Love in the Great Smoky Mountains: A National Park Romance (2023)

[bunniefuu]

I think I found something.

What do you have there, Aubrey?

I'm not sure.

I think it's quartz.

Maybe a spearhead?

Wow.

A spearhead is exactly

what this is, Aubrey.

It could be quartz or crystal.

This might even be from

the Mississippian era.

Great job.

Label it, and we'll get it

ready for authentification.

Hey, everybody, we're on

a roll, really good work.

We're digging in

the right place.

So when are you headed

out to the Smokies?

Actually, first thing

tomorrow morning.

Have you been to

the national park?

Oh, I love the Smokies.

It's such a great area.

Take time to enjoy yourself.

Thank you, I will.

Fun is definitely on the agenda.

So have you recovered

from cap and gown day?

You know, I have to

admit, it was wonderful

to march and get my diploma.

But honestly, Dr. Ettinger,

I'm just so anxious to get

started on my career.

Of course.

And that's why I wanted

us to touch base.

OK.

Haley, your dissertation on

the ancient Mississippian era

was outstanding, so beautifully

written and documented.

Thank you.

So now, I think

it's time for you

to focus on getting published

in a professional journal.

Yes.

I was thinking if I find

something interesting,

it could lead to a

published field report.

Good thought!

That project is being headed

up by Dr. Carl Smith, right?

Yes.

Oh, he's a brilliant

archaeologist.

I know.

I'm really looking

forward to meeting him.

And also, it ties

directly into my research

of ancient American culture.

Speaking of which, have you

sent in your application

for the Arizona Pueblo grant?

I did it immediately.

Thank you, again, for

your recommendation.

Of course.

It's very competitive, but now

that you've received your PhD,

I think you should at

least have a chance.

I hope so.

It would be such a

huge opportunity.

I mean, a 12-month dig

at an ancient pueblo?

I don't think I have to

remind you how challenging

it can be to get started.

Archaeology has been

dominated by men forever.

Yeah, well, just like

everything else, right?

But I know that you

will do just fine.

That means a lot.

Thank you.

Home sweet home.

Nice.

Ooh, yeah.

Uh.

Oh yes.

Excuse me.

Dr. Smith?

Good morning.

You must be, Haley James.

Yes.

Wow, it's such an

honor to meet you.

Dr. Ettinger says you're

going to be one hell

of an addition to the team.

Well, I am really looking

forward to working on this dig.

Your colleagues are from the

Cultural Research Foundation.

I'm sure you'll have

time to get acquainted.

Great.

We've been working on

this site for months.

This was a Cherokee village,

so everything we find

is owned by the

Cherokee Nation and will

be on exhibit in the

Qualla township's

museum or art galleries.

Come with me, and I'll show

you where you start digging.

Oh, yeah, can't wait.

Here's your dig.

Grab a shovel and go for it.

Anything you find, bring

it over to me to the desk,

and I'll take a look-see at it.

Got it.

All right.

Sorry.

You got to be kidding me.

Rob?

Haley James.

Oh, I don't believe,

I don't believe this!

Of all the digs in

all of the world,

- you had to show up in mine?

- Oh, oh, oh.

- I did not know.

- It's OK!

Honest.

It's OK.

So what, now you're

a shovel bum like me?

Something like that.

I am rarely at a loss for words,

but you could knock me over

with a feather right now.

What is this?

Old Home Week?

No, it's Old Girlfriend Week.

What? Are you

serious right now?

Sorry, I didn't

mean it like that.

I just...

What?

Sir, we know each other

from sophomore year.

And we broke up senior.

Why did we break up again?

Go ahead and tell him.

- I didn't...

- I mean, you mentioned it.

Stop.

Sift through some dirt, and you

can sift through your troubles

later.

Not my troubles.

I'm going to work over here.

You work over there.

- Yeah, fine.

- Fine.

Have at it.

Good.

Sure.

Perfect.

Dr. Smith, do you mind taking a

look at this arrowhead I found?

Looks like it could be

19th century Cherokee.

I believe you're right.

Good job!

I guess it's just

beginner's luck.

I doubt it.

Here you go.

Wow.

Careful, watch it. You got it.

Straight down.

Haley, listen.

I...

Are you going to apologize?

You told me not to call.

You didn't even try.

Haley, I'm...

Rob.

I'm here for the dig.

I need it for my career.

Let's just leave it at that.

All right.

Hey.

Hey, just... Wait up.

Just give me a second.

It is good to see you.

You too.

Can we have dinner tonight?

Feel free to say no.

- No.

- OK.

Can we at least meet

up somewhere and talk?

We just did.

If you change your mind,

I'll be at the small falls

beneath the foot bridge.

OK.

Hey!

Sorry about earlier.

I'm glad you came.

I wanted to see the falls.

Beautiful!

Are you crazy?

No!

Oh!

Help me out.

You haven't changed one bit.

Neither have you.

Where's your sense of adventure?

I don't like surprises.

Now you know how I feel.

Hoo!

That got the blood flowing.

Yeah.

Are you hungry?

You just don't give up, do you?

All right.

15 minutes.

Make it 30.

30 it is.

Are you still upset with me.

Yeah.

I probably will always be.

Life goes on.

I moved on.

Would it help you

if I told you how

sorry I was for ever applying.

But not getting the grant,

yeah, that was really hard.

But what was most

painful was your deceit.

But I've come to realize

I'm stronger for all of it.

And honestly, I'm

really proud of the life

that I've built on my own.

You always were strong.

Just one of the many

things I loved about you.

I don't know.

Maybe we were both meant

to go on different paths.

