Original subtitles

This program is rated G

and is suitable for general audiences.

How'd we do?

Just over three miles.

That is... 6,221 steps.

Not bad...

for a Monday morning.

Hey.

Wait up.

Oh...

I meant to ask, uh, how'd it go with Steven on Saturday?

Uh, the food was good.

Uh-oh.

Yeah.

Another one bites the dust?

Well, and after three months of dating,

he wants me to make a commitment?

Plus, I made a comparison chart of who we are,

and it did not look good.

But I thought you liked him.

I do like him, but I just don't...

To me, a commitment means forever.

I'm just not there yet.

Not with Steven.

With Steven, or...

with everybody in general?

Hey, I just want to see you being happy.

Well, I don't need someone else to make me happy.

I hear you, Abby, but trust me,

you'll know when you know.

You know what's weird?

What?

I haven't been sleeping well lately.

Aw.

Yeah, I keep having this recurring dream

that I'm in the middle of nowhere

and the sky is filled with eagles.

-Eagles? -Yeah.

Soaring. Like, there's dozens of them,

just floating in space.

Well, I am no Freud, but a recurring dream of eagles?

That must mean something.

All I know is the eagles just keep hovering.

Eagles.

Eagles...

soaring...

in the sky.

"Sky" rhymes with "guy".

Oh! Oh, mm.

What if you're gonna meet your perfect guy?

Okay. All the same,

I'd rather be dreaming of dolphins

off the coast of Bora Bora.

Or how to shave 10 minutes off my run time.

Well, at least you're not dreaming

of rattlesnakes on the Baja.

Really glad you're not a shrink, Meaghan.

Only because I'd miss you too much at the office.

I could be a good shrink.

So I went jogging

with your favorite ornithologist this morning.

You might be in luck.

She broke up with

that Steven guy that she met at the bookstore.

-Really? -There you are!

Huh! How's the world's best bear tracker?

Fine. Fine.

I'm really... really...

Anything new, Harry?

You know, I will see you guys later.

Oh, drinks after work?

Absolutely.

You're gonna be good. Just go in smooth.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Hey... how was your weekend?

-Oh! -Sorry.

Sorry.

Sorry to hear about your breakup.

Meaghan!

I'm gonna be in the lab.

I'm gonna be in the lab...

That girl cannot keep anything to herself.

Hey, um, I heard this concert was happening this weekend,

and I, um...

Harry, I'm sorry...

Oh, too-- too soon?

Sorry. That's no problem.

Harry!

There you are. I got your emails.

Good morning, Davis.

What's this about a bear in St. Paul?

Get this! 30 this morning,

a black bear wandered into downtown St. Paul.

Guess he was window shopping.

Oh.

Did he find anything in his size?

Oh...

Good one.

I've got to steal that for my blog.

All right. Get it out soon.

Everyone reads Bear Tracker.

Could make national news.

On it.

-And I found your pen. -Oh. Thanks.

Oh, Harry.

Abby, that is a great shot.

Yeah. I mean, I'm sure you already know this,

but eagles became a fully protected

endangered species in the 1970s.

1972. I know all about it.

An eagle census made it into the popular press.

"Eagles-- National Symbol Extinct."

Congress acted unanimously.

Yes, I have read the press.

And as I recall,

the decline was documented by a woman in Alaska?

Alice Hughes was her name.

She had her 15 minutes of fame in the early '70s

and then just disappeared.

Here's an idea, Abby.

Track down Alice Hughes.

Get the original study, and then do a new census,

50 years later.

Ah, like an online eagle census?

Uh, offline.

-Online. -Offline.

"Offline"?

Yeah, go where she went.

No, I think I can do that right here.

No, no, no, no, no.

You have to go where she was. Follow in her footsteps.

It will be a great cover story for the next journal.

-All right? -I--

-Go, Abby, go! -Go-- oh, gosh.

Offline.

It just came out of nowhere.

That's what Davis does. He calls it "pollination".

He walks around the lab, triggering stories.

Well, yeah, but it was all so vague.

I know, but his instincts are spot-on.

Look at Bear Tracker.

Harry has five million followers.

Harry is not crawling around in caves,

looking for bears.

Very true,

but Davis has a knack for this stuff.

