102. Now what?

Theodore Bear picked up his back pack, his cane and the carry bag with snacks that Frederick Bear had given him and went in search of Duty Bear.  Following the signposts, Theodore Bear started down a long passage.  He  first stopped to look out of the window and stood there for a while, fascinated by all the many aircraft standing in front of the building.  “It is a hive of activity out there,” he said to himself, “look at all those service vehicles bringing the luggage to be loaded and there are so many passengers climbing up the steps into the airplane.”   Then he continued down the passage, went around a corner and into a big, airy office with a whole row of desks.  “101,102. .” Theodore counted, “. . 106.”  But poor Theodore's heart sank.  There was no one sitting at Desk 106 and the chair was neatly pushed in under it.

101. The Airport

The bus rounded a big traffic circle and stopped at the entrance to the large white terminal building.  Theodore Bear and some of the other passengers got off and they all walked to the lovely glassed entrance together.  Theodore was rather pleased to be able to follow the others as he did feel a little strange in such a big, busy place.  Inside it was even more busy with long lines of passengers waiting for their flights and others rushing back and forth pulling their luggage behind them.  Theodore just watched for a while and looked at the many signboards showing the flight departure and arrival times and check-in counter numbers.  On the walls and pillars there were pictures of aircraft with different colors and names on them and more pictures of beautiful places one could fly to.  “All very exciting,” thought Theodore, “ hmm, now let me see, oh there is a sign that says 'Desk 101 – 110' and that must be where I will find Duty Bear.”

100. The next Stop

The bus made good progress along the highway, stopping only in the towns and villages for passengers to get on and off.  Theodore Bear took note of all the places they passed through and in between reached for a snack from the carry bag that Frederick Bear had given him.  The afternoon shadows were already lengthening when Theodore saw the road sign pointing to the airport and the driver turned off the highway. The tree-lined road was wide and busy with many cars and buses speeding along and Theodore could see aircraft coming and going.  “This must be a very big, important airport” Theodore said to himself as he took a little white card out of his rucksack.  “I am looking forward to meeting Duty Bear again. The address he gave me says Desk 106 on the first floor.  I hope I will be able to find him.”

99. A Sunshine Bow

Theodore Bear brushed his fur neatly and then peeped out of the window.  “A lovely sunshine morning. I am wearing my bright yellow bow today to match it,” he said to himself and picked up his back pack and cane.  It was still early when he and Frederick set off and soon the bus arrived at the stop.  “Good-bye, Theodore, have a good trip,” said Frederick and Theodore thanked him once more before climbing up into the bus to get a good window seat. Poor Frederick Bear felt quite sad to see him go. Theodore waved with both paws when the bus pulled away and then leaned back in the seat to watch where they were going.  The city was soon left behind and Theodore took a last look at the beautiful mountains before they disappeared from view.  The country side was flatter now and he noticed the thick grass growing in yellow soil.  He saw the large herds of cattle with long, long horns and the big ranch houses and wondered if he would perhaps see a cowboy or two.

98. The Plan for Tomorrow

“What about tomorrow, Theodore?” Frederick Bear asked. “I have had such a lovely time here with you, Frederick, thank you very much indeed, but I do not want to overstay my welcome and I will move on again tomorrow.  I want to take a bus and it will be a very long ride so I need to leave early,” Theodore told him. “Are you going already?” said Frederick, “I am glad you came to visit me and it has been a lot of fun doing things together.  I will come to the bus stop in the morning to see you off.  Let us have another cup of honey tea and then get to sleep.”  Frederick brought the tea and also a carry bag full of good things for Theodore if he felt hungry on the bus. “Thank you, Frederick, this looks delicious.  I will pack everything tonight so there is no rush tomorrow.”  Soon the house was in darkness and everyone in Dreamland watching moose and bears.

97. An Evening at Home

This time there was a lot more traffic and it took longer to reach the bus terminus. “Thank you very much for a safe journey, Mr. Driver,” everyone said as they got off the bus.  “Come with me again sometime,” replied the driver, “good-bye for now.” Frederick and Theodore walked back home and spent most of the evening talking about the wonderful day they had.  They looked at the Nature Reserve brochure again and Theodore said, “Look, Frederick, here is a picture card at the back.  Do you think we can use it to send Merlena Bear a greeting from us?  I think she would be pleased to hear about our trip today.”  “Good idea,” said Frederick, “ we can each put a paw print on it for her,” and he got up to fetch Merlena's address.  “We can drop this in the post box when we go out again.”  Then  Theodore leaned forward on the table,  “Frederick, about tomorrow...” he said.

