Act Three

EXT. GAS STATION - LATER
The sun is high in the sky over Dylan standing at the pump, filling the van, holding his hand over his mouth.
Meticulously washing the windows, Dolf tucks his nose into his shirt.
DYLAN
As the day heats up, she really starts to go off.
DOLF
She must have gotten wet.
Dolf looks toward the gas station market.
DOLF (cont'd)
What if we buy more ice?
Dylan follows Dolf's gaze, then fishes around his pocket.
DYLAN
For her? Anything... Buy a lot.
Dolf trots off as Kim and Jackie pass him on the way back.
DYLAN (cont'd)
So, how'd it go?
JACKIE
We got the date change we wanted, but it's pretty early in the morning.
KIM
Out of Juneau, stop in Seattle, stop in Los Angeles, then on to Oz.
DYLAN
That's okay, as long as you fly out of Juneau.
KIM
What about you?
He shrugs, motioning to the van as he hangs up the pump.
DYLAN
I drive back.
EXT. CANADIAN HWY 97 - SAME
Thad walks dejectedly up the highway still holding out his thumb. Behind him an eighteen-wheeler approaches and rolls to a stop. The Trucker leans out the window.
TRUCKER
I can't take you far, but jump in.

EXT. OUTPOST STORE - LATER
The van sits at a dilapidated outpost store on the Caribou Highway. Food, camp and fishing gear crowd the store's front. Dylan talks on the pay phone next to the front door.
DYLAN
For three years I've been living out of a backpack. I'm starting to feel like a ghost. It would be nice to make a difference for once.
NICK (O.S.)
You affect these people's lives, Dylan... for the long term. You open them up... Where are you calling from? We have this terrible connection.
Dylan looks around at the dense Canadian pine forest around the store.
DYLAN
I'm in Arizona. Flagstaff.
NICK (O.S.)
How was the canyon? It hot?
DYLAN
It's... still there, Nick. Look, I was just checking in.
NICK (O.S.)
Hang in there, Dylan. I'll talk to you in another three days.
On the front steps, Pablo hands bills to the STORE OWNER.
PABLO
That's two-hundred forty.
STORE OWNER
Thank you much. She's all yours.
Near the van, the passengers inspect a classic red canoe. Pablo holds up his arms, bounding down the steps behind them.
PABLO
Let's put her on the roof!
Dylan comes up next to Pablo as he picks up a rope, ready to tie the canoe on.
DYLAN
That's a nice canoe Pablo. I still can't believe you bought it for Jan.
PABLO
She needs to be buried in something. This is fitting for Glacier Bay.
Dylan looks around as the other passengers haul it up.
DYLAN
I hope we get to use it there.
Pablo grabs his shoulder and pulls him away from the group.
PABLO
Come here.
DYLAN
What's up, Pablo?
Pablo checks to see if anybody is listening.
PABLO
I was going to wait for this.
DYLAN
Wait for what?
Pablo shoves a wad of bills into his hand.
PABLO
I know we don't have enough money to make it even to Juneau.
DYLAN
Pablo, you can't...
PABLO
Yes I can, don't worry. I want to pay for everyone to make it there.
Dylan looks down at a couple thousand dollars in his fist.
DYLAN
Where did you?...
PABLO
I've been saving it for an emergency.
Dylan sees something over Pablo's shoulder.
DYLAN
Oh, shit! Grab Jo. Quick!

INT. MOUNTIE PATROL CAR - SAME
Driving past, Sgt. LaDetrois and the Mountie look keenly out at the outpost store.
Out the window, the group is busy hoisting the canoe on top of the van.
MOUNTIE
What's this?
SGT. LADETROIS
Fishermen? White van... We've got them.
MOUNTIE
Bit late for fishin' season.
SGT. LADETROIS
Pull in front of the van. This is the vehicle from the bulletin.
MOUNTIE
Think they'd know better... Yanks...

EXT. OUTPOST STORE - SAME
The Mountie patrol car pulls up in front of the van and LaDetrois steps out with his gun drawn.
Up on the roof, just Dolf stares back, alone.
