Journey of My Heart (2021)

[bunniefuu]

I am...

...Forever yours

I am yours

Always yours

Oh

The places we will go

We

Are

Perfect forever

Forever...

Forever

Yeah, we are perfect

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...

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!

5:30 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.

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.

Fallen from a low place

Just waiting

to hit the ground

And your friends

ran on without you

And the dog's nowhere

to be found

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."

If I had a penny

For every time

That I thought of you

and smiled

If you were a picture

I'd paint you

all of the colors I see

When I look at you

Whoa

Time fades

when I'm with you

And I can't explain

the tainted things I do

With you

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 by 7:00?

Copy that. I'll see you

right here at 6:30.

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 at 6:30,

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, 7:00 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.

h*! 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?

Left, left, left

I left

Want to walk through

the valley with you

Step, step, step by step

I couldn't do it without you

Under skies so blue

With just me and you

Yeah, me and you

I want to walk on the top

of every mountain

I want to run

on the bottom of the sea

If our feet get tired

We'll just

stay for a while

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...

10:00, 2:00.

10:00...

2:00.

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 it 6:30 already?

6:29.

Come back

when it's 6:30.

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."

We're walking side by side

I would walk through fire

with you

Yeah, I would walk for miles

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-h* 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, h*, but I did.

- You cheated.

- Actually, Beethoven,

I just started thinking

outside the box.

You should try it sometime.

Touch.

Make sure you bring up my pack

for me. Thank you.

Thinking outside the box.

Awesome.

Eagle's Crest.

I mean, it's unbelievable.

Somehow, Jaco led Alice

to this very spot 50 years ago.

Hello, world!

It's me, Abby Morgan!

Ca-caw!

I made it!

What kind of bird was that?

It's a made-up bird.

- Oh, okay.

- I'm working on it.

It's pretty good.

When I was a little girl,

I used to race home from school

just so I could look up

at the sky

and count the birds.

Every year,

right before it got cold,

I would wait

till I heard this sound.

I'd look up at the sky,

and there would be hundreds

of birds flying

in this perfect "V" formation.

It was magic.

Now you have

the bird's-eye view.

Well, it's getting late.

We should probably

go set up camp.

Choose a place on a map

where we've never been

See the world

Hold my hand

Let's jump right in

We can make memories

everlasting

Over sea, through the air

any other way

Take a trip with us

it will make your day

See the world open-eyed

See the colors change

Welcome

to Eagle's Crest campsite.

Oh, Ranger George

must have built this.

Yeah.

It's almost 8:00. How do you

feel about a late dinner?

Reservations for two?

Table with a view.

I'll set up my tent.

If you set it up over there,

the smoke will blow that way.

Okay.

How about over here?

That's the firepit.

Okay. You've stayed

at this hotel before.

You pick my room.

Follow me.

How do you like your stew?

Uh, not cold, please.

Oh, thank you.

To Alice.

And her eagles.

Tomorrow, we search

for Hidden Canyon.

Here's to finding it.

Hmm. It's not bad

for powdered wine.

I made it myself.

A hint of, uh, apricot.

That might just be the smoke.

Cheers.

You know what feels good?

What's that?

Not carrying a 30-pound pack

on my back.

Yeah, I get it.

Do you think

we're on the right trail?

Well...

last time I took Alice,

she pointed in this direction.

So yeah, I think so.

From studying her sketchbook,

Hidden Canyon seemed like

two minutes from camp.

Could be two days from camp.

Tell me it's not.

It's not.

Oh, good.

You had me worried.

It could be three.

That's funny.

She also sketched

this little lake

and called it "Lake George".

I'm guessing you don't know

where that is, either.

Abby, I got you

to Eagle's Crest.

From here on out,

your guess is as good as mine.

Well, my guess is...

we're on the right path.

Guess so.

I was thinking...

Uh-huh?

I was expecting the sky

to be filled with eagles.

Like in my dreams, you know?

I haven't seen a single one

since we left.

Maybe they moved on.

"Maybe they moved on."

I've been looking

in the tree branches,

and I haven't seen

a single nest.

You still have your kazoo.

- It's a harmonica.

- Right.

Eric.

Ah, at least we have proof

of one eaglet.

Might be all you'll get.