He has launched dozens of major reports.

Even a few from me.

Right, like your story on the bees.

Yeah, all because Davis was stung at the company picnic.

Call it pollination!

And a few years back,

I did one on the disappearance of the albatross.

Off I went to Fiji.

Now, that was a trip.

More stories lead to more funding,

and more funding brings in more researchers, like you.

They come up with more stories,

and the whole thing spirals forward.

I get it.

So if Davis wants you to find

some lady who counted bald eagles in the 1970s,

I say go find her.

He actually already spoke to her.

Alice Hughes has

officially invited me for a visit--

somewhere near Seattle.

-Amazing! -Nah, I don't know.

-No? -Well...

-Yes? Cheers. -Cheers.

Eagles mate for life, you know.

Yeah, I know.

Oh, of course.

I read your bio.

Master's in ornithology.

Published articles in several journals.

Very impressive.

Thank you.

Have some tea.

You made quite the ruckus back in the day.

It's the craziest thing.

I did some research on the bald eagle population,

and suddenly, I was on the cover of magazines.

I wonder-- could you take me back

to your very first trip to--

Eagle's Crest?

Yeah.

Uh, 1971.

My boyfriend, Charlie, had been sent over to Vietnam.

That's when I first heard about this nesting ground

in Hidden Canyon.

It was all just happenstance?

Sometimes, you just get a feeling.

When Charlie didn't make it back home,

I needed to get away.

Sorry.

Was it hard the whole trip?

I still have the scars, if that's what you mean.

But I had some help.

There was a young Native American named Jaco.

And a Denali Ranger...

"Ranger George."

-Oh? -He was wonderful!

You know, I haven't been able

to find your full report anywhere.

It was never published.

The eggheads at the journals didn't believe me.

Oh, you're kidding.

I had no credentials-- which was true.

I was just a kid with a camera.

They called me "the Hippie Hiker".

I love that!

And this here, this is your report?

The data was rock-solid.

The eagle population declined by 50%

in one year.

DDT was the culprit,

but after the headlines,

eagles were fully protected in 1972.

-Yeah, it was a huge success. -Mm-hmm.

Eagles have now been de-listed.

It would be interesting

to compare your data with a new measurement today.

And how would you do that?

Well, I'd go right back to Eagle's Crest.

Then I'd use a measuring matrix to count eaglets.

Two studies, back to back-- yours and mine.

What was going on 50 years ago, and what's happening today.

Okay, Abby.

I'll get you to Eagle's Crest.

But here are the ground rules--

first...

you cannot reveal where it is.

We don't need a bunch of birdwatchers

stumbling around up there.

I promise.

Second--

and this could be a deal-breaker--

you may not publish your findings,

or use my report,

unless I approve--

in writing.

You have my word.

No story without your approval.

Take this. You'll see my maps.

Maybe it'll help.

Oh, this is a treasure. Thank you, Alice.

One more thing.

You'll need a guide.

And I know just the guy.

Actually, I think I'll be fine on my own.

It's a dangerous trip, Abby.

There's rivers, grizzlies, wolves...

If you have any doubts,

just forget the whole thing. Okay?

Okay.

Find your way

to Lakeside Lodge,

near Fairbanks.

Ask for Ellen Rivers.

She'll set you up with a guide and all your gear.

You're about to have the adventure of a lifetime.

Thanks.

It's beautiful.

Ahem.

Is that Beethoven?

Guess again.

Brahms?

No.

So not one of the "B"s.

How can I help you?

Uh, I'm looking for Ellen Rivers.

She's away.

If I guess the composer, will you tell me where she is?

She's on a fishing trip,

but she'll be back in the morning.

Got it.

There's a couple groups going out tomorrow.

Sign you up?

Oh, I'm not here for the fishing.

That's too bad.

They're really biting out there.

I'm here to hike to a place called Eagle's Crest.

Ah, okay.

Well, let me guess.

Birdwatcher?

No, I'm a--

I read all about it, and that is where I'm going.

Eagle's Crest, huh?

It's too bad it's on protected land.

It's closed.

Closed? I--

If you change your mind about that fishing trip...

Mozart?

Nope.

"Your cottage is the first one by the lake.