DOLF
Hello.
SGT. LADETROIS
You just put your hands in the air, son.
DOLF
Alright.
From the entrance to the store there is a yell:
JO
Officer! Help!
Sgt. LaDetrois spins. In the store entrance, Jo struggles with something behind the door.
SGT. LADETROIS
Hold on!
He runs toward the store with the Mountie close behind him as Jo disappears inside.
INT. OUTPOST STORE - SAME
Sgt. LaDetrois and the Mountie sprint into the dim interior of the store and squint around.
SGT. LADETROIS
Where is she?
The store looks empty. Suddenly, from the back there is a sliver of light, and someone goes through the door.
MOUNTIE
That way.
EXT. OUTPOST STORE - SAME
In front of the store, Auke and Dolf are at the hood of the Mountie's car. Dolf has a hammer.
AUKE
Is it this one?
DOLF
Yeah, try that one.
She reaches in and yanks out a wire.
AUKE
Did that do it?
DOLF
It's too slow.
He reaches in with the hammer and pops the connections off of both sides of the battery.
DOLF (cont'd)
Let's take the whole thing.
Dolf drops the hammer, reaching in and grabbing the battery.
Behind them, the van swings around. Dylan leans over Jo in the passenger seat.
DYLAN
You got it? Come on!
Auke and Dolf run with the battery to the van, jumping in as it peels out.
Behind the van as it races away, Sgt. LaDetrois and the Mountie run out of the store. LaDetrois throws his hat to the ground as he spots the open hood on the patrol car.

INT. VAN - LATER
Alaskan spruce crowd the narrow road in front of the van as Dylan drives.
In the passenger seat, Jo goes through the receipt box counting money. She looks over the seat at Pablo, worried.
JO
We have exactly $550 left in the trip fund.
PABLO
Surely this is enough, Dylan.
Pablo winks at Dylan in the rearview mirror.
DYLAN
Well... it's almost exactly enough to pay for gas to Prince Rupert... and the ferry to Juneau.
JO
How is that enough?
DYLAN
It's enough. Don't worry... right, Pablo?
PABLO
What she's worried about is where we're going to sleep tonight.
JO
This is bear country, Dylan.
DYLAN
You're right.
He stares out the window at the thick forest. Between the trees he catches a glimpse of a curved roof line
DYLAN (cont'd)
I think I might know of a place.
EXT. CIRCULAR HOUSE - MINUTES LATER
Parked in front of a deserted round house in the middle of the woods, the van sits with all the doors open as everyone ferries their stuff off the roof.
JO
This is fabulous.
Dylan, walking up the front steps, turns to get Pablo's attention.
DYLAN
We're going to need wood. Will you and Dolf go and scavenge around for some?
Reaching the top step, Dylan feels along the top of the door frame, then looks under a potted plant by the door.
DYLAN (cont'd)
It's got to be... aaah... here.
He lifts the doormat carefully and takes the key that is laying there, unlocks the door and steps aside to let Kim and Jackie through. Auke looks at him suspiciously.
AUKE
Who really lives here?
DYLAN
(whispering)
I have no idea.
INT. CIRCULAR HOUSE - LATER
A fire rages in the stone fireplace in the middle of the room.
Some of the trek group are sleeping comfortably in the glow of the fire, while Dylan, Auke and Pablo look at the map.
AUKE
See, here are no roads. So we can't get close to Glacier Bay.
DYLAN
I think it's just that the map isn't very accurate... once we get to Juneau we can buy a local map that shows all the back roads.
Auke stands up and stretches.
AUKE
I can't look at this map anymore. I'm off to bed.
She walks toward the other end of the room.
PABLO
I don't see how we get to Juneau.
DYLAN
We have to take the ferry.
PABLO
With the van?
Dylan nods, and continues to peer intently at the map.
Auke, spreading out her sleeping bag and lying down on the other side of the room calls softly.
AUKE
Dylan, come over here.
Dylan gets up, leaving Pablo sitting alone.
DYLAN
Gotta go.

EXT. CANADIAN HWY 5 - SAME
A Canadian Star Lines bus whooshes past in the darkness.
