All characters are being used without permission. There is no profit being made from the use of these characters. This is for entertainment purposes only. Any reference to other characters is fiction. Locations mentioned with the exception of Lake Placid, Albany, and LA is fiction. Mention of the Iroquois Indians is based on respect. Reference to their language is fiction and without research.

While packing up from the hotel room in New York City, Hutch received a phone call. It was the airlines. They had found his luggage.

"See. The minute we're due to leave this personal venture through hell, our luck changes," Hutch said as he hung up the phone.

"Oh please cut the dramatics will ya? Personal venture through hell. It wasn't that bad," Starsky replied as he began to laugh. "Of course, my favorite memory of this whole thing is..."

Hutch put up a warning finger and gave a very serious look, "Don't you dare. I mean it. Not a word. Not here and especially not back home!"

Starsky gave a devilish laugh and a 'tee-hee' as he strutted around the room picking up his sunglasses. He closed his duffle bag holding a smile the whole time.

Hutch looked at him with desperate eyes. "Please Starsk. I'm begging. Promise me okay?"

Starsky nodded and tried to look serious. "I promise buddy. No really I do. Not a word." Starsky imitated zippering his mouth shut. "Of course, in return, I will need something to... well... inspire me."

Hutch sat heavily on the edge of the bed. He shook his head. "Like what?"

"No more insults about my car. No more 'striped red tomato' comments. AND no trying to get me to drink those disgusting health drinks."

"Fine. What ever. Just don't bring the whole fire drill run for your life..." Hutch imitated Starsky. "No time to get dressed. We're on the tenth floor. Memory up again... ever!"

Starsky held up two fingers. "Scouts honor pal."

"You were never a scout!" Hutch replied as he snapped his suitcase closed.

Both men went to the lobby to check out. Hutch wore his sunglasses and kept his head down the whole time. Starsky took him by the arm and led him outside to a waiting cab.

They told the driver to take them to JFK airport. The plan was to retrieve Hutch's missing bags and then rent a car for their next adventure... a trip to the Adirondacks in upstate New York.

After securing a 1980 red Jeep for their impeding camping trip, they both set off and, much to Hutch's delight, away from the city. Starsky sat in the passenger seat wearing faded jeans and a white pullover. He looked very relaxed as he rested his left arm along the seat and looked out the window.

"You do know the way right?" he asked Hutch.

Hutch looked equally relaxed in his newer blue jeans and light green button shirt. His blond hair shined as the wind from his window gently tossed it around.

Hutch smiled. "Yeah. Got the map right here. It'll take about five hours. We'll go past Albany. Then on to Lake Placid. About an hour past that and we'll be there. Sit back and relax. So far, thank all that's holy, we've had no problems since leaving you're home town."

"Well. I had a good time partner. Seeing my mom and Nick, the food, the streets, the hustle, the..." Starsky began.

"The old girlfriend. The store you robbed. Officer Brennan who I'm sure will miss us so much. And let's not forget the taxi rides, the fire hydrant, our friend Stan and his buddy and, oh yeah, the visit from Mickey's friend or should I say Willard the Rat!"

"Wake me when we get there," Starsky said acting annoyed. He tipped his sunglasses down his noise and rested his head against the seat.

The trip itself was long but uneventful. They stopped for gas, ate, talked about prior cases they worked on. Commented on news stories from the radio and waved as a convertible of four young ladies passed them, smiled and honked.

Finally the sign for Hadley just north of Lake Placid. The cabin they had rented for the week was ten miles further from the last town.

"Better stop here and get supplies," Hutch said as he pulled in to a rustic looking weathered wood building with the sign Hadley General Store.

"Supplies huh? Okay Ranger Hutchinson. This is your tour of duty. Just tell me one thing. What the hell is that smell?" Starsky said as he got of the car and stretched.

Hutch laughed. "That dear boy, oh nature illiterate one is pine. As in pine trees. As in no smog, no pollution."

Starsky rolled his eyes. "Oh brother. Five days of this with you. How did I get so lucky? Mom, I found a Forest Ranger and I think he loves me!"

"Starsky?"

"Yeah?"

"Shut up."

They walked in the store as the bell above the door rang quietly. Starsky eyed his surroundings. Bottles of various shapes and sizes of maple syrup. Cans of maple syrup. Jugs large and small all with maple syrup.

"Hey Hutch?" Starsky called from across the store. "Think they got any maple syrup?"

"I don't know partner. Why don't you ask," Hutch replied sarcastically.

An older man came out from the back of the store. He had on wire rimmed glasses and a yellow, orange, red fishing hat with various hooks and tackle pined to it. Wearing a brown plaid shirt and boot cut jeans, he smiled at the two men. He had a days worth of facial hair that matched his salt and pepper thinning hair on his head.

"Can I help you fellas?" he asked with a warm and friendly smile.

"Ah yeah. We rented a place about ten miles north from here and could use some supplies," Hutch said as Starsky walked slowly around the store.

Starsky was intrigued with a wooden wind mill he found. It was a wood carving of a man holding a fishing pole. The carving was supposed to react to the wind. When the wind blew, the fishing pole would go up and down. Starsky amused himself by blowing as hard as he could to simulate the wind. When the pole didn't react fast enough to his "imitation wind", Starsky pushed and pulled on the pole and watched the man's arm go up and down within seconds.

Hutch and the older man gathered the items that Hutch thought they would need. Can goods of soup, beans, vegetables, box matches, milk, box of pancake mix, bread, eggs, bacon, hot dogs, all the ingredients for a stew, nuts, fruit, beer, wine, and cheese.

Starsky threw in chips, cookies and root beer. "Did you get maple syrup?" he asked. "I'm sure they have some."

Hutch kicked him on the shin as they stood next to each other on the other side of the counter. The older man rang up their items. "Where you boys say you were staying?" he asked.

"About ten miles from here. On Osaugwa Lake," Hutch replied.

"Oh yeah. Nice place. Secluded out there. Be careful of the black bears. Been having trouble with them ever since the developers have come here," the man said as he placed the various items in a cardboard box.

"Black bears?" Starsky asked with concern.

"Why sure. Areas known for them. Never much problem. Don't bother them and they won't bother you. Just don't leave any food outside or keep the garbage can out at night," the man explained.

"Right. Okay, well. No food out got it," Starsky said as he eyed Hutch.

"Pretty lake. Lots of bass and trout. Got fishing gear?' the man asked.

"Sure do," Hutch said proudly.

"Indians call that area Winatalquma," the man stated.

"Winatalkwhata?" Starsky asked.

"It means Sleeping Snakes. Lots of snakes along there," the man said.

"Snakes? As in... snakes?" Starsky said with alarm.

"Yep. You got a snake bite kit?" the man asked.

"No. Hutch? We got a snake bite kit?" Starsky said, his blue eyes large.

"No. We'll be fine," Hutch said shrugging off Starsky's apparent concern.

"I got one right here," the man said as he handed Starsky a brown metal case with the words Snake Bite Kit. "Got everything you'll need. It being so secluded up there and all."

"Let's get the snake bite kit," Starsky said seriously.

"Starsk, we don't need it," Hutch replied.

"Hutch. Let's get the snake bite kit," Starsky answered back. With a nervous chuckle, he handed it to the man to ring up.

"Oh for crying out loud Starsky..." Hutch started to say.

Starsky held his nervous smile. Crooked and bright, he giggled. "We'll take the snake bite kit."

"Fine. Get the snake bite kit," Hutch said shaking his head.

Both men left the store with arms full. Carrying two large card board boxes with items and returning to the store once again for two more, they packed up the jeep and headed off.