96. Back in the Bus

As they came to the end of the trail at the rest camp Theodore Bear and Frederick Bear both spoke at once.  "That was amazing. What a lovely trail.  We were in the right places at the right times," they said as they boarded the bus.  The other passengers wanted to know what they were so excited about and what all they had seen. They had to tell their story in detail and repeat it again for the driver when he came.  “You were extremely fortunate,"the driver told them, "it does not happen often that you see both a moose and a bear on one day." "This lovely day has passed so quickly," sighed Theodore as the bus edged out of the parking place. The driver reminded everyone to keep watching on the way back to the gate but they did not see more animals.  The sun had dipped behind the mountain already and soon they left the reserve to head along the main road to the city.

95. A Lucky Day

Frederick and Theodore stood quite still on the path and looked across the water to the grassy patch on the other side of the lake.  The lake was small so they could see clearly and the smiles on their faces grew bigger and bigger but they did not say anything, just watched carefully. There in the  grass next to the water was a magnificent black bear.  "This is our lucky day,” Theodore thought to himself, "maybe he was hoping to find a fish and I do not think the ranger would mind him catching one!"  The bear looked at the two visitors standing on the trail path. Theodore and Frederick could hardly believe their good fortune.  After some time the bear turned around and went back into the forest, stopping to eat a few wild berries on a shrub first and Theodore and Frederick started back to the rest camp to be in time for the bus.  They walked quietly as before, enjoying the sweet sounds of a tinkling stream, birds twittering in the trees on both sides of the trail and thinking about their amazing stroke of luck to see a moose and a bear on the same day.

94. Something to see

Theodore Bear stopped so suddenly that Frederick almost bumped into him.  Theodore pointed forward with his paw and whispered, "Over there up the mountain, I think that is a moose. A real live moose!" and he smiled a very wide smile.  Frederick nodded agreement. It was not close enough to see well and the moose soon moved out of sight but they were thrilled.  Before they went on Frederick quietly opened Theodore's back pack and took out their lunch which they ate as they went further along the trail, Frederick walking in front this time.  The path turned a corner and between the trees a small lake with crystal clear water came into view. "I wonder if there are fish in there or if it is too cold for them, but I am sure the ranger would not be happy if somebody caught one," Theodore mused.  They walked on slowly and followed the path towards the water's edge, coming out of the trees into the open.  Frederick stood still. "Wow! Oh wow!" he breathed."Look!"

93. The Trail

"Are you all still awake?" the bus driver joked.  "Yes!" shouted everybody, "we want to see where we are going." The driver laughed, "In a few minutes we will be arriving at a rest camp where we will stop for some time.  You will be free to visit the restaurant, sit on a bench or walk on one of the trails.  Just be sure to remember the rules, stay on the path and be back in time.  Enjoy yourselves!"
Theodore Bear and Frederick Bear wanted to walk along a trail and agreed to be as quiet as possible so any animals would not hear them coming and run away.  They put on their beanies and scarves again, took the rucksack with and set off at a brisk pace being careful not to step on any twigs that could crack noisily.  Sometimes Theodore walked in front and then Frederick had a turn to lead the way. It was peaceful in the forest away from the city's hustle and bustle.  They felt so happy.

92. In the Nature Reserve

Theodore and Frederick were having a wonderful time on the bus.  The driver pointed out things to see all the time as he drove along the narrow road in the Nature Reserve. "Here on my left you can see the stream rushing over the stones.  This comes from way up at the top of the mountain where the snow is.  In winter there is snow here too but the stream still flows," he said, "these trees are able to carry a lot of snow without their branches breaking off.  In the springtime there are flowers in the grass at the edge of the road too."  The road crossed the stream and curved around the big rocks. "Notice that there are some cloud patches between the highest peaks and there are no forests up there as it is too cold for the trees. Only little tufts of shrubs and some moss grow on that part of the mountain," the passengers were told.  "I am learning so much," Theodore thought to himself.

