Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park

Connecting to one’s family legacy is a personal process that underlies Jake’s motivation in the scavenger hunt and in exploring the 10 parks set out by his grandpa. Jake’s story begins with him waking up on the morning he is to leave for the trip, and the first thing he does is look at a photograph of him with his grandpa after they had finished planting an orchard together. It is clear that Jake’s grandpa made him feel bigger, stronger, and more proud of himself. He believed in Jake and gave him things to accomplish. Even after his death, Jake’s grandpa continues to do this, and by entrusting him with the scavenger hunt, he demonstrates just how much potential he sees in Jake. Jake’s grandpa planned the two-month trip for the family, suggesting that not only was he an expert on the parks himself but also that he planned this scavenger hunt for Jake well in advance. Jake feels a deep sense of pride whenever someone considers him to be like his grandpa, which hints at Jake’s desire to grow up and become just like him.

Jake’s first clue is a note his grandpa wrote him before he died, and it is almost like his grandpa is talking to him again.