Danger at Mormon Crossing

Sixteen‑year‑old Sandy Steele is restless as school ends, and a chance invitation from his friend’s father, a seasoned mining engineer, offers the perfect escape. Over slices of cake and milk, the Cook family lays out a plan to trek through Idaho’s Lost River country, a remote stretch of rugged peaks and wild river valleys. The map on the table, marked with a red circle around the Snake River and an X near Salmon, sparks Sandy’s imagination of untouched wilderness. He sees himself breathing crisp mountain air, setting up camp, and testing his skills in a landscape his father’s work has only ever described.

Excitement mixes with a hint of nervousness as Sandy realizes this will be his first real wilderness expedition, far from the comforts of home. The close‑knit Cook household, with teenage Mike’s endless appetite and his father's gruff but caring demeanor, provides both comic relief and a sense of belonging. As the summer draws near, the promise of adventure on the high alpine trails looms, hinting at challenges that will test the group’s courage and teamwork.