91. The Bus Ride

The city was still asleep and there was very little traffic in the streets.  Theodore Bear and Frederick Bear had a seat next to one of the big windows on the bus. They took off their beanies and scarves and Theodore put his back pack carefully on the baggage rack.  Now they settled back to enjoy the ride.  Soon they had left the city behind and the road started to go uphill and wind it's way into the mountains.  "It is so pretty here," Theodore commented, "look at the sun shining onto the snow on the peaks and on the red rocks below it.  Oh, and look at all the trees next to the road, all the same height with long straight stems."  "Lovely, I wish I could look everywhere at once," replied Frederick, "I think we are almost at the entrance to the Nature Reserve.  That looks like it over there in front."  When the bus arrived at the gate the driver spoke to the ranger who then waved them on.  "Here we are, folks, keep watching carefully to see all the interesting nature here in the reserve," the driver told the passengers and he drove very slowly along the road so they could see everything.

90. On their Way

Theodore Bear heard something ringing and opened his eyes.  "Oh, yes, the alarm," he remembered, "we are going on an outing today."  And he jumped up to be on time.  Soon he and Frederick Bear were ready and they both wore their beanies and scarves as it would be cold outside so early when they walked to the bus stop.  Theodore looked at their reflection in the shop windows and laughed as he said, "I can't believe that is me with a beanie and scarf as it is always so hot in the desert where I live."  The bus was already parked at the bus stop and the driver welcomed the passengers aboard.  He told them they would be traveling straight to the nature reserve and read their rules.  Do not damage any plants, do not interfere with any animals, leave no papers or peels lying around and only walk on the paths.   "Everyone here?  Fine, let's get on the road," he said.  And they did.

89. More Planning

"We will have to get up very early tomorrow to be in time to catch the bus so we must pack up tonight," Frederick said, "we will take something with for lunch and a bottle of honey tea for when we feel thirsty."  Theodore nodded.  "Good idea," he agreed, "I can take all the things out of my back pack and pack them in there.  That way I can carry it all easily"  Then Frederick looked thoughtful.  "We will be high up in the mountains where it will be much colder than here in the city.  I will lend you a beanie and a scarf to keep you warm.  I have spare brown ones for you."  "Thank you, Frederick," said Theodore, "that will be very kind of you.  I am looking so forward to this outing.   I will help you get everything ready."  Soon the back pack was full of good things to eat and Theodore had tried on the beanie and scarf.  "Ha ha," he laughed as he looked in the mirror, "these will keep my ears and neck nice and warm.  Sleep tight, Frederick, see you in the morning."

88. The Brochure

After supper that evening Frederick Bear was looking at the brochure on the table and Theodore was sitting next to him watching too.  "I have lived here for so long and I have always wanted to go to this Nature Reserve," said Frederick Bear, "but have still not been.  I think this is a good time to go and take you with so you can enjoy it too.  Look at these lovely pictures of all there is to see.  Mountains and lakes and trees and, if we are lucky, animals too."   And he turned the brochure so Theodore could see it better.  "I am sure it will be a wonderful trip," Theodore replied, "I notice here we will be able to do a short walk too.  Maybe we can see a moose as I have never seen one before."  "The bus driver will probably point out the best places to go," Frederick suggested, "he will have been there often before.  I hope it will be a very successful day for us."

87. A quiet Day

Theodore Bear and Frederick Bear slept later the next morning and the sun was quite high before they stirred.  Theodore went to the window as he usually did first thing in the morning and moved the curtain to one side to be able to peep out.  Another lovely day and a little robin was sitting on the letter box singing cheerfully.  Soon Frederick was up too and they got breakfast ready.  Sitting at the table sipping their fruit tea afterwards, Frederick sighed and said wistfully, "I still can hardly believe that you and I had such fun playing the drums with those musicians last night and something tells me that this morning they will hardly believe it either!"  "Ha, ha," said Theodore, "yes, that was fun and I think everybody else enjoyed it as much as we did."  Then Frederick smiled and said, "I propose it will be a quiet day for us today and we will just slip out for a short while to make some arrangements.  I want to organise a surprise for you."

86. What an Evening!

The hours passed quickly and soon it was almost midnight.  The violin player held up his hands.  "Last song," he called. Theodore Bear and Frederick Bear played once more with all the musicians and the crowd clapped and cheered for them when it was over.   Theodore and Frederick stood up and bowed with all the other players and then they shook paws all round to say good-bye.  "A great, big Thank You to everybody for this wonderful evening.  I will always remember your city where we had such a happy time," said Theodore and they all bowed again.  Then slowly the crowd began to leave and they were still singing while walking down the mall.  A tired but contented Theodore and Frederick walked home without saying much.  They were both lost in thought.

