chatter… chatter… chatter.
                                                            
                       CAL
Okay, friend, now you’ve really
got me confused.
                                                            

77.

Cal scratches his head. He chuckles while he grabs his
fishing pole.
                                                            
                       CAL
What other tricks do you have
under that fur coat of yours?
                                                            
Once again Cal starts to follow Bandit.

A few moments later Bandit takes a sharp turn to his left
and up the hill and continues to climb.
                                                            
                       CAL
Now where are you going, Bandit?
                                                            
Cal is so far away from the campground he has no choice but
to follow his friend.

A few minutes later Bandit reaches a plateau and turns to
Cal.
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter.
                                                            
                       CAL
What now, Bandit?
                                                            
Cal reaches the plateau in the middle of seemingly nowhere.
He stands on a grassy knoll and as he looks around he can
see a cave just about forty feet in front of him.
                                                            
                       CAL
What’s in there, Bandit, or do I
dare want to know?
                                                            
Bandit runs ahead and into the cave as Cal approaches.
                                                            
Once Cal gets there he has to stay outside because the cave
is low hanging and he sees that he can’t get into it, but he
can also hear Bandit’s chatters. A minute later Bandit
returns outside the cave with his whole family.
                                                            
The two baby raccoons run over to him like he was family.
                                                            
                       CAL
Aha! Is this where you live,
Bandit?
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter.
                                                            
Bandit's mate joins him in the soft grass.


78.

Cal sits down as the baby raccoons get playful with their
human friend.
                                                            
                       CAL
They are so cute, Bandit and Mrs.
B. I’m glad I got to meet your
family again, my friend.
                                                            
The young raccoons frolic over and around Cal.

For Cal, at that moment, time seems unimportant while he
sits there and allows the twin raccoons to burn off some of
their youthful energy. He doesn’t realize that the
afternoon has long since gone until the rays of the
afternoon’s sun dissipate into the trees behind him to the
west.
                                                            
                       CAL
I see you’ve kept me preoccupied
with your family, Bandit. It sure
doesn’t look like I’m going to
make it back to camp tonight.
                                                            
Cal holds the baby raccoons in his arms.
                                                            
                       CAL
Do you think I can spend the night
here with you and your family,
Bandit?
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. OVERLOOK CAMPGROUND - DAY
                                                            
The three teens return from Bear Creek with five trout they
caught by the footbridge.
                                                            
                       BILL
The fire’s ready, guys. If the
trout are all cleaned then go
ahead and put them on the grille.
                                                            
Brad and Greg place their trout on the grille, while Mark
waits for them to get out of the way. He places his trout
on the grille and grabs a seat with the others.
                                                            
                       MARK
What are we going to do about Cal,
Bill?
                                                            

79.

                       BILL
The ranger is due up here tomorrow
morning, Mark. If Cal hasn’t
returned by then we’ll have no
choice but to tell the ranger.
They’ll have to send out search
teams to find him. Had we gone to
the Loomis Lake Ranger Station any
time after noon today, by the time
we got down there, and then back
up here
to Overlook, it would have been
almost too late to get any kind of
a search started. The fact I got
a sign from God that He was with
Cal allows me not to be overly
worried about his well being.
                                                            
                       GREG
Then we aren’t going to try and
find him?
                                                            
                       BILL
It would be a mistake for us to
leave the campground without
walkie-talkies, especially at this
late hour. Yes there’s still
daylight, but in about two hours
there won’t be enough for us to
see in the woods. If Cal makes it
back to camp we should be here
waiting for him.
                                                            
Bill wipes his forehead with a handkerchief.

Brad turns the fish over, on the grille.
                                                            
                       BRAD
I imagine Cal will have one
beautiful story to tell when he
does get back here to the
campground.
                                                            
                       BILL
If what I saw here, on Overlook,
while you guys were getting water
and wood, is any indication of
what Cal’s experiencing right now,
out there somewhere in the woods,
then what he’ll tell us, we’ll
find it all hard to believe.
                                                            

80.

CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. BANDIT'S CAVE - TUESDAY - DAY
                                                            
When Cal awakens on Tuesday morning he’s both hungry and
thirsty. As his eyes open he can see Bandit and Mrs. B.
laying on the grass to his left and the two young raccoons
are nestled against their mother’s body.
                                                            
                       CAL
Good morning, everyone! I hate to
say this, Bandit, but I need some
food and water inside me.
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter.
                                                            
Bandit's offspring turn to their mother to nurse for their
own nourishment.

