Race to Snow Mountain

It was a cold, blustery winter's day.  The type of day that keeps everyone in doors except for the truly hardened, and of course, denizens of the snowy arctic.  It was a day in which two adventurers, with ice in their veins and steel in their hearts, braved the elements and wild inhabitants alike to embark on a quest of the upmost importance.

Shoveling the driveway.

With food sparse, and baby formula all but gone, the two heroes set out into the frozen tundra of Chelmsford to conquer the elements in the name of family and survival.  The small crew consisted of a seasoned veteran of many winters and an upstart rookie on his first professional expedition.  While the veteran brought experience and expertise to the team, the rookie brings more subtle (but just as important) contributions in the form of enthusiasm and inspiration.

After a hearty breakfast, and gearing up from head to toe to combat winter's chill, the brave pair was ready to tackle their task.

Even though the youth pushed most of his snow back onto the areas just cleared by his elder, progress was achieved...eventually.  High winds and single digit temperatures were no match for this team, and in no time at all the driveway was clear and it was time for our weary duo to find warmth.  But unbeknownst to our adventurers, a creature of winter waited in ambush on the trail home.

Thankfully, the sharp eyes of the rookie spotted the animal with not a moment to spare and cried out in alarm.  Quickly, the two made a mad dash for a nearby snow fort.  "It's an Abominable Snow Hound," yelled the young one breathlessly as they reached safety. 

"We'll be safe here," said the veteran. "These snow hounds are not smart and easily distracted by small, furry animals."  Unfortunately, this particular creature was hungry and determined, and the faint sound of scuffling snow alterted the veteran to the folly of his words as he realized what was happening.  The hound had begun burrowing under one of the snow fort's walls.

Thinking quick, the adventurers sprang to the emergency escape slide and raced across the open tundra before the creature knew what was happening.  The only problem was, if nothing else, snow hounds have a sharp sense of smell and it wasn't long before it picked up their scent, abandoned the fort, and took up the chase across the icy plains.  That is, right after it paused briefly to leave a mark on the snow fort to let others know this was now its territory.

"We have only one choice left," wailed the veteran nearly out of breath. "Make a run for Snow Mountain!"  With that, the chase was on. 

The heroes just barely made it to Snow Drift Stairs ahead of the hound, and began their ascent to safety hoping to gain ground on terrain where two legs were surely better than four.  At the top of the stairs they reached a plateau and quickly started the long climb up the side of Snow Mountain.  The Abominable Snow Hound was just now reaching the top of the stairs and would soon begin to regain what little time the pair had gained.

Both adventurers knew that at the top of Snow Mountain was a rarely used snow fort called the Crow's Nest.  Mainly used by travelers caught on the mountain by unexpected storms, this fort was built to withstand the most extreme elements and the hardiest denizens.  They would be safe if they could only reach their destination.

With only a few hundred more feet to safety, the rookie lost his footing and fell, slowly sliding back down the mountain side.  The hound saw this misstep and picked up the pace, his animal instincts realizing its prey was in trouble. 

"Grab my hand!" yelled the veteran as he extended his arm to his partner. 

Stretching and straining with all his might, the young one reached out his hand and just barely clasped the outstretched hand of his rescuer.  With everything he had, the experienced mountain explorer dug in his heels and pulled his friend back up the mountain and back to his feet. 

They resumed their dash to the Crow's Nest with whatever energy they had left and once again just barely reached their destination ahead of the hound.  As they crashed to the ground of safety, trying to catch their breath, they heard a long, low howl from outside bemoaning the loss of the chase.

"We did it," exclaimed the rookie, and both explorers dropped their heads in exhaustion and took a well deserved rest while they waited for the hound to retreat.

Later that evening, upon returning home to report the news of success and tale of adventure to their boss, the two shared a knowing look.

"You did great today buddy."

"Thanks.  I had fun Daddy."