85. Music and more Music

Theodore and Frederick were having a wonderful amount of fun and the crowd around them grew.  It did not take long until the first clapping in time to the rhythm started and then a voice shouted, "Stop, Everybody, let's give three cheers for two clever bears!"  The crowd agreed and the cheers echoed all round the mall.  Theodore and Frederick both waved their paws to say thank you and then went on drumming.  The violin player came back and joined in with a melody and shortly after that the two guitar players came too.  The musicians in the band realised no one was listening to them any more and carried their instruments over to join the others.  The crowd loved them all and they smiled and clapped and danced with pleasure.  The music makers played all the old favorite songs and soon the crowd was singing along too.  What a happy evening it was.

84. A First Attempt

Theodore Bear and Frederick stood watching the drummer and in no time they started tapping their feet in time to the beat.  Tap-tap-tappity-tap and then after a while Tappity-tappity -tappity-tap, faster and faster.  "This looks easier than playing the violin," said Theodore, "I think I would like to do it too." and Johnathan stood up to offer Theodore his seat.  Theodore began to play and soon he was much more confident.  He played louder and better and then he called to Frederick, "Come Frederick, if I can you can too."  Frederick Bear was feeling adventurous, so he slipped on to another seat next to Theodore and soon they played together in perfect time.  "Wow, well done, you two," cried Johnathan and clapped his hands and tapped his foot in time to their playing.  The first listeners started to drift across the mall to see something they had never seen before – two bears drumming out a good rhythm.

83. Meeting Johnathan

Frederick Bear looked somewhat doubtful as he and Theodore Bear walked along with the violin player.  "Would you like to try to play something else, Theodore," he asked, "you can still refuse if you are too nervous."  Theodore thought for a while before he answered and by that time they were standing in front of the musician's friend.  "Johnathan, meet my new friends.  This is. . ." the violin player said, smiling sheepishly and turning to the bears, "I am sorry, after all that I forgot to ask your names!"   Theodore smiled, "This is Frederick," he said, "and I am Theodore," and so they got to meet the drummer with the tom-toms.  "Two Bears!" said Johnathan, "wonderful, pleased to meet you guys.  Can you play the drums?  You should manage very well with those big, sturdy paws," and he smiled broadly and looked pleased with his idea.   "Watch me for a bit to get the hang of it and then you try.  Look, like this," and he beat out another steady rhythm.

82. The First Music Note

Theodore Bear was not too sure about the idea that he should play the violin but he took it from the man and wedged it under his chin as he had seen. His paws were not very comfortable holding the instrument either but he gripped the bow and drew it slowly across the strings.  But Oh No!  It made a terrible sound and not anything like the sweet tones he had just heard.  Theodore felt so silly when everybody laughed and he hoped his face was not as red as his bow. The violin man shook his head,  smiled a little and took the violin that Theodore was holding out to him, back.  "No, I don't think this is the correct music for you but I know what you should be able to play very well.  Come with me to meet my friend over there and I am sure he will let you play with him."  Theodore and Frederick followed the man to see where he would take them.

81. The Music maker

Frederick Bear suggested to Theodore that they sit down on a bench for a while. They found a good seat close to the music makers and in a few minutes the violin player came over to them.  He played a song for them and then sat down on the bench next to Theodore.  "Now this is a special day," he said, "this is the first time I have had two bears listen to me play. What are you doing here in the city?"  Theodore felt a bit shy as so many eyes were now on him and he said, "Hello, Mr Violin Man, I am traveling around the world and my friend here brought me to see the big city by night. Thank you for playing for us."  "That was my pleasure," said the violin player, "I wonder, do you think you could play my violin?  Look, it's easy, you just hold it under your chin, press on the strings and stroke the bow across them.  Here, try." and he handed the violin and bow to Theodore.