Bandit moves around and in front of Cal and chatters some
more. He then turns away from him.

Cal picks up his fishing pole.
                                                            
                       CAL
I’m right behind you, Bandit.
                                                            
Both Bandit and Cal continues to head in an easterly
direction and away from the campground.
                                                            
                       CAL
Bandit! My campground is not in
this direction, my friend. I may
not have your sense of direction,
but where in the world are you
taking me?
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter.
                                                            
Bandit takes off once again.
                                                            
                       CAL
This is becoming a habit, you
clown.
                                                            
Almost fifteen minutes pass and Bandit turns to his left and
uphill once again, with Cal right behind him. It takes a
few minutes, but both Bandit and Cal come onto a grassy
knoll with blueberry bushes that line the entire side.
                                                            

81.

                       CAL
When I see blueberries like this,
Bandit, I wish I could carry a
truckload of them home. My mom
makes the best blueberry pies in
the county.
                                                            
Cal heads to the nearest bush and is quick to grab a
handful, but before he starts to eat he bows his head and
closes his eyes.
                                                            
                       CAL
Dear Lord! With all that's been
going on in the last twenty-four
hours I've forgotten to thank you
for supplying me with well needed
nourishment. I'd also like to
thank you for this adventure in
love; a lesson I'll never forget.
Please direct my masked friend in
the direction of the campground. I
ask this in your Holy Name, Lord,
amen.
                                                            
Cal sits on the soft ground in front of a fully loaded bush
and gets his fill of the ripened fruit. After he finishes
he lays back in the soft grass and goes to sleep once again.
When he wakes up, almost forty-five minutes later, he looks
around for his four-legged friend.
                                                            
In a raised voice, Cal looks all around and calls out to his
masked friend.
                                                            
                       CAL
Where are you, Bandit?
                                                            
Bandit hops onto the knoll where Cal stands and waits for
him.
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter.
                                                            
                       CAL
Okay friend, where are we off to
today?
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter.
                                                            
Bandit turns and heads back downhill once again.
                                                            

82.

                       CAL
This is not the direction I’d
hoped we’d be going in Bandit, but
I guess I have no choice. Lead
on, little buddy.
                                                            
Once again Cal finds himself at Bear Creek and watches as
Bandit turns to the left, in the opposite direction from the
campground. He continues to follow the creek towards
Cramer’s Pond. Ten minutes later the raccoon turns right
and crosses Bear Creek by walking on a log that lies across
the water.
                                                            
                       CAL
      (Raised Voice)
Where are we going now, Bandit?
                                                            
Cal can see that the opposite side is a marshy area. He
steps on the tree with caution and crosses to the other
side.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. OVERLOOK CAMPGROUND - TUESDAY MORNING - DAY
                                                            
Brad takes a sip of his coffee.
                                                            
                       BRAD
What time did they say the ranger
would be up here?
                                                            
Bill reaches for the coffee pot.
                                                            
                       BILL
All they told us was that a ranger
would be up here on Tuesday
morning some time.
                                                            
Greg takes a seat by the fire.
                                                            
                       GREG
It sure doesn’t look like Cal’s
going to get back here any time
soon.
                                                            
                       BILL
It sure doesn’t! It’s almost ten,
now, and I expect to see the
ranger here any minute.
                                                            
Brad takes a seat beside Greg.
                                                            

83.

                       BRAD
What do you think they’ll do?
                                                            
                       BILL
Well they do have helicopters so
they may try to find him from the
air. If that doesn’t work then
they’ll probably have to try and
retrace his steps. I’ve never had
to go through this so I’m not
sure.
                                                            
                       GREG
Shouldn’t someone stand by the
entrance to the campground and
wait for him?
                                                            
                       BILL
You can, if you’d like to, Greg,
but he’ll be on a mule so no
matter what, he can only get up
here so fast.
                                                            
Standing quickly Mark looks towards the entrance.
                                                            
                       MARK
You won’t have to, Greg. This
looks like him coming into the
campground now.
                                                            
The other three stand as well and Bill goes over to the
ranger.
                                                            
                       BILL
Good morning, ranger!
                                                            
Bill shakes his hand.