Maybe your path

was the fellowship.

You should know the

excavation was a bust.

It was interesting, but it

only lasted a few weeks.

How long was it

supposed to last?

Three months.

I, uh, I got sick.

I think it was the food.

So what happened?

I applied for grants, for

internships, for teaching jobs,

anything I could think of.

And?

I ended up taking a

job as a carpenter

on a job site in Saint Louis.

No, you did not.

Yes, I did.

What?

Well, the money was good.

And physical labor was nice.

And then out of the blue,

I got an offer to go

to the Polynesian islands.

Polynesia?

Yeah.

I did a deep dive in

the Polynesian mythology

and the cultures.

Sounds amazing.

It was an incredible year,

yeah, which led to a paper

and a tiny bit of notoriety.

And what's even crazier

is that, at the time,

I was studying for my

master's in anthropology

which I completed, got my PhD.

Of course, you did,

Dr. Rob Martin.

Wow.

What about you?

What are you?

Are you a grad student?

I actually just got

my PhD in archaeology.

Haley, that's awesome!

I don't know.

I'm just excited to get started.

I actually just applied

for a grant in Arizona.

Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

The Pueblo grant?

Yeah.

Full disclosure, I sent

my application last week.

Well, thanks for

telling me this time.

I wouldn't make

that mistake again.

Here's to us.

Come on!

OK, doctor.

Not to our old selves

but to who we are today.

Cheers.

Cheers.

We're all good to go.

Yeah, all our artifacts have

been labeled and photographed

- for our records.

- All right.

I'll load them up then.

You have someone to help you.

Huh?

Hi.

Haley.

Dr. Smith thinks it'd be a

good idea for me to check out

the lab for my field report.

All right.

Let's get you loaded up.

Great.

You want to get that research.

Thanks, doc.

Follow me.

Put it over here.

Easy.

I got it.

- Wow.

- Yeah!

We hit the mother lode.

Huh, looks like it.

Troy, I'd like to

introduce Dr. Haley James.

- Hi.

- Hi.

Nice to meet you, Haley.

It is so nice to meet you.

First time here?

Not to the Smokies,

but here, yes.

Well, welcome.

Thank you.

Anything interesting?

Uh, just a bunch

of arrowheads, one

spearhead in mint condition.

It's either quartz or

crystal, and it looks

like it might be ceremonial.

Well, it needs to

be authenticated,

but it could be ancient.

I can't wait to check it out.

Oh!

These look like the spearheads

we found at our dig,

that same whitish color.

This one's dated 18th century.

Pretty cool, right?

Yeah, it could be older.

Oh, wow.

Do you have any snake heads?

Oh, no snake heads here.

You know, snakes are very

prominent in Cherokee

mythology.

According to

Cherokee mythology...

Oh, wow.

Uh, go easy on that please.

Sorry.

They have certain

powers, and they're

connected to a legend

about the Yunwi

Tsundi, the little people that

were here before the Cherokee.

The little people?

According to the

legend, there's a race

of small magical creatures.

Like leprechauns?

They're knee-high

with long hair.

And according to the legend,

they do good deeds to people

who treat them with respect.

I could sure use

a round of them.

Good luck with that, Rob.

Thanks a lot, Troy.

Yeah.

It was so nice meeting you.

Oh, you too.

Next time, I'll show

you the rest of the lab.

I would love that.

You should come out

to the site sometime.

We could use an extra shovel.

Maybe tomorrow.

Someone's got to log

in all those artifacts.

- Hey, there's more to follow.

- I'm sure.

See you later.

Bye.

See you.

You're hungry?

I could eat.

Hey, you must be Sky.

Come on in.

You must be Troy.

Dean said you might

be dropping by.

Yeah.

Dean's an amazing director.

He recommended I

stop by and meet

you so I could really immerse

myself in a Cherokee culture.

Dean mentioned you were a

cast in Unto These Hills?

That must be exciting.

I'm a member of the Eastern

Band of Cherokee Nation.

It's really such

a privilege to be

performing at the Oconaluftee

Village amphitheater.

It's an amazing venue.

Oh, I'll have to make time

to see your performance.

I hear great things.

I'm here all summer, so

you got plenty of time.

You know, people travel

from all over the country

to see Unto These Hills.

The whole cast is amazing.

I've seen it many

times over the years,

and the realism, just seeing our

history right up there on stage

never loses its magic.

That's what appealed

to me the most,

really telling the story

of our own ancestors.

I hear you're from Oklahoma,

the other Cherokee Nation.

Being here, it

feels like we're all

part of one big family.

Good.

That means we're

doing something right.

Here.

Check the spearhead out.

Found it at a dig site.

What?

Take a look.

Oh my gosh.

You know, what I love

about anthropology is it

gives context to archaeology.

You know, it fills in

the gaps in the stories.

It's not just the artifacts but

the people and their legends.

Yeah.

And also, like, how their

mythologies were formed.

You know, some stories

overlap culture to culture,

like leprechauns,

little people, elves.

All trying to help

out, play tricks on us.

It's really unexplainable.

You know, that's exactly

what draws me to this work

actually, discovering different

cultures each with their

own myths, their own legends.

And people are shaped by their

culture and by their past.

That's why it's so

important we respect it.

Do you realize that we will

spend most of our careers

digging up the lives of

those who are no longer

here to speak for themselves?

That's why we're so fortunate

to have actual Cherokee

descendants on this thing.

I mean, I've been,

here for two months,

but I'm just scratching the

surface on their culture.

And Troy and his

team are a huge help.

Troy's interesting.

Is he an archaeologist?

By training, yes.