At the top of the front windshield glows the destination sign: Prince Rupert.
INT. BUS - SAME
Thad stares out into the forest from inside the bus. Out in the darkness the windows of the round house glow. Smoke and embers pour out the chimney into the cold sky as he rushes past.

INT. VAN - NEXT DAY
In the back of the van, Pablo and Jo cuddle, watching the huge, snow-covered Caribou Mountains in the distance.
PABLO
Where do you go when the trek is over?
Jo kisses his nose affectionately.
JO
Well, I was supposed to go back to England to look for a new job... but...
PABLO
But what?
She strokes his hair.
JO
What do you do in Brazil? How did you afford this trip, and the extra money?
He looks down, a little embarrassed.
JO (cont'd)
I know; Dylan told me.
PABLO
I don't want to tell you.
Jo props herself up on her elbow, getting very serious.
JO
Pablo, listen to me. No matter where you come from, or how you got that money, I love you for you.
He stares levelly into her eyes for second.
PABLO
When my father died... just a year ago, he left to me my grandfather's estate... Just the interest is more than I could ever spend.
Jo looks at him in total disbelief. She starts to say something, but stops.
JO
You're not kidding.
PABLO
No.
She smiles and puts her arm more tightly around him.
EXT. HIGHWAY 16 - LATER
The dirty trek van comes around a corner in the endless forested hills.
DYLAN (O.S.)
Prince Rupert is another twenty-five miles.
DONNA (O.S.)
I never imagined there was this much forest. We could have driven across both islands of New Zealand three times already.
DYLAN (O.S.)
Maybe four.
EXT. FERRY DOCK, PRINCE RUPERT - LATER
A line of cars wait in front of the van at the ferry dock as the huge ferry lowers its massive car deck door.
Pablo is up on the roof going through an ice-chest and handing down food to Dolf and Kim below.
PABLO
There's also still some of that smoked salmon left from the trading post.
KIM
Oh, no. I never want to smell smoked salmon again.
DOLF
I don't care. I could eat anything at this point.
From the lines of cars, Dylan emerges, carrying tickets and a bag of chips.
DOLF (cont'd)
You got the tickets?
DYLAN
Yeah, We're going to Juneau in one hour.
He hands tickets to Kim and Dolf, then reaches up to give one to Pablo.
DYLAN (cont'd)
The loading gate is crawling with cops.
PABLO
You're worried the Germans called the police?
DYLAN
I'm just worried. Let's lay low until we board.
EXT. FERRY LOADING RAMP - LATER
Three Canadian Mounties mill around the loading ramp as cars drive up the ramp in two rows.
The trek van rolls along on the far side of an RV as it gets closer to the ramp.
In the foot passenger line, Auke, Jo and Donna stand, nearing the ticket window.
AUKE
Here they come. Ready?
DONNA AND JO
Ready.
The three of them turn, waving like crazy at the Mounties.
AUKE
Hello! Hello! You, there!
The MOUNTIE nearest them starts walking over.
MOUNTIE
Can I help you, Miss?
AUKE
The girls here and I were wondering if we could give you and your friends hugs goodbye. We loved Canada so much.
He looks a little unsure, then he turns to his buddies.
MOUNTIE
He guys! Come over here!
The Mountie stands in front of Auke as she makes her best effort to flirt, then throws her arms around him.
The other Mounties quicken their pace when they see what's going on.
DONNA
I get the big one... Hi, guys.
JO
We want top thank you for making our trip in Canada safe and beautiful.
Donna throws her arms around the big one, and Jo pulls hers down toward her, planting a big kiss on his lips as, in the background, the trek van drives, unnoticed, up the ramp.
EXT. FERRY - SUNSET
On the deck of the ferry, all the van passengers line the rail, looking at the shores of the inside passage going by.
JACKIE
We're a long way from Los Angeles, Dylan.
DYLAN
Yes, we are.
Auke turns her face into the stiff breeze.
AUKE
I can't believe we are still in the same country.
An ice burg floats strangely out in the golden water, between the ferry and the lights of Ketchican off in the distance.