The ranger then steps off the mule.
                                                            
                       ERNIE
Good morning, sir! Aren’t there
five of you in this group?
                                                            
                       BILL
There were five of us when we came
up here, sir. Yesterday morning
Cal Long was fishing the pool on
Bear Creek when it appears one or
more bears spooked him. There was
no blood so I believe he just
headed the other way, but he
hasn’t returned to the campground.
                                                            

84.

                       ERNIE
My name is Ranger Barrows, sir,
and I’ll radio headquarters so
they can get a helicopter up here
and see if we can locate him for
you. How old is he?
                                                            
Ranger Barrows jots down the information.
                                                            
                       BILL
He’s seventeen!
                                                            
                       ERNIE
What was he wearing, do you
remember?
                                                            
                       BILL
To the best of my knowledge he had
on jeans. He got up before anyone
else in the camp did yesterday.
                                                            
                       ERNIE
His name is Cal Long, sir?
                                                            
                       BILL
That’s right, sir!
                                                            
Ranger Barrows reaches for his two-way radio. He keys the
mike.
                                                            
                       ERNIE
Unit One to Central! Come in
please, over.
                                                            
                       HQ (VO)
Go ahead Ranger Barrows. This is
Scott at Central, over!
                                                            
                       ERNIE
We’ve got a missing seventeen year
old male, missing since yesterday
morning. Apparently the young man
was spooked by the presence of one
or more bears while he was fishing
at Bear Creek. He was last seen
wearing jeans. Over!
                                                            
                       HQ (VO)
Copy that, Ernie. We’ll get
Chopper One airborne. Any idea
where to look? Over!
                                                            

85.

                       ERNIE
My best guess is along Bear Creek
east of Overlook. He most likely
headed east from there. It
doesn’t appear the lad is harmed
in any way. Over!
                                                            
                       HQ (VO)
Understood Unit One! Central
clear!
                                                            
                       ERNIE
Unit One clear!
                                                            
                       BILL
So what do we do now, Ranger
Barrows, sit and wait?
                                                            
                       ERNIE
It appears you’ve been waiting for
your young friend all night, sir,
so a little longer shouldn’t do
any harm. Please sit down and try
to relax. Our helicopter will be
up here shortly.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. CRAMER POND - DAY
                                                            
After Cal crosses the log he follows bandit to the left. The
brush is thicker but there’s still a narrow path he can see
while he follows the wily raccoon. Bandit disappears into
the brush ahead of him and Cal follows, finally coming to a
clearing by the side of the pond. As he looks out into the
water he can see a cow moose not more than twenty-five feet
from shore with a young male calf by her side. The calf
turns and looks at Cal and the mother follows suit.
                                                            
The calf heads in Cal's direction.
                                                            
                       CAL
Hi there! I hope your momma don’t
mind.
                                                            
Cal pet's the heavy calf.
                                                            
The calf’s mother turns and comes over by Cal, who makes it
a point to show the approximately one-thousand pound animal
it means her child no harm. He shows the same love to the
mother that he showed her child. After a few minutes,

86.

however, the mother turns and heads out into the pond with
her offspring right behind her.
                                                            
Cal then looks around for Bandit.
                                                            
                       CAL
Now where’d ya go, little buddy?
                                                            
Through the thick brush he can hear a familiar chatter and
heads back down through the narrow trail.
                                                            
                       CAL
I’m coming, Bandit!
                                                            
Cal gets close to the log that will get him across the creek
and he sees Bandit on the other side.
                                                            
                       CAL
What are you doing over there, you
silly rascal?
                                                            
Cal chuckles and crosses the log. Once on the other side,
he sits down on the end of the log and looks his friend in
the face.
                                                            
                       CAL
In the last day and a half,
Bandit, I’ve hiked about four
miles back and forth, up and down
the side of the mountain. I’ve
seen bears, deer, raccoon,
mountain lion, and even moose. Is
there a reason that you can’t
lead me back to camp?
                                                            
Cal hears the whirring sounds of a helicopter’s blades.
                                                            
                       CAL
They’re looking for me, Bandit.
                                                            
Cal’s hidden under the heavy foliage of the forest around
him.
                                                            