See you in the morning. Ellen."

Hi.

You must be Abby.

-Ellen? -Ellen Rivers.

Welcome to Lakeside Lodge,

traditional territory of the Dene.

Oh, this place is wonderful.

So I'm guessing you found your cabin okay last night?

I did, yes. Thank you.

Hey.

Is this our special guest?

Niko, this is Abby.

Oh.

Niko Rivers. Sorry we were away last night.

Glad you made it.

Yes, all thanks to Alice.

You know, I meant to call her.

She said you'd be coming.

You haven't spoken to her?

No. She just left a message

saying to "expect a young lady," so,

here you are!

Here I am.

Here we are.

Oh.

Sorry, I gotta go-- the fish are biting--

but Ellen'll take care of you,

and I'll catch up with you later.

-Okay. -Maybe dinner?

If you catch something.

Just kidding.

Thank you.

He never catches anything.

Let me show you the lake.

-Sure. -Come on.

Okay.

I sort of stumbled on a piano player last night.

I didn't really expect that up here.

Right, in the middle of nowhere.

Yeah.

He was actually kind of good.

That's Eric.

I'm actually hoping

he'll guide you to Eagle's Crest.

Oh, yeah, no, I don't think

he'd be too keen on that whole idea.

That's just Eric being Eric.

Trust me.

He's really wonderful with all of our guests.

Unless you're a birdwatcher.

Oh, my goodness!

This view is incredible.

Mm-hmm.

Yeah, you came at a good time.

Hey.

Look up there.

That's your welcoming committee.

Oh... I missed him.

That's okay.

You'll have plenty of opportunities.

I was so excited once I met Alice.

She really is amazing.

And now you're hoping to follow in her footsteps?

Yeah, that's the idea.

That's really cool.

So where exactly is Eagle's Crest from here?

So, right over there, that's the Tanana River.

Uh-huh.

And you'll have to paddle down to Split Rock,

and then, from there,

you take a trail up the mountain to Eagle's Crest.

That sounds easy enough.

Oh, you've done some mountain climbing before?

-Me? -Yeah.

Yes.

Many.

Many mountains.

I am a mountain climber.

That's what they call me.

Great. Then you'll do fine.

Oh. Yes.

Can't wait.

Nice. Well, I'll let you get settled.

Feel free to go for a swim.

Oh, so you can swim in here?

Yeah. It's a lake.

Oh, right.

Bye.

Wow.

So this is what you do

when you're not giving free concerts?

Birdwatcher.

-You fish in these? -Yup.

That's your real job?

Yup.

Are you always this talkative?

-Sometimes less. -Oh.

Fishing must be good.

Right here?

Some of the best in the world.

Oh.

Do you fly-fish?

No, but I like the biology of it.

Matching manmade flies to a real hatch.

We'll have to get you out sometime.

Mm.

So did Ellen or Niko fill you in

on what I'm actually doing here?

I'm sort of following in the footsteps

of this incredible woman I met-- Alice Hughes.

What?

It's a long story,

but I'm a professional ornithologist.

Oh, a professional birdwatcher.

Ornithologist.

Right. Same thing.

Uh, it's...

I'm studying migratory patterns of eagles,

and several years ago, there was this study--

I know the study.

Great.

That's why I'm hiking to Eagle's Crest.

Like Alice Hughes, only 50 years later.

I'm sort of getting the lay of the land now,

but Ellen thought maybe

you could point me in the right direction?

Like I said, it's Native American land.

But if Ellen says it's okay...

Great!

I'm Abby, by the way.

Eric.

Okay, Eric.

You...

you ever met Alice Hughes?

You're kidding, right?

She's my grandmother.

I'm sorry, what?

She didn't tell you?

No.

That's so Alice.

You knew?

No, no. It's the first I've ever heard of it,

but if Alice sent you...

You must be the guide she was talking about.

You must have really impressed her,

which isn't easy to do.

What is it you're trying to do again?

Oh, I want to replicate her study.

Compare where we are today.

Eagle's Crest, huh?

Well, I guess we have some sorting out to do, don't we?

Uh, that was interesting.

Hmm?

I just ran into Alice's grandson.

That's Eric.

I meant to get to him before you did.