I don't mean to be

the voice of doom,

but maybe it's called

"Hidden Canyon" for a reason.

We have to find it.

All or nothing, remember?

I know I saw something

about a lake in here.

Ah.

"Lake George"?

If I was a gambling man?

I'd say yes.

What is this contraption?

I don't know.

Looks like Ranger George's work.

Do you think it still works?

There's only one way

to find out.

It's working!

Not bad for an old raft.

I could get used to this.

All right,

don't get too comfortable.

It's only got the one speed,

or can we go any faster?

Be my guest,

if you want to give me a hand.

I'm good. Right here.

That's what I thought.

Seems like

it's slowing down a bit.

What's wrong?

I don't know.

It must be stuck.

Come on, muscles.

All right. I'm gonna

give it a good pull.

Ah!

Stop!

- I'm so sorry.

- It's not so bad.

It's fine, really.

- My bad.

- Totally fine, totally warm.

It's all good, really.

No worries.

Whoa!

I got you!

Wait. What is that?

- What do y... What do you mean?

- Is that a snake?

What do you mean, a snake?

Ah! Are you insane?

Thanks for sealing off

my camera and Alice's diary.

Of course.

Years of

river-guiding experience.

"Expect the unexpected."

Sounds like

one of my dad's lines.

Mm.

A soggy sandwich

has never tasted so good.

Totally. All the rage.

I was wondering...

what did you make

of Jaco's story

about the vision quest?

Well, I've spent

a lot of time up here,

especially with Ellen and Niko.

The truth is,

I'm really taken with

Native American spirituality.

I'm not really sure

what I believe.

But what he said

really stuck with me.

Have you ever heard

of inter-spirituality?

No.

It's when certain aspects

of other beliefs

are accepted

as truths in your own.

When you think of it that way,

there's sort of

a universal connectedness.

And the eagles are messengers?

Yeah. I mean, sure. Why not?

You're here, aren't you?

Your dreams are real, right?

I'm definitely here.

I'm just not really sure

where I'm headed.

Maybe you've already arrived.

An eagle.

Finally.

Is there any way...

Getting up there

for a closer look?

- Yeah.

- Yeah, probably.

Let's do this.

All right.

How's it going up there?

Good!

You finding any nests?

No, not yet.

I think I'm close.

Okay, I got you.

You're good.

Yeah...

I got a great shot!

That's great.

I'm gonna get closer.

All right.

Whoa!

Easy, now!

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!

- I got you!

- Eric, help!

Use your feet, Abby.

- Careful! Careful!

- That's good, that's good.

Rappel down.

Easy.

Oh!

You okay?

I can't believe I did that.

That was great!

I got some incredible shots.

Let's see.

Oh, wow.

Fantastic shot, Abby.

That's incredible!

Oh, that smells delicious.

Prepackaged filet mignon.

I'm impressed.

You, uh, seem to know your way

around the kitchen.

You'll need to come with me

on one of my fishing trips.

I cook a full menu.

Oh, maybe.

Eric, I wanted to ask you

about something.

Your music.

What I heard the other night

was world-class.

Not quite.

You're classically-trained.

Juilliard.

- Juilliard?

- Yep.

What happened?

Well, what happened was,

my freshman year,

I put on a recital.

And then my dad

decided to attend.

My parents divorced

when I was three.

My dad moved to London.

Alice's son?

Yep. Still lives there, too.

Started a whole new family.

And then, suddenly,

he just shows up

out of the blue

an hour before the concert.

Oh, no.

I actually picked out that piece

I was playing the other night.

Chopin?

Yeah, that's it.

I knew it cold, too, you know?

"Nocturne Suite in E-Flat."

And somewhere along the lines,

I just...

lost my way.

You should've been there, though.

It was a... a beautiful disaster.

I'm so sorry.

It's okay.

I blame my dad mostly, you know?

Not so much for showing up

and rattling my nerves,

but walking out on his family

in the first place.

If you bring kids

into this world,

you'd better commit

to taking care of them.

I couldn't agree with you more.

That was the end of

my so-called musical career.

But I missed the West, you know?

So I transferred to Washington,

picked up my degree

so I could teach.

- And spend summers up here?

- Yeah.

You know,

sometimes, I check in on Alice.

My mom died when I was 10,

so Alice basically raised me.

