Old Captain and The Legend of The Blue Bear (part 1)

Old Captain, Simon, and Miles embark on a hiking adventure to discover the legends of Blue Bear Mountain, where ancient folklore suggests the mountain might actually be a giant hibernating bear. 

Transcript

Introduction to Blue Bear Mountain

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Thank you for watching , get notified of new episodes . And now it's time to Tell Me an Old Captain Story , episode 15 , old Captain and the Legends of the Blue Bear . Part 1 . One day , old Captain Simon and Miles were out on a hiking quest to discover the legend of a place called Blue Bear Mountain . The three were walking along the base of the mountain , just entering the forest of pine trees , as the morning dew started to evaporate . Why do they call it Blue Bear Mountain , simon asked . Well , old captain began . According to the legend , it's because the mountain isn't actually a mountain but a bear . What Miles said incredulously How's that possible ? That's not said , simon , it's just a story . Imagine how ginormous that would be . Miles said , with a laugh , how ginormous that would be . Miles said with a laugh it would indeed be ginormous . Old Captain agreed , but I'm sure that's not the case , although legends are often rooted in some level of truth . So you're saying that the bear could be as big as a mountain ? Simon asked no , no , old Captain shook his head . I'm saying that the bear might have been unusually large , but not gigantic like that .

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People tend to embellish things , especially things related to nature , and even more when those things from nature are dangerous . But why is that ? Miles said why do people do that ? Good question , old captain said with a shrug . I guess I really don't know why . I think it's because humans sometimes feel small in this world with all the big creatures and scary weather , and when people survive scary things , they might add details that may or may not be accurate to make themselves feel better . Just imagine if it was really that big . Miles said that would be terrifying . Old Captain replied Terrifying , but also super cool , simon offered . Old Captain nodded with a conciliatory shrug . Yeah , cool from a safe distance .

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The happy trio walked on until almost noon when they decided to stop for water and a break . They came to a gentle stream with a few flat mossy rocks and decided to dip their feet in the cool water and have an early lunch . Old Captain unslung his bag of grabbing the magical satchel that could provide just about anything he wished . What do we want to have for lunch today , boys ? He said cheerfully . Pizza , they both said at once . Old Captain smiled as he felt around the inside of the bag as if he couldn't

Pizza Lunch by the Stream

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find something . Hmm , I guess I'm all out of broccoli . No , not broccoli pizza . Miles said Brussels sprouts , old Captain said , as if he were hard of hearing , no pizza . Both boys said again , although old captain could tell Simon was playing along I don't see any turnips , hmm , you'll just have to eat this here . Aw man .

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Miles started to look legitimately frustrated when he saw what the old cavalier produced from the bag . Old Captain handed a steaming hot slice of cheese pizza for Miles and one pepperoni slice for Simon . He got out his own slice of extra pepperoni with some jalapenos . Once everyone had their slices of pizza , he brought out some waters and a plate of cucumber and apple slices . Looking at the mountain , old Captain noticed that there appeared to be a sort of saddle between two summits . So Miles started how could a bear be as big as a mountain ? If it were real ? I mean it couldn't . Simon said dismissively as he put a slice of apple and cucumber together in his mouth . And why is it blue ? Miles finished . Well , old captain took a swig of water .

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The legend is actually quite interesting . He wiped his mouth with his sleeve . As I recall , the story goes something like this Wait , simon , put a finger up . Is this going to be one of your long stories ? Old Captain blinked . The reason , I ask , is shouldn't we start hiking again first , otherwise we'll get too into the story and we'll be too late to hike if we stay here . Old Captain nodded . That's actually a really good point , simon . We should get going and I'll tell you the story on the way . How's that Sounds good ? Miles said . Simon nodded in agreement .

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The boys and Old Captain packed up their lunch remains and got back to the business of hiking the trail . The way got a little rockier as they climbed . Fewer roots were exposed on the trail , more stones were , pine needles on the forest floor started to thin out as they got closer to the tree

The Legend of Tauntaun Begins

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line . So the legend says that in the very first days of the world there was no sky . Old Captain began what both boys questioned . Well , I guess the sky was not like what we see today .

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Old Captain gestured toward a clear cobalt blue sky with a few puffy white clouds in the distance . What was it like , miles asked . Distance what was it like , miles asked ? I guess it would have been a very dark color , old captain said , like a rusty brown or charcoal gray , I don't know , but it wasn't blue . In fact there was no color at all . Even water was grayish colored , until one day someone came along , known as the artist and started to paint things Really , miles said with his six-year-old charm . Simon scoffed , but old Captain ignored it . That's what they say . He replied .

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Anyway , the artist was a giant and he had a faithful friend with him in the form of a giant , grizzly bear named Tauntan . Tauntaun was the first bear ever and she was bigger than anything . Tauntaun dug up all the valleys with her great paws and in doing so she created the mountains from the soil she dug up . So the artist decided that the sky should be blue . He took out a great wide brush and dipped it into some paint and with big strokes he painted the sky with every color blue you could imagine . But then the sky started to sag like a wet canvas and he worried that it would fall on the earth and ruin the painting . So the giant asked his friend Tonten if she would stand underneath the sky and hold it up until it dried . She did , and that's how her fur turned blue . What about the giant ? Simon asked .