He's my guide into

their culture.

You know, I've been

reading books and journals.

But Troy, I mean, he

lives it every day.

It's a big difference.

But you've been

here long enough.

I mean, it seems like

they really respect you.

I can't wait to join the team.

You up for a hike?

Yeah, always.

This is how settlers

and their families

would have lived a

hundred years ago.

I know.

It's like a little

portal back in time.

Most of these structures were

built in the 19th century

and then relocated here from

other parts of the Smokies

in the 1950s.

Mingus Mill, Cades

Cove are a lot older

than this, and their structures

that are still standing today.

Yeah, I read that

when the Great Smoky

Mountains National Park opened,

there were still settlers here.

They were logging, farming.

It was a conflict

waiting to happen.

Settlers wanted to use

the natural resources,

while conservationists

were worried about losing

the beauty forever.

Never-ending battle.

They needed $10 million

to buy the land.

It was right in the middle

of the Great Depression.

School kids raised what

they could, but in the end,

it was David Rockefeller who

wrote a check for $5 million,

and the park opened.

It's pretty cool

the kids did that.

Leave it to the kids.

Can you believe whole families

lived in these little homes?

I've been to

Yosemite, Yellowstone,

and they're magnificent!

There's just

something so special

about the Smoky Mountains.

Magical.

Come on.

I want to show you something.

Well, gotta hand it to you, Rob.

You sure know your way around.

Two months and a lot of hiking.

Mm-hm.

You know, back when we

broke up, I was very angry.

But I never meant to hurt you.

To be honest, I was emotionally

distraught for a long time.

I became physically ill.

And then I ran into you in

that warm Saturday in May

and made fun over

your big sweater.

It's clear you still hated me.

Well, first of all,

I am always cold.

You know that.

And second of all,

I don't hate you.

I could never hate you.

I hated that you lied.

I put my own ambitions

first, and I've

regretted it every day since.

I thought about my

deceit a million times,

but the damage was done.

But I never stopped loving you.

Well, it was a

mistake, huge mistake.

Like, the biggest.

I've forgiven you.

The only mistake I can

think of you making

is sign up for this dig.

Oh, don't worry.

That was not a mistake.

I need this experience

to launch my career.

Hey.

Is that the shortcut?

Yeah.

It's pretty steep.

Well, lucky for me, I'm

like a mountain goat.

Stay on the trail.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I'll see you later!

Oh.

Hey.

- I've been worried about you.

- What?

No.

I got sidetracked, you know,

did a bit of sightseeing.

Oh yeah?

- Did you see anything?

- Yeah.

I found this cave.

Well, sort of a cave.

There's a lot of

caves in these hills.

Yeah, but this

one was different.

It wasn't very deep, and I

couldn't even fit inside.

There was a bunch of abandoned

mining caves around here.

You want to fall in?

Thanks, Dr. Martin.

Hey, let me show you

something really fun.

Just think of it

as an adventure.

Right, an adventure.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Don't get any ideas.

I'm not.

Relax.

I'm going to show

you how to cast,

and then you're on your own, OK?

Ready?

Follow me.

Hey!

Look at that.

I'm pretty good.

Yeah.

Well, I'm going to

go down there so we

both have some room to cast.

Good luck.

Sounds good.

I'm good!

Don't worry about me.

Hmm.

That smells good

It does.

How are the potatoes?

Needs a little stirring.

Oh, h*, h*, h*.

You can smell the stream

on these bad boys.

And then, yes.

You're quite the fisherman.

You're not a bad student.

Oh my god.

Get out, out of my station.

This is mine.

Oh.

Cheers, to us.

Hmm.

To today.

Fresh trout is hard to beat.

It is.

Today was an amazing day.

Thank you.

Do you remember earlier, when

I said I was sightseeing?

By the falls?

Yeah.

Well, I told you there

was this giant boulder

in front of a cave.

I couldn't move it,

but I stuck my hand

in and took these photos.

And I couldn't tell the photos

I was getting at the time,

but check this out.

Oh wow.

Is that a big wow or

just, like, a wow?

No, it's a big wow.

I'm no expert on

Cherokee myths, we

should probably consult Troy.

But one night sitting

around the fire,

I was told a story

about this snake

with a sparkling diamond-shaped

crystal on his forehead.

I know this story.

And Cherokee Warriors went

to retrieve the crystal.

And apparently, only

one came back alive.

Yeah.

The conjurer hid

it to keep it safe.

And in return, it gave him good

luck and hunting and in love.

Hunting and love.

And prophecy.

Whoever holds the crystal

can see the future.

I could use help with that.

The photo you took is

a specific reference

to that story.

To... what do you think

happened to the crystal?

According to the legend, the

conjurer hid it deep in a cave.

Do you think it's still there?

I don't know.

We should go diamond hunting.

You know, just for fun.

Diamond hunting?

The Smokies are beautiful

this time of day.

Yeah.

Oh wow.

Nice.

I see what you mean

about this site.

This is our most

successful dig yet.

Oh, uh, I'll be right back.

Hey.

Hey.

- Glad you made it.

- Yeah.

Thanks for inviting me.

This, uh, this looks

like a lot of work.

You think?

But it has its rewards.

You must have seen some

digs back in Oklahoma?

No, not really.

I mean, I'm sure

they were going on,

but archaeology wasn't

really on my radar.

Oh, no?

No.

This looks sort of

Indiana Jones-ish.

Only, it's real.

I mean, this once was

a Cherokee settlement.

And the evidence

suggests it was abandoned

right around the time of the

passing of the Removal Act.

Oh my gosh.

Um, I want to introduce

you to some friends.