                       CAL
I need to get to where they can
see me.
                                                            
Cal grabs his fishing pole.
                                                            
Bandit lets out a series of chatters and turns to head back
up the side of Manhadden once again. As Cal stands to
follow his masked friend, he can both see and hear the

87.

helicopter directly overhead as it flies towards the lookout
tower.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. THE HELICOPTER - DAY
                                                            
Ranger Lewis keys the mike aboard the helicopter.
                                                            
                       TODD
Air One to Central, over!
                                                            
                       TERRY (VO)
This is Central, Air One. Go
ahead. Over!
                                                            
                       TODD
We’ve made a complete sweep from
almost a mile below the campground
to the tower and all around
Manhadden. We’ve seen no signs of
the missing young man. Over!
                                                            
                       TERRY (VO)
Have the pilot make another pass,
Todd, and this time use the
external P.A. system. Tell the
young man to try and make it to
open ground if he can, so you can
see him. That kid has to be
hungry and thirsty about now.
Over!
                                                            
                       TODD
Roger, Central! Air One clear.
                                                            
Ranger Lewis flips the switch that turns on the external
speaker system.

The pilot lifts off from the tower landing pad.
                                                            
                       PILOT
Where do you want me to start?
                                                            
                       TODD
We have no idea how far around
this mountain the young man made
it to so we should probably start
at the Cravitz Caves area and make
a complete sweep of the mountain.
If he’s not hurt he’s bound to
hear us, Jim.
                                                            

88.

                       PILOT
The Cravitz Caves it is.
                                                            
With a slight movement of the stick, Air One lowers down the
side of the mountain about sixty feet above the treetops
until the helicopter hovers just above the Cravitz Caves.
                                                            
                       TODD
Cal Long! If you can hear me,
make it to a clearing where we can
see you. If you’re okay then give
us a thumbs up so we can let your
friends know.
                                                            
                       PILOT
Where should I head to next?
                                                            
                       TODD
Head up to Cramer Pond Overlook.
I’ll repeat that message again
once we get there.
                                                            
Once again Air One lifts up and heads uphill past Overlook
Campground and along Eden’s Trail North. Once above
Cramer’s Pond Overlook, Ranger Lewis repeats the message he
sent out moments earlier at the Cravitz Caves.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. FOREST BELOW CRAMER POND OVERLOOK - DAY
                                                            
                       CAL
See, Bandit, I told you they were
looking for me.
                                                            
Cal watches as the helicopter moves around the mountain and
away from them.
                                                            
                       CAL
Are we anywhere near the
campground?
                                                            
                       BANDIT
Chatter… chatter… chatter.
                                                            
Bandit continues uphill.
                                                            
                       CAL
Thank goodness. Lead on my
friend.
                                                            

89.

CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. OVERLOOK CAMPGROUND - DAY
                                                            
Bill hands the ranger a coffee.
                                                            
                       BILL
Where’s the helicopter going now,
Ranger Barrows?
                                                            
                       ERNIE
Right now they’re on the backside
of the mountain. We don’t have
any trails back there but it’s
possible your missing friend is
nowhere near any of our trails.
Thanks for the coffee, sir.
                                                            
                       BILL
You’re welcome. What happens now
if the helicopter can’t locate
Cal?
                                                            
                       ERNIE
Right now they’re already
assembling search teams at the
ranger outpost on Loomis Lake, in
the event they’re needed. Each
ranger, both man and woman knows
Manhadden well and is experienced
in search procedures. We hope
that won’t be necessary.
                                                            
                       BILL
I agree. Thank you!
                                                            
They all hear the whirring sounds of the blades.
                                                            
                       ERNIE
Air One is on its return run.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. THE HELICOPTER - DAY
                                                            
                       TODD
Air One to all units. A young man
is spotted on a small plateau an
eighth of a mile below Cramer Pond
Overlook. He’s there with a
raccoon and he’s given me the
            (MORE)

90.

