Robyn: So, here is what you need to know about me, besides my being an aspiring author. Born in Cody, WY, my whole life has pretty much revolved around my two great passions: stories and water. A bibliophile from a young age, I am also a history buff—because history is pretty much one complex and ongoing story—and a fan of good movies and TV shows. I confess to having some science fiction leanings; Star Wars, Star Trek, andBuffy the Vampire Slayer are all favorites of mine. I worked for several years teaching high school English and history, but at some point I decided I didn’t have enough water in my life, handed in my resignation, and eventually wound up by the lake, where I have worked a variety of water-related jobs,including lifeguard at a pool, shuttle runner at a boat rental, and waterfront director at a kids camp. I also joined the local volunteer fire department, and on top of all that, I am an avid Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan.
Pete: As anyone who knows us can tell you, ours is not a traditional relationship. Pete, you see, is a Packers fan. While Chiefs-Packers alliances are uncommon, we find ways to make it work. He is a captain on the fire department, which is where we first met, and a fellow outdoor enthusiast and dog lover. He was born in Polson, and has lived here nearly his whole life, and believe me, he knows pretty much the whole town. Currently he sells insurance, but in his former lives he was a TV repair man, owned and operated an ambulance, and did building maintenance at the hospital. This makes him a very handy person to have around. He also has some expertise that I don’t have; among other things he is an experienced hunter. And every once in a while, he can even be talked into watching a sci-fi show with me.
Rocky: Originally my dog, Rock is our hunter and our spaz. Our best guess is that he is a Rottweiler/Lab mix, and he has endless energy. He believes he is a ferocious killer when it comes to mice and voles and packrats—and unfortunately the occasional deer, although he can’t quite keep up—and that all other dogs were put on this earth to play with him. An amazing athlete, he can sprint at impressive speeds and bound great distances and heights. We also have to watch him around toys, as he has a fondness for destroying things. Despite all his energy and fierceness, he is also our sensitive dog. He hates being disciplined, and will follow us around after we’ve yelled at him as if he is trying to apologize. And best of all, he is a huge cuddle-bug, snuggling up with us on the couch almost every evening.
Dug: Named after the dog on the movie Up, Dug was originally Pete’s dog. He is definitely a golden retriever, but based on his smaller size and fluffy, curly tail, we suspect some chow in his heritage as well. Unlike Rocky, he is more or less uninterested in other dogs, but will happily introduce himself to any people we happen to meet. He simply lives to be adored. Be warned, if you start to pet him, you will be at it for a while; any attempt to stop will result in your being licked until you start again. When he is not busy entertaining his adoring masses, he is the most chill dog I have ever met. He runs around and wrestles with Rocky on occasion, but he is just as happy carrying his toys—especially his favorite green ball—around in his mouth. And when all that excitement has worn off, he can be heard snoring peacefully from whatever dark corner he has decided to stretch out in.
Home Base: We are fortunate enough to live in a cozy little cabin on the shores of Flathead Lake in the Mission Valley, just outside of Polson, MT. As a fan of water I love all lakes, but ever since I visited Flathead as a teenager, this one has been my favorite. We are also well situated among mountains, forests, and rivers, and only 76 miles from Glacier National Park. It is an excellent jumping off point for all our little adventures.
