Mike Stratton pulled over and stopped the car at the top of the rise. The valley below was still as beautiful as it was the first time he and his two friends, Scot and Reddy, saw so many years ago. It was the summer after they graduated from high school. They had taken a trip up California's Highway 49, California's famous Mother Lode Highway. Their trip ended in this beautiful valley. They camped, fished and even met several of the friendly people living in the small village. Jeff knew someday he would come back there to live. Now he had returned, hopefully to fulfill his dream.