So here we are, up in the mountains. We’re seeing some nani scenery, which includes forests, Christmas tree farms, and views of the valley below. But suddenly, I think we might have a teensy problem. The wonderful highway suddenly turns to a gravel road!  Ack!  No matter.  We’re Lewis and Clark, right?  We have lots of water, gasoline and a spirit of adventure. At least I do.  I begin to see just the slightest bit of hesitation on Nolemana’s face, but he bravely faces the road ahead.  I’m driving… he doesn’t have a whole lot of choice at this point, heh heh.

The Google map still shows the road connects to one going to Carlton. We decide to keep going. 

I kinda feel like we’re at the top of the world!

I feel a little silly, but I decide to call Julie (I am amazed that my cell phone works ‘way up here).

Julie:  “Hello?”

Me: “Hey there… I just wanted to call and let someone know where we were last, in case we don’t show up at the end of the day.  That way you can tell the Search and Rescue where we were when you last heard from us!”

Julie: “Um, Mokihana, just where are you?”

Me: “Well, we’re on Rock Creek Road, ‘way above Sheridan.  The road just turned to gravel, and even though Google shows that we’ll eventually get to Carlton, we really are out in daboonies”.

Julie:  “Okay, then.  Let me know when you’re back in civilization.  If you’re not back by dark, I’ll send the posse after you”.

Me:  “K’den, a hui hou”.

Cell phone: “Static… static… static….”

I think this is about dabooniest place I’ve been in a long, long time.  I am still loving the drive, but I get a tiny flick of “Deliverance”.  It’s absolutely deserted here.

Umm… I might be getting small kine nervous.

Clear-cutting.  The scourge of timber country.

But then we emerge into sunlight again!

Clear-cutting really does mar the landscape.

Sad.

It feels like we’re driving into nowhere.  But the Google map is accurate as to direction.  So far.

“It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor, would you be mine?  Could you be mine?”

Well, maybe you could if there were any neighbors around!

Umm… Houston, I think we have a problem!  We have reached the end of Rock Creek Road!  Now what?

Pau Part Six.  Stay tuned for Part Seven, in which we learn that it wasn’t Deliverance after all!