"Snake bite kit. Gees Starsk, he was playing you," Hutch said as he headed north.

"Maybe. Better to be prepared than sorry," Starsky said as he examined the contents of the kit.

"Always be prepared. Maybe you were a boy scout in another life. But Starsk, did you happen to notice the dust built up on that kit? What's the expiration date of the stuff in there? Don't use after 1955?" Hutch laughed.

"This stuff doesn't go bad," Starsky said defensively.

"Yeah right. Just do me a favor. Read the instructions. The part that says to cut the wound where the snake bite is. See it?" Hutch asked as he drove over a bump in the road.

"Yeah. I'm reading it," Starsky replied.

"See the part where it says to suck out the venom? Then you spit?"

"Yeah. Suck out the victim's blood at site of wound. Spit out venom."

"They changed that about two years ago," Hutch said.

"They did?" Starsky said looking over the instructions for a date.

"Yeah. The American Medical Society. They want you to swallow the venom now," Hutch said trying hard to keep a serious expression.

"They do?" Starsky asked still looking for a date.

"Oh yeah. That way, if the victim had any doubts he was bite or what kind of snake it was, the autopsy on the rescuer will give the doctors all the information they need." Hutch burst out laughing.

"You are really an ass, you know that?" Starsky refolded the paper instructions and put them back in the kit.

They pulled down a dirt road lined with pine trees and bushes. The cabin sat back from the small gravel path to park on.

The cabin was small and cozy. It was all natural pine logs with a covered front porch that held two wooden brown rockers and a four by four brown wooden table.

Fire wood was piled six feet high on the right side of the cabin. A fire pit was next to that with a blackened metal grill to barbeque on.

Inside, the cabin had lots of natural light filtering in through the windows. A small room with a couch and two more rockers, a wooden coffee table and end table, a stone fireplace and two lamps completed the front room.

In the corner was a small kitchen area with a table, four chairs, counter space and cabinets. The kitchen offered an upright refrigerator/freezer, a gas stove and oven and a toaster on the counter. Dishes and silverware were in a hutch along the wall. Pots and pans were under the counter.

The bedroom was to the right of the door. It had a dresser with mirror, a small closet with wire hangers and a shelf with extra pillows and blankets. Bunk beds were on the left of the room against the wall. A window was located in the center of the opposite wall.

The bathroom was also small with a sink, toilet, and stand up shower. It was big enough to take care of business. Towels were hanging on the wall and a small counter by the sink offered a place to put personal items.

The cabin came complete with two flashlights, a battery radio, an emergency first aid kit, some old paperback novels, fresh sheets, dish soap, and hot and cold water. There was a broom and dust pan to clean the hard wood floors. A throw rug was by the front door and under the couch. It was very basic and very simple much to Hutch's delight and much to Starsky's lack of delight.

"Where's the TV? Where's the phone?" Starsky asked as he looked around.

"This is it partner. What you see is all there is," Hutch said with a huge grin. His soft blue eyes danced.

Starsky placed his hands on his hips and shook his head. With a sigh he asked, "Okay Ranger Man, what's next?"

"We bring in the stuff," Hutch said as he walked past Starsky to go outside.

Hutch stood on the porch. He took in a deep breath. "Smell that clean fresh air. Man, now this is living. Look around Starsky. Isn't it beautiful? The mountains, the green trees. The peace and quiet. No humans for miles and miles. Just us and nature. Listen. Hear that? Those are birds. Real live birds."

Starsky pulled the boxes from the jeep. "Yeah. Yeah. Sure. Smells great. Sounds great. Yeah nice big hill over there. Great tree. When do we eat? I'm starved."

"Let's unload the jeep and then go see the lake. It's down that path. Then we'll fix dinner," Hutch said.

They unpacked the groceries and put away the things they brought. Hutch had binoculars in his suitcase and strapped them around his neck.

"Bring your camera," he said to Starsky.

They left the cabin and headed for the path in the woods. About two hundred feet later, they were face to face with the lake.

"Look at that!" Hutch said with excitement.

The lake was beautiful. Even Starsky had to admit it. The water was a soft blue and the sun light danced across it making it look like glass.

"Look over there," Hutch said as he pointed. He saw a flock of geese swimming in the water. Every now and then they pocked their heads down in the water and brought their breaks up dripping with water and food.

"There's the row boat," Hutch said as he went over to investigate the wooden boat. It was flipped upside down on the bank and had two oars.

"How do ya drive it? There's no motor," Starsky observed.

Hutch chuckled. "You row it buddy. Get it... row boat." Hutch tapped on the wooden bottom. "Seems sound. Help me turn it over will ya?" he asked Starsky.

As both men lifted the boat, a family of brown field mice ran out from under.

"Holy shit," Starsky shouted out as he dropped his half of the boat.

"Oh for God sake Starsky. They're just mice," Hutch replied still holding up his end of the boat.

"Oh sure. Here they're just mice. In New York they were rats!"

"Here they're country mice. They belong here."

"Ya know Hutch. I never thought you were the type to be prejudice." ~Ah choo.~ Starsky let out a loud sneeze.

"Bless you," Hutch said. "Let's take a ride."

"Now? Here?" Starsky said as he sneezed again.

"Yeah now. Here. Where else?"

"I thought we were gonna eat first?" Starsky said with his little boy look.

"Eat. Is that all you think about?" Hutch asked as he pushed the boat to the water.

"Well... yeah. Especially when I'm hungry," Starsky said giving Hutch a hand pushing the boat.

"We'll just row the boat for a little ways. Then we'll eat."

The boat was in the water rocking back and forth. Starsky examined it like a science project.

"How the hell do ya get in it?" he asked moving his head with the bobbing of the boat.

"You climb in like this," Hutch demonstrated. "Just don't stand up once you're in."

"Oh terrific. Whata I do? Crawl in?"

"Just step over here to the side. Now put one foot in... hold the sides for crying out loud. Bring in your other leg... now sit." Hutch hold on to both sides of the off balanced boat to steady it as he sat in the center.

Starsky barely made it in with out falling over. He sat at the front end afraid to move.

Hutch handed him an oar. "Put this in that ring. Now put this in that ring. I'll row. Sit back and take in the view. Take some pictures."

"Ah... I left the camera on the land over there where the boat was," he said pointing backwards.

"Nice. Real nice. Well... we got time for pictures later," Hutch was in a good mood. He was at home in his heart. Just as Starsky had been in New York, Hutch felt the same about the woods and nature. He loved the sun light. He loved the fresh breeze. He was comfortable in this environment. He really enjoyed sharing it all with his best friend. Even though Starsky acted like he hated it, Hutch knew it was just Starsky being Starsky. Playful in his comments. Playful in his innocents of the outdoors. Both men enjoyed being together and sharing their time, their thoughts, and their friendship.

Before leaving for their vacation. Hutch had spoken to Dr. Lee too about Starsky. Dr. Lee had asked Hutch if he had any concerns, any thoughts about Starsky going back to work, resuming his position as his partner. Hutch confined that he did.

"I want Starsky back to work as much as he wants it. He's the best partner any one could ever have. I trust him with my life. I just worry about what the stress will do to him. He's not the type to get all emotional. He likes to play it tough. But I worry that the stress will get to him. He's been through so much. So much pain. We have to face scum balls all the time. Murders, rapists, kidnappers, people who use and hurt others like it's nothing. Can Starsky really put everything that happened behind him? Can he handle it if someone tried to hurt me?"

