Eight Miles from a Loaf of Bread

Toward the end of World War II, in an area of the Rocky Mountains called Anvil Points, the Bureau of Mines hired engineers of all types to deal with the scarcity of oil and gasoline. The Bureau hoped oil might be extracted economically from the shale cliffs to supply what was needed. While the men worked, their wives cared for their simple, prefab homes and soon-to-be numerous children.

For the children, Anvil Points came to mean adventure. Scary enough to be exciting, but somehow safe, with loving adults far (but not too far) away. There were mountains to climb, narrow water pipes to cross, and snakes, spiders, ticks, and even mountain lions to avoid, but to brag later about seeing.