The RV drove into Red Rock Canyon.

The scenery inside the canyon was spectacular, averaging thirteen miles in width. The southern bank of the canyon was relatively dry and warm, with sparse vegetation.

The northern side was higher in elevation, with more humidity in the air, resulting in abundant and lush vegetation.

Luke and Walker discussed for a while. Instead of driving directly to the bottom of the canyon, they decided to drive along the southern bank, where vegetation was sparse and the terrain flat, making it easier to drive. From there, they could observe the canyon's terrain from a higher vantage point.

The car moved slowly, stopping occasionally. The two frequently got out to check, using binoculars to observe the surrounding terrain, looking for features that matched the map.

The scenery along the way was beautiful; occasionally, they could see animals within the canyon such as fire lizards, prairie dogs, rattlesnakes, and wild goats, with bald eagles soaring in the sky.

With so many animals around, Luke and Walker didn't feel bored and actually had a bit of a tourist vibe.

Luke glanced at his phone; the signal was poor. Otherwise, he really wanted to video call his family to show them this wild and rugged canyon.

As evening fell, the wind picked up, and the valley emitted a "woo-woo..." sound.

As the sky darkened, the distant terrain became harder to discern, so they found a sheltered spot for a campsite.

Luke got out of the car; the scenery around was stunning, with a magnificent view of the distant canyon.

Walker looked at the sky and said, "We should make dinner. That darn chicken burger at noon hurt my dentures. Do you know that feeling?"

"No, I don't need to understand," Luke said, showing his big white teeth.

"I'm really hungry now. I bet that feeling is the same," Walker said, taking a big swig of beer.

"You're right. What are we having for dinner?" Luke's stomach was indeed hungry; the lunch had not been filling.

"Barbecue! Is there anything more fitting than barbecue at a time like this?"

"I agree, but can your dentures handle barbecue?"

"Honestly, beef is a bit challenging, but I bought some lamb chops. They're more tender, and I just took them out to thaw."

Luke raised his beer bottle to clink it against Walker's. "I'll go light the charcoal."

Walker nodded, "I'll handle the grilling."

Luke brought out the folding grill from the RV, placed the charcoal, alcohol lamp, and lit it with a cassette burner. "I love this feeling. We're not just here for treasure hunting; we're here for a trip as well."

Walker agreed, "You're right. To me, treasure hunting is an adventurous journey. The process is more important than the outcome.

Whether we find the treasure or not, at least we enjoyed the process."

The charcoal was ready, and Walker started the barbecue. Luke sat on a foldable lounge chair, drinking beer and enjoying the view.

Before long, the lamb was done. Walker placed two servings of instant pasta on the grill.

The two ate grilled lamb chops, drank beer, and discussed treasure hunting plans.

After dinner, the sky darkened, the wind chilled further, and the open canyon atmosphere added a bit of coldness.

"Awoooo..." A howl echoed from afar.

"I think it's time to head home," Walker stood up and returned to the RV, his temporary little home and cozy haven.

Gazing into the pitch-black canyon was indeed intimidating. Luckily, Luke was quite bold; otherwise, a more timid person might not dare to stay overnight here.

Luke extinguished the grill and returned to the RV, which felt like a bright castle, isolating them from the canyon's darkness.

Walker took out the treasure map, spreading it on the table to begin studying it. Luke poured two glasses of whiskey, handing one to him.

Walker took a sip of whiskey and opened his tablet. The photos of the canyon's terrain taken today were all stored in it. Walker browsed through the photos, comparing them with the treasure map.

From different positions and angles, the same place could look different.

Walker was very patient, adjusting each picture to align with the treasure map for comparison.

"Luke, look at this photo," Walker said, pointing at the computer screen. "Doesn't this photo resemble the terrain on the treasure map?"

Luke looked at the photo, then at the treasure map. It did seem similar, but upon closer inspection, there were differences.

Walker said, "This terrain map was hand-drawn. The artist's position would lead to differences in the depiction, making discrepancies from the actual terrain completely normal."

Hearing Walker's words, Luke examined it again and felt it did bear some resemblance. However, with the canyon's complex twists and turns, many terrains appeared somewhat similar. He truly couldn't be sure. "Let's check it out tomorrow inside the canyon. We might discover something."

Walker was a bit concerned, "Can our RV make it down there?"

This was indeed a problem. The RV was comfortable to live in, but its mobility was lacking. "I remember passing a flat downhill path in the afternoon, not too far from here.

We can circle back and take that road downhill. If it's impassable, we'll enter the canyon on foot."

Walker nodded, "That's the best we can do. We should have been better prepared. We should have bought a smaller motorcycle to hitch on the RV. It would make scouting and traveling much easier."

"Good idea, we'll know for next time." Luke's Harley was certainly not an option; it was too large.

Having finalized tomorrow's plan, they chatted for a while before preparing to go to bed.

"Awoooo..." Suddenly, another howl broke out.

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