80. Downtown after Dark

"Well, I would never have imagined it like this," said Theodore Bear and Frederick laughed at the surprised expression on his friend's face. "Just look at all those millions of colored lights," Theodore continued as if talking to himself, "some are flashing and some look as if they are running round and round.  The signs are all bright colors, red and green and blue like my bows and there are trees growing in big painted pots with geraniums trailing over the sides. Tables and chairs are set out in front of the cafés and everyone seems to be so happy and enjoying themselves.  Over here a band is playing, further along a violinist is wandering from table to table serenading the patrons and opposite two guitar players are strumming in harmony.  There is a drummer beating out different rhythms on his set of tom-toms and oh my, so many things to see that I hardly know what to watch first."

79. The Evening Plan

Theodore and Frederick walked home and relaxed over a steaming mug of blackberry tea before having their supper.  Theodore said, "That was a wonderful time in the museum, Frederick, and I will certainly visit some more on my travels.  I learned a lot about this area."  "Yes" answered Frederick, "the staff have worked hard to display everything so well.  Would you like to go downtown again this evening?  We could walk around some of the street cafés and listen to the music."  "Oh, that should be good fun," said Theodore "I like listening to music too."  And off they went.  The air was crisp and fresh and there was much less traffic on the streets.  Soon they came to  a pedestrian mall where no cars were allowed and Theodore stopped to just watch for while.  Frederick smiled and said, "Yes, this is what happens here after dark."

78. Look and Learn

Theodore Bear wondered what Frederick wanted to show him after their fruit lunch.  They made sure that all the peels were in the trash bin and then Frederick said, "I thought you might like to see our museum.  It is a very good one and there is so much to look at."  "That would be interesting," replied Theodore, "I have not been to a really big museum before," and they walked across to a tall grey building.  Theodore was fascinated by the collections of gems from the area, the displays of animal habitats and the cultures of the local peoples. He and Frederick read the information labels and looked at all the old photographs.  Best of all they enjoyed the section for the children where they could touch and feel the exhibits and watch wonderful nature films.  Suddenly Frederick Bear said, "The day has flown by and it is almost closing time so we will have to leave now. Let's go home for supper and then I have an idea what we can do this evening."

77. Blue Sky and Sunshine

The next morning Theodore Bear opened his eyes and stretched.  Then he jumped up to look out of the window.  The sun was peeping out behind the mountain and shining onto the brilliant white snow covering the peaks.  "That is lovely," he thought, "and with blue sky and sunshine it will be a good day."  Frederick Bear was soon up too and he suggested to Theodore that they take a walk to see the sights of the city.  "Good idea," Theodore agreed and after breakfast they left.  Theodore wore his red bow to match Frederick's suit and they looked very smart walking along together.  They strolled down the main street to see the skyscrapers and all the shops and restaurants, ambled along the river pathway and crossed the impressive arched bridge.  Theodore enjoyed the older suburbs with the restored houses and marvelled at the view from the top of the tower at the City Hall.  "Lunch time now," said Frederick, "let's walk over to the park and rest while we eat the fruit I brought with. Then I have something else to show you."

76. The Surprise Visitor

"Hmm, I wonder who is knocking," thought Frederick Bear and got up out of his comfortable chair, "I am not expecting anyone."  He went to the front door and opened it wide.  For a moment he just stared and then he smiled his biggest smile.  "Theodore Bear!" he said excitedly, "what a wonderful surprise.  You have come to visit me at last. Do come inside," and he took Theodore's paw between both of his and shook it for a long time.  "Hello, Frederick Bear, how good it is to see you again," said Theodore, "I had a lovely day on the train and saw snow on the mountains. It is much colder here than where I live in the desert.  No wonder you wear that fine red suit to keep warm."  "Yes," said Frederick, "Let us drink some good, hot honey tea and then you can tell me how Merlena Bear is and all about your travels."  And they spent the whole evening catching up on their news.

75. Finding Snowfall Avenue

Theodore Bear wondered what to do next. "If you don't know something the best thing to do is to ask somebody who does," he said to himself and buckled up his back pack, picked up his walking cane and went over to the counter marked DIRECTIONS.  "Good afternoon, Lady, can you please tell me how to get to Snowfall Avenue?"  "Certainly," she replied, "first street to the left and then third to the right as you leave the station."  Theodore thanked her and set off.  The sun was slipping behind the mountains in the distance so he walked quickly, rubbing his paws to keep warm. Soon he saw the street sign showing Snowfall Avenue and turned the corner, watching for number 17. "Oh, here it is. This must be where Frederick Bear lives," Theodore told himself and walked up the gravel path to the front door.  He tapped a few times with the shiny brass knocker and waited.