She's a very special woman.

You know, we used to come

up here all the time.

She used to be a photographer,

and a chef on the side.

So what do you teach?

Fishing?

English.

Oh, my goodness.

- Uh...

- Is that Romeo?

Yeah.

Hey there, big guy.

Remember me?

Hey, the tag from

five years ago is still there.

Looks good to me.

Look at you.

Now, that is a great shot.

Oh!

That's Juliet.

She's making sure he's okay.

They're so committed

to each other.

For life.

Eric?

Yeah?

You awake?

Yeah.

Just checking.

I really liked today.

I'm glad you liked it.

I really, really liked it.

- Goodnight, Eric.

- Goodnight, Abby.

Feels like

no human being's

ever set foot here.

At least for 50 years.

You know, come to think of it,

I don't recognize any of this

from Alice's sketchbook.

What if we never find it?

We will.

Well, I guess

we've come this far.

You know, sometimes, you've got

to take a leap of faith...

that's where the magic happens.

"All or nothing!"

Wow!

Yeah! Hidden Canyon!

Eric, this is amazing.

This is Alice's lifelong secret.

Look at them all.

I mean, the camera

doesn't even come close.

Can we get down there?

What, this isn't

close enough for you?

I forgot my wings.

There's some little ones

right there.

It's like an eagle refuge!

It's all about the food.

The more fish, the more eagles.

Look, look.

There's a nest.

You're gonna

out-photograph Alice.

Do you think

it's always like this?

They knew you were coming.

Close your eyes

and make it happen

Hold your arms out

and see the signs

Watch the nights

turn into dreams for us

Close your eyes

and make it happen

They're all through

the trees as well.

There, too!

Oh, my gosh!

So what's your plan

with all the photos?

Now I just need

to enter the data

into my computer model.

Sounds easy enough.

Yeah, I definitely have

the high-tech advantage

over Alice.

Wow. That's... amazing.

I've never seen so many eagles.

Wonder how many years

this has been going on.

Millennia?

Yeah.

I have so much respect

for your grandmother.

Yeah.

I understand why keeping this

a secret meant so much to her.

It means everything to her.

I'm just glad she let you...

Us...

discover it together.

Yeah. Me too.

Thank you for bringing me here.

Do you have any snacks?

Yeah.

Tonight, we skip dinner.

Go for straight for dessert.

Sounds good to me.

That lemon meringue pie

has my name on it.

To die for.

Don't make a move.

Now slowly move

to higher ground.

Slowly.

Wave your hands in the air.

Hey, Mr. Bear.

There's no food here,

so just be on your way.

We don't want any trouble.

That's it.

Wave your hands

in the air, Abby.

You're not under arrest.

It's a bear, Abby.

That's it.

Bang the pots!

Loud, Abby!

Bang the pots, Abby!

Noise!

Is he gone?

Yeah.

"Mr. Bear," huh?

You were very good.

No, no, you were very good.

I see what you did there.

Actually, I was scared

out of my wits.

That didn't stop you

from clicking away.

Oh... instinct, I guess.

Well, I don't think

he'll be coming back.

He didn't find any food.

Uh, maybe just let's just

leave 'em up there tonight.

What, no dessert?

Suddenly not very hungry.

Right, who am I kidding?

Make it a double

strawberry shortcake.

That's a pretty amazing shot.

I still can't believe

you got it.

I know!

I sent this one

to my friend, Meaghan.

There's cell reception up here?

Oh, no, only one bar.

But this camera can send photos,

and it has a GPS tag.

They must've upgraded the tower.

Yeah, I actually transferred

all the photos from today.

It's been interesting,

comparing them

with Alice's sketches.

Are they matching?

Oh, almost to a "T".

Well, Alice

will be pretty impressed.

So you think there's more eagles

now than in 1971?

Yeah, there's a lot more.

What do you think?

I think you're

a pretty darn good photographer.

What is this you're reading?

That? That's just a...

It's a poet I like.

Robert Service.

- You ever heard of him?

- No.

Writes about Alaska, mountains...

Well, I know you teach English,

but what's your specialty?

American poetry.

Wait. You're a bear whisperer

and a poet?

You are a poet!

Oh, will you please

recite me one of your poems?

Come on.

You're the first real poet

I ever met.