Here, come on.

OK.

Oh, yeah.

- Wait, look at this.

- Hey, guys.

I want to introduce

you to somebody.

This is Sky.

She's performing in Unto These

Hills at the amphitheater.

Oh wow.

And this is Haley James.

Hi.

Nice to meet you.

You too.

And Rob Martin.

I promise we're not usually

this sweaty and dirty.

Yeah, we are.

Have you guys found

anything interesting today?

Yes.

We actually just found this

pottery a few minutes ago.

That's awesome.

Yeah, it's pretty cool.

Actually, there's some more.

Follow me.

OK.

Nice to meet you guys.

You too.

Bye.

Wow, I like her.

I think Troy does too.

You know, in all my years

visiting the Smokies,

I've never seen the

removal of the Cherokee

peoples told by Cherokee actors.

It's pretty powerful.

I bet.

I've been on dozens

of these digs.

They're all interesting,

but it can be a lot of work

under a hot sun.

No, but I get it.

You mean, finding

clues from the past?

The people who lived here

may have been my ancestors.

Oh, it's certainly possible.

Hey, I have a question.

Rob and Haley, are they married?

No, they just met.

Or re-met.

Rob said they were

college friends.

Hey!

I think Rob could use

a hand over there.

And do you need a break?

Maybe.

All right.

I got you.

Thank you.

Yeah.

Feels good to sit for a second.

I can imagine.

Yeah.

How do you know Troy?

Uh, we actually just

met the other day.

You know, I wanted to do

more research on the Eastern

Band of Cherokees for

the play, and my director

sent me over to Troy.

You know, Troy and Rob actually

put this entire dig together.

Well, with the

help of Dr. Smith.

That's really cool.

I was just asking Troy if

you and Rob were a couple.

Ha!

Funny.

What did he say?

Oh, he said you guys

were college friends.

We were together for a while.

And we had a pretty

big falling out.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Yeah, we hadn't seen each

other in three years.

So when I showed up to this

dig, running into him here,

that was a surprise.

Did you get over

whatever it was?

I don't know if you

ever get over it.

Another girl?

No.

I wish.

That would be easier.

Wait.

I know. Actually, never mind.

Scratch that.

No.

Um, he wasn't honest

about something

that meant a lot to me.

He secretly applied for a

grant that I also applied

for and then lied about it.

And he got it, and you didn't?

Yeah.

Did you ever forgive him?

Yeah.

But ironically, we're both

competing for an Arizona Pueblo

grant, so here we go again.

Only this time, no

deception, right?

Right.

You're good.

Pretty perceptive.

Well, I'm an actress.

I also majored in psychology.

So you're good at

reading people?

A little bit.

OK, so what do you think they're

talking about right now?

Oh, they'll definitely say

they're talking about the dig,

but they're definitely

talking about us.

I don't get it.

Earlier today we were

pulling up pottery,

trinkets, all sorts of stuff.

And now it's nothing.

It goes in streaks, I guess.

It's a slow process.

In the meantime, looks

like you and Haley

have definitely reconnected.

Oh, I'd like to think so.

Good.

To be honest, Haley is

the most amazing woman.

Just, I messed up big time.

I've known you for what?

Two years?

I've never seen you

mess up anything.

Trust me, I've been

in the doghouse.

You know, I just met

Sky a few days ago.

She's all I've been

thinking about.

Oh boy.

Buckle up your seat belt.

Yeah?

Yeah.

Yeah, buckle it up tight

'cause you're about to go

on a beautiful ride.

I hope so.

Here's what I know about women.

Do I have your attention?

Um, sorry.

What's that?

They have the final say.

The final say about what?

About you, about everything.

They have the final say.

You don't.

Period.

And don't ever try to

hide anything from them.

She's the boss, and

I'm always honest.

I got it.

Bingo.

Hey, guys!

What are you over

there talking about?

We're talking about what

happened here 500 years ago

and still happening here today.

Yeah.

Men.

Right.

Hey, you guys!

Come check this out.

Oh.

Wow.

Whoa.

Nice.

Cherokee stickball stick.

And it's in perfect condition.

They used these to play

games, like lacrosse.

Exactly.

You think football is big?

Stickball was huge.

Games were so intense,

players sometimes died.

I heard that too!

Yeah, but the way

that stick was found,

Haley, that's amazing.

And it's more evidence the

settlement was abandoned

quickly during the removal.

You know, there are settlements

throughout these mountains

before the white soldiers

came and, often violently,

forced people to leave

with nothing more than the

clothes on their backs.

The white families would

move into the homes and farms

and take them as their own.

It felt like people

didn't care that they were

separated from their families,

and people were hurt,

sometimes k*lled.

But, I mean, that's why you

guys do what you do, right?

I mean, you learn from the past.

I get that's also why

you do what you do, Sky.

Have you been to the

Oconaluftee Village?

No, not yet.

Oh, it's so authentic.

I would love to show you around.

I would love that.

Can I see this?

Wow.

Wow.

We will never forget.

Well, it was worth a try.

No one ever said digging

for diamonds was easy.

Especially when the diamond

you're searching for is a myth.

I know. I know.

I get it.

It's like searching

for the Holy Grail.

I know if we could just

get into that cave.

Maybe the Cherokee put that

boulder there for a reason.

Yeah, maybe to hide something.

Maybe.

You know, it's pretty

overwhelming when you think

about the Cherokee or

the original settlers

who hunted and farmed and loved

this land thousands of years

ago.

Unlike the settlers

that came after,

they knew how to use this

land without using it up.

When the removal started,

about 20,000 hit the trail.