I'm guessing you didn't--

...Know who he was? No!

No, I didn't.

And here's the weird part,

is that he was Mr. Get-Lost-Birdwatcher

until I said the magic words "Alice Hughes".

I wish I could've seen his face.

Yeah, I guess Alice

had a little Socratic trick up her sleeve.

That's Alice for you.

Then he said we had some "sorting out" to do.

What does that mean?

Oh. That just means he's on board.

Oh. He also knew all about Alice's research.

Of course he did.

Alice pretty much raised him.

My father was involved, too.

Wait.

Alice mentioned a young Native American-- Jaco?

Bingo.

That's your dad? That's amazing!

I'd love to meet him.

You will.

Niko and I are traveling with you to Split Rock.

Great. I'm sure he knows all about Eagle's Crest.

Oh, yeah.

He's got stories for days.

He's what we call an Elder.

He can explain things.

He also had quite the career, though,

before he retired.

What'd he do?

When he first met Alice,

he had just got his doctorate at Berkeley.

He was studying anthropology.

He taught there for a while, too,

but the land here just kept calling to him.

And your mom?

She's been gone for about five years now.

I'm sorry.

Being here, it makes me feel closer to her.

That's why my dad started writing children's books--

as a way to honor her,

and also to teach our traditions.

Like how the eagle can guide you.

Yeah, that's kind of why I want to explore Alice's research.

Well, you'll be in very good hands with Eric.

He's...

full of surprises.

Just like Alice.

Interesting.

-Okay. Shall we feast? -Oh, yes, please.

Oh, that was delicious.

I'm definitely coming back to this restaurant.

-He's a cook and a comedian.

Abby, how did you

get interested in birds in the first place?

Oh, it started in college.

I studied migratory patterns of snow geese,

and I've just recently become interested in eagles.

They say science gives us truth.

I also like measurements.

At least numbers don't lie.

I see why you like Alice's work.

It's a collection of measurements.

Exactly. It's an eagle census.

You know, she did all those by hand.

I've seen her field notes.

Yeah, to be honest,

getting out on the field is new for me.

Um, I'm really just a lab girl.

But for some reason,

I can't stop thinking about eagles.

That'll happen.

And when it does,

you never know where it might lead.

When was the last time Alice was here?

-Five years ago? -That long?

She said she was just "visiting" the eagles.

Not counting them.

I think she treated one, right?

Yeah, that's right.

She found this one that she named Romeo.

And Juliet was there, too.

Maybe you'll run into 'em.

Oh, that would be awesome.

Getting up close and personal?

We'll have to keep our eagle eyes open, won't we?

-Oh, my gosh.

Tough crowd.

I'll leave the comedy up to Niko.

Thank you. So what's the plan, Eric?

First things first.

No one goes to Eagle Crest except for Alice.

You know, it's a tough and dangerous hike.

You gotta think long and hard if you even want to go.

I want to go.

-You sure? -Yes.

Okay, but if you wake up in the morning

and you change your mind, no harm, no foul.

Just hop on a plane,

you'll be back in the lab where you belong.

You don't think I can do the hike, do you?

I mean... come on.

I have my doubts.

-What time do we leave? -What time do we leave, Niko?

Get her ready by 0630 and be on the water by00?

Copy that. I'll see you right here at30.

Copy that. I'll be right here waiting.

-Great. -Great.

-Perfect. -Perfect.

Is it really tense in here?

Hi!

Hey, I know it's early,

but since you're heading who knows where,

I-I just-- I want to keep track of you.

Meaghan, I'll be fine.

Okay, okay. Just a... Just a few more details.

Harry keeps asking.

Oh, tell Harry I said hi.

Hi! Abby!

Hi, Harry.

I, um, I just wanted to, um, you know, uh...

Be careful.

Alaska, it's...

it's...

real...

Like I said,

I will be fine.

Anyway...

I'll leave you two to it.

Goodbye, Harry.

I'll give you all the details when I get back, okay?

Bye.

So...

I finally met my guide...

Eric.

Ooh. And?

I haven't figured him out yet.

He's a classically-trained pianist.

Huh.

Yeah. And he's a fishing guide,

but there is definitely more.

Well, he does sound enigmatic.

