“No, that’s not an option. We need to make as little trash as possible. Everything we brought up will go home with us again, including our trash. We are not leaving a single scrap of paper or other waste behind.”
Pointing to the north end of our campsite, he went on, “Speaking of waste, I placed a port-a-potty behind those bushes over there. You’ll find instructions attached; please read them carefully.”
Curtis said, “And we take turns emptying the toilet too?”
“You got it,” Jacob replied. Then he continued his orientation monologue, “As far as safety goes, don’t go hiking alone; there should always be at least one person along. Wild animals tend not to attack humans in groups. I am going to give you each a US Forest Service safety whistle. Take it along when leaving our camp, even when going down to the stream to bathe. Do not misuse it and only blow into it when you need help, as the whistle is extremely loud. I’ll also give you each a small first aid kit. Always take sun protection and windbreakers along on hikes. There is no prediction of rain in the weather forecast for this week, but temperatures can vary from one hour to the next. I also must stress that it’s important to get back to our camp area before nightfall. It’s too dangerous to trek around in the dark. ”
London asked, “What kind of wild animals?”
“There are coyotes, mountain lions, and even bears in the Angeles National Forest, but they generally only attack humans when they feel threatened. And now is the time that rattlesnakes come out of hibernation. I have a snake-bite kit in my tent.”
He glared at Candie and ordered, “Keep your dog leashed at all times on a hike. We can’t afford him chasing after wildlife.”
“More likely that the wildlife would be chasing Nick,” I remarked, and got a good laugh out of the group, except for Candie, who shot an annoyed glance my way.
Jacob continued, “As far as scavenging bears are concerned, we keep our food stored in the van with the windows up at night. Did any of you bring extra food along?”
Min said, “I brought cookies.”
“Anyone else?”
When no others spoke up, Jacob urged Min to give him the cookies in the evening and he would store them overnight. He gave more instructions, but over eight years later, I cannot recall them all.
As we disbursed, I overheard one of the brothers saying to the other, “He sure takes himself seriously!”
His bro laughed and shot back, “Must be hard for you not to be in command!”
While the rest of our group went to explore the grounds around our campsite, Jacob, Todd, and I built a campfire pit. We chose a location a good distance away from the tents or any trees. Since we only had one shovel, Jacob and Todd took turns digging the pit, and I gathered enough medium-sized rocks to form a circle about three feet in diameter. When they had dug approximately 12 inches deep, we placed the rocks around the perimeter of our fire pit. Then we filled the pit two-thirds full with dry kindling and firewood, which Jacob had brought from home in case dead wood was scarce. We kept the shovel and a bucket I had filled with water from the creek handy so that we could quickly extinguish the fire should it threaten to get out of control.
Now all was ready for the evening’s entertainment.
CHAPTER 6
Thanks to Jock Master Sporting Goods, we had a camp stove and also a camp grill at our disposal. Jacob and Marcelo took up kitchen duty for our first dinner. We watched as Jacob put a prime rib roast on the grill while Marcelo boiled a big pot of water on the burner for corn on the cob and buttered the garlic bread. The mood of the group was upbeat in anticipation of a delicious meal and a fun-filled week of camp life.
Meanwhile, I started the campfire, and when the food was ready, we sat in folding camp chairs in a circle around the fire and savored every bite.
Jacob chuckled and said, “Don’t expect such a feast every night. This is a launch party, but from here on out, we’ll live on pasta, rice, and potatoes. Meat or fish - -if any - - will come in a can.”
He opened a couple of bottles of Merlot, adding, “And the wine is a one-time-only treat too. Starting tomorrow, we’ll drink water.”
Min, Hannah, and of course little Mikey passed on the Merlot, so that there was just enough for one glass each. That we drank out of plastic goblets didn’t spoil taste buds nor ambience. For dessert we roasted marshmallows. The aroma of burning wood and the crackling sound of the fire put us all in a relaxed state.
Jacob said, “Now is the time to get acquainted. Except for my friend James and his wife Tala, I don’t know any of you well and none of you know one another. So let’s do introductions - - first names only - - and tell a little something about ourselves.”
He cleared his throat and said, “I’ll go first. My name is Jacob. I manage a sporting goods store, am not married but have a serious girlfriend at home, and I arranged this camping trip because James and I have a bet going. He claims that a group of a dozen modern people cannot last a week without any electronic gadgets, and I’m about to prove him wrong.”
I was next and stated, “I’m James, married to my Tala here,” nudging her playfully. “I’m a mystery writer by profession. I think we should all mention how we know Jacob. He and I met years ago when serving on a jury that seemed to last forever. We clicked right away and stayed buddies after the trial was over. Tala and I often double date with Jacob and his girlfriend, Holly. You heard from Jacob why I’m here.”
My wife said, “I’m Tala, a nurse, and I came along to make sure James doesn’t get bored,” and she smiled at me.
“You have an unusual name. I like the sound of it,” London remarked.
“It is Filipino and means bright star.”
Next to her sat the brothers Derek, with his head shaved, and Curtis, sporting a full head of curly hair pulled into a ponytail. Derek spoke for both of them, saying, “Me and Curtis work in our old man’s pawn shop. We are both single and available. We bicker a lot on the job and part of the reason we came on this trip is to try to get along and become closer. I know Jacob from the Sierra Mountaineering Club.”
Now it was the Kim family’s turn to introduce themselves. Yon stated, “We are pleased to be here. I am Yon, originally from South Korea. I own a convenience store in Alhambra. I met Jacob at a CSBA convention.”
Candie asked, “What’s that?”
“California Small Business Association,” he replied.
The boy who sat between his parents said, “I’m Mikey and a first grader. I’m here because Mommy made me come.”
Everyone burst out laughing.
His mom spoke up, “I’m Min, a stay-at-home mom, active in the PTA. I teach piano and violin out of our home. And it is true, we are here because Mikey is already addicted to video games, and we thought a week away from them and fresh air will do him good.”
The college student was next and he said, “My name is Marcelo and I come from Chile. I am a junior at the University of Southern California, where I am majoring in physics. I joined this group because I would like to get the American experience outside of campus life. I am on spring break, so the timing is right for me. I met Jacob at his store when he sold me my mountain bike.”
He looked over at Jacob, the expression in his dark eyes amused, as he added, “Since Yon mentioned the CSBA convention, I realize that you are an entrepreneur. At the time I thought you were an employee of the sporting goods store.”
Jacob replied, “I’m just the manager, not owner. My boss was unable to attend the convention and sent me in his place.”
“I see.” Marcelo faced the group again and continued, “Jacob and I had a long conversation at the store and it turned out that he