A few hundred stayed back

and hid out in the caves

in these mountains.

The few hundred that stayed

are now more than 18,000.

And Troy is part of the

Eastern Band, right?

Yeah.

Sky is from the survivors

that ended up in Oklahoma.

You know, Sky is giving a tour

of the Oconaluftee Village

later.

Do you want to come?

Absolutely.

The Cherokee people

built solid wood

cabins to live

in, like this one,

and lived in permanent villages.

I've got another one to

show you guys down here.

Follow me.

The villages were

comprised of seven clans.

Each clan represented a

specific work function.

So you had food gatherers,

protectors, guardians

of the fire, and so on.

And you grew up in your clan.

And when a man was married, he

moved into his wife's cabin.

And if she did not

want to stay married,

she moved his things

out of her cabin,

and he moved back into

his mother's cabin.

- Ha.

- Mm-hmm.

Today we would call

that a quickie divorce.

No lawyers needed.

Another interesting fact

is that the Cherokee

governance was matrilineal.

Women had an equal voice.

There was balance and equality.

What can I say?

Things just seemed

to work better.

You mean men actually

listened to women?

Yes.

What a concept.

Any more questions?

Hey, you guys.

How was Sky's first tour?

Oh, she's amazing.

Yeah, she is incredible.

I'm just on my way

to pick her up.

Hey, hang on a second.

The other day, Haley

and I were hiking,

and she found something.

Yeah.

OK, so it looked like

a cave, but there

was this giant boulder in front

of it, so I couldn't get in.

But I stuck my hand in

and took a few pictures.

Whoa.

The Uktena.

It's one of our

most famous legends.

According to the legend,

there's a crystal-like diamond

supposedly hidden

in a cave somewhere

along these mountains.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I can see the

diamond-shaped image there.

Also, looks like there's

some other drawings there.

What would that be?

I can make out what looks

like a bear's ears maybe,

the birds above, and there's

a diamond on the snake head.

Yeah, but what do

birds and a bear

have to do with the snake head?

Oh.

See those squiggly

lines on the left?

They're faint, but if you

ask me, that's a waterfall.

The birds fly above, and the

bear scares everyone away.

So maybe the crystal is

hidden somewhere around there?

I mean, that's as

good a guess as any.

According to legend,

there's a warrior,

Aganunitsi, who kept the

crystal hidden in a secret cave.

Yes!

Yes, yes.

No, I read about him.

And apparently, he would move

to location every so often.

The legend has been rattling

on for hundreds of years.

But this pictograph is the

first I've seen that shows

the crystal so clearly.

OK, so we could be

onto something, right?

I mean, this, this is the

best clue I've ever seen.

But again, it's an ancient myth.

OK.

Well, all we have to

do is find a waterfall

with birds flying above it.

Yeah, but there are 40

waterfalls and thousands

of caves in these mountains.

Well, we better get busy.

Thanks, Troy!

Yeah, good luck.

Hey, thanks a lot, man.

Wow.

Um, you look really

nice in that dress.

Thank you.

You know, Robin, Haley said

you did a great job today.

Really?

I really appreciate

that they were out here.

I was a little nervous.

But I had an elder

with me, and, you know,

she was there to really

make sure that I was

on track with the information.

And it was really cool

just connecting with nature

and the culture and history.

Wow.

You're already making an impact.

I hope so.

Well, I got us a table

at this nice cafe.

OK. Let's go.

Cool.

Yeah, but we can't

just go looking

at every falls in the park.

A lot of them are off limits.

OK.

Well, what if we went above?

You know, like,

way, way, way above.

I forgot how determined

you could be.

We are talking about a

diamond-cut crystal so clear

you can see your future in it.

It's a myth.

Where is your

sense of adventure?

This is really nice.

Thank you for

putting it together.

Thank you.

For what?

Being here, showing

up on this day.

Even though it took

you three years.

You could have called.

You told me not to.

I know.

I don't know if I meant it.

So, uh, three years,

it's a long time.

Yeah!

Any serious boyfriends?

A few serious

relationships, yeah.

The last one was a banker.

He wanted me to live in Jersey.

And?

And I didn't see myself

living in a five-bedroom

mansion doing summer

weekends in the Hamptons.

Uh, that sounds terrible.

It is!

OK, look, I get it.

Maybe it isn't for some

people, but it is for me.

I'm not cut out for that.

I'm... I'm cut out for this.

Yeah, this is much

more interesting

than summering in the Hamptons.

It is.

So what about you?

Polynesian islands,

on a remote dig.

I read Margaret Mead.

Growing up in Samoa?

Yeah, it wasn't all like that.

Look at me baring my soul,

the one thing you never do.

Hmm, maybe the one thing

you always should do.

Truth is I've never loved

any other woman but you.

And when you broke up with me...

Rob!

At the time, it was

the only choice I had.

And I deserved that.

I did.

Like I said, I went to Peru and

only lasted for three weeks.

It wasn't because of the food.

It wasn't?

You broke my heart.

It took a long, long

time to get over.

Rob, I loved you.

But you're the one

who broke my heart.

I guess we broke up each

other's hearts then.

Yeah, I guess so.

It's so peaceful out.

It feels like we're in

the middle of nowhere.

Well, that's the thing

about archaeology.

It usually takes you in

the middle of nowhere.

Hey, have you ever been

to the pueblos in Arizona?

No, I haven't.

- Have you?

- No.

When do you think

we're going to hear?

A week or so?

What if we both get in?

Or only one of us.

Yeah, I've thought about that.

Here we go again.

Yeah, but no secrets this time.

Yeah. Hey!