So what's next?

Well, today, we canoe down a river,

and then, tomorrow,

we hike to where Alice photographed the eagles.

Wow. You are literally following in her footsteps.

With her grandson.

What? No, no, no, no. Wait.

Wait. Um, piano guy/fisherman is Eagle Lady's grandson?

Yup.

-That's insane. -I know!

Abby, this sounds like a massive adventure.

If you feel uneasy at all...

Oh, no, I don't.

I'm actually really excited,

even though I have no idea what to expect.

Can you at least keep me posted from up there?

Of course.

I'll send you photos, if I have cell service.

Great! Okay, take lots,

and I cannot wait to hear more.

Okay.

You're early.

I can come back at30, if you like.

Okay, birdwatcher.

We'll start here.

How are you in a canoe?

Well, yes, uh... practically born in a canoe.

Good, good, because there are some tricky spots,

but you should be okay.

Just do exactly as I say.

No thinking outside the box. Got it?

Got it.

We should get to Split Rock this afternoon.

Oh, right. With Ellen and Niko.

Have dinner with Jaco, and we'll spend the night.

Is there a hotel

or some kind of accommodations there?

-A hotel? -Mm-hmm.

There's a few tents for guests, but you'll be fine.

And then tomorrow, we're on our way up.

What do you mean, "up"?

Right. What kind of shape are you in?

Uh, yeah, I played field hockey in college,

and now I run and do yoga.

I'm very flexible.

I guess the question is,

can you make it up two big mountains in one day

carrying a 30-pound pack?

Piece of cake.

All right.

Well, if we set a pace,

we should get to Eagle's Crest, say,00 or so.

And, uh, where exactly is Eagle's Crest?

Right up there?

Okay. And Hidden Canyon?

Hidden Canyon is not on any map.

And no trail?

Don't worry. I'll get you there.

I wasn't worried.

Okay, it's going to be a monster of a hike.

Let's get you geared up.

Okay.

Let's try this on for size.

Put that like that.

Here... we... go.

How's that?

Bring on the mountains!

Okay...

Powdered eggs.

Scrambled, with bacon?

Blueberry muffins.

With espresso.

And chicken Alfredo.

With linguini?

How many days do you think you'll need?

Uh, let's plan for three...

and hope for two.

All right.

Dried fruit. We need these.

Strawberry shortcake!

Can't count eagles without strawberry shortcake.

Or lemon meringue pie!

What? Lunch and dinner.

Are you a big eater?

No, not big-big, but...

Yeah, big.

Well, in that case, you're gonna love the filet mignon.

Ooh! With baked potato?

Okay, mountaineer.

Good to go.

Oh!

I'm okay.

I think we got...

one too many stroganoffs.

Shall we?

Yeah.

I see you've got your life-support system there, Abby.

I'm a walking dried-food bin.

It's okay. The bears don't like that stuff.

Ho! Right, the bears.

Don't listen to him.

You'll be fine.

Besides, you've got Eric.

I've been known to wrestle a bear or two.

Want to hand me your pack, Abby?

Oh, I thought you'd never ask.

Thank you.

It's an easy paddle to Split Rock.

Easy. But then, from there, it's all uphill.

It's all uphill.

-Thanks, Niko. -We've got you.

All right, Abby, you're up there in the bow.

Yes.

The other bow.

Testing you.

Okay.

Whoa!

Born in a canoe, huh?

Yeah. Can't you tell?

Here, take this.

Ready.

All right.

Hold the paddle like this, Abby.

Oh.

And use your back to pull through the water.

Just like that.

Hey, I got it.

Lead the way, Eric.

Aye-aye, Captain.

Hey, look.

It's like one of my dreams.

S'uylu.

You know, we believe that eagles are messengers

between humans and the Creator.

Even in dreams.

Dare I say it?

A good omen.

Ahem.

Meant to do that.

I loved hearing you on the piano.

Do you only play classical music?

Actually,

I play all kinds of music.

The Beatles.

Jazz.

Classics from the '50s.

Anything from...

ahem, I don't know, say...

the Eagles?

Ah. You got to earn the Eagles.

What? Not even one song?

We'll see how your paddling goes.

Come on. Can you remember how to get there?

