Peter Grayson doesn’t spend much time outdoors. He lives a safe, comfortable life in Portland, Oregon and is happy to stay far away from the wilderness. Not only does it represent uncertainty and fear, it’s also the only thing Peter’s father seems to care about. He flew Peter out to meet him in just about the wildest place the boy could think of—Hell’s Canyon. On the way there, Peter’s plane crashes in a canyon, killing the pilot. Peter is alone in the wilderness, until he meets Omar Pickett. Pickett’s life is this canyon. He knows its animals and trees, its history, and value. He doesn’t want any visitors. To him, the sooner people come, the sooner they want to destroy the land and forest he calls his home. Peter and Omar must survive, not only winter in the backcountry of one of the most rugged terrains in Oregon, but also each other.
“Let’s get one thing straight between us, boy. I don’t like your being here any more than you do. I’ve lived here alone on to fifty years. If it’d wanted company, I wouldn't have chosen the likes of you. But you are here. And there’s nothin’ either of us can do about it. The chances of a plane findin’ you are as scarce as hen’s teeth. We’ve both got to accept that and make the best of it.”
“Let’s get one thing straight between us, boy. I don’t like your being here any more than you do. I’ve lived here alone on to fifty years. If it’d wanted company, I wouldn't have chosen the likes of you. But you are here. And there’s nothin’ either of us can do about it. The chances of a plane findin’ you are as scarce as hen’s teeth. We’ve both got to accept that and make the best of it.”