Did I tell you?

I sent my advisor a picture

of the stickball artifact.

And I'm thinking of making it

my first professional paper.

That's great.

Oh, and also, Troy

found more artifacts,

so I'm going to work

in the lab tomorrow.

But if you're up for

it, you want to go

snake hunting on Saturday?

Mm, you put it like that, it

sounds like a fantastic idea.

This is me.

Rob!

Uh.

I'm just not ready.

I know, I know.

It's... I get it.

Yeah.

I'm sorry.

Good night.

It's incredible.

OK.

Solid hickory,

perfect condition.

OK.

Logging it.

Thanks, Troy.

Here's a spearhead they

found at the same site.

Wow.

Yeah.

I mean, that is stunning.

Look at the way it's carved.

It's... It's perfect.

You know, the early

tribes had some tools

just for carving spearheads.

Really?

Yeah.

OK.

Oh!

This is my Zoom

with Dr. Ettinger.

Oh, well, feel free to use the

log room as long as you need.

Thank you.

Good luck.

Yeah!

Thanks.

OK.

Hello, Haley.

Dr. Ettinger, hello.

I just texted you an updated

picture of the spearhead.

I wish I could be

there in person.

It's been quite the dig.

Productive, to say the least.

What did you think of the

picture of the Cherokee

stickball stick?

It's an astounding

find, museum quality.

And Haley, your field report

about the cultural value

was perfect.

Do you think it

can get published?

Yes, absolutely.

Just add a few more artifacts to

the report, like the spearhead

you sent today.

And of course, make sure you

run everything by Dr. Smith too.

Oh!

Understood.

Will do.

You're off to a good

start, Dr. James.

I still can't believe it.

Thank you so much

for all of your help.

I've loved working with you.

We're expecting big

things from you, Haley.

Um, any news on

the Pueblo grant?

Not yet, but I hear it

should be any day now.

Keep me posted, OK?

Enjoy the rest of your

time in the Smokies.

Hey.

Am I interrupting?

I heard talking.

Hi!

No.

I was just finishing a

Zoom with my advisor.

Advisor?

I got my PhD a few weeks

ago, and my advisor

has guided me on everything.

And now she's helping

me get published.

That will be the beginning.

Of what?

Of grants, success,

more exciting research.

A life of adventure?

Yeah, that's the plan.

That's amazing, Haley.

Hey, so if you have the

time, I wanted to know

if you wanted to grab lunch.

There's a really

cute cafe in town.

Oh!

Oh.

Sure, yeah.

Let's do it.

OK.

So how long will this dig last?

Ah, well, for Rob,

it'll go longer.

But for me, two weeks?

- That's it?

- Yeah.

Wow.

Well, I actually just

applied for a grant

at a pueblo in Arizona, so.

On a reservation?

At an ancient pueblo.

It's sponsored by the state.

And I just found

out Rob actually

applied for the same grant.

Dueling applications.

You know, at this point, Rob

has a lot more experience.

How's that going?

You and Rob.

I mean, you two

seem so connected.

Well, if I'm being honest,

if I knew he was at this dig,

I probably would not have come.

And now?

Now I see what I

saw in him then.

Before the big breakup?

Yeah.

Do you want my advice?

- Do I have a choice?

- Nope.

Didn't think so.

Love is the greatest

adventure you can take.

So if you feel like you've

got something truly special,

then you need to go after

it with all your heart.

What about you?

Well, the play runs

through mid-August,

but they've asked me to

stay on and keep giving

tours at the Cherokee village.

Of course, they have!

You are amazing in it.

Thank you.

And what about Troy?

I just, I feel like I'm at

my best when I'm with him.

Well, to quote someone, if you

think it's something special...

Go after it with all your heart.

Just saying.

Yeah.

And have you talked to him?

Does he want to become a

full-time archaeologist?

I don't think so.

You know, he's talking

about getting his MBA

in nonprofit management.

So I don't know.

He either wants to run a museum

or be a part of educating

more people on our history.

That makes sense.

Yeah, it does.

Nice work.

Thanks.

Speaking of Troy, he wants

to meet me for ice cream

- after we're done with lunch.

- Of course, he does.

Yeah?

You're more than

welcome to join us.

I should get back to the dig.

So you two enjoy.

OK.

Let's have a look at that one.

This matches some of the others.

Yeah.

It's interesting.

Dr. Smith, part of my being

here is to write an article

to hopefully get published.

And Dr. Ettinger

was really impressed

with both the Cherokee stickball

stick and the spearhead.

I just really wanted to say

thank you for your guidance.

It means so much to me.

You know, I appreciate that.

You know, you're doing the

work, you deserve the reward.

And anything I can do to help,

all you need to do is ask.

Thanks, Dr. Smith.

So they want me to make

a decision by next week.

About working as

a guide this fall?

Yep.

Well, what do you want to do?

I mean, I've loved acting,

especially in Unto These Hills.

And I enjoy spending

time with you.

Well, I've enjoyed

spending time with you too.

I'd love it if you

stay here for the fall.

I talked to my mom.

She misses me.

Have her come out for a visit.

She would love that.

I don't know.

I guess it just comes

down to whether or not

I want to keep pursuing acting.

Acting jobs come and go.

It's just a tough decision.

I don't even know if I'm

passionate about it anymore.

It would require moving

to LA or even New York.

Well, what is your passion?

Right now?

Mint chip.

OK.

- I got to try it now, clearly.

- All right.

All right. I want to try some.

- That is my passion.

- Give me some.

Nope.

It's all mine.

Hey, where are you?

I thought we were meeting up

before Sky's thing tonight.