DYLAN
I don't understand it either... America is bigger than we are.
Dolf scowls at him.
DOLF
America stole this land from the Russians...
DONNA
Dolf... the Russians stole it from the Eskimo Indians.
Pablo puts his arms around Jo and Auke and hugs them.
PABLO
--Right now it belongs to all of us.
JO
Why don't we bury her here?
KIM
That's ridiculous.
DOLF
Do you realize how close that just was? Ten seconds either way and we'd be inmates right now.
DYLAN
The sooner we set her adrift, the sooner you'll all be safe.
JACKIE
Safe isn't the point, Dylan. We came all this way...
INT. DYLAN'S CABIN - LATER
In Dylan's sparse ferry cabin, the group sits and stands around the room arguing in harsh hushed tones.
Dylan and Auke are hunched over a map of south-east Alaska.
KIM
It's crazy. We can't do it.
JO
No more crazy than driving all this way in the first place.
JACKIE
If we are discovered... trying to dump a body overboard...
DYLAN
The fact is that tonight, before we land in Juneau in the morning, will be the closest we can get to Glacier Bay without renting our own boat.
Arguing erupts again as Auke tries to get everyone's attention.
AUKE
Guys... guys... it's true.
They stop and listen to her.
AUKE (cont'd)
There are no roads to Glacier Bay. You can only get there by boat... We didn't notice before because our map was not... accu...
She stops, not knowing the word.
DYLAN
The big map of the U.S. didn't show any roads in Alaska. We just assumed that we could drive to it.
There is dead silence in the room. They all stare at Dylan.
JACKIE
You've got to be fucking with us.
DONNA
Thank god there are some places that man hasn't built roads.
Jackie rolls her eyes at Donna.
DYLAN
This is our chance.
He motions for the group to look at the map, and they all gather around as he points.
DYLAN (cont'd)
Here, at about 3 A.M. we will pass within ten miles of the entrance to Glacier Bay... We can set her adrift in one of the ferry's lifeboats.
PABLO
What about the canoe?
They all begin to argue again, when Dolf stands up.
DOLF
I'll go with you Dylan.
Dylan reaches for Dolf's hand and shakes it.
INT. AUTO DECK, FERRY - 2:45 A.M.
In the belly of the ferry, Dolf, Pablo, Dylan and Donna sneak through the parked cars.
INT. HALLWAY, FERRY - MINUTES LATER
The corridors of the ferry are deserted. The persistent throb of the engine is in the background. Around the corner come Dolf, Dylan, Pablo and Donna each carrying an edge of Jan's tent. Her body sags heavily.
They pause tentatively at the sound of conversation in the distance, then keep walking.
DONNA
I can't believe how heavy she is.
PABLO
I can't believe how bad she smells.
Suddenly, from around the corner, two ferry employees appear, walking straight towards them.
DOLF
Shit.
The four of them quickly change direction, heading down another corridor branching to the left.
PABLO
Which way is the fucking deck?
DYLAN
You are all getting much better at swearing in English.
PABLO
Bet your ass.
Up ahead, at the end of the corridor, Auke holds the swinging glass door open.
DYLAN
Not far now.
As they go through the door, Auke looks worried. She whispers loudly.
AUKE
To your right. To your right.
She looks down at her hands.
AUKE (cont'd)
I mean left!
Too far past the door to hear, the four struggle with Jan's weight down the hall and around a corner, right.
DYLAN
Oh, shit!
As they come around the corner, they stop dead.
The ferry's bar is closing for the night and fifteen or so people in various stages of drunkenness file out of the double doors right in front of the four pallbearers. Jan's brother is among them.
DYLAN (cont'd)
Retreat! Take Jan back to the room!
They back up few steps, then spin awkwardly but quickly around, and rush back down the hall.
Two drunks stand and watch them rush off, puzzled. Pushing past the drunks, Jan's brother starts after, then stops.
THAD
Jan?
They race off down the hall, and Thad follows.
INT. DYLAN'S CABIN - LATER
Thad sits on Dylan's bed in shock.
Everyone stands around the room silently, looking at him. Jan's body lies, still wrapped, on the floor.