Dr. Lee was not surprised. Just as he hadn't been surprised that Starsky worried about Hutch. Now Hutch was worried about Starsky. In all his life, Dr. Lee never remembered having a friend as close as these two men were. It was the biggest regret of his life.

"Have you spoken to Starsky?" Lee asked. He had begun to occasionally call the men by their last names as they did with each other. He recognized it more as a term of endearment that they shared with each other than as indifference or formality as some men use it. Dr. Lee wanted very much to be considered a friend too and to be a part of their inner circle.

"No. I know what he'll say. That he can handle anything. He's probably more worried that I'll mother hen him. I bet he'll think that I'll be too busy looking out for him and forget about myself."

Dr. Lee smiled at that. As usual, Hutch knew his friend inside and out. "Well, just go and have a good time. There will be time to talk about all of this later."

Hutch agreed. He and Starsky needed some down time badly. They needed to just put up their feet and sit back for a while. That was just what Hutch planned to do with his best friend. Relax, enjoy the scenery and have some quiet time.

"Hutch?" Starsky called out. "Ah... Hutch," Starsky said again looking down at his feet. There was about four inches of water in the boat. "Is this suppose to happen?"

Hutch looked down and noted the water rapidly filling the boat. They were about fifty feet from shore.

"Ah... no. Not usually," Hutch said trying to remain calm.

The water was coming in quickly. The shoes on both men were covered with water as the level moved up to their ankles.

Starsky lifted his feet up. He felt ridiculous sitting with his knees bent to his chest. "You turning this around?" he asked nervously.

"Working on it," Hutch said as he grunted turning the left oar in the water while holding up the right one.

"Hutch. Ah, it's really coming in here. How it's coming where you are?" Starsky asked holding both sides of the boat while balancing his legs and trying to stay in the middle.

"Not... to... bad," Hutch puffed.

"Hutch. I think we're sinking. No... wait... I'm SURE we're sinking."

"Now who's being dramatic? We'll make it back." Hutch got the boat turned around but went too far. Now he struggled to turn the right oar, to much, now the left again, still too much... water was rapidly filling the entire bottom of the boat.

Starsky held his legs up as he leaned back. More water. The shore was not any closer.

"Hutch? I think we're going in circles. No... I'm SURE we're going in circles."

Hutch puffed and turned one side then the other. He could not straighten up the boat.

Starsky put his legs back down. What was the point? The water was up to his seat and his bottom was drenched. He placed his elbow on his knee and cupped his head in his hand. "So... how's it going?" he asked nonchalantly.

Hutch puffed and then gave up. He looked at Starsky as the boat went down.

When they were submerged in water, both men realized they could stand. The water was up to Hutch's chest and just a little higher on Starsky. They walked through the water to shore.

Reaching shore, Starsky sneezed again then twice more. "Well that was interesting Hutch," he said as he sneezed once more. "Mind if we eat NOW?"

Both men looked out at the water just in time to see the tip of the boat go under. The geese swam by and honked.

"Yeah. Now's good," Hutch said quietly.

They began to the walk back to the cabin. Starsky squeaked in his wet sneakers as he continued to sneeze.

Waving his hands wildly in the air, Starsky asked "What the hell are these things?"

"Nats," Hutch replied squeezing water from his shirt.

"Nats? I got little black flying spots in front of my eyes trying to get in my mouth, my ears, and my eyes and you call 'em nats?" Starsky complained.

"Stop waving at them. It doesn't help."

"Well it's the only defense I got right now." Starsky spit. "See."

"Well keep your mouth shut. If for no other reason than to keep the nats out of your mouth," Hutch replied.

"Oh this is ridiculous. Now I got a bigger bug buzzing around my ears. OUCH! It just bit me," Starsky said as he swatted wildly.

"Will you just shut up before you wake the sleeping snakes," Hutch said.

Starsky froze. He began to look around the ground nervously cautious where he stepped. He saw a brown stick lying on the ground and jumped back bumping in to Hutch.

Hutch pushed him forward. "You're too much. You know that?"

They finally got to the cabin and took off their wet clothes. Changing in to dry ones, Hutch hung the clothes on a rope tied from one tree to another like a clothes line.

Both men fixed dinner; soup and tuna sandwiches. Starsky completed his meal with chips and cookies for dessert.

"Tomorrow we'll eat what ever we catch from the lake," Hutch said enthusiastically.

"Really? How do you cook boat?" Starsky asked.

Hutch threw a cookie at his friend.

Starsky began to sneeze again and again. In a nasal voice he said, "God. I can't breath. I think I got a fever. Touch my forehead. Is it warm?"

"It's hot in here. Besides, maybe you got what your aunt and brother had," Hutch said as he felt Starsky's head.

"Oh terrific. I don't think taking a swim in Lake Winnabegawhateveryoucallit helped either."

"I'll make some tea. That should help. Let's open some windows too. Get some fresh air," Hutch said as he pulled up on the windows.

"More fresh air? I can't breathe as it is."

"Maybe you're allergic to clean air. Ever think of that?"

Starsky drank the tea Hutch offered. He paced the room, sitting occasionally in the rocker and then on the couch.

"Will you please just land somewhere. My God Starsk. Does sitting and relaxing hurt that much?" Hutch said in mock annoyance.

"It's too quiet Hutch." Starsky said looking around.

Suddenly, they heard an owl hoot.

"What was that?" Starsky jumped.

"Wildlife. Come on. We're been camping before. The woods make noise. Just relax will ya?" Hutch said trying to read his book while rocking slowly.

Starsky sat on the couch. He swatted his hand at an insect flying past him. Looking up at the ceiling, he saw hundreds of winged insect.

"What the..." he shouted out as he jumped up.

Moths. The ceiling was covered. Mosquitoes also flew to the ceiling and lamp and then tried to land on both men.

Hutch ran over to the window. A four inch hole was in one screen. He slammed the window shut. The next window also had a small hole in the screen.

"Shut of the lights," he called to Starsky.

Starsky turned off the lamp. Both men stood in the dark.

"This is fun Hutch. Now what? Maybe we should sleep outside and let the bugs move in here," Starsky said.

"They'll leave. Just be patient," Hutch said quietly.

"Why should they? And how? You closed their only means of exit. There ain't no light outside to attract 'em. They got meat in here... us. Why leave? They've been waiting all summer for us. Here little fellas... dinner." Starsky held out his arm.

"Starsky?"

"Yeah?"

"Shut up."

An hour later, Starsky could barely breathe. His nose was stuffed up and he was coughing.

"I feel like crap. Think I'll go to bed," he said.

"Do you want top or bottom buck?"

"What do you think?" Starsky replied.

"Fine. I'll climb up top. Good night," Hutch said.

A half hour later, Hutch came in to the bedroom. Starsky was stretched out on the bottom buck, his head covered by a blanket.

"Why is your head covered? It's hot in here," Hutch asked.

There was an invisible buzz in the room. A high pitched sound that got louder and closer than quiet and far away.

"One of the mosquitoes wants seconds. Told him to see me in the morning. Blood bank is closed. Pest. He just won't take no for an answer," Starsky said under the blanket.

Hutch began to climb up to the top buck just as Starsky jumped out of bed.

"What's wrong now?" Hutch asked in mid climb.

"I'm not laying down there while you climb up. If that buck gives out, you aren't gonna crush me," Starsky said standing away from the buck.

Hutch sighed and shook his head. He climbed in to his bunk and settled in.

Holding his arms outwards he said, "See. Perfectly fine. Nothing to worry about."

Hesitantly, Starsky climbed back in to the bottom bunk. Just as he settled in he heard Hutch say "Oh no."

