Stupid Sam didn’t want to leave Cody behind and I actually had to use his leash. The road curled slightly in an eastern direction and took us into a gouged out valley. A twisting creek is winding along beside us as we go. In a few spots it has cut away the ever-deteriorating highway. However, it would seem that there are plenty of fish. We were cooking a lunch of trout over a small campfire when Cody strolled up and nonchalantly sat down across from Eric and me. Naturally, Sam padded over and plopped down beside the boy. We ate in silence and then resumed our journey until we came upon a half-collapsed roadside motel. Up ahead, the mountains look ominous. I think I understand the mindset of ancient civilizations better. Those mountains look so dark and forbidding. And with the clouds stacked up against them, there is a feeling of mystery. The world is silent save for an occasional flash in those distant clouds followed by the low, sonorous rumble of thunder.
