Chapter 10

The morning sun was brilliant and warm as they started off on their hike. They had eaten a filling, yet light breakfast to give them the energy they would need till lunch. They each carried back packs filled with various supplies from water, food, first aid supplies, rope, etc. A.J. had in her sack three Polaroid cameras that she was going to surprise them with when they arrived at the first larger waterfall.

The trail itself was an easy one that anyone could walk along. What made it more interesting was that if a hiker wanted to make if more challenging, they could crawl around behind some of the higher waterfalls and look out while no one on the trail side could see in. Most people wouldn't even notice that it was even possible to do that. In either case although it was a easier trail hikers still had to be cautious, many of the waterfalls were located right up against the walking path itself, making the ground soft and mossy.

The positive ions that were created by the water crashing down on the rocks was intoxicating, so purifying. If anyone were to put their face up close to the cascading water, they would be breathing almost pure oxygen. The temperature was hot enough that the mist floating off of them was refreshing.

Taking in the scenery was an easy task to do for all of the women. The city seemed more like a million miles away, instead of just the northern end of LA County. Several bird species were singing their hearts out, apparently just as content with the weather as they were.

As they approached the first waterfall, A.J took off her pack and crouched down to unzip it. Since they had already walked a several miles both to get there and on the trail itself, they sat down on some of the larger rocks; curious to see what Wolfie was doing. To their surprise she unveiled the three cameras.

"So I thought that we could make this a little interesting. There is only one worn path around the falls, all the way to the end of it. That got me to thinking that maybe you guys would be interested in a little contest. We can split up into to teams of two; each team gets a camera." She pulled out three packets containing photos of several different animals and plants, along with additional film cartridges and bulbs.

"Why on earth would you buy three of these cameras?" Emily asked, after all they weren't exactly an inexpensive item. Then the cost of the bulbs and film would have added up as well.

"Oh, I didn't. You see one of the patients that Brice and I had a few months back owned a camera store, where he also developed his own film. Anyway, we got a call for a sick person. When we got there several of his 'loyal' customers were trying to walk out with some of his merchandise. Brice managed to hold most of them at bay until a cop got there a couple of minutes later. He was having a heart attack, so got Rampart on the line and began treating him. After wards he was so thankful that he gave us both two cameras and boxes of bulbs and film. The other one I already had."

"Wow, that was extremely generous of him!" remarked Alice.

"We politely refused to take the stuff, explaining to him why we couldn't. Well apparently he felt so strongly about it that he called Headquarters and spoke to one of the higher ups. We got a call at the station giving us permission to accept the gifts!" Wolfie grinned.

"What's the contest?" Sandy was wondering.

"Well, each team get these envelopes. They contain photos of different animals and plants and a list with all of the names of each one on it. Each team will hike the trail and take pictures of each plant and animal that they can find. We'll all meet at the end of the trail, whoever has the most identifications can doesn't have do any of the cleanup when we pack everything up in a couple of days. How does that sound?"

"I'm game!" Joanne spoke up as the others nodded in agreement. "How are we going to pair up?"

"I think we are all grown ups here!" Dixie said sounding like a stuffing school teacher. "Why don't we just pick partners? Sandy would you like to be my friend?" This time she raised her tone to sound like a little kindergartner.

"Well alright then, I wanna be with Joanne!" Emily darted over and grabbed her by the arm, laughing.

"Then I guess it's just you and me, Alice!" Wolfie smiled.

Alice looked uneasy for just a brief moment than laughed and said, "I think I lucked out! My buddy has spent more time among the trees that inside a house!" She glanced at A.J. hoping she didn't offend her by her assumption.

"Wow! How you guess that? You know you're probably right, especially in the summertime! We always worked outside, and then had family fun outside most of the time as well." A.J. carried a plenitude of happy memories when it came to her family.

Gathering up the rest of their supplies and donning their back packs once again, the friends headed down the trail, leaving several minutes behind each other. Wolfie had come up with the idea and had hoped to get Alice as a partner for the day. She was eager to get to know the woman better; there was a sadness about her that concerned A.J. She had a feeling that if she were one on one with her that maybe she would open up easier and just maybe she could help her.