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The Story Starts Here___________________________

Pages 1 

This book was created

especially for

Michael Jeremy Smith

at the age of 8

With love from

Grandma and Grandpa

July 4, 2000

Page 2 - Illustration Page

Page 3
It was "Old Teddy Bear" the hermit who told Grandpa the story of the mountain's treasure. Now Grandpa would pass the story along to Mike. "It's over the ridge," Grandpa told Mike. "We'll have to camp overnight."

Page 4

"We better check our supplies, Mike.  We wouldn't want to forget anything," said Grandpa.  His friends were there to help load the van.  Everyone was very curious about the treasure.

Pages 5 & 6 - illustration pages

Page 7
There was so much camping gear that Mike and his friends had to get behind Grandpa and push to make it all fit.  Finally, the van was packed. Everyone squeezed in, and off they went.  The adventure had begun!

Page 8
It was a long day of traveling, and the children were tired.  The setting sun stirred the natural sounds of the forest.  After everyone made camp, one of his friends studied the map with Mike.  "Look, Mike, we'll go this way."

Pages 9 & 10 - illustration pages.

Page 11
That night, Mike could hear an owl hooting in the distance.  He found it very difficult to sleep.  Everyone was so excited about the treasure!  The snoring coming from Grandpa didn't help matters either.

Page 12
Finally, morning came, and everyone was up early and ready to go.  "We want to be sure not to leave any trash behind, so let's clean up our campsite," ordered Grandpa.

Pages 13 & 14 - illustration pages.

Page 15
"It's a rough trail, and we'll have to go by horseback," said Grandpa.  "Mike, stay close to your friends."

"Don't worry, Grandpa, You can count on me," said Mike.  Grandpa was glad to have Mike with them.

Page 16
Up the mountain, the trail became narrow and winding.  Mike was amazed with the beautiful plant life surrounding them.  
Finally, everyone stopped for lunch.

"Who has the map? asked Grandpa.  "Not me," said Mike.  "Not me," said one friend.  "Not me," said another friend.

"It's gone!" exclaimed Mike.  "How will we ever find the treasure?" "Hmmm...." said Grandpa.  "Perhaps I can remember the way."

Pages 17 & 18 - illustration pages.

Page 19
Grandpa seemed confident about the way to the treasure.  This made Mike feel better about the lost map.  "Let's catch some fish for lunch!" Grandpa said.  Mike and his friends cast their lines into the clear mountain stream. Mike immediately hooked a big fish... big enough for everyone to eat.

Page 20
While everyone helped prepare dinner, Grandpa spoke to Mike and his friends.  "When I was a young cub like you, I met Old Teddy Bear the hermit, out here in these very woods.  I'll tell you his story tonight after dinner."  The food was served and everyone ate until they could eat no more.

Pages 21 & 22 - illustration pages.

Page 23
That night, Mike and his friends gathered around the campfire with Grandpa.  Speaking very softly, Grandpa began to tell the story...

"The old hermit told me of the mountain's great treasures many years ago. He said only the wisest of bears would discover the treasure's true value. Tomorrow, we will travel down the mountain stream."

Page 24
The next morning brought dew and beautiful singing birds.  Mike smelled the fresh, clean air as they paddled away in their canoe.  Mike reminded everyone to put on a life jacket.

Pages 25 & 26 - illustration pages.

Page 27
One of Mike's friends leaned over to get a life jacket and fell headfirst into the cold mountain stream.  "Help!" his friend cried.  Everyone was alarmed. Mike quickly grabbed a life jacket and threw it out to help 
his friend swim ashore.

Page 28
Mike helped his friend out of the stream and on to the grassy bank. Grandpa put his arm around Mike.  "That was quick thinking, Mike," said Grandpa.  "I'm very proud of you.  Next time we'll all remember to put on our life jackets before we get in the canoe."

Pages 29 & 30 - illustration pages.

Page 31
Later that day, Grandpa told everyone to gather around.  "How much farther, Grandpa?" asked Mike.

"We are here," Grandpa remarked, to everyone's surprise.

"But where's the treasure?" asked Mike.

"Don't you see?" said Grandpa.  "It's all around us, and it's been here all along.  It's the natural sounds of the forest.  It's in the green trees, the fresh air and clean water.  These things are the real treasures of the mountain."

Page 32
At first, Mike and his friends were puzzled.  Then, Mike realized what Grandpa meant!  He envisioned the old hermit telling Grandpa that only the wisest of the bears could find the real treasure of the mountain.... and he was right!

Pages 33 & 34 - illustration pages.

Page 35
Mike would always remember this special camping adventure, and would tell all of his friends in Pensacola about his discovery of the real treasures of the mountain.

Page 36
From that day forward, Mike always remembered to respect the beauty and wonder that nature has to offer...and so should everyone.