THAD
I can't believe she's...
DYLAN
There was nothing we could have done for her. She had been gone for hours when we finally found her.
THAD
Where did she... Where did it happen?
DYLAN
In her tent.
THAD
She's been sick for so long I just didn't think it would ever happen.
EXT. JUNEAU ALASKA - DAY
The trek van rolls through the exit gate of the ferry dock and out into the streets of Juneau.
On the roof, the tarp bulges with the tell-tale lump that is Jan's body in the back corner.
INT. VAN - SAME
The trek passengers gawk out the window at this very different former Alaskan frontier town. Thad sits squished between Jo and Pablo in the first bench seat.
DYLAN
Okay, I admit it was stupid.
Auke has the road atlas out again.
AUKE
It was my fault, I knew the bar was closing.
DYLAN
It wasn't your fault... there were people all over that boat. I've never tried to dump a body before. I didn't realize it would be so difficult.
Out the window, a man dressed in fisherman's coveralls and galoshes trudges through mud on the side of the road with a forty pound, gutted salmon slung over his back.
PABLO
Well... we made it to Juneau.
Pablo and Dolf watch in amazement as they roll past him.
DYLAN
Welcome to Alaska.
THAD
You see some freaky people once you leave Australia.

INT. MOUNTIE YUKON STATION - SAME
A fax machine prints out border crossing information in a sleepy mountie station.
Casually, a YOUNG MOUNTIE pulls the list from the fax and scans it. His eyes stop halfway down.
On the list is Dylan's plate number next to their crossing time and location.
The Young Mountie goes to the phone:
INT. MOUNTIE PATROL CAR - SAME
On the dash, Sgt. LaDetrois' cell phone plays the Canadian national anthem. He answers.
SGT. LADETROIS
LaDetrois.
He listens, and a smile slowly creeps across his face. Then he clicks the phone shut.
SGT. LADETROIS (cont'd)
We got 'em.

EXT. FISHING DOCKS, JUNEAU - LATER
The municipal dock is crowded with fishing charters. They are stacked all along the wharf, their bells ringing in the gentle harbor swell.
Dylan talks to a charter CAPTAIN, a grizzled, tough-looking man, near a large fishing boat covered in guano and rust.
CAPTAIN
I can take you for the afternoon for that price.
DYLAN
We really wanted to go for two days... catch some salmon... see Glacier Bay.
The Captain shakes his head with good humor.
CAPTAIN
I can't go any lower. That's half the usual rate.
Dylan looks at the ground, frustrated.
DYLAN
I'll tell you why we need to go.
He gives his best earnest expression to the Captain, and starts talking.
INT. VAN - MORNING
Dylan drives through the 5 AM mist along the waterfront of Juneau.
JACKIE
What!?
DYLAN
I told him that you are dying of cancer.
JACKIE
You didn't.
DYLAN
I said that you had two months to live, and that your last wish was to see Glacier Bay.
Jackie holds her temples.
JACKIE
I can't believe this, Dylan.
PABLO
Well, it's almost true.
DOLF
It's actually the best lie you've told this whole trip.
Dylan smiles proudly.
DYLAN
It worked.
PABLO
So we're taking a fishing boat into Glacier Bay?... Is there room for the canoe?
EXT. FISHING BOAT - LATER
Pablo's red canoe is strapped to the side of the fishing boat, King Fisher, as it motors through smooth, cold water, leaving a long, symmetrical wake.
On the deck, Pablo, Dolf, and Thad pay close attention as Donna baits a hook.
DONNA
Just slide it through the gills. There's a piece of... cartilage right here that keeps it from coming apart.
THAD
You're a professional at this.
She hands the rod to Thad.
DONNA
That's it, now you're ready to cast. I can't believe you've never done this before.
DOLF
How do you know so much about it?
She looks a little sheepish.
DONNA
Girl Scouts.
EXT. FISHING BOAT - LATER
Seagulls turn circles in the crystal sky above the boat.
The Captain stands in the wheel housing, spinning the wheel hard.
