Fred Flintstone didn't have enough adventure in his life, and he certainly wasn't in any mood to slow down. He was still working for Mr. Slate and had recently retired as Grand Poobah of the Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes after serving for nearly fifteen years; but with Pebbles now married to Bamm-Bamm in Hollyrock and Barney Rubble in a condominium cave in downtown Bedrock™, Fred was suffering from greater boredom than ever. Even with his saber-toothed tiger now dead – a great relief to Fred since he no longer had to wake up all of Bedrock™ just to get back in the house – Fred was still unhappy. That all changed when Fred was about to leave work one Friday evening.

As usual, Mr. Limestone, the foreman, yanked the bird's tail, signalling the end of the work day. "YABBA-DABBA-DOO™!" cried Fred. "Time to get home to Wilma and Dino!"

Before he could leave, however, Barney came up to him. "Gee, Fred," said Barney. "I thought we should move back near you guys."

"I was thinking the same thing, Barney," said Fred. "Wilma and I are both rather sad without you around."

Just before they left, Fred stumbled upon something and fell to the ground. He was not badly hurt – only that he felt a slight pain in his knee – and he picked up what he tripped over. "It's a treasure map!" exclaimed Barney before noticing some words in a language that he didn't understand. "What on earth does 'Petraurus' mean, Fred?"

"I have never heard such a word, Barney," replied Fred, "but I certainly remember studying Latin in high school. It must translate to Goldrock or something."

"This is it, Fred!" shouted Barney. "This is a literally golden opportunity!"

"YABBA-DABBA-DOO™!" cried Fred, and they were off.

At home, Wilma was surprised. "Oh, Barney!" she said. "We miss you so much. How is your new condo?"

"You know, Wilma," replied Barney, "things aren't doing so well. Betty's disappointed about being without you, but we don't have enough money at this point to move back."

"You're always welcome here, Barney," said Fred, "and I don't care if I get cranky when you're around. Now who's up for bronto ribs tonight?"

"I've got them in the oven already," said Wilma. "They'll be ready in about twenty-five minutes."

Just then, Betty knocked on the door. Fred opened it for her.

"Fred, have you seen Barney?" she asked.

"Oh, of course, Betty," replied Fred. "He's always in good company around Fred Flintstone. Come and dine with us. We've got broiled brontosaurus ribs for you."

"I'd like to, Fred," said Betty, "but I already have cœlacanth over at our place. Maybe some other time we can."

"Oh, well," sighed Barney. "I'll catch you later, Fred."

Fred waved goodbye to his former neighbours and prepared for dinner. Things were quiet without Pebbles, and even Dino, still rather energetic, had lost some of his prior livelihood. Over a little quiet Marlieri – Wilma and Betty preferred classical music where Fred and Barney enjoyed straight-up rock – he showed the map to Wilma.

"You're going on a treasure hunt?" she asked. "Take great care, Fred."

"Relax, Wilma," said Fred. "I'd love a great adventure for treasure. If you hadn't pestered us the last time Barney and I went treasure hunting, you wouldn't have been so furious."

"Do you know when you're starting?" asked Wilma, completely oblivious to the search for the Treasure of Sierra Madrock that Fred had gone on.

"First thing tomorrow," said Fred. "I'll meet him at the Shale Station near his house."

Fred and Wilma took care of their dinner, then had a quiet night in, watching The Dinosaur that Came from Outer Space. This was one of Fred's favourite sci-fi films, and Wilma remembered seeing it on one of their first dates.

Late that night, something happened while Fred was fast asleep that altered the course of his adventure forever…