When Hugh Mathews decides it's time to get out from under his tyrannical father's thumb and away from the life he's been living, he does it in a big way. Packing what he'll need to survive in the wilderness, and with only his dog, Orion, for companionship, he heads into the mountains. When they find a abandoned cabin, Hugh begins the arduous task of repairing it, as well as hunting for food and everything else they'll need to stay alive.<br><br>Soon after, Ansel Jeffries, a nature photographer, arrives at Hugh's cabin, seeking an abandoned mine he wants to photograph. After talking with him, Ansel sees the potential for a story in what Hugh is doing -- and why.<br><br>Ansel convinces Hugh to let him tell it, meaning he'll be living at the cabin with Hugh. When he moves in, will what becomes friendship between the two men grow into more?

Off the Beaten Path

Back at the campsite, he took his backpack into the tent, stripped off what he’d been wearing and put on the heavy sweats he’d be using to sleep in. After crawling into the sleeping bag, he was barely aware of Orion curling up beside him before he fell asleep.


Breakfast Sunday morning came from packets, too—dog food for Orion, a freeze-dried combo of eggs, sausage, peppers, and onions for Hugh.


When they finished, the sun was coming up over the mountain peak. Hugh broke camp and they set out. The sky turned from pink to deep blue as they began climbing the steep, rocky slope. Close to noon, with the sun high above them warming the air, they came upon a large field filled with golden, purple, and red flowers. There was a small lake in the center which immediately drew Orion’s attention.


Chapter 4