"What?" Starsky called upwards.

"I think... yep... bottoms starting to give out," Hutch replied.

Starsky leaped out of bed just as Hutch burst out with a laugh.

"You are soooo easy. Ya know that?"

"Hutch?"

"Yeah?"

"You're a dirtball, ya know that? A real dirtball," Starsky had to laugh too as he climbed back in to the bunk.

The next morning the sun was brightly shining. Hutch had slept well. The cabin air was sweet. He rose to the sound of red cardinals and blue birds singing.

Starsky, on the other hand, had a less than restful night. Hutch heard him coughing and sneezing. What Hutch did sleep through was Starsky trying to get comfortable. Between his head being congested, the humidity in the room and the lump in his mattress, he could not find a position to lie in no matter what.

The sounds of the crickets and bull frogs, while apparently music to Hutch's ears who lightly snored throughout the serenade, was extremely annoying to Starsky. Where the hell is the sound of fire trucks and police sirens when you need them, he thought to himself.

At about four o'clock in the morning, Starsky guessed he finally fell asleep. Now, three hours later, he heard Hutch whistling in the kitchen.

Hutch entered the bedroom showered and fully dressed in tan shorts, a short sleeved brown plaid shirt, ankle socks, and hiking boats. He wore a broad smile as he looked down at Starsky.

"Morning partner. How did you sleep?" Hutch asked as he stepped on the edge of Starsky's bunk to make up his top of the bed.

Before Starsky could answer, Hutch said "I slept great. Nothing like the sounds of the woods huh? Well, I got breakfast ready. Smell that. Eggs, bacon and coffee." Hutch stepped off the edge of the bunk. "Come on. Before it gets cold."

Starsky tried to take in the smells, but his nose was too plugged. As he stood, his back cracked slightly. On top of that, his arms and legs itched. He looked down and found large red mosquito bits covering his upper arms, between his index and middle finger of his right hand, bites on his left shoulder and neck and multiple bits on both legs.

He grabbed his pillow and blanket from the bed and walked out to the main room. Laying everything on the couch, Starsky laid down with a groan.

"Hey," Hutch called from the kitchen. "Aren't you going to eat? I thought we could have breakfast, take a hike and then get in some fishing."

"Hutch, please. I'm dieing here. I can't breath. My throat hurts. My ears are plugged which I wish had been the case last night 'cause unfortunately I heard the songs of the wild ALL night. Hey, your snoring was right on key too. Now go play with nature and leave me in peace will ya." Starsky covered himself up and stared up at the ceiling.

"You must be sick if you aren't eating. You want me to go pick up some medicine?" Hutch asked with his usual concern.

A nasal Starsky answered, "No. Go hiking. I'll just rest here. I'll eat in a minute. Go catch some fish."

"You're sure?"

"Yeah. Really. Just gonna blow my nose, scratch, eat and sleep. Go." Starsky waved his hand up weakly.

"Okay. I'll be back in an hour to check you. Eat before it gets cold," Hutch said as he grabbed his back pack and fishing rod.

Hutch had made up two emergency back packs for him and Starsky. They each had one flashlight, a box of matches, rope, a thin blanket, trail mix, bottle water, bandages, and a map of the area. The cop in him always in crisis mode.

"Just be careful. Watch out for snakes. Did you take the snake bite kit?" Starsky asked from the couch.

"No buddy. I left that for you. I'll watch out. If I see any sticks, I'll run the other way," Hutch laughed softly.

"Ha ha," Starsky replied with sarcasm.

Hutch left. Starsky could hear his boots walk off the porch. He settled in and closed his eyes. The couch, while on the short side, was much more comfortable than his lumpy mattress. Plus, there were no bugs present. Guess all the blood suckers go in during the day. Just like a vampire to hide, he thought.

A half hour later, the growling in Starsky's stomach woke him. As he slowly woke up, he heard rustling in the kitchen. "Hey Hutch. You back already?" Starsky called out not opening his eyes yet.

No answer. "Hutch?" Starsky called again. He heard a thump and a chair fall over. Starsky sat up quickly thinking Hutch had fallen. What he found made his blue eyes turn dark and bulge out.

Two black baby bear cubs were serving themselves some breakfast in the kitchen. One cub was on the counter devouring the package of cookies while one had managed to get the refrigerator open and was lapping up milk as it spilled from the container.

Starsky's eggs and bacon that Hutch left on the table long since eaten. The garbage can was tipped over and can goods were tossed all around.

Starsky slowly stood. The cubs half heartedly looked his way. Both were much more interested in the goodies they were discovering.

"Nice bears. Yeah, nice little um... not so little bears," Starsky said as he backed up. "Where's mommy huh? No... no on second thought we don't want mommy do we? No. We don't need mommy. No mommy okay?" Starsky held up his hand and slowly crept to the bedroom. "You have fun okay. Take what ever you want. That's it. No need to be shy. Help your self." Starsky darted in to the bedroom and shut the door. He moved the dresser against the door and sat quietly on the bed.

Forty minutes later, Hutch walked up the path. In the grass and gravel, he saw trails of what looked like white powder. Approaching the cabin with caution, he saw the door wide open. As he slowly entered, he saw the kitchen was demolished. Eggs broken on the floor, maple syrup tossed upside down, the ripped box of pancake mix, spilled milk and juice, a half eaten package of hot dogs, chairs and table flipped over, pots and pans thrown around, and the blanket and pillow on the couch ripped apart.

Panic struck as he yelled, "STARSKY?! STARSKY?!" Hutch searched the room with his eyes. "STARSKY?!"

"Right here," Starsky said as he stood in the bedroom doorway.

Hutch walked over quickly. "Are you alright?" he asked as he looked Starsky up and down.

"Yeah sure. Just communin' with nature. Great bunch this wild breed," Starsky said as he looked over the room.

"What the hell happened? Why did you leave the door open?" Hutch asked in bewilderment.

"I didn't leave the door open. Musta not caught when you left."

"Well wh... what did all this?" Hutch asked his eyes wide.

"Bears," Starsky replied casually.

"Bears?" Hutch asked. "You're kidding."

"Nah. Who would kid about a thing like that. I just don't get it Hutch. I mean you said nature... wild animals. Okay. But I get the feelin' that they ain't so wild. I mean they seem to like civilization just fine. Prefer it actually. Flying insects, moths, blood suckers, now bears. Yep. They like the great INDOORS if ya ask me. I think we should just stay outside ourselves and let them have the cabin."

"Oh for crying out loud Starsky," Hutch said as he closed the cabin door.

"No. No. Leave it open. Wouldn't want the bears to hurt their paws knockin' to come in would ya? And how would the field mouse ever reach the knob? Might as well make it easy for them all." Starsky walked to the door and opened it. "COME ON IN. PARTY TONIGHT. BRING YOUR FRIENDS!" he yelled out in the air.

"Will you please? Get hold of yourself." Hutch closed the door. "Come on. Help me clean this up. We'll go in to town and get more supplies."

"Sure. Why not. I think the city is pretty tamed compared to this don't you?" Starsky said as he lifted up the garbage can.

"Oh it's not that bad." Hutch got out the broom.

"Not that bad huh? Were you here looking in to the faces of those hungry beast? Don't think so buddy."

"Starsky, a bear could rip you apart if it wanted to. How big was it anyway?" Hutch asked trying to figure out how to get sticky syrup off the floor.

"There were two," Starsky said picking up egg shells.

"TWO? Holy shit!" Hutch said.

"Yep. Two large black ones. Thank God mama was no where to be seen. I did expect her though."