                       TODD (cont'd)
thumbs up sign.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. OVERLOOK CAMPGROUND - DAY
                                                            
Ranger Barrows reaches for his radio and keys the mike.
                                                            
                       ERNIE
Ground Unit One to Air One. We’re
about a half-hour from his
location. Let him know we’re on
our way. Over!
                                                            
                       TODD (VO)
Ten-four Unit One. Are you going
alone? Over!
                                                            
                       ERNIE
Negative! His friends will
accompany me. Unit One clear!
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. THE HELICOPTER - DAY
                                                            
                       TODD
Roger! Air One clear!
                                                            
Ranger Lewis flips the switch once again for the external
speaker and keys the mike once again.
                                                            
                       TODD
Cal! A Ranger Barrows will meet
you shortly with your friends from
the campground. There’s a path to
your left. Take that path uphill
and you’ll be at Cramer’s Pond
Overlook. Do you understand?
                                                            
Ranger Lewis watches as Cal gives him the thumbs up and
starts up the path the ranger told him about. He switches
back to the radio frequency.
                                                            
                       TODD
Air One to Unit One. Come in,
over.
                                                            

91.

                       ERNIE (VO)
Go ahead, Air One! Barrows here,
over!
                                                            
                       TODD
If he stays on the path I told him
to, he should meet you at Cramer’s
Pond Overlook and should be there
before you get there.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. OVERLOOK CAMPGROUND - DAY
                                                            
                       ERNIE
Copy that, Air One. Thanks for
the assist. Nice job! Unit One
clear!
                                                            
Ranger Barrows turns to Bill.
                                                            
                       ERNIE
I know I heard Ranger Lewis
correctly, sir, but what in the
world’s your young man doing
out there in the woods with a
raccoon? They’re not people
friendly, at least not out here in
the woods, unless you have food in
your hands, and even that’s a rare
occurrence.
                                                            
The three young men put out the campfire.
                                                            
                       BILL
When we came up here on Saturday,
this raccoon strolled into the
campground as we finished our
meal. We had some leftover fish
and Cal fed the creature some.
They became quick friends.
                                                            
                       MARK
We’re ready to go when you are,
Ranger Barrows.
                                                            
                       ERNIE
Did you bring any food and water
with you?
                                                            

92.

                       MARK
Yes, sir. We brought some
leftover fish and a canteen of
coffee.
                                                            
                       ERNIE
Then let’s go!
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. CRAMER'S POND OVERLOOK - DAY
                                                            
Cal wastes no time in making it to Eden’s Trail North. When
he gets there he can see Cramer's Pond Overlook to his
right.
                                                            
                       CAL
Come on, Bandit. I’ll wait for
the guys over there.
                                                            
Cal starts to head to the outer railing to his right. When
he reaches the Overlook he turns to check on his cohort and
friend but the sometimes-shy raccoon is nowhere to be seen.
                                                            
                       CAL
Where are you, Bandit?
                                                            
Cal sits down on a large rock by the outer rail.
                                                            
                       CAL
Okay, Lord, what else is there for
me to see?
                                                            
Cal looks towards the clear blue sky.

As he sits there, Cal hears noise coming from the direction
of the campground. Thinking it is his friends, he stands to
get a better look.

For a brief second Cal’s heart once again beats fast. In
front of him he sees both the bear cubs that started his
adventure the previous morning and behind both of them is
their mother.

Cal doesn’t have the strength to run so he sits back down on
the rock, and starts to pray.
                                                            
                       CAL
I hope you sent these bears to me,
Lord, and at this close range
they’d better be. Protect me, I
pray Lord, amen.
                                                            

93.

Both cubs reach the rock where Cal sits before their mother.
Cal can see they’re friendly and he kneels down to pet
them, but he keeps a close eye on their mother who appears
to weigh in the neighborhood of nine hundred pounds.
                                                            
                       CAL
So you came back to greet me
again, huh?
                                                            
Cal looks at the two young cubs by his feet, then at the
mother.
                                                            
                       CAL
I wonder! Were the three of you
trying to welcome me to this
mountain yesterday morning?
                                                            
The mother approaches Cal with her head down towards her
cubs.

As the mother plops her heavy body onto the ground beside
Cal, he no longer fears her as a threat. The cubs get
playful with Cal and he plays with them like they’re house
pets. Even though they’re young, Cal figures them to weigh
in the area of eighty pounds each.