Welcome.

Dad, this is Abby.

Jaco Thomas. Welcome.

I've heard a lot about you.

Thank you.

Oh, thanks, Dad.

Thanks.

What, no manners?

Checking to see if you've got any strength left in these arms.

I'm retired.

And remember, I go to the gym every day.

Eh? Give up?

Never.

This could take a while.

Why don't I show you where you're staying?

Hey, Eric!

-Long time. -How you doing today?

Pretty good.

Most of our guests here are fishermen.

You'll see--

there's lots of great spots all over here.

Yeah, that's what I've heard.

And here's our tents.

All the comforts of home.

I like to think of it as "glamping".

Oh, Ellen.

When Eric said tents, I was expecting a--

Pup tent?

Yeah. This is lovely.

If you need anything, let me know?

-Okay. -I'll see you at dinner.

Yeah. I'm just gonna close my eyes for, like, two seconds.

Okay.

Ohh...

Get your gear on, Abby.

What gear?

You know, I promised Ellen I'd bring home dinner,

so this is where you get to help.

I'm guessing we're not heading to a market, are we?

You'll love it. Trust me.

Okay, now, the fish

are working their way upstream, against the current.

Got it.

When they get hungry enough,

they come to the surface looking for flies, like this.

To a fish, that looks like a cheeseburger.

That's right.

All right, now what you want to do

is move your hand in this motion--

- 00,- 00.

00...

00.

No, I'll fix that. One second.

Oh, wait. Wait.

All right. This is the rhythm.

Now mend the line.

Hold the slack with your left hand.

Hold it nice and tight. Just like that.

Okay, now pull it back.

And release.

-Just like that.

Like that!

Good job.

No, stay.

Just for a few more tries.

Okay. One more time.

Pull it back.

And release.

I got one!

Okay, hold the line tight!

-What do I do? What do I do? -Reel it in.

-Okay, okay. -Just like that.

-Okay. Ooh... -There we go. Just like that.

Oh, it's so strong!

-He's coming in. He's coming in. -All right, here we go.

-He's a big guy. -Get the net, get the net!

Keep it coming.

I got him.

Careful!

-Hey! -You got him!

You got him. I just netted him.

Good job.

-That's dinner? -Yeah. Main course.

That was so fun.

You're a natural.

That was my first fish ever.

Well, I think we're gonna need a few more.

Hey, these...

are all from the garden.

Ooh!

Or the market in Fairbanks.

-And Abby caught dinner! -Uh, yeah.

That was beginner's luck.

Oh, don't let her fool you. She's a natural.

I just had a good teacher.

Or some good karma.

It's a good thing somebody was able to bring in some fish.

-If we depended on Niko-- -Here we go again.

...We'd all be starving.

A fishing lodge owner who doesn't know--

...how to fish. Yeah, thanks.

He's a good businessman at least, right?

Maybe. At least he sure married well.

Well, that I agree with.

Dad, um, Abby's been telling us

about some dreams she's been having.

Oh, it's really nothing.

No, really. It's okay.

They're about eagles.

Well, it's the same dream every night,

and they're soaring

high above me.

Come with me. I have something to show you.

Have a seat.

The eagles are a huge part

of who we are

and where we come from.

Not just the Dene.

All Indigenous peoples.

Have you written about it?

I have studied our cultures, and others.

This is why I wrote these children's books.

"The Eagle and the Moon."

The eagle's spirit will sometimes visit us.

That's why the eagle feathers are so sacred to us.

If you look closely,

there's actually feathers inside the amulet.

Have a look.

It's beautiful.

Did you know that animals have powers?

No.

All animals have powers.

The eagle has the power of flight.

But it can also be used

to guide you through different passages.

Do you think that's what my dreams are about?

Maybe.

The eagles are calling upon you for some reason,

like they did to Alice.

I, um...

I'm guessing Alice didn't mention that part?

No. No, not exactly.

But she also didn't mention her grandson would be my guide.

Were you close with Alice back then?

I was a young man when she first came here.

She was on a journey, searching.

Some might call it a vision quest.

I was her guide.

This is when our young men

go out on their own for the very first time.

They journey for four days and four nights,

and they go up as high as they possibly can get

to be as close to the Creator as possible.

