Finally made up my mind that I could not, would not loose my girls and children in this story. Chapter 13 picks that up again. Thanks for so many reactions and suggestions about the story. When you see those giant redwoods, then drive though some that have been scarred to let cars go thru yet still stand you will carry that scene with you your entire life. 50-60 years ago millions were destroyed to make picnic tables, benches, siding, decks and stains. Some that had stood nearly 2,000 years against nature were no match against a chain saw.