Timberline Trail Read Online Free PDF

search party.”
    “I’m so sorry,” said Tia. “I don’t have phone service here, but do own a short-wave. I should be able to reach Nancy Leukowski who actually owns the Lodge.”
    “I’ d sure be grateful if you could do that madam. How does it work?” He walked over to the short-wave leaning against the far wall, the red light blinking in readiness. Tia picked up the microphone and handed it to him, adjusting the frequency.
    She identified herself, “This is Tia, four double nine; is this Nancy? Over.”
    Nancy ’s tinny voice echoed through the line after the first summons. “Glad to hear from you Tia, we’re bracing for quite a storm here. Is everything alright?”
    “Everything’s geared up just fine for winter. I have someone you need to talk to; his name is Steve Newcastle.” Tia handed the microphone to the tall man.
    “Hello, I’ve been staying at the Timberline Lodge and I seem to be snowed in. My car, the Kia Sorento I rented from Roy’s Gas Station, has died and I’m going to need some service. I’m not quite certain my exact location, but was heading toward the lake to scout out some property. Do you think you could send someone out when the snow stops?”
    “Of course , Mr. Newcastle. We were starting to get worried when you didn’t come back. It’s not a problem,” gushed Nancy Leukowski. “It’s coming down pretty hard and fast so we’ll wait until tomorrow and contact you before sending out someone to repair the car. Now that we know you’re safe, we can relax. May I speak to Tia again?”
    “Of course.” Steve handed the mike back to Tia.
    “Just wanted to let you know he is indeed staying in town. Mr. Newcastle has been checking out some property in the neighborhood for about a week. Rose Carlson directed him to some property near Bear Lake about three miles away from your cabin. We’ll send someone out there tomorrow.”
    “No problem,” replied Tia. “I’ll contact you in the morning. Over and out.” She hung up the handset and turned to Steve with a smile. “Since no one’s now worried about you, I bet you’re feeling better?”
    “Your hospitality and the warmth of this cabin have improved my disposition one hundred percent.” Steve’s cheeks, though still flushed, seemed more relaxed and comfortably warm.
    “Are you hungry? When was the last time you ate?” asked Tia, glancing toward the kitchen.
    “At breakfast. I had three huge flapjacks, a rasher of bacon and two eggs, as well as orange juice. The Timberline Restaurant serves up a hearty breakfast, but I still feel as though I haven’t eaten anything in days.”
    “It’s the cold; it makes you famished. I’ll heat up some chicken soup and oatmeal bread if you’d like.” Steve followed her into the modern kitchen and watched as she opened the golden pine cupboards to remove a soup bowl and plate. The scent of fresh-baked oatmeal bread still hung in the air and he sniffed appreciatively.
    “That smells wonderful, what is it?”
    “My mother’s secret recipe for homemade bread. I made some just this morning so you’ll be getting it fresh. Please sit down.” Tia pointed to the round wooden table with its bright blue-checkered tablecloth and Steve sat down gingerly, easing his large frame into the leather-backed wooden chair.
    “So you’re looking for property around here? This is a mighty remote place for holiday property; I would think you’d prefer a place closer to Juneau or Anchorage.”
    “I admit that sounds like good sense , except for the simple fact I don’t have enough money to buy outside Juneau so I decided to try further north so I could venture into Denali Park and someday try and climb Mt. McKinley if I ever get my hiking legs back.”
    “You better pick your season then,” said Tia. “That mountain can only be accosted in the middle of summer and it’s far t oo late to start planning an expedition now.”
    “Oh no,” Steve raised his hands in protest. “ Next summer is