"Wait a minute. Were they bear cubs? Oh for God sake Starsky. Bear cubs? Not exactly doom and gloom." Hutch laughed. He held his hands apart to demonstrate the size of a bear cub. "They're only this big."

Starsky placed his own hands much farther apart. "More like this," he exaggerated. "And, Mr. I Know The Woods... Mr. Expert Woodsman... mother bears are never far away."

"Well. They were obviously more interested in the food than you," Hutch said wiping the counter.

"That's because of my quick thinking," Starsky defended.

"Right. Please. Hiding in the bedroom. What did you do? Push the dresser against the door?" Hutch chuckled.

Starsky's face turned red. He muttered under his breathe.

"What? Didn't hear that buddy," Hutch said as he turned to look at Starsky. "Oh my God! You did didn't you?"

"Hutch. Shut up. Are we going to town?"

Hutch laughed uncontrollably. Starsky walked outside in disgust still mumbling.

Both men drove back to the Hadley Store. The old man sat on a stool behind the counter wearing exactly what he had yesterday.

"You fellas back so soon?" he asked.

"Ah yeah, we need some more supplies," Hutch said as he began to place items on the counter.

The man looked at Hutch and the things he placed down. "Bears huh?" the man asked.

Hutch nodded.

"Leave stuff outside?" the man asked as he rung up the items.

"Door open," Hutch said embarrassed.

"Tee hee," the man laughed quietly.

Hutch ignored him as Starsky came up to the counter.

"Whata ya got for colds?" Starsky asked with a sniff.

"Cold medicines over there," the man pointed.

Starsky walked over to a shelf and perused it. He selected two packages; one for colds and sore throats and one for coughs.

"How about bugs? Whata ya got for that?" he called out.

The man stopped ringing the register. He held up a white and blue bottle. "This here is pretty good. Smells like crap but works on mosquitoes, nats, deer flies, May flies. Annoyin' ain't they?"

"I'll say. I'll take a case," Starsky said as he read the bottle.

"We'll take one bottle," Hutch said to the man. Quietly, he said to Starsky, "A case? Please... you are so dramatic."

Starsky ignored him. "What about these?" He stuck out his arm. The short sleeved light blue T-shirt he wore showed off the insect bites along his arm.

The older man whistled. "Boy. They got you bad. Here. This should do the trick. Stops itch on contact," the man said sounding like a commercial.

"I'll take a..." Starsky began as he looked at Hutch who gave a warning look. "Two bottles."

Both men gathered their things and left in the jeep.

They returned to the cabin. Carrying their items inside, Starsky asked "So did ya catch any fish?"

"No. No luck. I wish there was another boat. I know it would be better from the middle of the lake," Hutch replied disappointed.

They cooked dinner. Hutch made his stew. Both men ate happily.

After dinner, Starsky selected an old paperback war novel from the book shelf and Hutch settled in to the book he brought with him. Occasionally, Hutch would read parts of his book to Starsky. It was a murder mystery.

"I can solve that one," Starsky said as he lay on the couch. "The younger sister did it."

"No she didn't," Hutch disagreed. "She wasn't tall enough."

"Ever hear of stilts? Or pumps?"

"Like you're little black ones darlin'?" Hutch laughed.

"You mean the ones in the Salvation Army?" Starsky said while he looked at his book.

"No. I kept them. Never can tell when they'll come in handy," Hutch grinned.

Starsky peered over his book and grinned too. "Well, the younger sister did do it."

"We'll see," Hutch said going back to his book.

At eleven o'clock, Starsky was yawning non stop. The cold medicine made him sleepy. "Night partner," he said as he went in to the bathroom.

Hutch couldn't put the book down. He waved to Starsky as he continued to read. He got to the part where the murderer was entering the house. His eyes were intense as he read: Silent. The house was silent. Only one man was asleep in the other room while his friend read in the living room. No one around for miles. Slowly, the dark figure walked to the door. Placing a hand on the door knob, the floor board creaked.

As Hutch got to that part of the book, he heard a noise and CREAK on the porch. He let out a scream and jumped to his feet.

Starsky ran from the bedroom in his boxers half asleep. "WHAT?! WHAT?!" he shouted standing in defense mode and looking around the room.

Hutch went to the front door. The wind was blowing and the rocking chair on the porch creaked as it moved in the heavy breeze.

"Nothing. Just the wind," Hutch said with relief.

"The wind?! You just about gave me a friggin heart attack," Starsky said holding his chest in mock pain. "Just the wind? Oh brother!"

"Sorry. I was reading and this one part..."

"Yeah. Yeah," Starsky said as he turned to the bedroom. "Put the damn book away will ya. The wind. Gees."

An hour later, Hutch entered the bedroom. He sniffed then sniffed again. "What the hell?" he mumbled out loud with a bitter face.

Hutch looked around the room. What was that smell? It reminded Hutch of a dead animal.

He continued to search the room. He looked in the closet, along the window ledge, and behind the dresser.

Following his nose, it led him to Starsky! Starsky was asleep but he reeked of this unbelievable foul smell.

Hutch leaned over Starsky, sniffing again. Starsky opened his eyes but never moved.

"Somethin' I can do for ya partner?" Starsky asked as he looked up in to Hutch's face bent over him.

Hutch sniffed again. "What in the hell have you got on?"

"The bug stuff. Keeps 'em from bitin'."

"Well it stinks! Go wash it off."

"No."

"Yes."

"No"

"YES!"

"NO!"

"Are we gonna play this game all night? I can't sleep in here if it smells like this!" Hutch said.

"Well I ain't sleepin' in here if I gotta get eatin' alive!" Starsky replied.

Hutch went to the dresser and sprayed the room with his cologne.

"Oh yeah. That's much better. The stuff you wear smells like burnt toast mixed with that desiccated mush you drink."

"You got me this stuff," Hutch said looking at the bottle.

"And why? Cause it reminded me of the crap you drink!"

"Go wash that stuff off," Hutch repeated.

"No."

"Yes"

"No."

"Oh just forget it. Go to sleep. Enjoy smelling yourself all night for all I care," Hutch said defended.

He climbed in to bed and settled in. Covering himself with the sheet, he covered his nose too.

"Hutch?" Starsky called up.

"Yeah?"

"I can't smell myself cause I can't smell anything with my nose plugged up. So ha ha ha!"

Hutch turned quickly to his side and covered his head.

The next morning both men awoke to rain. Thunder, lighting, and heavy down pours. The rain brought with it more humidity. The air was thick.

After showering and dressing in the lightest possible clothes they had, they ate breakfast and settled down to a game of cards. Nine hands later, it was still raining.

"Think this place floats?" Starsky asked looking out the window.

"This is ridiculous," Hutch said. He stood up from the kitchen table. With a determined walk, he opened his emergency back pack. He reached in and pulled out a dark gray rain poncho.

"What are you doing?" Starsky asked.

"I'm going fishing," Hutch replied as he got out his fishing pole.

"Are you nuts? It's raining."

"Yeah but the thunder and lighting have stopped. Listen. I refuse to eat canned food one more night. I came all the way here to eat fresh fish I caught from the lake and that's what I'm gonna do," he said in a 'don't argue with me' tone.

Starsky shrugged. "Okay. So fish."

Hutch suited up and Starsky had to keep from laughing. The poncho covered Hutch's shorts and hung down just belong his knees making it look like he only had on a baggy dress. The hood he tied tightly around his face as blond hair peeped out from under. With a bold move, he grabbed his pole like a warrior preparing for battle. He headed for the door.