74. The first Address

Slowly but surely the train began a descent from among the mountains and all the high peaks.  There were more roads and also more traffic on them.  "I think the city will now be coming into view soon," Theodore Bear said to himself and he was right.  One more curve and he could see the first tall buildings against the sky line.  Soon the train pulled into the station and Theodore got off.   He walked to the end of the platform and found a bench.  He sat down, put his cane next to him and reached for his rucksack.  He opened it carefully and took out the envelope that Merlena Bear had given him with the addresses of all her friends that he had met at her party.  He looked through the little white cards one by one.  "Ah, here it is," and he read, "Frederick Bear, 17 Snowfall Avenue.   Now to find him."

73. The best Scenery

Theodore Bear was enjoying everything about the train ride.  He had turned sideways on the seat so that he could see out of the window better.  The train was going slowly now and passing through a beautiful canyon where there was just enough space beside the tracks for the highway and the river.  Theodore felt he could almost put his paw in the water if he leaned out of the window and it all looked so beautiful.   The river rushed along making little white waves over the stones. "But it looks very cold," he thought.  There was more fun to come. Two fat mountain sheep with big curled horns were standing eating grass on the other side of the river and all the other passengers were just as excited as Theodore to see them so clearly.  The cliffs on either side were so high that Theodore could almost not see their tops.  "What a wonderful day," he thought and smiled with pleasure.

72. A wonderful Train Ride

"I am looking forward to this train ride," Theodore Bear said to himself as he watched the sights of the city slip by, "I was told it is very beautiful along here."  Theodore was fascinated by the high mountains that he could see in the distance and they came closer as the train traveled.  He saw the dry areas where very little grew and then the scenery changed and there were some trees.  The peaks were impressive and some were white with snow.  Sometimes the train would have to slow down to negotiate curves and in other places the tracks crept along the side of a mountain.  "I have never seen anything like this before," Theodore marveled and he hardly knew where to look first.  Then he saw the first ski resort with little cars hanging on a cable that went up and down the mountain.  "Hmm," he thought, "it must be strange to hang in mid-air like that."

71. The first Chill

Theodore Bear had packed his back pack and once again wore his green bow.  After a bite to eat he set off to the station with Benjamin and Barbara Bear.  "There is a real chill on the air this morning," Barbara said, rubbing her paws together, "we will be getting more snow soon and the tops of the mountains will all be white."  They walked briskly to keep warm and the train was just pulling into the station when they arrived. "It was lovely to meet you both and be able to see so much of your city.  Thank you very much indeed," said Theodore and bowed politely as he shook paws with Barbara.  Then he shook paws with Benjamin and climbed up into the train. This time the train was nearly full but Theodore managed to find a window seat.  He quickly opened the window to wave to Benjamin and Barbara Bear.  "Bon Voyage," they called as the train pulled away from the platform.

70. The beautiful View

When they were ready to stroll about again, Benjamin Bear thought it would be a good idea to walk up a small hill to get a good view over the city with the mountains in the background.  "The view from up here is beautiful," said Theodore Bear, "it was definitely worthwhile to come. There is even some snow lying on the peaks.  That is something I do not see often."  On the way back home they walked through the older part of the city with it's well-kept houses and Theodore tried to imagine how it must have looked when there were only wagons in the streets and no cars.  After supper Theodore thanked Benjamin and Barbara for having him to stay and showing him around.

"I enjoyed your city very much," he said, "but I will be catching the train early again tomorrow.  There are still many places that I would like to visit."   "We will come and see you off at the station in the morning," they said, "we like looking at the trains and go there often."

69. Sight seeing

The next morning Theodore Bear wore his fine red bow to look really smart when he set off with Benjamin and Barbara Bear to go sight-seeing.  They walked along under shady trees and Theodore saw how wide the streets were.  "It must be much easier for the drivers when the cars have plenty of space," he thought.  He noticed that the streets were numbered and laid out in square blocks. They looked at the famous buildings and Benjamin told Theodore all their names.  Soon it was lunch time and Barbara Bear suggested they take a rest in the lovely park close by.  "I have enough sandwiches in my purse for us all," she said.  "I have a bottle of honey," said Theodore, "we can share some of that too."  It was so peaceful sitting on the bench in the park that they spent a long time there.  Theodore told about life in the desert and Benjamin and Barbara told about living in the city.