Did you forget?

Absolutely not!

Hey.

You, uh, you look incredible.

Well, you know, I

thought I'd step it

up a notch for our double date.

Oh, is that what this is?

Don't be an idiot.

We didn't see you

at the dig today.

I know.

I went on a hike.

- Did you go back to the cave?

- I did.

Wait, the one with

the pictographs?

Yes.

And this time, I

took a flashlight.

And look at the photos I got.

Oh, they're much

larger than I thought.

The squiggly lines are clearer.

I know.

I mean, it has to

mean a waterfall...

the bear head, the

snake, the birds.

I don't know what it all means.

Well, I think whoever

drew these pictures

drew this as a map.

Yeah, but with the multitude

of waterfalls in the park,

where do we start?

There's clearly something on

the map we're just not seeing.

Troy, what do you think?

Well, now that I'm

seeing it better,

there's the diamond head.

The squiggly lines

symbolize a waterfall.

Is that a W?

No.

It could mean

mountains, or maybe

it's identifying a landmark.

But we've been to every

waterfall in the park.

Have you guys been

to Weeping Falls?

It's just outside of the park.

It'd be worth a shot.

I know you think

I'm obsessed, but I

would love to check that out.

That makes one of us.

Plus one more.

Yeah.

Piece of cake.

What?

Wow!

It takes your breath away.

So does the drop.

200 feet.

I mean, if the cave is up there,

we're not getting

there from here.

Something isn't right.

I don't recognize

this landscape.

I don't see any caves

or rocky ledges.

I think it's a bust.

Let's head back to the car.

You know, I was thinking.

With the picture, the

video, and the story

of the Cherokee mythology...

You know, Troy said he had

never seen a photo like that.

I really think we

have something here.

Yeah?

Yeah!

Like, what if I make

an article, right?

Like, not just a field report

but a full-blown story.

I think that's a great idea.

Yeah?

Yeah.

Cool.

No luck today?

Shut out once again.

Might be time to

throw in the towel.

No, not yet.

But maybe, maybe

finding the pictographs

themselves is the whole story.

Maybe it isn't a map at all.

Maybe it's a retelling

of the legend.

Well, there is only

one way to find out.

Hey, look.

If it was easy to find, it

would have already been found.

Yeah, that's true.

Haley, guess what.

What?

I've made a decision.

You did?

Oh Wow.

Um, Sky has been deciding

between going back to Oklahoma

or staying here.

Oh, ooh.

And?

I'm staying right

here in Cherokee.

At least until the fall.

This is exciting.

And the other news

is, we are both

starting grad school this fall.

Troy!

Troy is going to be

starting with his MBA.

And sky is doing her

master's in psychology.

This is huge news,

all the way around.

Yeah!

I really just want to learn as

much about my people as I can.

And if it's OK

with you guys, I've

asked Troy if he could tell

us the story of the Trail

of Tears, just as the

elders did when they

gathered around the campfire.

Yeah, I'd be honored.

Yeah, so would I.

Well, Sky, don't

be shy to jump in.

Short-handing it here,

but the Trail of Tears

wasn't just about

the Cherokee Nation.

Now, there were five

tribes in the Southeast

called the Civilized Tribes...

Seminoles, Choctaw, Chickasaw,

Creek, and Cherokee.

In 1830, Congress passed

the Indian Removal Act

which called for the

removal of all Indians

from the southeastern

United States.

All total, nearly

100,000 Native Americans

were sent to what was then

called Indian country.

Today it's called Oklahoma.

Exactly.

Now, there were several

different detachments that

traveled the Trail of Tears.

The first group,

the only ones that

were controlled by the military

came over in an oppressively

hot summer.

The last to leave

were forced to travel

during the dead of winter.

Of the 18,000 who traveled

over the mountains, over 4,000

died along the way.

And those who survived...

Including Sky's great,

great, great-grandparents.

Were forced to rebuild

their lives from scratch.

It took great

leaders to rebuild.

And there was lots

of division and some

bloodshed before the tribe

could get back on its feet.

But today, there are over

400,000 Cherokee citizens.

Nearly 20,000 right here.

One tribe living in two lands.

Connected by our histories,

our traditions, our legends.

And one written language

created by Sequoyah.

That was beautiful, Troy.

Thank you.

Something you said

yesterday stuck with me.

You said if the crystal

was so easy to find,

it would have

already been found.

Yeah.

Right, so it got me thinking.

Here, these letters right

here, are they in Cherokee?

No.

It's drawings of what

looks like landmarks.

And that looks like a

grotto which is why I

suggested Weeping Falls before.

And look closer.

So I think that's a

rock or maybe a boulder

on the top right of the W.

Yeah, but we already

checked Weeping Falls.

But we didn't check

above Weeping Falls.

Could this W symbol

be above the falls?

Possibly.

It's a big leap.

I'm great at taking big leaps.

You know that.

You saw those falls.

There's no way we're

hiking up there.

Here.

Check this out.

All right.

This trail will

get you up there.

It's the back way.

It's longer, less traveled.

Huh, my kind of trail.

I don't know.

It seems dangerous.

Rob, come on.

We're so close.

I'm going to give you guys a

map, and you can sort it out.

Thank you.

Thanks, Troy.

Oh!

Sky!

Hey, Sky.

Come in.

Do you want to sit down,

have a coffee or a tea?

Uh, no.

I'm good.

OK.

Oh.

I just wanted to know if you

were around for lunch tomorrow.

Oh, thank you.

You know, I would love to, but

I think I might be headed back

up to Weeping Falls tomorrow.

Girl, you are driven

to find that crystal.