"Go get 'em kid. If you can't do it there ain't nobody that can," Starsky said as he patted Hutch on the back and held the door open. "Take no prisoners buddy."

Hutch walked off to the path in the woods. Starsky called out, "I believe in ya schweetheart! Go for it!"

Two hours later, Starsky was getting nervous. He kept looking out the door as the rain finally stopped. Looking at his watch he thought, Five more minutes. If you aren't back by then, I'll go looking.

Just as the five minutes was up, Hutch came walking in to the cabin. Triumphant, he held up two large mouth bass. He beamed.

"Wow!" Starsky replied sharing his friend's excitement. "Good job Ranger Hutchinson! Very nice work." Starsky clapped his hands together. "So let's cook."

Hutch laid the fish down. "Now, the preparation is critical Starsk. I've read about this and fished when I was a kid. You hand me the tools and I'll do the honors."

"Yes sir." Starsky grinned. He was quickly there to hand off the knife and other items Hutch requested. Occasionally, in mock surgery style, he wiped Hutch's forehead with a towel.

Hutch turned for the stove. It didn't ignite. Trying matches to light the stove pilot, the stove still didn't work. Hutch felt the oven. Nothing. No heat.

"You are kidding," he said to no one in particular. "This IS NOT happening."

"How about the pit outside? Huh? Can't we use that?" Starsky asked trying to be helpful.

"Woods wet," Hutch responded sadly.

"Can't we dry it?"

"With what? A hair dryer?" Hutch said sarcastically.

"Come on. The sun's been out. If we get cardboard and keep at it... there has to be dry wood someplace. I'll go through the pile outside. Maybe the ones in the middle."

"Okay. Okay. I'll lay the cardboard down and we'll try," Hutch said with not much hope.

The men set to work. Hutch tried for a dry base in the pit as Starsky sorted through the fire wood pile looking for dry pieces. After nearly a box of matches and blowing until near exhaustion, the fire started.

Starsky and Hutch smiled at the success of their efforts. Hutch fixed the fish on the grill with love and care. Starsky set the table. Both of them admired the fragrance and the pieces turning a golden color.

"Watch the fish Starsk. I got get some more seasoning." Hutch walked back in to the cabin.

Starsky looked at the fish cooking gently and poked each slice lightly with a fork. He decided to take a picture of the masterpiece and headed inside to get his camera.

Going in to the bedroom, he found the camera and adjusted the lens. Hutch walked back outside. As Starsky turned to go out too, he heard Hutch yell... "STARSKY!"

Starsky ran to Hutch standing at the grill.

"Where's the fish?" Hutch asked through clenched teeth.

"I... I don't know," Starsky said looking at the empty grill and then the ground around the grill.

Hutch tried to keep his voice even. "I asked you to watch the fish."

"I... I did. I just went to get the camera. Where the hell did they go?" he asked puzzled. He walked around the grill and kept looking on the ground and then towards the path in the woods.

Hutch noticed Starsky looking around for the missing fish. "Well they didn't just up and run away," he said irritated.

"No. Of course not. They don't have legs," Starsky said still looking. "Ain't got heads either since ya cut 'em off. So how the hell did they manage," Starsky said with a serious confused look.

"Younger sister must have done it," Hutch said as he walked in to the cabin and slammed the door shut.

Hutch remained silent for most of the night. Starsky tried to apologize but each time Hutch put up a warning finger.

"I swear I don't know what happened. I was only gone a minute," Starsky said.

Hutch huffed and opened up a can of peas. He handed it to Starsky. "Dinner," he said flatly.

The following morning, Starsky woke to find the cabin empty. He saw a note from Hutch that he was trying for fish again after a hike. Starsky showered. His cold was still present but his throat didn't hurt as much. He felt his head. He felt warm and didn't have much of an appetite.

Three hours later, Starsky had walked from the cabin to the lake. He didn't see Hutch. He walked a bit more and then headed back. Sitting in the rocker on the front porch, Starsky looked around cautiously for sounds of baby or mama bear. Occasionally, he looked around for snakes too.

An hour more, Hutch had not returned. Starsky felt a sense of uneasiness. He went inside and got his emergency back pack. Leaving, he closed the cabin door securely then thought for a moment. He went back in and left a note for Hutch:

Hutch, its 11:00. Went to look for you. Starting at the lake and going south.
S

He left again, closing the door tightly.

He walked down the path to the lake. Stopping, he covered his forehead over his eyes to peer out at the lake. No sign of Hutch. He looked at the ground for any markings. Nothing. He called out loudly for his friend. No answer.

Starsky continued on going south. He followed the trail until it ended. Picking up a long three inch wide stick, he walked along marking the trail as he did. He scratched markings in the ground, turned stones to make arrows pointing back to the cabin, and bent branches as he went.

He made mental notes of the sun and any trail signs he could see. A large pine tree laying flat after a storm. Moss on the side of a tree. A rabbit hole -- he hoped. A narrow brook. The overgrowth was getting thicker.

About two more miles in, Starsky saw what looked like the remnants of an old shack. It was broken apart with pieces of wood siding lying on the ground. What looked like a worn front door was lying on the ground too with pine needles and sticks covering parts of it.

Starsky continued to call for Hutch. No answer. He noticed the sun was getting lower.

He walked farther and stopped to listen. He heard the breeze blowing through the trees. Heard the sound of crickets. Rustle in the grass that was a brown rabbit. Birds overhead. Branches slightly cracking with the wind.

"HUUUUUTCH!" he called out. A flock of birds screamed out and flew off.

Starsky waited, not moving and listened.

From a distance he heard a sound very low... "Starsky... here."

Starsky moved in the direction of the sound. He called out to Hutch again.

"Here... Starsky... Here."

Starsky walked a little further until the ground inclined down a hill. Pine trees, bushes, stones and broken limbs lined the hill. Just past a tree about fifteen feet down and lying on dry pine needles, Starsky could see the burnt red t-shirt Hutch had put on.

Starsky stepped and slid carefully down the embankment. He got to Hutch who was lying on his back. Hutch's hands were cut slightly and his right knee was scrapped and bleeding.

"Hutch you idiot! Are you okay?" Starsky said not wanting to touch his friend in case of broken bones.

"I... I think I hurt my back," Hutch said weakly.

"Is your head alright? Anything broken?" Starsky said examining his friend with his eyes.

"No. Just pulled out my back."

"What happened?" Starsky asked as he pulled out the water bottle from his back pack. He handed the water to Hutch.

Hutch eagerly accepted it and took a long drink. "I stumbled. I think it was a tree root sticking up. I lost my balance. Couldn't move," Hutch explained as he took another drink.

Starsky took back the bottle and wetted a cloth from his bag. He cleaned the scratches as best he could and wrapped a bandage around Hutch's knee.

"Did you lose consciousness?" Starsky asked.

"No. Just every time I tried to stand, I got a sharp pain in my back."

"Okay. Well we gotta get you outta here partner," Starsky said as he looked around to see what might be helpful.

"I don't think I can make it up the hill," Hutch said.

"I don't want to try and carry you if your back is out. I could do more damage." Starsky continued to look around his surroundings. "Wait. I'll be right back." He took out the blanket from his bag and formed a pillow for Hutch's head. "Don't move."

Starsky ran up the hill. He went back to where he saw the fallen shack. Pushing the branches and pine needles from the flat front door, he lifted up one end to drag it. A cluster of termites and a group of mice ran out. Starsky held fast to the door and pulled it with him.

He got back to Hutch sliding the door the down the hill. Taking off his shirt, he made that in to the pillow for Hutch's head and placed the blanket on the top of the wooden door. Starsky looked around and found Hutch's emergency bag a few feet way.

