was created especially for

Michael Jeremy Smith

at the age of 8

With love from

Mom and Dad

June 12, 2002

Title Page

It was "Old Teddy Bear," the hermit,

who told Dad the story of the

mountain's treasure. Now Dad would

pass the story along to Mike. "It's

over that ridge," Dad told Mike.

"We'll have to camp overnight."

Page 3

"We should check our supplies,

Mike. We wouldn't want to forget

anything," said Dad. Mike's

friends, Larry, Wayne, and Billy,

were there to help load the van.

Everyone was very curious about the treasure.

Page 4

There was so much camping gear that

Mike, Larry, Wayne, and Billy had to

get behind Dad and push to make it

all fit. Finally, the van was

packed. Everyone squeezed in, and off

they went. The adventure had begun!

Page 7

It was a long day of traveling, and

the children were tired. The

setting sun stirred the natural

sounds of the forest. After

everyone had made camp, Wayne

studied the map with Mike. "Look,

Mike, we'll go this way."

Page 8

That night, Mike could hear an owl

hooting in the distance. He found it

very difficult to sleep. Everyone

was so excited about the treasure!

The snoring that was coming from Dad

didn't help matters either.

Page 11

Finally, morning came Everyone was

up early and ready to go. "We want to

be sure not to leave any trash

behind, so let's clean up our

campsite," ordered Dad.

"Here is some paper," said Billy,

while ripping it up and stuffing it

into the trash bag. Mike thought

that the paper looked a lot like the

map. No, it couldn't be.

Page 12

"It's a rough trail, and we'll have

to go by horseback," said Dad. "Mike,

stay close to Larry, Wayne and Billy."

"Don't worry, Dad. You can count on

me," said Mike. Dad was glad to have

Mike with them.

Page 15

Up the mountain, the trail became

narrow and winding. Mike was amazed

by the beautiful plant life

surrounding them. Finally, everyone

stopped for lunch.

"Who has the map?" asked Dad.

"Not me," said Mike.

"Not me," said Wayne.

"Not me," said Billy.

"It's gone!" exclaimed Mike. "How

will we ever find the treasure?"

"Hmmm... " said Dad. "Perhaps I can

remember the way."

Page 16

Dad seemed confident about the way to

the treasure. This made Mike feel

better about the lost map. "Let's

catch some fish for lunch!" Dad said.

Mike, Larry, Wayne and Billy cast

their lines into the clear mountain

stream. Mike immediately hooked a

big fish. It was big enough for

everyone to eat.

Page 19

While everyone helped to prepare

dinner, Dad spoke to Mike, Larry,

Wayne and Billy. "When I was a young

cub like you, I met Old Teddy Bear,

the hermit, out here in these very

woods. I'll tell you his story

tonight after dinner." The food was

served, and everyone ate until they

could eat no more.

Page 20

That night, Mike, Larry, Wayne and

Billy gathered around the campfire

with Dad. Speaking very softly, Dad

began to tell the story...

"The old hermit told me of the

mountain's great treasures many years

ago. He said that only the wisest of

all of the bears would discover the

treasure's true value. Tomorrow, we

will travel down the mountain stream."

Page 23

The next morning brought dew and

beautiful singing birds. Mike

smelled the fresh, clean air as they

paddled away in their canoe. Mike

reminded everyone to put on a life jacket.

Page 24

Larry leaned over to get a life

jacket and fell head first into the

cold mountain stream. "Help!" Larry

cried. Everyone was alarmed. Mike

quickly grabbed a life jacket and

threw it out to help Larry swim ashore.

Page 27

Mike helped Larry out of the stream

and onto the grassy bank. Dad put an

arm around Mike. "That was quick

thinking, Mike," said Dad. "I'm very

proud of you. Next time, we'll all

remember to put on our life jackets

before we get in the canoe."

Page 28

Later that day, Dad told everyone to

gather around. "How much farther,

Dad?" asked Mike.

"We are here," Dad remarked, to

everyone's surprise.

"But where's the treasure?" asked Mike.

"Don't you see?" said Dad. "It's all

around us, and it's been here all

along. It's the natural sounds of

the forest. It's in the green trees,

the fresh air, and clean water.

These things are the real treasures

of the mountain."

Page 31

At first, Mike, Larry, Wayne and

Billy were puzzled. Then, Mike

realized what Dad meant! He

envisioned the old hermit telling Dad

that only the wisest of all of the

bears could find the real treasure of

the mountain, and he was right!

Page 32

Mike would always remember this

special camping adventure, and he

would tell all of his friends in Fort

Wayne about his discovery of the real

treasures of the mountain.

Page 35

From that day forward, Mike always

remembered to respect the beauty and

wonder that nature has to offer, and so

should everyone.

Page 36