It is a time to reflect and feel the small voice inside calling me. My heartbeat grew a little stronger as I realized it was coming from the attic of my mind. As I move through the attic of my mind, I see the unopened chest from yesteryear, with faded lettering written in an arch on the outside. This book is part of what I found while revisiting its dusty contents.

I retrieved an old letter from Christmas many years ago, which included a poem. This was one of my greatest gifts, from a man I only met through letter writing, giving me his permission to put in print a poem he wrote just for my first book on Yellowstone, A Yellowstone Savage from Fishing Bridge.

The letter was signed by William "Bill" Fries. Bill helped record producer/composer Chip Davis of Mannheim Steamroller with the song Convoy which became a movie. C.W. McCall is the character of Convoy fame. The song begins with, "This is the Rubber Duck". Bill's call name was the Rubber Duck on the CB radio as he drove his semi-truck all over the country.

I lived during the mid-1950s through the mid-1960s on Route 66, a road heavily traveled by semis during those years, the sounds and names (handles) for CB operators filled the air waves. My dad and I were the first CB operators in our small town. Dad was "Big Bad Wolfe" and I was "Little Wolfe". Little did I know that this connection would be vital link for contacts on the Yellowstone.

This poem would be honored front and center while starting Chapter 1.

Visions of bygone days begin to form. I invite you to come along with

me, starting with setting the stage for the trip.

First, locate the song Yellowstone Morning from the album American

Spirit by Mannheim Steamroller C.W. McCall American Gramophone.

C.W. McCall is Bill Fries, still trucking.

Second, find a relaxing spot to sit, with your favorite beverage.

Third, as you relax and listen to the song, read the poem and after

reading, just close your eyes — and you are there, sitting on the Lake

Lodge porch at 4:00 in the morning. After the song ends, finish reading

Chapter 1. You are on your way to a Reunion on the Yellowstone.

Lake Lodge porch looking out over Yellowstone Lake, circa 1960.