He took the blanket from that bag and laid it on top of the one he had placed on the door. He handed Hutch the other bottle of water. Then he took out the rope from Hutch's bag and his own.

Grabbing a pointed rock, he slammed it in to the top of the door in one corner and then the other. Satisfied with the two small holes he made. He threw the rocks down.

Tying the ropes together, he took one and put it under the door with both ends laying on the ground on each side at the top and then did the same in the middle.

The last piece of rope he weaved in one hole and out the other tying it in to a knot in both holes and making a large loop. He stood and pulled the center of the loop. The door moved forward like a sled.

"Okay partner, we're gonna scoot you over on to this."

Starsky went to Hutch's right side and placed his hands under Hutch's back for support. As gently as he could, he applied some pressure to help maneuver Hutch. Hutch helped by using his legs to lift up and on to the wooden door that had suddenly be made in to a rescue board by Starsky.

Starsky placed his shirt back under Hutch's head then adjusted the loose ropes he had placed under the board bringing the ends together under Hutch's arms and tying them securely. He did the same just at Hutch's stomach area.

Just as Starsky was tying the rope, he heard a loud noise coming from the bushes. He reached for the emergency bag to grab the flashlight just as the bag slide down the hill.

Starsky tied off the ropes. "Be right back," he said as he held Hutch's arm.

Starsky slid down the hill to the bottom. He retrieved the bag just in time to see a large adult black bear descend down the hill and towards Hutch.

From pure reflex, Starsky reached for his gun. No holster. No gun. He ran with all his might up the hill. He slid on the stones and damp brush just catching himself with his hands. Pushing his feet deep in the ground, Starsky got the momentum to climb the hill. All the way up he shouted at the bear.

The bear ignored Starsky's shouts and lumbered over to Hutch lying, tied to the rescue board.

"HEY! YOU FURRY GORGILLA! OVER HERE!" Starsky yelled. He threw a rock but it missed the bear.

The bear had his sights on Hutch who lay very still. Hutch tried to remain calm but the bear could smell the fear.

Just as the bear got directly above Hutch's out stretched body, Starsky was behind it. He picked up a club and slammed it in to the bear's hide end.

The bear turned and stood up. Seven feet tall. He growled as he swiped at Starsky. Starsky hit him again in the chest and took off running. The bear gave chase. Starsky half slid half fell down the hill as the bear was right on his heels.

Starsky saw a tree and, much to his own surprise climbed it within a second. The bear pawed at the bark and shook the tree. Swinging slightly with the power of the bear, Starsky held on. The bear pushed on the tree and kept pushing it as the tree's roots began to give away in the moist damp soil.

Just as Starsky was sure that with the next push the tree would topple over, two bear cubs came out of the bushes. They both squealed like a calf and made small growl sounds.

The adult bear turned to the cubs as the cubs came closer. Mama bear and her babies nestled each other. She licked them both as she turned. The cubs followed close behind. Mama and babies disappeared in to the thicker brush.

Starsky climbed back down the tree. "Oh shit," he said out loud and rubbed his forehead. Taking a deep breath in relief he made the climb back up the hill.

"Wow! Nice save! Thanks partner," Hutch said.

Hutch had tried to untie the rope as he watched the bear chase Starsky. He only got the knot loosened.

"Where did you think you were going buddy?" Starsky asked as he tightened the knots on the rope.

"Thought I'd crawl over. Maybe throw something," Hutch replied.

Starsky grinned. "You okay?" he asked checking Hutch over.

"Yeah. Fine. Holy Shit Starsky, you just took on a bear. A mother of a bear. That thing was what? Ten feet tall? I mean, you smacked that bear in his ass for Christ sake," Hutch said in awe.

"Yeah well... it seemed like a good idea at the time," Starsky said as he smiled at his friend.

"Where have I heard you say that before?" Hutch asked with a smile.

"Okay Santa, get ready to be towed." Starsky took the looped rope and got under it. He pulled the rescue board up the hill using all his might.

"You okay?" he called out every so often. "Am I hurting ya?"

"No. I'm okay," Hutch called back.

"Rope to tight around ya?" Starsky asked as he pulled the board.

"Nope its fine."

"All... most... to... the top," Starsky puffed and heaved.

Once at the top of the hill, Starsky stopped to check Hutch. He felt his legs and arms asking if Hutch could feel it. He could. Starsky checked the bandage. Hutch's knee had stopped bleeding.

"I think you'll live," Starsky said satisfied with the preliminary exam.

He got under the rope again and pulled.

"Starsk, I'm not sure which way," Hutch said nervously.

"Got it covered Ranger Hutch. Just follow the yellow brick road."

Starsky noted the sun, the moss on the trees, the broken fallen trees, and brook, stones that pointed to the cabin and bent branches that he had prepared in anticipation of his return trip.

He continued to pull the board. The humidity and his cold making him cough.

"Starsk?" Hutch called from the board.

"Yeah?"

"I'm bored," Hutch said.

"Well Blondie, we're coming up to some wild flowers. Maybe you can have a conversation with them as we slide on by," Starsky replied breathing heavily.

Finally, Starsky saw the markings he made in the ground. He knew the lake and cabin were just up ahead.

When they finally got to the cabin, Starsky gently laid the board down and untied the ropes that had held Hutch in place. Easily and delicately, he lifted Hutch to his feet. Hutch held on to Starsky and walked up the step to the inside.

Starsky got Hutch to the bottom bunk. "Wait," he said. "How's your mattress?"

Confused, Hutch said it was fine.

Starsky reached up and took the mattress from Hutch's top bunk while he removed his from his bunk. Replacing the mattress and quickly making the bed, Starsky lowered Hutch in to the bed.

He helped Hutch get out of the damp wet clothes and in to dry ones. Then he went and made some ice tea, brought Hutch some aspirin for the pain and cleaned the cuts and scratches on Hutch's hands, arms, and knee.

Going outside, Starsky started a fire. Coming back a few minutes later, Starsky had damp warm towels. He gently turned Hutch on to his stomach and laid the towels across Hutch's back.

"How's that?" Starsky asked.

"Feels great. Thanks buddy. How did you do it? I mean you and the woods? Hard to imagine."

Starsky laughed. "You know those camping survival type magazines you got at home?"

"Yeah," Hutch said.

"Great to read in the bathroom."

Hutch let out a laugh and a moan.

Starsky took off the towels now cool. He rubbed Hutch's back feeling for anything abnormal. Happy that nothing seemed out of place and that Hutch could feel Starsky as he pinched Hutch's arms, legs and feet, Starsky left again only to return with more warm towels.

"Ya know Starsk, if you were a girl... I'd marry you," Hutch said with a chuckle.

"Sweet talker. Just like all the boys," Starsky laughed.

"So... would you marry me if I was a girl?"

"Well you aren't," Starsky said as he rubbed Hutch's back again.

"But if I was?" Hutch asked as though his feelings were hurt.

"I like to keep my men guessing," Starsky teased. "Hungry?"

"Yep."

Starsky left and came back twenty minutes later. He brought in the small wooden table from the porch. A few more minutes and he returned again with a bowl that had sliced hotdogs and canned baked beans mixed together and heated perfectly. He opened the wine.

Gently turning Hutch over and propping his head up enough to eat, Starsky held the bowl while Hutch fed himself. Every few bites and Starsky offered the glass of wine.

Throughout, Starsky coughed and sneezed.

"Bless you," Hutch said.

"Thanks." Another sneeze.

"Bless you," Hutch said again.