The group is clustered on the deck watching Dolf and Thad work a fishing rod to reel in a big one. Dolf's cheeks puff with the effort.
DONNA
That's it, Dolf!
He pulls hard.
DONNA (cont'd)
Now, take in the slack!
PABLO
You got him now, Thad!
They let off on the tension; Thad reels in the slack; then they pull hard again.
Looking over the side, Auke points down into the water where the salmon is thrashing just beneath the surface.
AUKE
There he is! There he is!
Dolf pulls back hard again, but his hand slips off the rod. Pablo is right there to catch the weight, and together, the three of them pull the fish out of the water.
PABLO
Just a little more.
Dylan leans over the edge, next to Auke, with a big net. He reaches it into the water beneath the fish as it thrashes on the surface.
DYLAN
Almost...
The salmon is pulled a little higher, and Dylan scoops him up with the net.
DYLAN (cont'd)
Got him!
Dylan struggles with the net, and Auke helps with the weight as they bring it up onto the deck.
KIM
Krykie! He's huge!
Dolf and Pablo have dropped the rod and both get down on their knees to free the fish from the netting.
DONNA
He's got to be fifty pounds!
DOLF
Felt like a hundred.
JACKIE
The fish stories start already.
Dolf, Thad and Pablo hold the king salmon still in front of the rest of the group as Donna works the hook out of his mouth.
AUKE
He's really beautiful.
The captain calls out from the wheel house.
CAPTAIN
Woo hoo! What a beaut!
JACKIE
Our three champion fishermen.
Pablo and Dolf look at one another and nod.
DOLF
You guys all helped... Is it okay with you? Okay, Thad?
Dylan smiles a broad grin. He and Auke both nod.
PABLO
Ready?
They spin around together to face the rail.
PABLO, DOLF AND THAD
One... two... three!
They throw the fish back over the rail in one motion.
It hits the surface and flips its tail, disappearing beneath the water.
The group all stand at the rail watching, huge approving smiles on their faces.
DOLF
Go. Warn the other fish.
EXT. FISHING BOAT, GLACIER BAY - SUNSET
The sweeping grandeur of the bay dwarfs the tiny fishing boat as it motors through the glistening water.
On the deck, the Captain shakes his head, standing in the doorway of the wheel house in the dying golden light.
CAPTAIN
I can't believe you let a king go like that.
Lounging on the deck, watching the sun go down over the ice, Pablo and Jo squint up at him.
PABLO
He didn't look like he was ready to be eaten.
The Captain turns to head back inside.
CAPTAIN
Crazy foreigners.
Dylan sits on top of the wheel house with Auke and Donna, looking down as the Captain walks away.
DYLAN
Thanks for parking us here overnight, Captain. The view is priceless.
CAPTAIN
Well, savor the view... 'cause they threw back dinner.
EXT. FISHING BOAT - NIGHT
Darkness covers the boat, and the running lamps create a small circle of light over black water.
The group gathers on deck, as Pablo unties the canoe from the rigging. They whisper in the darkness to each other.
KIM
What time is it?
DYLAN
It's almost three.
DONNA
Plenty of time.
DYLAN
No. This is the arctic. The sun comes up at three-thirty.
There is a splash as the red canoe falls free of the rigging and in to the water.
PABLO
Okay, let's get her in.
Dolf, Dylan, Pablo and Donna each grab a corner of Jan's tent from where it's been lying next to the railing.
DYLAN
Easy now...
PABLO
She's gotten heavier.
They slide her up, on to the rail, and rest her weight on top. Thad looks over the edge at the canoe bobbing below.
THAD
You can't just drop her.
DYLAN
Drop her feet.
Dolf and Donna aim carefully, then let go.
Her feet swing free, just inches above the canoe as Pablo and Dylan strain at the weight and Thad leans over to help.
The canoe bobs gently, bumping up against the side of the King Fisher.
PABLO
Now?
DYLAN
Now.
They release the weight and she slumps into the bottom of the canoe in one motion.
Along the rail, the group passes a box from person to person, each taking out a candle.
Auke reaches into her pocket, taking out a handful of dirt. She sprinkles it over Jan.
