Old tales and backtrails with Butterbeans

Their first night in the cabin was a quiet one. The deep stillness of the woods made sleeping very easy. After a quick morning breakfast, Alex and Butterbeans set off on a noon day hike. Alex wants to get familiar with their surroundings.

With this in mind, he decides to stick to the isolated box canyon that is just under a mile away from the cabin. Not only will this give them time to explore, but also gives them time for their return trip. They have the cabin for two weeks. This is day one, and Alex wants to get a good start.

Old tales and backtrails with Butterbeans

Butterbeans rockets out the door as they leave. Alex watches her investigation of the immediate area surrounding the cabin. She gives the front steps an extra measure of attention. Something interesting there. Alex is certain it is the lingering scent of their mysterious visitor from the previous evening.

Similarly the trail Butterbeans is now following is leading her to the road. Alex watches as she stops and takes in the information from the scents, more intently. It isn’t lost on him that her tail has been wagging excitedly, the whole time.

As he watches Butterbeans, he gets the uncanny feeling they are being watched. He looks around and listens intently. However, all seems normal. Furthermore, they are on their way to explore the old box canyon. There is an old ghost town located just inside the canyon. With luck they will make it there in plenty of time to explore.

A cry for help

It takes them about an hour to reach the outlying areas of the box canyon. By this time, the sun is high in the sky. The day is warm. Butterbeans acts determined to get to the canyon. Indeed, it is almost as if she has a mission.

Alex watches as she concentrates on the scent ahead of her. Similarly she has barely acknowledged Alex since they left the cabin. It is almost as though there are no other things in the universe. This is how intently she is investigating the scents ahead of her.

Additionally her ears have now perked up and pace has increased. She appears to be on to something important. Alex quickens his steps to keep up with her. Within a minute or two he is fairly well having to jog to keep up. Likewise they have now entered the canyon. The ghost town is just ahead, and the day is still very early on.

The unexpected

Within a few minutes they are close to the first few structures in the old ghost town. Alex sees they are very old and long since abandoned. However, he doesn’t have long to take in the sights. He can now hear a faint, and barely audible sound.

Butterbeans is off and running to the sound as Alex makes haste to join her. Furthermore, someone up ahead is crying out for help and Butterbeans is on the way. Alex is right behind as the cry for help sounds out again.

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