"AAAhhh " exclaimed Akin as the little bear cub's back claws dug into his thigh muscle. This is only one of several encounters with wild animals in the mountains as Laraby and Akin Hudson were on their hiking trip. Laraby must get his last boy scout badge before he can do his Eagle Scout project. Then he can finally get his drivers license. They meet a mountain hermit that is a veteran from Veitnam who has his own story to tell. He gives the boys pointers that may make their trip more successful. After Akin is hurt he tries to disuade them from continuing, but Laraby would have none of that. He had to get this merit badge. After getting lost, they are rescued by the hermit and his brother in dramatic fashion.