Almost ten minutes later the mother senses the approach of
the group from the campground and lets out a muffled growl
to her cubs. Cal pets the cubs one more time then pets the
mother and in a mater of seconds the three of them scamper
off into the woods near the Tower Trail.
                                                            
Ranger Barrows is the first one to see the young man.
                                                            
                       ERNIE
Cal! Cal Long is that you?
                                                            
Cal turns around.
                                                            
                       CAL
Yes, sir, it’s me!
                                                            
                       ERNIE
Are you okay, young man?
                                                            
                       CAL
I’m fine, ranger, but even better
now that I see my friends behind
you.
                                                            

94.

                       ERNIE
You do know that your friends have
been very worried about you, don’t
you son?
                                                            
                       CAL
I’d be more surprised if they
weren’t.
                                                            
The rest of Cal’s friends pull in behind and beside Ranger
Barrows.
                                                            
                       ERNIE
What happened at the pool
yesterday morning when you were
fishing?
                                                            
                       CAL
Until five minutes ago I thought
the three bears I came across at
the pool wanted me for their
breakfast. I high-tailed it out
of there and headed east. My
adventure on Manhadden began
there.
                                                            
Ranger Barrows scratches his head.
                                                            
                       ERNIE
Adventure?
                                                            
                       CAL
It’s a long story, ranger. Right
now I’m hungry and thirsty, and
then I’d like to be able to catch
some sleep in my tent.
                                                            
                       GREG
We brought you some fish and
coffee, Cal, if you’d like some
now.
                                                            
Greg hands Cal a paper plate with a cooked trout on it.
                                                            
Cal takes the plate.
                                                            
                       CAL
That does sound good. I’ve been
living off berries and water for
the past day and a half.
                                                            
Bill hands him a canteen.
                                                            

95.

                       BILL
Here’s some coffee, Cal.
                                                            
Cal takes the canteen.
                                                            
                       CAL
I knew you guys were praying for
me, Bill, but it seems God had
something He wanted me
to see.
                                                            
                       BILL
Do you want to elaborate?
                                                            
                       CAL
I will, tonight, during our
devotions, because this adventure
is not over with yet.
                                                            
                       BILL
How do you mean?
                                                            
Cal takes a bite of the fish.
                                                            
                       CAL
What I experienced, over the past
thirty hours or so, God wants us
all to see.
                                                            
Ranger Barrows pulls out his radio and keys the mike.
                                                            
                       ERNIE
Unit One to Central, Over!
                                                            
                       TERRY (VO)
Go ahead Unit One. This is
Central, Over.
                                                            
                       ERNIE
Our missing teen is safe and has
no injuries. He’s been reunited
with his friends. I’m going to
head back to Overlook and grab
Delores, and then we will head
back to the office. Over!
                                                            
                       TERRY (VO)
Roger, Unit One! Central, clear!
                                                            
                       ERNIE
Unit One clear!
                                                            

96.

Ranger Barrows turns to face Bill.
                                                            
                       ERNIE
Well, folks I’ll be heading back
to base camp at Loomis Lake. From
now on don’t go into these woods
alone. Take care.
                                                            
Ranger Barrows turns to head back to Overlook Campground.
                                                            
                       BILL
Bye, and thanks.
                                                            
Cal sits back against the rock.
                                                            
                       CAL
Thanks for the food and drink,
guys.
                                                            
                       BRAD
Where on earth have you been for
the past day and a half, Cal?
                                                            
                       CAL
My legs feel like they’ve hiked
around this entire mountain twice.
My friend Bandit brought me
everywhere he could think of and
more.
                                                            
                       MARK
For what reason?
                                                            
                       CAL
My guess is that God was guiding
him in some way. Now I can
honestly say I know why this
mountain is called the Mountain of
Love. If you guys will just wait
until tonight, I’m sure your
questions will be answered.
                                                            
Bill sits on a rock beside Cal.
                                                            
                       BILL
Let’s give Cal a break, guys. When
we get back to camp, let him go to
his tent and get some sleep. We
can gather some wood for the
campfire and relax today.
                                                            

97.

