《The Port Coulee Files》Chapter 14

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The bike slid slightly as Arthur banked along the final turn towards the ranger station. The damp ground from last night’s drizzle combined with his speed caused him to hydroplane slightly. His heart thumped as he got the vehicle under control and slowed his speed just a bit. He knew well the results of losing control, having seen the aftermath a few times.

The rest of the path was fairly straight and a quarter of a mile later he found himself inside the parking lot on the lookout for a space. Honestly, he had many to choose from, but that didn’t mean he didn’t want a good one. One that would likely protect his ride while he was gone.

“Mr. Wade,” A chipper voice came from behind Arthur as he finally chose a corner spot to park in. “You’re a bit earlier than I expected.”

“Well from our chat last night,” Arthur replied as he swung his leg behind the back of the bike. “You had mentioned the time being short, so I saw no reason to wait.” He continued as he took off his helmet.

“Did you need to come in your tactical gear?” Gil asked as he walked towards his friend. “You do know this is a long hike right?”

Arthur smirked as he replied. “You didn’t give me much choice, it was all I had aside from that stage attire and that would work far less for hiking. Besides, I can carry a fair amount with this and not have to rely solely on my backpack.”

“Fair enough, I suppose we should go inside and pick your trail.” Gil answered as he waved Arthur inside. Arthur followed, helmet in hand, and closed the distance to Gil. “Since you are experienced, and early” Gil continued as Arthur matched pace beside him.

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“I would prefer you take the double hatchback, it goes a bit deeper than most of the trails, though it does pass as close as a half a mile to the road near one of the bends,” Gil said as he turned the corner.

“In here.” he waved.

“My gut has them somewhere along that path, it is one of the less traveled trails, so less news comes through there.” Gil’s hand slaps the map on the wall as he points to the trail in question. “My hope is that they are simply out of radio range. Anyway, thanks for helping today.”

“No problem,” Arthur answered politely.

Hiking definitely wasn’t high on his list of priorities for his weekend, but he couldn’t leave someone stranded if he could help it. “So, if I am reading this right, I could take this path here,” His finger began to trace the route. “Until it meets up here and loops back to the station. What is that twelve miles?”

“Roughly,” Gil answered as he stared harder at the map. “Depending on how much time is left in the day you could also extend the trek by adding this route to your path. But make that decision when you get there.”

“I see,” Arthur replied as he continued to study the map. “How many hikers have you had through here recently?”

“Not too many, few hike during the week, at least this time of year.” Gil answered. “Though we have gotten two groups that passed through these trails.” He continued as he pointed to the map. “It is why those are low on our priority. These ones here, we can have mountain bikes travel through quite easily. I have two groups coming for that, these ones here though, require too much climbing for a bike to be practical.”

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“Alright, well I have the information I need.” Arthur answered. “If you could get a map, and radio perhaps I will set out.”

“Yes,” Gil answered as he turned in place for a few seconds before he began walking in a direction. “You came far earlier than I expected, so our travel packs weren't ready.”

He opened a cabinet and pulled out a few things before he closed it. “I have a radio, some high nourishment rations,” He continued as he opened a few drawers and continued to pull out items. “A map, satellite transceiver, and what else.” He paused as he looked over the room.

“I think that should cover it,” Arthur answered, not wanting to be bogged down anymore.

“No wait,” Gil answered as his head swiveled back and forth. “ Take these as well,” He said as he rushed to another drawer and pulled out some small silver packs. “Space blankets, it did rain last night, they might be cold.”

“Fine,” Arthur answered as he grabbed the pile Gil had prepared for him and headed to the door.

“Good luck out there,” Gil said, his tone stoic.

Arthur paused in the doorway for a second before he spoke. “You too.”

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