If you have done any hiking in rough terrain you are well aware that going down a slope is much more difficult and dangerous than climbing it.

We started off excited and enthusiastic as we began hiking up the river, daydreaming about finding big gold.

I learned the next day that I was not the only one that had crossed paths with a bear. Dick told us about his harrowing experience from the previous night.

The temptation to enter the dark interiors beckoned to me before the day was finished but I resisted.

…I was looking down on what was a frightening 500-foot sheer drop-off. We were precariously close to the edge as the shoulder was practically non-existent.

I have a slight mental disorder. It causes frequent lapses in common sense, good judgment and bouts of high fever—gold fever.

With one outstretched hand grasping the bottle and the other waving at air, I moved forward feeling for the tent. No tent. No tree.