                       CAL
I’ll be ready to go in a few
minutes. Let me finish the fish
and coffee.
                                                            
Cal bites into the last piece of cold trout.
                                                            
                       CAL
Sometime today, guys, load up on
some of the wild berries.
                                                            
                       GREG
What kind of berries do you want
Cal?
                                                            
                       CAL
Whatever you can find.
Blueberries, blackberries, or
raspberries, it makes no
difference.
                                                            
                       BILL
What’s the significance of the
berries, Cal?
                                                            
Cal looks up at Bill.
                                                            
                       CAL
Let’s just say I don’t think we’ll
be alone by the end of our
devotions tonight, Bill.
                                                            
                       BILL
Okay, then, I won’t ask.
                                                            
Cal stands and grabs his fishing pole.
                                                            
                       CAL
I’m ready to head back to camp
now.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. OVERLOOK CAMPGROUND - DAY
                                                            
It’s two-fifteen when the five men return to Overlook
Campground and Cal wastes no time in heading to his tent for
some well needed sleep.
                                                            
Cal starts to enter his tent.
                                                            

98.

                       BILL
What time do you want to get up,
Cal?
                                                            
Cal looks at Bill.
                                                            
                       CAL
If I’m not up by dinner then have
someone wake me up then. Thanks,
Bill, and thanks for your prayers.
                                                            
Cal zips his tent cover closed.

Cal lays down and pulls out his Bible. The passage of
scripture he looks for, he wants for tonight’s devotions.
When he locates it he marks the page and closes his eyes.
Moments later he’s fast asleep.
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
Bill stands outside Cal’s tent.
                                                            
                       BILL
Cal! Cal, it’s time to eat.
                                                            
                       CAL
I’ll be right there.
                                                            
Cal sits up inside the one-man tent. He stretches and
closes his Bible, and then exits the tent.
                                                            
                       BILL
Did you manage to get some sleep?
                                                            
                       CAL
I guess so. It feels like I’ve
had about three hours sleep. What
time is it?
                                                            
                       BILL
About five-thirty! The guys just
put some trout on the grille, so
our dinner won’t be long now.
                                                            
By seven o’clock the trout is pretty much devoured by the
five men and Cal makes no effort to remove the extra pieces
that remain on the metal grille. With the sun starting to
creep down behind the trees to the west Greg and Brad put
some more wood onto the fire.
                                                            
DAYLIGHT TURNS TO NIGHTFALL
                                                            

99.

Cal gets out his Bible and grabs a seat on the inward side
of the fire with the mountain behind his back. Bill and the
others sit opposite Cal with their back to the outer rail
and Eden’s trail. Cal bows his head for a moment before he
starts.

He opens his eyes.
                                                            
                       CAL
When we left Lookout Tower, on
Saturday afternoon, God gave me a
passage of scripture that stayed
with me all weekend and into my
little adventure into Heaven on
Earth. The scripture comes from
the book of Isaiah, the
eleventh chapter and verse six. In
this scripture it says that the
wolf will dwell with the lamb and
that the leopard shall lie down
with the kid.
                                                            
                       BRAD
But Cal! There are no wolves up
here on Manhadden. In fact there
are no lambs, leopards, or even
baby goats either.
                                                            
                       CAL
You’re right, Brad, there aren’t.
I’ll try to explain more about
this scripture later. You all
want to know where I went and why,
so I’ll try to make the story
short. I was fishing at my
favorite spot and up to my knees
in cold water yesterday morning.
At that point I already caught two
really nice trout and they were
tied to my stringer on the tree by
the water’s edge. I heard a
commotion behind me and thought my
fish were trying to get away, but
when I turned around this huge
bear was by the edge of the water
while her two young cubs feasted
on our breakfast. When I tried to
shoo them off I thought I really
angered the mother bear. She stood
on her back two feet and let out a
growl out of her that scared me;
so much so that I ran to the rock
wall by the falls and climbed up
above the pool as fast as I could.
            (MORE)

100.

                       CAL (cont'd)
When I got there I watched the
cubs devour what was left of my
fish. Needless to say I went the
other direction. I ended up
catching another trout but it was
nowhere near as big as the other
two I caught at the pool. I
dragged that fish around with me
for a while.
                                                            
                       MARK
Did the bears follow you?
                                                            
                       CAL
No! They seemed content to stay
by the pool. Anyway I got tired
and found a grassy spot to lay
down and fall asleep. How long I
was out I don’t know but I awoke
to splinter licking my face. A
few minutes later Brownie shows
up and they both took off.
                                                            
                       GREG
What did you do next?
                                                            
                       CAL
Bandit shows up on the scene and
in his own way he let me know I
should follow him. He showed me
where to get some berries to eat
and where to go to get some fresh
water to drink and it seemed as
though he had to drag me all over
the mountain to accomplish that
task. Along the path Bandit took
me on, I met up with a mountain
lion and her two young cubs. I
got to play with them and hold
them like they were family, while
momma fell asleep not more than
twenty feet from me. I also got
to meet a mother and a calf moose
by Cramer's Pond, and yes I got to
pet them both. Once the
helicopter located me, I ran into
my friends who started this whole
adventure of love.
                                                            
                       BILL
You got to see the bears again?
                                                            

101.

