Chapter Four: Tejas

Because cars were not allowed into the actual camping areas, Cody had to lug his fifty pound foot locker (a chest for camping) all the way to Tejas. Luckily, it was one of the closer campsites to the parking lot, so the walk was not that bad.

In the campsite, he saw that he would be staying the big, green, canvas tents that were standard for all Boy Scout summer camps. Pros, he did not have to set up or take down a tent during the heat of the day. Cons, the canvas worked like an oven, so the inside of the tent was always ten degrees hotter than the rest of the world.

Because he was the first one there, he did not have to fight anyone for the best tent. It was always in the shade, no matter what time of day, and got the best breeze. It was also closest to the latrine, and there was a picnic table directly in front of it. Perfect. He dropped his stuff in the tent and began changing into basketball shorts and an Under Armor t-shirt. If I'm going to walk, I'm going to do everything to stay cool.

Just before he went to find the Grayson Trail (he found it, so he named it), he called Mr. Mathewson, who did not pick up. He left a message, saying check in went fine and the staff was understanding of the situation. As he clicked off the phone, he noticed something that caused a shiver to run down his spine. There was a raven perched on the picnic table. He could have sworn it was looking directly at him. Just nerves. That's all. But....what do I have to be nervous about? Casting one more glance at the motionless bird, Cody turned and walked briskly towards his network of trails.

His trek took him past the line of tents, which was directly in front of a massive drop off. With ease, Cody vaulted himself over and kept walking. Up ahead, he saw the fork that either led to the waterfront or to, what he called, Snake Valley. THAT trail was small, hard to follow, and had two deep creek beds on either side that were infested with copperheads. Even Cody was cautious when walking there.

For the sake of safety, he went right, towards the waterfront. However, a few yards in, he saw a sign that read, "Do NOT use this path. A massive outbreak of poison oak has spread way out of control. DO NOT ENTER!"

Again, and hopefully for the last time, Cody Sighed with disappointment. This left Snake Valley, which still made him nervous. He did NOT want to go back to camp to sit in his burning oven of a tent, or even take a chance that the raven might still be there.