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The artist had to go off to paint other parts of the world , like the ocean and the forests and the deserts . Old captain said Tontan the bear waited for him to return . The bear and the artist were the best of friends . So she waited and waited . Days turned into weeks and weeks into years , but still the artist did not come . And yet Tauntaun stayed there and held up the sky like she was asked what happened , asked Miles . Even Simon leaned in to hear the story .

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Nobody knows , the captain said . The artist never returned . Did something happen to the giant ? The artist ? Simon said Did he die ? Miles asked . Old Captain smiled at the question from Miles . It had been one he asked frequently from about the time he was four . Almost any story told with an earshot of the young wizard would be interrupted with the question Did he die or did she die ? The teller of that story , whatever that story was , whether it was something that happened at school or work or in the world , would have to answer it , or else Miles would ask it again and again until it was resolved . Nobody knows , captain said , answering the current question . Maybe he's still out there . He looked at each boy . Maybe he's painting new parts of the world , who knows , it's a sad story . Simon said so . Tauntaun waited for him to come back , but he never did . So she was forced to hold up the sky forever . Maybe she's still holding it up . Old Captain shrugged . But maybe she died ? Miles offered . Yeah , that could be . Old Captain acknowledged Maybe the mountain is her final resting place . Stop talking about death so much , simon said . The young knight was never comfortable when the subject of death came up .

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The trio finished their lunch and got back to hiking . They made their way through the last of the thickest parts of the forest where the floor was soft , with mossy , rocks and pine needles . Then they started to feel the sun on their faces as the tree line thinned out and they walked past a spot where there had been a rock slide at some time . Old Captain noticed that as they made their way up the trail , simon and Miles seemed to be looking at the mountain a little differently . Everything all right , guys , old Captain asked . He received a few barely audible grunts in the affirmative , so he let it be and kept on walking .

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It wasn't until a few minutes later that Miles spoke up . How come the mountain isn't blue , the wizard asked . I was thinking that too , simon said . Old Captain thought about it for a moment . Well , legend says that Taunton was the very first bear , right ? Yeah , both boys agreed simultaneously . So think about that . That would have been thousands of years ago then the mountain may have just grown around her and she sort of became

Seeking Shelter from the Storm

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the mountain .

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They walked for a time in silence when Simon suddenly stopped in his tracks . Wait a minute , the young knight , said Miles . And old captain stopped and turned to look at the knight . What ? Old captain asked . What , if she's not dead ? Who , tontan ? Simon's eyes were alight , don't you see ? She's a bear . She's hibernating . Oh yeah , good point , simon . Old captain smiled . You might be right , but how long would she even hibernate for ? Miles asked . Who knows ? Old captain answered I think regular-sized grizzly bears hibernate for around six months at a time , if I'm not mistaken . But Tauntaun isn't a regular size , so she probably hibernates for years and years , said Simon .

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As the day wore on a group of gray clouds huddled near the top of the mountain , simon , miles and Old Captain were each minding their steps on the trail and seemingly lost in their own thoughts . Old Captain stopped for a moment and took off his hat to brush his brow . He looked up and saw a bighorn sheep high up near a slot between two boulders . He called out to the boys to look , but the ram skittered up the rocky incline before he could see it . Disappointed , old Captain put his hat back on and then felt something on the back of his hand . It was a raindrop and it brought some of its friends . Within seconds there was a downpour .

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Old Captain and the boys hurried along the trail looking for any shelter they could find when Miles called out Over there , the little wizard pointed at an overhanging rock about 50 yards up and to the right of the trail . They scrambled quickly as they could , navigating the rocks and debris from past rock slides . They got to the overhang to discover a cave hiding behind a boulder , and they were equally relieved and reluctant to go in . Miles Simon said how about some light ? The young wizard put his staff in the crook of his underarm and cupped his hands together and blue in them . A warm orange glow lit between his fingers as a flame came to life in his hands . Old Captain said Miles , yes , could you please grab the bottle of bubbles from my pocket ? Sure , old Captain glanced at Simon who just shrugged . He did as instructed and pulled from the wizard's outside pocket of his robe a simple plastic bottle that had a faded sticker depicting bubbles floating in the air .

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Now Miles said , as he was concentrating on the flame in his hands take out the wand and blow a bubble over my hands . Okay , old Captain smiled with amusement mixed with wonder . This will be interesting . The old cavalier took out the bubble wand and with careful , slow breath he blew a bubble big enough to fit Miles' hands in . The bubble , to old Captain and Simon's surprise , did not pop , but wrapped around the flames as if it were made of glass . Miles took his hands away then , and there in front of them floated an orb of fire providing light . Miles smiled , happy with his spell , and gently blew the bubble-encased flame , which responded by floating just a few feet in front of him and over his head as he led the way into the dark cave . Wow , simon and old Captain said in unison what a press , miles . Simon said and patted his brother on the shoulder Thanks , miles . Smiled and blushed a little , for a compliment from one's older brother is worth ten from just about anyone else . The bubble of fire made quite a bit of light as the bubble , which was still only a bubble , reflected the light like a highly polished glass .

