Adventure On Thunderstorm Peak

"Careful! You don't want to slip."

"I'm fine. I grew up on this mountain, you're the visitor." grinned Nate.

"Good point. I still wouldn't want to have to try to carry you down by myself."

"Don't worry, Joe. If anything happens, you can just hike back and get help. But we are going to be fine, this is my home. I invited you here for a weekend vacation, not a survival experience."

"Then let's go see those goats! I've never seen a wild mountain goat before."

After several hours of climbing, the men sat with binoculars. There were several nanny goats with their kids on a ledge less than a hundred yards away. The kids were running and jumping as if in a meadow. The mothers kept one eye on them, as they basked in the sun.

"Those little ones are fearless! Here they are acting like it's some sort of park, and we are on all fours holding on..." marveled Joe.

A short time later they had lunch, then went higher yet, in search of the billy goats. Eventually they found one, all alone surveying his domain.

"Let's go back down, Joe. We can set up camp at the base of the Thunderstorm Peak. I want to be as close as possible so we can get a good start in the morning."

"What are these tracks, Nate?"

"The ones leading up to the stream? Those are cougar. They usually run when they see people, but if you keep an eye on the cracks in the rocks you might see it."

"I'm not in any hurry to find a cougar."

"Stop worrying so much, Joe. This was supposed to be your best weekend vacation ever."

"I'm sorry, I'm just not used to the danger."

"There's some danger in anything. Let's get some rest. We have a long hike tomorrow if you want to climb to the summit of Thunderstorm Peak. I'm interested in doing it too, I've never been up there."

"Yes, I still want to. That's the main reason I wanted to come out here. My dad climbed it when he was my age. Said it made him a better man. He even attributes his business success to the climb."

Both men turned in early, tired from a full day of activity. The night was warm, but not hot. Had they been awake they would have seen millions of stars.

"Nate! You have to see this. The sky looks like it's on fire."

"Good morning! The sunrise is spectacular." he said, happy to share his world with the successful cryptocurrency investor he had met on a blogging platform called Hive.

They started out right after a hearty breakfast of pancakes and bacon and hash browns. Just getting to the midway point was a struggle due to the smooth surface of the rock. From there on it was downright treacherous.

"That climb was the most difficult and dangerous thing I have ever done. But it's so worth it, for the view and other reasons. Thank you, Nate!"

"I'm glad I did it too. I'm not a professional mountaineer, and this tested me almost beyond my limits. Joe, on the way down I want to take another route. There's supposed to be a cave. The Natives say it's sacred, but won't say anything else.

"I would like to see that too." Joe said with enthusiasm, despite being exhausted.

They carefully made their way down, and found the cave which could only be approached from above. When leaving they would actually have to climb back up before selecting a route with safe hand and foot holds.

The cave had a ledge in front of it, about twenty feet wide and forty-five feet long. Nate secured a rope, and they rappelled down.

"Uh, Joe? Remember when I said cougars usually run? Well there is an exception. And I am looking at it. We have just discovered e den. Let's get out of here."

"I found something too. It's a little box with a cougar and a lightning bolt on it. But it won't open. I'm ready to go any time!"

At this, some very irritated snarls erupted in the cave.

"I think we have to leave it. Please put it back exactly where you found it."

Shrugging, Joe complied. The snarls quieted. Faster than they thought possible, the two adventurers climbed. At the top they collected their rope and gear, and did what they considered a decent imitation of a mountain goat.

"I have never been so tired, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Thank you!"

"I feel the same way, Joe. And the experience outside of the cave was almost surreal. Did you notice that cat's reaction to you picking up the box?"

"Yes... It makes me wonder what might be in there. I guess we will never know."

Cover image is from Canva, using their gallery