68. Two new Friends

On his left side Theodore Bear saw another bear.  He was wearing a smart blue tie and a pretty lady bear wearing a matching blue scarf stood on his right side.  He was so surprised that he hardly knew what to say.  Then he managed, "Hello."  "We were across the road when we saw you," said the first stranger, "my name is Benjamin Bear and this is Barbara Bear," and the two bears both held out a paw to greet Theodore.  Theodore shook paws with them and said, "I am pleased to meet you. My name is Theodore Bear. I am traveling and want to see everything so I got off the train before it gets dark.  Now I must find a place to sleep tonight." Benjamin Bear smiled and said, "Well, we live here and have a little guest house.  We have never had a bear from the desert to stay before and would be very happy if you came to us.  We would like to show you around our city tomorrow too."  "Thank you, that is very kind of you both," Theodore said.  "Then it is arranged," said Barbara Bear, "let's go home."

67. Theodore in the City

The train began to slow down and Theodore Bear realised the station must be close by. "Maybe I will get to see some of those beautiful buildings tomorrow before I travel further," he thought.  Slowly the train pulled into the station and came to a halt.  Theodore stepped out onto the platform and followed the crowd to the entrance.  There a big board displayed a map of the city and he stopped to look at it.  A bright red arrow pointed to the station - YOU ARE HERE it read and Theodore took note of the streets and places of interest round about. "I must be able to find my way back to the station," he said to himself. Then he went to the entrance and looked up and down the street.  Suddenly he felt a gentle tap on each shoulder.  He looked around to both sides and was amazed to see two smiling faces.

66. The next Stop

Theodore Bear had such an interesting day on the train.  He had seen so many new places and had enjoyed looking at the rocks and the cliffs and the trees that clung to the sides sometimes.  There had been deep canyons and gulleys and then again some beautiful arches in the rocks that looked as if a giant had come with an enormous drill and made a hole through the middle.  The color of the rocks in the late afternoon sun made them look as if they were on fire. "I had no idea that I would be able to see so much from the train window," he thought to himself, "but it is getting late in the day and I think I will get off at the next city and stay overnight. I do not want to miss anything."  The next city was only a few miles away and the train soon entered the first suburbs.  Theodore lifted his back pack off the rack and had his cane in his hand, ready to disembark at the station. 

65. The colored Cliffs

Soon Theodore Bear noticed that the rocks in the cliffs were no longer light-colored but were becoming beautiful shades of reds, yellows and orange.  "Why," he smiled to himself, "they look like my  bows that I have in my back pack."  And Theodore was fascinated.  He loved the wonderful shapes of the rocks and imagined what they could be – a beehive, a camel's back, a duck's beak?  The colors seemed to change all the time as the sun shone onto the sides of the cliffs or one of the tall rocks cast a shadow onto another one close by.   He was thrilled to spy an eagle circling slowly above a deep canyon and watched to see if it would dive down for a catch.  Way out front he could see a big bridge and he guessed that soon the train would be crossing a river.  "How far down it is to the water.  A good thing this is a sturdy bridge," Theodore thought as he stood up and pressed his nose to the glass to be able to see right to the bottom, "it really is wonderful to be traveling."

64. The View from the Window

Theodore Bear was enjoying the train ride.  He listened to the sound of the wheels on the rails and looked at the view from the window.  He had been traveling for quite a while and now there was more grass with bushes here and there and the first mountains appeared in the background.  Trees grew in the valleys and from time to time he could see a ranch house in the distance.  The large herds of cattle always attracted Theodore's attention and he wondered how many animals there were altogether.  "Too many to count," he thought and leaned back against the seat.  The busy highway ran along next to the train track and Theodore was pleased that he was not driving there and could look around.  "I am getting hungry," he said to himself and ate some of the honey from the bottle in his back pack.  "Mmmm, that was a delicious lunch," and Theodore smiled with satisfaction.  

