Sam,Allen, and myself..my name is Charlie..people call me 'Chip" for short.. plus about twelve other people who we did not really know were in a group to hike..doing all that nature stuff we guys like to get into..well this particular day it was really nice..just the type of weather everyone wants especially when they start out on a long trail hike..the three of us had been planning this for a long time.. We were going to hit the Appalachian Trail and starting from down South to end eventually up North..we knew it would take a couple months but hey this was ok too!!! We all met at the Tennessee Carolina line..with back packs full..and all the necessities we needed we took off..with this new modern equipment we had bought over the months was ready for use..and the monies we had spent was considerable considering we bought some of the extra's..but we all wanted to be prepared in case we were stuck someplace due to bad weather..or someone was to get hurt.. There was always a lot of people on trails this time of year..spring weather for hiking was the best..not to hot nor to cold..and you always had way lay stations to stay in if you choose to do so and did not have to worry with just being outside in the nature atmosphere.. This was something I had tried a couple years ago..but slipped on rainy wet leaves..braking an ankle..and knew that was it for me that year..but always did want to come back in full force and try again.. The days went by with no equal candor of thoughts to stop..or wanting to go home..this was what we were prepared for.. There were a couple gals on this leg of the trip..very strong healthy types..and they were always in front..seemed to know where they were going was the only thought I had for the two..they were not really my type..but then I was not looking for companionship anyway from the opposite sex..I had a girl..and a dear she was but she was not into all this..so she would meet me in Maine when we finished..that was always something nice to look forward too.. The first couple weeks went great..we all got along..we would some times eat gathering in a circle around the campfire.. some chose just to be alone by themselves by looking and walking taking in the sites which were around them..and we all gathered at night to put our tents up..or some just used their bed rolls..we always had our routines in mind..and checked often for the correct area's to go to..no problem..at least we thought not.. We were doing well..we were going into the higher Shannandoah Valley area..we had made great time..and did not lag or fuss about going to to fast or to slow..we all wanted to gain time..and do the best we could..the weather in the higher elevations were some cooler than those in the valley but we donned our heavier jackets..and stopping only to rest for a few minutes..or take a personal stop..we continued.. Camping only at dust to rest for the morning continued trail walk...we spoke of when we were to get to Maine..there was news of our trip we heard on the portable radio's we carried..and at the check points we were all given the warm welcome along with wished to continue..and if any danger to make sure we sent out messages out to our sponsors..and those who could help..we had no fear of anything happening..we all were experienced in hiking.. Now we have been out here in this wilderness for over a month..weather is bearable at times..but now there is the Spring rains and this can slow one day and hamper our choices to stop..or continue..an emergency has risen..one of the men in our larger group has disappeared..we did not notice exactly where only knowing those last to see him knew he was in the back of our line..sone walk two by two..then the trails that grow smaller we go one by one..well Dan is missing..we have looked neither finding any thing to even say he was with us..another day has gone by we all worry for Dan...maybe he chose to do in a different direction but this would not seem feasible under the circumstances..now there are two more missing..it's as though they just go 'poof' and are gone leaving no trace to anything logical deception.. now it has gotten down to where there only are the three of us..Allen..Sam and myself..we are nervous..concerned and scared half out our wits..but we don't leave each other's side for anything..and have even gone so far as to tie a rope to each connected us together like the wondrous umbilical cord..if one goes where ever we all go.. We are nearing out main point now to shelter..and have elected not to stay out in the open..all know of the story's we have relayed to those we need to tell..and not on entering the shelter..there are reporters..and police protection if needed..we have chosen to go on..although we will be watched and monitored..we still have no idea what has happen to the rest of the group..but we are not going back..the thought is dangerous in thinking what could have or may have happened to them.. Sam is leading the way I am between Sam and Allen and we are not more than a couple feet away each taking the exact steps as our predecessor..Sam is stopping and seeing a bright light he is saying what is that up ahead..I can see it too..so does Allen..we have not moved and are wonder could this be some light from a search light or what..it is getting a little later now..although it is not dust yet..and as we walk a little closer we are where....there are all those we had lost..and they rush towards us..all trying to talk at once..we are some where but no where..looking around the land is near the same from whence we came..in the distance there is a beautiful palace shinning in the evening light..fresh gardens..smells from fantastic aroma's from every flower you can imagine..but where are we..I keep asking..no one seems to listen..they are all so glad to see us..again I ask..where is this place..how did we get here..looking up above I see..no that cannot be..but yes it is..there are 3 moon's coming into view..this is not Earth..which planet has 3 moon's I can't believe this..I am just to overwhelmed..have to think straight..what has happened here is utter shock..I am here but where!!!!
By Kyusha��2000