Maybe when this is all over,

I'll email you some.

All right.

So...

piano and poetry, huh?

Yeah.

I mean, they go together.

Music, it's abstract math.

Poetry's verbal math.

Which one do you like most?

I love them both.

Where'd you find that?

It was here yesterday

when I woke up.

It's beautiful, isn't it?

It must've found you.

I'm a scientist, but...

Hey, sometimes

these things just happen.

That's where poetry comes from.

I'd like to take this with me.

You know what they say...

"take only memories,

leave only footprints."

Eric, we can head back tomorrow.

I have everything I need.

Well, I'm glad you found

everything you're looking for.

I did,

but I'm not just

talking about the research.

I have spent most of my life

being in control.

Measuring this, measuring that.

- Numbers never lie.

- Exactly.

But there was this guy,

my freshman year of college.

He promised me the world,

and I gave him everything.

And then he broke my heart.

And since that day,

I have been so afraid

to lose control.

Abby, it's okay to step outside

your comfort zone.

But not to me.

It wasn't.

I-I always had

to stay on course.

What about today?

It's how we found the eagles...

By going off the path.

Maybe that is what

Hidden Canyon is all about.

That's exactly

what it's all about.

You got to understand

there's a whole world out there

for you to discover,

even if you trip a few times

along the way.

Just got

to pick yourself up, right?

And maybe you'll find

what you've been looking for.

It's almost like you can see

into other galaxies

or universes.

They're so close.

Look.

There you go.

Aurora borealis.

In all my life,

I have never seen anything

like it.

It's beautiful.

Thank you for bringing me here.

I wouldn't have missed this

for the world.

You're the only girl

got a hold on me

Take me by the hand

Never let me leave

All I wanna be

is all you need

There's so much more to see

All that I want

is to be anywhere you are...

All that I want

is to be anywhere you are

All that I want

is to be anywhere you are...

All that I want

is to be anywhere you are

Oh, I can't wait for a shower.

Yeah. And a good night's rest.

Home, sweet home.

Thank you.

Hello!

Hey! You survived.

- How was it?

- Oh, it was magical.

It was great.

Even with the bear?

Even with the...

How did you...

How did you know about that?

Bear Tracker had a photo.

Bear Tracker?

Yeah!

Well, you must have sent it.

It had the coordinates

and everything.

No, no.

I sent it to my friend, Meaghan.

She must have sent it to him.

Abby, I thought you agreed...

No. Yes.

I mean, of course, I agreed,

but I didn't think that

Meaghan would send it to him.

You gave away the location.

Eric, I...

I can't believe you did this.

I'm sure Alice has found out.

I'm so sorry.

Was this some career thing

for you?

No.

Eric...

No, I know, Meaghan,

but you sent it to Harry

without my permission.

I just sent it to you for fun.

I didn't think he'd publish it.

It's what he does.

I know, but...

What were you thinking?

I... I was thinking

it's an amazing photo and...

and I wanted our bear guy

to see it.

I should've told you

not to tell anyone.

Well, I just...

I didn't think I...

I know.

But the problem is,

I gave Alice my word

not to reveal the location.

- I get it.

And now Eric doesn't trust me,

and Alice will never

allow me to publish the story.

I'm so sorry, Abby.

Me too.

But I only have myself to blame.

Talk to you tomorrow, okay?

Okay. Bye.

Are we sure

the GPS coordinates were right?

They were attached to the photo

when it came in.

- It's such a great shot.

- Thank you.

You should see

the response it's getting.

How many emails?

Hundreds?

We have to take it down.

Did Abby say anything

about her report?

Hey, at least we'll have that!

No. No, we don't!

Abby promised Alice

that she would not

reveal the location,

and Abby's not

gonna publish anything

without Alice's approval.

Did we really give it away?

Coordinates aren't

the easiest way to find a place,

and it didn't mention

anything about eagles.

You know, I'm gonna try

to give Alice a call,

but for now,

let's take the bear photo down.

Will do.

We'll work this out.

I hope so.

I feel terrible.

I'll give Abby a call.

Thank you.

- Do you want me to...

- Hmm?

- Photo?

- Right.

Come on, Eric.

It was an accident.

Yeah, I get it was an accident,

but it was a huge mistake.