63. Leaving the City behind

After waving to his friends Merlena Bear and Hernando Bear on the platform until he could not see them any more, Theodore Bear closed the window as the train picked up speed.  He stowed his back pack and cane safely on the luggage rack above his head and settled down on the seat by the window.  Theodore wanted to see everything as the train traveled along. The tracks wound their way through the city and he could have a last look at the Tilly Towers and the picnic spot on the river bank but soon all the buildings were left behind and they were out in the country.  "There is the airport," said Theodore to himself, "there are not many airplanes today, but that big jet is beautiful.  Oh, and there is a very small plane coming in to land now."  Theodore was used to the desert scenery the train was passing through but he loved the sand dunes and the grass tufts and the cactus plants and watched carefully to see if he could spot any animals before it became too hot.

62. The Good-byes

Theodore Bear stood on the platform with Hernando and Merlena and the minutes ticked by on the big clock.  They were all very quiet.  Then Theodore said, "No long good-byes and speeches here, Merlena and Hernando, just a big heartfelt thank you to you both," and he held out his paw.  Hernando Bear shook his paw and then Theodore bowed politely as he greeted Merlena and shook her paw too.  "Look, here comes the train now.  Don't forget to wave to us," said Merlena and managed a smile. When the train stopped Theodore climbed up the steps and quickly found a seat.  He opened the window and reached out to Hernando and Merlena holding out both paws.  "Last touch," he said with a big smile and the train began to pull away. "Good-bye, good-bye" they shouted together and waved to each other until the train disappeared around the corner.  Theodore Bear was on his way.

  

61. Theodore's Lucky Day

"Mr. Bear, Mr. Bear, look what just happened!" said the ticket office lady excitedly, "today really is your lucky day.  This machine has issued you a Super-Special-Offer-Ticket because you are such an early traveler and it means that you can travel anywhere you like on the train.  Congratulations and Bon Voyage!"  The ticket that Theodore held in his paw had a big gold star in the one corner and  ANYTIME TRAVEL was written in big green letters right across it.  "Thank you very much," Theodore said, "I can hardly believe it all."  Merlena and Hernando Bear each wanted to hold such a special ticket too and they were so happy for Theodore.  "Now you will be able to see many places," they said and almost wished they could go too.  "Let us go over to the platform," said Merlena, "the train will be coming soon."

60. The Ticket Office

The lady behind the glass at the ticket office looked busy and she did not notice the face at the window.  Theodore Bear cleared his throat and said, "Good Morning, Lady, I need a train ticket, please."  Surprised to hear such a deep voice, the lady looked up and could hardly believe her eyes. "Mr. Bear" she said and smiled a welcome. "Well, good morning to you. You are my first customer today. But I must say, I do not often have a bear wanting a ticket. Now let me see what I can do for you."  The lady tapped some details into the big ticket machine in front of her and waited for a minute or two.  Suddenly the machine made a loud noise, a bell jingled and a green light flashed.  Theodore turned to look at Hernando and Merlena who were standing next to him.  "Oh, no, what now," he said sadly, "Do you think the machine is broken and I cannot get a ticket today?"

59. The next Morning

Theodore Bear opened his eyes and saw that it was light at the window.  Then he remembered, "Oh yes, I am going traveling today.  It feels like it will be an exciting day," and he jumped up from under the blanket to look out of the window.  The sun was shining in a blue sky. "A good start," he thought.  Theodore put on his green bow and by the time he was ready Hernando and Merlena were up too.  "We will leave for the station straight after breakfast," said Merlena, "it will give you a nice early start, Theodore." "Yes," Theodore agreed, "I want to travel by day to see everything along the way."  He lifted his back pack onto his back, picked up his walking cane and the bears set off to catch the tram.  At the station Theodore headed directly to the ticket office.  He was the only one who wanted to travel so early in the morning.

58. Theodore prepares to Travel

"Well, I guess I must pack my back pack," Theodore Bear thought to himself, "I had better start by shaking it out.  I have not used it since we went on the picnic and there may be some crumbs left in it.  The birds will enjoy these, I know."  Theodore carefully brushed his fur before packing the brush at the bottom of the rucksack next to the bottle of honey that he had brought with from home.  Then he folded up the red spotted handkerchief and put that in. On top he placed the envelope that Merlena had given him, being sure not to bend it.  Theodore took off the blue bow he was wearing.  "I will be traveling again so I need to wear my green bow because that is for GO," he said to himself and laid it out ready for the morning.  He carefully placed all the other bows in the back pack and fastened the buckles securely.  "Oh, yes, my cane. All travelers need a cane," he reminded himself and stood it up against the back pack.  Now he was ready but first he would have one more night on Merlena's sofa.