title: Rocky Mountain: The Story Behind the Scenery
author:  Michael T. Smithson 
description: Michael Smithson, a graduate of Evergreen State College with a B.S. in wildlife biology, also completed additional work in musuem studies at the University of Colorado. A career professional with the National Park Service, Michael served 9 years as a naturalist at Rocky Mountain National Park.
zlib_text: Rocky Mountain Faith
  By
  Ciara Knight
  
  Chapter One
   
   
  The Rocky Mountains hugged Chase Robert’s hometown of Silver Springs and snuggled him in
  comfort. He looked through the Italian Bistro window at the nearby peaks. They were rugged, like the
  ones in Jordan, but more comforting with glorious, snowy tops. Across the street, a man hung lights
  and he couldn’t wait until nightfall to see the twinkling Christmas lights he knew would decorate the
  city come night fall.
  “It’s a culture shock at first, right?” Rex, his childhood buddy, pointed to the outside world. Cars
  passed, people passed, life passed.
  “You could say that.” Chase scooped up his pizza, thankful he didn’t have to use a fork and knife
  to cut his food. Nothing worse for a one-handed man than fine dining.
  The explosion of fresh, gooey, cheese and meats blending together with rich sauce firmly planted
  him home. He chewed and savored every hint of oregano and basil until he had his fill. “Hey, man.
  Thanks for letting me crash at t