At four that afternoon they reached the Big Sur Coast, and by the time Rick pulled into the campgrounds, it was already getting dark in the dense redwood forest of Big Sur. At that time of year, the last two hours of daylight were like an extended dusk with the sun going below the mountains that stood between Big Sur and the Pacific, and in this half-light, the giant redwoods looked even bigger. Yet, the atmosphere was strangely warm and inviting to Linda as she got out of the car feeling secure and happy.

They went straight to the main office of the campgrounds to check in, and the man there was nice, even walking with them to point out their cabin. At first opportunity, Rick asked him which cabin the Boyds were occupying, and he was surprised to learn they were not staying in a cabin.

"The Boyds are camping in a tent up yonder," the man announced pointing toward the hills across the Big Sur River. "Ain't as far as it looks," he added seeing Rick's expression. "You cross the bridge and go left past the other sites. Their camp's up on the rise. Ya can't miss it, son… It's the only one up there!"

Rick thanked him and immediately got busy transferring luggage and supplies from the car to the cabin. He was anxious to hike up to the Boyds' campsite before it was totally dark, and when he carried the last suitcase into the cabin, only five minutes had passed. His mother was putting groceries into the refrigerator when he joined her in the small kitchen.

"Mom, the car is unloaded, and I put your things in the bedroom. I'll sleep in there," he said pointing to the day-bed in the living room.

"Thank you, dear… Are you getting hungry?" She was always concerned about his eating.