Date: Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:08:47 -0700 (PDT)
From: Joe Collins <joecollins7420@yahoo.com>
Subject: The Cabin by the Lake  Chapter 2

If this story is prohibited in your area, you are underage or gay sex
offends you, then please leave. If you are looking for hard core sex, you
won't find it here. This story is fictional and so are the characters.
However, the setting is a real and is located in Central Oregon. It does
sit on the edge of the Three Sisters Wilderness Area. Please feel free to
email me and be sure to include the title in the subject line. My address
is

Now just sit back and enjoy!

The Cabin by the Lake

Chapter 2

The next 3 days were spent training for the pack trip. Horses were saddled
and unsaddled. The packs were loaded, using a master check off list.
Nothing is worse than getting 10 miles into the wilderness and discovering
that you had forgotten a very essential item., such as a can opener or a
box of water proof matches . The packs were then put on the pack animals
and then taken off again. Terry made a run into Bend to stock up on food
and supplies. Now all that remained was wait for the clients to arrive. So
far, so good. The three tenderfoots were getting the best of training and
actually were enjoying it. Who said that work can't be fun?

The wait seemed like months. Kevin, Dennis and Jim were filled with
anticipation. They could not sit still for more than a minute and were just
about to drive Terry and Stan crazy or drinking, which ever would come
first. Finally , the guests arrived and it was time to depart on the new
adventure.

All the packs had been packed, weighed and the weight balanced so that each
side of the sling was the same. This would take a lot of the pressure off
the pack animals and lessen the chances of having the contents dumped along
the trail. This was done in advance and all that was left to do was put the
packs on the mules. Terry and Stan had rigged a block and tackle set up to
hoist the heavy packs upon the mule's back to be cinched and tied in
place. The hoist was use to lessen the heavy lifting and would be taken
with them. It really saved the wear and tear on the packers. As one mule
was led out from under the hoist, another was moved in until the whole
string was ready to travel. While the mules were being loaded, some of the
crew were putting saddles on the horses. Finally, Terry gave the call,
"Mount up".

The little party began to serpentine up the trail to the first lake which
was about 5 miles from the lodge. There are many little mountain lakes in
the Sisters Wilderness area, many of them very close together and all
crystal blue/green, depending on the depth. This would be the first
campsite and the next day it would be off to another lake which would
become base camp for the remainder of the time. Those who wanted to hike or
ride horses could do so. It any one wanted to fish, they could or if they
wanted just lay around and loaf which is another of the options. The
campers could pick and choose what activities in which to participate.

So began the summer of work, which was actually more fun than work. One
group of campers would come and go and another would come to take their
place. The bed and breakfast was filled every night so more help had to
hired.

Life was anything but boring. Dennis, Jim and Kevin became pros and now
more guest could be booked and two parties of campers could be handled at
the same time and on occasions three different parties could be
accommodated . Dennis was quickly becoming an expert at camp cooking and
enjoyed it very much. Stan took the time to train Dennis and to give him
recipes that he used. Cooking became one of his major duties when out in
the wilderness with a group of campers.

Two weeks before Labor Day, Jim was thrown from a horse and broke his
leg. Kevin had to take Jim out of the wilderness and into Bend to the
hospital.

Dennis was left on his own until Kevin could get back to
campsite. Everything went like clock work except for Dennis, who was
actually just a bundle of nerves. By the second day, he discovered that
being head honcho was not bad at all. In fact, this little episode helped
him make a decision about college in the fall...he would skip college and
devote his time to running his operation, `The Wilderness Experience`. He
could very easily become a regular mountain man and leave the hustle and
bustle of the city far behind.

The time for this group of campers ended and everyone returned to home
base. There was a lot to be done before the next groups arrived. Everything
had to be cleaned and new supplies packed. This was the part that no one
enjoyed but was something that had to be completed and there was not need
to complain or procrastinate.

Jim and Kevin were waiting at the lodge for the campers to return. Jim's
leg had been broken in two places, which would make mending a little harder
and take more time.

"Dennis, grab a cup of coffee and pull up a chair. We need to have a family
discussion." said Jim.

"Dad, I think I know what you are going to say. You and Kevin are going
back to Coos Bay and will teach for the school year and return in the
summer. Right?" Dennis said grinning.

"What gave you that idea?" Responded Jim.

"It was really a no brainier! I know that you and Kevin have not resigned
your teaching positions and would be leaving very soon. Your broken leg
just moved the time up a little," Dennis said.

Jim asked in all seriousness, "Ok, you are a little ahead of us in your
thinking. Now my next questions, Have you given any thought as to what you
are going to do in the fall?"

"I was wondering when this topic of discussion would come up. Yes, I have
given this a lot of serious thinking and I have made my decision. One of
which you and Kevin probably won't agree with," replied Dennis.

"So you have decided not to go to college in the fall. This comes as no
major surprise to Kevin and me. We have already decided this would be your
decision even though we can't agree with it entirely. However, you have to
live your own life and make your own decisions. Dennis, we want you to know
that we will standing behind you and catch you if you should fall. All we
will do is turn you around and point you in the right direction. We love
you very much and want the very best for you. However, just don't let pride
stand in the way of your happiness. If you make a bad decision, don't be
afraid to ask for help," Jim said with tears in his eyes.

"Dennis, Jim is speaking for both of us. We can only hope and pray that we
have taught you what is right and wrong and you will make the right
decisions. Just remember that we are there for you if you need us," said
Kevin who had more than just a tear in his eye. He had a whole bunch
running down his cheek.

Dennis' emotions got the best of him and he just stood there hugging the
two people he loved the most in world. Finally, he was able to
speak. "Thank you, both of you! You have won half of the battle. I have
been checking on line and I can get a full degree in accounting and
business management plus there are a lot of fun classes I can take. Working
overtime, I should be able to finish and get my degree in about two years,
a little longer if I go at a slower pace. I know that I will miss out on
college life, chasing all the cute young boys! Whoops! Sorry. I meant young
girls," said Dennis chuckling.

"I told you, Jim, that he would come through with flying colors. Now, you
can unwind a little and loosen up. I don't think we have to worry about our
little boy who has become a man," stated Kevin.

"I don't know if he is a complete man now. I bet he is still a virgin! Am I
right, Dennis?" Questioned his dad.

"Dad, I am not one to kiss and tell. However, when I meet that special
someone, You and Kevin will be the first to know. Meanwhile, I am going to
keep looking and keep you guessing," laughed Dennis.

"That's fine with us. Just be safe. I think that tomorrow, Jim and I are
going to head back to Coos Bay. There is not much we can do here. So I
think we'll pack and head for home in the morning. Everything appears to be
under control on this end. We are leaving you in good hands. I know Terry
and Stay will take you under their wings and make you walk the straight and
narrow. Why don't you give them a ring and invite them and the other
employees up for a little going away party. We got all the making for a
party while we were in Bend today," suggested Kevin.

"Sounds good to me. I had better get busy before is gets much later,"
replied Dennis. When he had completed his calling, he started helping Kevin
and his dad set up for their impromptu party.TBC joecollins7420@yahoo.com