Free Journal of a Lifetime (Journals of Love) by Lisa M. Wolfe

beautiful since it’s been cleaned in an effort to eliminate the garbage-seeking bears that used to gather there.”
    Lindsey wished she could have Nana’s journal out in front of her, but knew that the words she heard were what were written down.
    “We begin near Bankhead, which was an old coal mining town. The lake is 466 feet deep and contains many trout and white fish. As we travel along, look for the bears and big horned sheep that will be out in search of food.
    “The glacier in the lake reflects green instead of the usual blue. I’m sure you noticed the different color. The beaches you see are actually what we call false beaches. The water level is low, but it rises when the mountain snow melts.”
    Lindsey heard the guide reciting facts about possible avalanches and how far above sea level they were, but she couldn’t concentrate on what was said. Steve sat on one side of her and Don on the other, and she was beginning to feel like a third wheel. Don seemed so threatened by her presence.
    Steve pointed out the incredible forest along the banks of the lake. “There was a controlled fire here in 1987. The seeds expelled at the high heat, which resulted in this beautiful growth.”
    Don jumped right in, not wanting to be topped. “It’s almost eighty-six percent pollution free here, and the air is completely replenished every seven years. The mountains and the trees are able to maintain this high quality for us.”
    The woman’s voice broke in over the loudspeaker. “Eagles mate for life. They have two eggs every two years. Unfortunately, they only feed one of the babies.”
    “That’s terrible,” Lindsey said. “I never knew that about eagles. No wonder they’re in danger of extinction. They’re bringing it on themselves.” She shuddered at the thought of not taking care of one of the babies.
    Steve leaned in toward her. “That’s not the worst part. What the guide failed to mention is that the father eats the other baby,” he finished with disgust.
    Lindsey didn’t have a chance to respond, as Don took that moment to place his hand on her knee. She jerked her knee away in response and bumped shoulders with Steve, the surprise nearly knocking him out of his seat.
    “Oh . . . I’m sorry, Steve.”
    “I didn’t mean to upset you Lindsey,” Don said. “I only wanted to point out the climbers on Devil’s Gap.”
    “I don’t see anything.” Lindsey tried to pretend she wasn’t shaken.
    Steve took her hand into his and pointed towards the crag. “Do you see those small dots of color?” he asked.
    “Sure.”
    “Those are the climber’s helmets,” he told her.
    “They look so small!” She was surprised.
    The female voice broke in again. “Devil’s Gap is coming up. It is a path carved through the Rockies by a glacier. It is a known gathering for climbers in both the summer and the winter.”
    At that moment, Lindsey heard a wolf howling. The sound carried over the water and she couldn’t tell from which direction it was coming.
    “I think it’s up ahead at the dam,” Don said in response to her unasked question. “We’ll be turning around in a moment to head back.” He stood up to stretch. “I’m going below for a drink. Would you all like me to bring you something?”
    “No. I’m fine for now. Thanks,” Lindsey responded.
    “I’m good too, partner. Thanks.”
    Steve was grateful to be getting time alone with Lindsey, and turned to her after Don walked away. “I’ve been thinking about you since last night,” he admitted.
    Lindsey was still a little bristly at the thought that Steve had been out partying all night. She didn’t think he was that type of guy. “I didn’t think you’d have much time with all the partying you were doing.”
    “What are you talking about?” He pulled back and looked at her.
    “Don told me you were out all night at a party for a friend, and that’s why you were late this morning.”
    Steve was shocked. He wondered why Don would lie.