Yeah, but I can't help it.

When an adventure calls,

I have to see it through.

Are you sure this is the

adventure that's calling?

I have to tell you something.

What?

I got the grant for

the Arizona Pueblos!

Wow!

No, that's fantastic!

Congrats!

Thank you.

It's huge!

Yeah.

You know, if Rob doesn't

get in, I don't know.

So I haven't told him yet.

If you could just

keep this between us.

Yeah, of course.

Thanks.

That's so exciting though.

It is.

Haley.

Hey!

What are you doing

in here so early?

Oh, going to fill up my coffee

before I head up the mountain.

Thanks to the map you gave me.

Rob meeting you here?

No.

No, I figured I'd

do this one alone.

Oh.

Well, you be safe out

there on that trail.

Always.

Thanks again.

Hey!

Fill her up.

Thanks.

Rob, Haley went to

find the crystal.

Rob!

Rob, are you here?

Hey, Rob!

Get up here.

I need you.

Come on.

Pick up, pick up, pick up.

She's not picking up.

Ugh, she's one determined lady.

That's just one of the

reasons why you love her.

Go get her, man!

You're right, you're

right, you're right.

Haley!

Rob!

Rob.

What happened?

OK.

Let me take a look.

Oh! That hurts.

Ow!

That hurts, that hurts.

Why didn't you tell me

you were coming up here?

OK.

It's definitely sprained.

We got to get you to a doctor.

No, no.

You need to see what's

inside that cave.

What?

I thought you came

up here to stop me.

I couldn't stop you if I tried.

Hand me that branch, will you?

All right.

OK.

On the count of

three, help me up.

1, 2, 3!

Careful.

OK, good.

Straight up here.

This is it.

I can't believe it.

We found it.

Let me see.

OK.

We found it.

Let me see.

You found it!

What... all right, you

go on in without me.

I'm going to sit this one out.

Are you sure?

Yeah, I'm sure.

Well, listen.

If I'm not back in five

minutes, you just...

What am I going to do?

OK.

Bats.

I hate bats.

Whoa.

No way.

Haley!

I found something!

I found something.

You do the honors.

Wow.

What if it really does

have magical powers?

You'll be the first to know.

Well, what if... what if

it's not our place to see?

What if it's not

my place to open?

Then what are we doing up here?

Let's see that crystal and

see if it tells us our future.

I don't know.

I think I already have

good luck hunting.

And love?

Well, not knowing the future

is half the fun, right?

Right.

I'm going to put it back...

where the conjurer hit it, where

it's safe, where the legend can

live on.

OK.

But Rob, I took a leap.

And I was right.

Yeah.

You were.

Yes, so many bats.

And a sprained ankle.

I wonder if the crystal

was really in the cave.

Well, we can draw

you a map, and you

can go find it yourselves.

Nah, it's better this way.

The legend lives on.

On to the next adventure.

And it looks like

my next adventure

is going to be in Arizona.

You got the Pueblo grant?

I did.

Wow.

That's amazing, Haley.

I was just waiting for the

right time to tell everyone.

If anyone deserves it, you do.

Thank you.

Cheers, guys. Cheers.

- Cheers.

- Cheers.

Cheers. Cheers.

Woo!

Yay!

Yeah.

We're making good progress here?

Oh, it's been bountiful.

Really one of the best

digs I've ever been on.

Yeah.

Yeah, you're right.

Hey, Rob.

What's up with

your ex-girlfriend?

Oh, Doc.

It's like one minute I'm

up, the next I don't know.

Well, I'm just an

old coot, you know.

I don't know much about women.

But I've seen a few

things in my days.

And I've been watching you

two from the first day.

What I saw, I'm not

saying it's all harmony,

but it's pretty damn close.

Yeah?

And I will say that

A is attracted to B,

and B is attracted to A.

This is like a magnet.

It's just the way it works.

Opposites attract.

Mm, sort of.

Oh, Doc, we debate.

Yeah, but in a healthy way.

But now she's going off

to Arizona because she

got this Pueblo grant.

I know, and you didn't.

Figure that's the end of that.

Well, maybe yes, maybe no.

But, um, I think

there's a future here.

Yeah.

And I don't need a crystal

ball to see that, all right?

Just think about it.

Hello?

Yeah!

We're around back.

Oh, sorry.

I hope I'm not interrupting.

No, just checking up on Rob.

That makes two of us.

I packed some food if

you're hungry for lunch.

- No, I was just leaving.

- Oh, no.

Please stay. There's plenty.

I would love it if you joined.

Thank you, no.

I really should be going.

Thanks for stopping by.

Glad to see you doing better.

Thanks, doc.

You two enjoy your lunch.

Thanks, Dr. Smith.

That seemed sweet.

Yeah.

Who knew?

It's good to see you, Haley.

I'm really going to miss you.

Um, about that.

You know, I've been thinking

a lot about the Arizona grant.

I'm happy for you.

It's a great first

step, Dr. James.

Well, Dr. Ettinger

actually said

that the article I submitted

about the pictographs

really helped seal the deal.

It's well deserved.

I have a proposal for you.

I only want to go to

Arizona if you come with me.

Are you sure?

Hold that thought.

I'll be right back.

Oh, are you...

I'm good, I'm good, I'm good,

I'm good, I'm good, I'm good.

What are you doing in there?

I'm coming.

I'm coming.

Hey.

I have a proposal too.

I was going to give you

this the day we broke up.

Rob.

I've been keeping

it all these years.

Haley James, will

you be my wife?

Yes.

I love you so much.

Love you too, Rob.

Now, I really love the Smokies.