June 1983 story

== Plot ==
, Cubby Bear, Morgan Mockingbird, and Odora Skunk are hiking in Appalachian Trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and Cubby is starving for berries. While the three are lost and tired, Ranger Rick leads the way, until they find a red fox sitting nearby. The fox introduces herself as Scarlett, who gladly helps Ranger Rick in finding the way. Calling the Appalachian Trail the "AT," Scarlett talks about the volunteers who clean the trail for free. After falling into a gully and mistaking black cattle for bears, Cubby decides to take a shortcut, before being chased by a bull from an abandoned farm.
The hikers eventually stop by a highway blocking their path. While sticking together to avoid danger, Ranger Rick sees a sleeping rattlesnake, which Scarlett calls "Old Shaker" and dismisses as harmless only if provoked. The snake wakes up and rattles, causing Rick to jump in surprise as a pickup truck's fender hits him. Luckily, Ranger Rick survives the encounter and finds the rest of the Appalachian Trail. The story ends as the gang feasts on wild strawberries, talking about their opinions on how hikers should treat the trail.
== Characters ==
* Cubby Bear
* Odora Skunk
* Morgan Mockingbird
* Ranger Rick Raccoon
* Scarlett Fox (debut)
==Trivia==
*This story marks the first appearance of Scarlett Fox. She would be promoted to Ranger Rick's deputy in 1984.
==Gallery==
==External links==
*The Free Library
Category:Stories/comics
Category:Ranger Rick
Category:1983