                       CAL
They met me just after I got to
Cramer's Pond Overlook, maybe
fifteen minutes before you guys
got there. It wasn't until then
that I realized the significance
of yesterday morning. The mother
bear wasn't trying to scare me
away from them, but rather she was
trying to introduce herself and
her family to me.
                                                            
                       BRAD
What does this all have to do with
the scripture, Cal?
                                                            
                       CAL
As was said earlier, Brad, on
Mount Manhadden there are no
goats, sheep, or wolves, and the
closest thing to a leopard is a
mountain lion. To the same token
the closest thing to a goat is a
deer. In the woods, or the forest
as its called by rangers, a young
fawn would make a tasty meal for a
mountain lion, but here, on God’s
Mountain of Love, those facts
don’t hold any weight.
                                                            
                       GREG
How do you mean?
                                                            
While Cal speaks to his friends he can see his friends from
the forest coming onto the campground from Eden’s trail.
                                                            
                       CAL
If you’ll take a moment and look
behind you, you’ll see splinter
and Brownie. They’re both being
accompanied to our campfire by a
mountain lion and her two young
cubs.
                                                            
Cal stands to greet his friends.
                                                            
                       CAL
This mountain lion is very safe to
pet, gang, and you already know
Splinter and Brownie.
                                                            
Mark, Brad, Greg, and Bill cautiously move towards the
mountain lion and her two cubs, but once they get close

102.

enough the young cubs make friends quickly.

Moment’s later Cal looks towards Eden’s Trail and can see
the mother moose and her calf as they arrive at the
campground. When Cal turns his head to the left, towards
Eden’s Trail North, he can see the bear and her two cubs
coming down the trail towards the campground.
                                                            
                       CAL
If you’ll look up, now, you’ll see
a few more of my friends from my
trip to this mountain of love.
                                                            
Greg looks at all the animals.
                                                            
                       GREG
I don’t believe this. There are
moose, bear, deer, and mountain
lions all in one spot and not one
bit of trouble from any of them.
                                                            
Bill kneels down to pet one of the bear cubs.
                                                            
                       BILL
The only one missing now is
Bandit.
                                                            
                       CAL
Have no fear, Bill. I didn’t save
some of that fish for just
anything. Bandit has an uncanny
nose for that sort of meal.
                                                            
No sooner Cal said that than Bandit approaches Overlook from
Eden’s Trail with his family by his side.

Brad picks up the two young raccoons while Greg and Mark pet
bandit and Mrs. B.

By now the adult bear, Brownie, and the female adult moose
have made themselves comfortable on the ground. Bandit goes
over to the grille where two fish lay waiting for him. He
takes one of the fish in his mouth and starts to drag the
fish.
                                                            
                       MARK
Where’s Bandit going with the
fish, Cal?
                                                            
                       CAL
I don’t know, Mark, but let him do
his thing.
                                                            

103.

All eyes focus on the four-legged masked raccoon.

It takes a minute or so but Bandit carries the fish over to
the mother bear, and her two cubs join her in the cooked
delicacy.
                                                            
                       BILL
Now I’ve seen just about
everything.
                                                            
Bill scratches his head while he continues to watch Bandit
as he returns to the grille with his mate.
                                                            
                       CAL
This is the kind of love we’ll see
when we get into Heaven, Bill.
What Bandit did, he did it
unselfishly. I think God wanted
us all to experience this sight
first hand. What we just
witnessed, on this mountain,
cannot be explained outside of
God.
                                                            
BJ and MR. Owl land on the outer rail.
                                                            
                       CAL
This is indeed God's Mountain of
Love.
                                                            
                                         FADE OUT
                                                            


THE END


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