"Thank you." Starsky smiled and wiped his nose.

"No. I mean it. Bless you buddy. You took charge just fine. I was hurt and you took over. No doubts. No hesitation. You handled the stress of the moment and you handled that bear. Confident. Sure. You never lost focus. I'm proud of you partner. You're one hell of a guy," Hutch said with sincerity in his voice and in his eyes.

The concern he shared with Dr. Lee no longer relevant. There was no doubt that out on the street Starsky would be his old self. Proud, determined, defending himself and his partner. No side effects. No fear. He would handle what ever turmoil came at them and do it in his usual cocky no nonsense manner.

Both men smiled at one another. Starsky nodded his head in gratitude.

"So," Starsky had to tease. "Forgive me about the fish?"

"Forgiven. Hey... if a bear came up and took the fish off the grill with you standing there, would you have hit him too?" Hutch asked.

"Are you kidding? I would protect your fish with my life!" Both men laughed.

"Good night partner. Get some rest," Starsky said as he covered Hutch up.

Hutch laid back. His back feeling better with the care and compassion that Starsky had shown. Not to mention his bravery. Yes... Hutch was sure. Gunther and Lewis lose! Starsky and Hutch win!

The next day Starsky packed up the cabin. He gave it a cleaning and made sure everything was as it had been. With strong support, he offered his arms to Hutch and helped him out to the jeep.

They drove to the Albany Airport three hours away. Starsky drove slowly on the roads that were bumpy.

They checked in at the airport. Starsky returned the rental and helped his friend to his seat.

Starsky blew his nose and coughed. The plane ride not helping with his already congested head plus his throat was starting to hurt again.

After the connecting flight, both men sat back in eager anticipation of returning home. It had been one hell of a vacation.

Starsky couldn't help itching throughout as well as sneeze. He looked at his arms and legs. They were covered in red patches that oozed. A stewardess came by and noticed Starsky examining his legs and arms. His face, neck and chest were also itching.

"Oh my," the stewardess said. "That's a bad case of poison ivy."

"Poison what?" Starsky said with alarm.

"Poison Ivy. My little boy gets it all the time from playing in the woods," she replied.

Starsky grinned his crooked smile as she walked away. "HUUUTCH!" he shouted.

Hutch sat back in his seat and covered his eyes with his hand.

They evidently arrived at the Los Angles Airport. Walking off the plane, the two men looked like war veterans after a heavy tour of duty. Hutch bent over and holding his hand to the lower part of his back, walked slowly and with deliberate steps.

Starsky barked out coughs and sneezes while he scratched his arms and neck. His face red and puffy from both the cold and the poison ivy.

Huggy Bear watched and laughed as he saw his two friends come toward him. Dressed in a burgundy jacket, pants, hat and sunglasses, he looked like he was there to greet celebrates.

Hutch was surprised to see Huggy. "What are you doing here?"

"Starsky called. Said he needed a chauffeur," Huggy said as he shook his head at the sad sight of his friends.

Hutch looked at Starsky with a question in his eyes.

Starsky sneezed and blew his nose. "I'm to sick to drive and you're in no condition."

"What the hell happened to you two? This was supposed to be a vacation or did I miss something?" Huggy asked aware of the crowds of people who stared as they passed by.

"Long story Hug," Hutch said with a groan as he held on to Starsky's arm.

Starsky handed Huggy the keys to the Tornio. "Lot 23C. Bring it around huh? And go easy with her."

Starsky guided Hutch to an area he could sit while he went after the luggage. Stumbling and tripping, he tried to keep the four suitcase, large green tackle box, and three fishing poles from slipping out of his hands.

He saw Huggy pull up to the curb. Huggy came in and helped put the luggage in the car. Both men returned for Hutch and helped him out next.

When they got to the beach house, Hutch let out a loud sigh. "Thank God!" he said.

"You can say that again," Starsky replied. "I'm gonna need six more weeks just to recover."

Hutch, with the help of Huggy and Starsky climbed the front steps of the house. He stopped at the front door and took in a deep breath. "Smell that sea air partner. Isn't it beautiful?"

Starsky rolled his eyes. "Don't start that again," he said as he started to unlock the front door.

Before he could turn the knob, Suzanne and Carla, their neighbors opened the door.

"Welcome home," they both said smiling.

"Yeah. Thanks," Starsky replied wryly.

"Hello ladies. Don't mind him. Jet lag," Hutch responded as he crept slowly in.

"Oh you poor baby. What happened?" Suzanne asked reaching out to help Hutch.

"So. How was everything here?" Starsky asked Carla.

"Well. I'm afraid we have some bad news," Carla said as she looked to Suzanne.

"Sure. What else is new?" Starsky said sarcastically.

"What? What's wrong," Hutch said from his bent position.

"Well Hutch. I'm afraid it's little Suzy. She didn't make it," Suzanne said sadly.

"I know it. I should have never left her. Did you hear that Starsk? Little Suzy didn't make it. I knew the root rot was bad but I thought maybe there was a chance. Her mother has such strong roots." Hutch was shaking his head sadly as if mourning a live human friend instead of a plant.

Starsky stood baffled by his friend. "This is what you act like over a plant? I was nearly eaten by a bear, used as a three course meal for blood sucking insects. I'm covered in poison lily scratching myself raw. I've got pneumonia. I'm starving. You look like the hutchback from Notre whatever and you're crying over a stupid plant?"

"Poison Ivy," Hutch corrected.

"What?!"

"Poison ivy not poison lily," Hutch repeated. "And its hunchback not hutch..."

"Hutch?" Starsky said his mouth hanging slightly open.

"Yeah?"

"Shut up."

The girls and Huggy couldn't contain their laughter.

Two weeks passed. Hutch recovered nicely from his dislocated back. Starsky's poison ivy disappeared and his cold improved dramatically.

Starsky got rave reviews from his final medical evaluation. He passed with flying colors both physically and mentally from his ordeal. Dr. Lee and the Bay City Police Department's Medical Examiner recommended Starsky back to full duty.

"Hutch! Come on. I don't want to be late," Starsky said as he put on his gun holster.

"I'm coming. Slow down," Hutch replied drinking down the last of his health shake. He began to gesture to Starsky to take a sip but stopped short when Starsky gave a devilish grin.

"Do you really want to offer me that?" Starsky said playfully.

"Offer what? What are you talking about? I wasn't offering anything," Hutch said innocently.

Huggy stood in the doorway. "Are you guys ready or what?"

"Hug? What are you doing here?" Hutch asked.

"Well I got to see my boys back to work don't I? Word on the street is that the boys are back! Well, that's the censored version but it's what they mean," Huggy said with a snicker.

"Hey. The boys are back. I like that," Starsky said with a smile.

The three men walked out to the Tornio.

"See ya later Hug," Starsky waved as he got behind the wheel.

"Planning on it," Huggy waved back.

Hutch sat in his usual spot just as the police radio went off.

"Zebra three come in," the female voice called out.

Hutch bent to retrieve the mike.

"Hey? Let me huh?" Starsky said.

Hutch gestured with his hand. "Be my guest."

With a huge smile, Starsky picked up the mike. "Zebra three. We're ready to roll," he said with bold determination.

The voice called back, "Zebra three there's a 411 at Fairview and Main."

Starsky spoke back in to the mike. "Zebra three Roger. Be there in twenty."

Starsky raced the engine on the Tornio "Sweet," he said.

Hutch smiled broadly as he placed the siren cup to the roof of the car.

Starsky sifted in to drive and spun the tires. As he did, the wail of the siren seemed to shout out, "The boys are back!"

END