An innocent one.

You know I hate mistakes.

Did you get in touch with Alice?

I tried.

- I even sent a text.

- Nothing?

No. And I'm sure

she saw she post.

She never misses

a Bear Tracker blog.

I wonder what she thought.

That caption alone...

"Bear Tracker Abby Morgan

tracks down a bear."

I know, right?

She must have flipped out.

I don't know, man.

I think I just got to get away.

I feel horrible.

I know you're upset.

We've taken the photo down.

Good, thank you,

but the damage is already done.

I know.

We're all deeply sorry.

Especially Meaghan.

And Harry, he's beside himself.

It's just that the trip

was perfect

and I have

this incredible story to tell.

And you should tell it.

I know, but it's

Alice's story, too.

Include hers and yours.

Look, just write the report

while it's still fresh,

even if it's just for you.

But I already told you...

No publishing anything

unless Alice approves.

And you have my word.

Okay, but I'm gonna make it

a personal story...

What the journey meant to me

and how it changed my life.

And the eagles?

It's all woven together.

Including everything I learned

from Ellen, Niko, and Jaco.

I love it.

Now get back to work, all right?

And I'll keep you posted.

You got this.

Bye.

She wears blue flowers

in her hair

Sings a song

no one seems to hear

All alone

and the dust is rising

By the stage

he is a pretty little song

With his big boots

he taps along

All of the while he hopes

to tell her "Well done"

You say

all the world's a stage

And that's what

the people say

So why is no one

listening to me?

She wears blue flowers

in her hair

Sings a song

no one seems to hear

All alone

and the dust is rising

By the stage

Taking a break?

No, actually. I finished.

It's in my boss's hands now.

That's great.

Now you can take a few days...

relax.

Yeah, thank you.

I am exhausted.

I bet.

That was a bit of

a rough patch, hey?

I can't believe

I gave away the location.

You know, my mom used to say

"everything happens

for a reason."

Maybe.

To me, it just feels like

a good trip with a bad ending.

Will you join us

for some dinner, at least?

You have been so kind to me.

But it's time for me to go home.

I'll track you down tomorrow

before I leave.

Okay.

It's 5:00 a.m.

And in an hour

I'm gonna leave you, babe

And the sparrows are singing

on the garden shed

Seems nothing's understood

in this life

But that the time

it ticks on

And you don't get it back

Just got to get out of bed

Mm

Thank you for everything.

- And you come back, okay?

- I will. I promise.

- I'll miss you.

- You too.

This is you.

That's me.

All right, guys.

Alice?

We've been trying to reach you!

I know. I know.

I thought

I'd better just show up.

And old friend gave me

a lift from Fairbanks.

George, this is Abby,

Ellen, Niko.

Nice to meet you all.

"Ranger George"?

The one and the same.

Oh, it's an honor to meet you.

Aw.

It's not the first time

that he's come to my rescue.

But...

it's been too long.

Before you head off,

I just want you to know

that this report is outstanding.

It is?

I'm overwhelmed

at how you combined

my story and yours,

and Davis has my full approval.

That means

the world to me, Alice.

It's beautiful.

And you found Hidden Canyon.

Well, if it wasn't

for you, Alice,

we would probably still

be wandering around out there.

So thank you.

I'm delighted.

Join us inside?

I just want to say goodbye

to the lake

- one last time.

- Okay.

Hey, birdwatcher.

Beethoven.

I just wanted to...

I'm sorry...

You first.

No, no, no. You.

Eric, I'm so sorry.

These things happen.

I don't make mistakes.

Nobody's perfect, right?

But you come pretty darn close.

It's just...

Alice has been protecting

those eagles for 50 years.

I know.

And that'll continue to happen

because no one will ever

find that place.

At least not without a guide.

Alice texted me.

She loved your piece.

I know.

As I was writing,

I realized the journey had

this whole other purpose...

One I didn't understand

at first,

and then I did.

It's about

putting yourself out there

and finding your path,

even when it's not clear.

It's about pushing forward

today and tomorrow.

Until one fine night,

under the stars,

you realize

it's right in front of you.

I don't know any other way

to say this to you...

but I love you,

Abby Morgan.

And I'm sorry

if that sounds presumptuous.

No. It doesn't.

All or nothing?

All or nothing.