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Exploring the cave did not take long and they were pleased to find it uninhabited . There was an odd root that crept down the inside of the cave , opening with a bluish flower blossom struggling toward the light . They set up a small fire with some kindling . They found outside and set about enjoying a snack with mugs of hot cocoa . Old Captain pulled out of the bag of grabbing and waited out the rain .

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Do bears dream ? Miles asked , probably . Simon answered I think just about everything that sleeps dreams . Old captain said Dogs dream . You've seen Frito move his legs in his sleep . Right , he's dreaming when he does that . Miles looked thoughtful . Simon popped a marshmallow in his mouth from the top of his hot cocoa .

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I wonder what the blue bear dreams about , said Miles as he scratched his hairless chin . Maybe she dreams about blue honey , simon said . They all laughed at that . You would need blue bees for that , miles said . Actually , old captain said there's a legend about that too . About what the boys both asked About the blue bear's dreams , old Captain took a sip of cocoa and wiped the foam from his mustache .

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Apparently , if the blue bear deems you worthy , she will let you

The Blue Bear's Dream Test

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into her dreams and even test you . Test you how , asked Miles . She tests your soul and whatever it is you need to work on . Both boys gave old captain a blank look and blinked . Sounds boring , said Simon . Sure does . Miles agreed Maybe .

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So old captain said , but if I recall , the legend also says that Tauntaun gives those who are worthy a choice of what gift she bestows on them , and in that is their trial . What do you mean ? Miles cocked his head to the side . So the three choices , according to the legend , are strength , wisdom and healing . But you can only choose one . What would you choose ? Strength , said Simon without hesitation . That way I could be super strong . Wisdom , said Miles . He smiled as he put his hands together and rubbed them like a mad genius . That way I could learn all the best spells . Well , you are a wizard , old Captain nodded to Miles , and you're a knight . He gestured to Simon . I guess I'd have to take healing . Then Old Captain chuckled to himself and shrugged . It was moments like this that reminded him that they were still boys . Simon would be ten in the fall and Miles had just turned six .

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They each enjoyed their mug of hot cocoa and some warm cookies that Old Captain brought out of the magic satchel . The rain had not let up yet , but intensified a bit , and they wondered how long they would be there in the cave . A gust of wind blew into the cave then , bringing a spray of rain and a distinct sweet flowery smell . Well , it looks like we're here for a while , boys , old Captain said with a yawn . Well , it looks like we're here for a while , boys , old Captain said with a yawn . He looked over at Simon and Miles then , both of whom were yawning and struggling to keep their eyes open . Miles's bubble firelight was still hovering over them , providing a warm glow .

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Old Captain wondered if the hot cocoa was a bad idea , as they all seemed ready to fall asleep . Now he felt the need for sleep , pulling him down as if gravity had nearly doubled . But he could not sleep without making sure they'd be safe . Trying to keep his eyes open , he reached into one of his many pockets in his frock coat and pulled out a pair of shiny little dog figurines made of pewter . They were not unlike the dog piece in the board game Monopoly . We set them both down gently on a rock closest to the cave , opening Oliver and Petunia , he said affectionately with a little smile keep us safe .

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The figurines were , of course , magical . Old Captain used them sometimes when he needed to sleep and could not set a watch over the camp as such if anyone or anything decided to approach the cave or even come within eyesight of the opening , the two figurines would turn into live versions of Old Captain's dogs that were now long gone . He'd gotten the figurines in a bazaar in Calcutta from a kindly old witch . She needed something from each dog , so he'd reached into his pocket and gave her two little plastic bags . They each contained a lock of fur from Oliver , a Yorkie Poo , and Petunia , a Maltese , that he'd cut from their coats on the day they died . He had carried them with him in his breast pocket as something to remember them by and to keep them close With the fur . The witch cast a spell on each figurine so they would come to life to alert Old Captain of danger with their small dog barks , as they had done in life so long before . This way , old Captain would be most horribly torn from slumber by the loudest piercing barks a small dog could muster . They were not attack dogs , they were attack yap dogs .

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Old Captain sat back down and , with an alarm system of sorts in place , he could no longer resist the unusually strong urge to sleep . Resist the unusually strong urge to sleep

Simon Wakes Alone in Snow

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. Simon rolled over when something nudged him and his nose was immediately bit by cold . He opened his eyes to see nothing but white . It snowed . He scrambled up to find he was alone in the cave and that the fire was out .

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And somehow snow blew inside from the cave , opening what the heck ? Simon said aloud . His words were met with silence . There was only the faint sound of wind outside the cave . Looking out , the world was just like a blank piece of paper , all white . Where is everyone , he wondered . He looked around the cave . He didn't see any sign of them . The snow that had blown into the cave had no tracks , nothing to suggest old Captain or Miles had walked out of the cave . He walked to the entrance and looked out onto the world . Everywhere he looked was new , fallen , undisturbed snow . The world outside was quiet . Simon looked around and came to the sudden and horrible realization that he was totally alone . See you next time . On Simon and the Captain's Story .