They pray

and open themselves up to receive messages.

It's in the stillness

that certain things just become more clear.

A vision quest.

This amulet brings powers

to the ones wearing it.

It's yours now.

Are you sure?

May the spirit guide keep you safe on your journey.

Thank you, Jaco.

I really mean that. This is an honor.

Thank you.

Dinner's ready.

House special-- baked Alaskan trout.

I totally could've caught this if I was there.

Knock-knock! Time to hit the trail.

Is it30 already?

29.

Come back when it's30.

I'm up. I'm up.

How far from here?

Trust me, we have miles to go before we sleep.

"And miles to go before we sleep."

I was wondering...

how'd you go from field hockey to birdwatching?

Ornithology.

Right.

Well, I liked hockey,

but birds have always been my first love.

I did my master's in zoology at Cornell,

and I took a research job at North Star Wildlife.

You okay?

Yeah, it's actually...

it's a lot easier than I thought. Ooh!

So that's where

you got the whole gung-ho thing from, huh?

Mm-mm.

That was my dad.

Yeah, he was a football coach,

and he had these words framed in his office...

"All or nothing."

Guess I kinda took that to heart.

You know, always give it everything you got.

He say anything about getting in over your head?

"Sink or swim."

Hmm.

Well...

let's hope you don't have lead feet.

-Ready to go, Skippy? -Ready.

How great is this?

Are we there yet?

I'd say we're about halfway.

What? Halfway?

I mean...

halfway? That's great!

There's still another hill after this,

if you want to turn back.

You think I can't make it?

My number-one rule is just be honest with yourself.

Wasn't that in the coach's manual?

No. His big rule was "always stay on course."

Always meet your goals.

Well, I guess that's why I take the road less traveled.

See where the trail leads me.

Yeah, well, you met that goal.

Ohh...

Me...

I like to have complete control over every step.

Don't say it.

Have a nice trip?

So when you took Alice to Hidden Canyon,

did you see a lot of eagles?

Well, the truth is,

we never made it to Hidden Canyon.

Alice wanted to relive her trip to Eagle's Crest,

and like I said, some eagles found us along the way.

Okay, so how far is Hidden Canyon

from Eagle's Crest?

-That's a good question. -And the answer is?

I'm not sure.

What do you mean, you're not sure?

I've never been.

What? Wait.

You've never been?

I have a guide guiding me to a place he has never been.

I said I'd get you to Eagle's Crest, right?

Yeah, but--

That's where you said you wanted to go.

Alice said the eagles are at Hidden Canyon.

Alice has been saying that for 50 years,

and no one's ever found it.

What happened to your rule about being honest?

You misled me.

Honestly, I didn't think you'd make it this far.

Well, I did!

I'm sorry I misled you.

If you want to head back, that's exactly what we'll do.

No, I don't want to turn back.

I want to count the eagles at Hidden Canyon...

if my so-called guide can ever find it.

Hey, don't take this the wrong way--

that backpack looks really cute on you.

Roll over, Beethoven.

That's fair.

Hey, lab girl? Wrong way.

This way.

I knew that!

I was just testing you.

Hey. Wait up.

-Easy, now. -Yeah, yeah, yeah.

This way?

Yeah, it looks like it.

Yeah, I'm not climbing that.

It's not as bad as it looks.

Wha-- You're kidding.

I have to scale a cliff?

It's just one mountain. It's easy.

Just one. "It's easy." Okay, great. Great.

Not gonna climb that.

All right, when I get up there, I'll pull up your backpack up,

then I'll come back and belay you.

-Oh, you'll belay me. Great. -Mm-hmm.

It's safe.

-Oh, safe! -And fun.

Oh, fun.

Right. How exactly is this fun?

Trust me, you're gonna love it.

I'm just gonna... I'm just gonna delay the belay.

You do that.

I'll hang out here while you climb that.

I mean, I was a regular Tarzan

when I was a kid, so...

Now, where did I put the...

It's around somewhere.

Oh, yeah. This is gonna be good.

Ahem.

You didn't.

Oh, ho, but I did.

-You cheated. -Actually, Beethoven,

I just started thinking outside the box.

You should try it sometime.