AUKE
Earth.
JO
Air.
Akiko looks nervously to Dylan and he nods.
AKIKO
Wa... ter.
Kim lights her candle, then touches it to Jo's, then Donna's, then the rest.
KIM
Fire.
A gas can sits on the deck and Dylan takes it, lifting it to the railing.
Dylan up-ends the can of gasoline over the bobbing canoe.
Gas pulses out the end, splashing over Jan's wrapped form and soaking the boat.
The group stays silent as Dylan shakes the last drops from the can ceremoniously, then nods to Pablo.
PABLO
Good-bye, Jan. Thank you.
He pushes the canoe off the side of the boat using a gaff-hook with a gentle shove, letting the current grab her.
THAD
I love you, Jan.
As the canoe drifts from the boat, the group begins tossing their candles into her bow, saying their last good-byes.
When the first candle lands at Jan's feet, fire erupts across the canoe sending flames dancing into the air.
The group stands at the rail of the fishing boat, transfixed, watching the canoe recede into the bay, firelight in their eyes.
Deep in the bay, the loud splitting of glacial ice cracks the silence as an iceberg is born, falling from the glacier along the walls of the bay.
Jan's canoe burns fiercely in the darkness as it drifts into the distance.

EXT. FISHING BOAT, ALASKAN BAY - SUNRISE
The arctic sun slips over the horizon, sending golden light shimmering across the water.
A champagne cork pops out of a bottle and flies.
Pablo holds the bottle and pours a glass, handing it to Dylan, then pours another.
KIM
I can still see her.
DYLAN
Just barely. Just a thin wisp of smoke.
Donna and Thad sit with their legs dangling over the edge, as Pablo hands them glasses of champagne.
THAD
The current moves so fast.
DONNA
She must have a great view of the bay from up there.
From behind them, there is rustling and the banging of cookware from the wheelhouse.
Dylan turns around and raises his glass just as the Captain pokes his head out of the door.
DYLAN
Good morning.

EXT. JUNEAU AIRPORT - NEXT DAY
The white trek van pulls up in front of the Alaskan Airlines terminal.
Getting out of the front, Dylan looks up at the grey sky, then checks his watch.
DYLAN
We're just in time, Kim.
KIM
Let us off; we're going to be late.
Pablo and Jo climb out the side door to make room for them, and Kim and Jackie follow. Kim struggles with her rucksack.
JACKIE
My bag is still on top!
Pablo is already on the ladder and he flips the roof tarp back, pulls her rucksack off and hands it down to her.
PABLO
Is Thad on your plane?
KIM
No. He said he was headed back to San Francisco.
JACKIE
He raced down to the ferry dock as soon as we got back.
She leans over and kisses Dylan on the cheek.
JACKIE (cont'd)
Thank you.
KIM
Thank you, Dylan.
They wave to the group.
KIM (cont'd)
I wish we could stay and say proper good-byes, but our plane leaves in twenty minutes.
Kim hugs Pablo as he climbs off the ladder.
JACKIE
We love you guys.
She grabs Kim's hand and pulls her toward the sliding glass entrance door.
JACKIE (cont'd)
Come on, lover.
They begin to run into the airport, calling back over their shoulders.
KIM
We'll invite you to the wedding!
JACKIE
Just kidding.
The group waves as Dolf climbs onto the roof.
DOLF
Okay, who's helping with Auke's suitcase?
He begins to struggle the heavy case to the edge of the roof as Dylan goes to stand beneath him.
DYLAN
I got it.
INT. JUNEAU AIRPORT - SAME
The terminal of Juneau's airport bustles with people moving over the polished granite floors.
Dylan stands with Auke and her bag while Jo and Pablo hug near them.
DYLAN
I'm not sure what to say.
Auke quickly wipes a tear forming in the corner of her eye.
AUKE
I lay-over in Seattle for two days 'till there's a non-stop to Amsterdam.
DYLAN
(awkwardly)
I'll miss you.
She turns to walk away as Dylan stands there paralyzed.
Jo leans in and kisses Dylan on the cheek from behind.
JO
Thanks for the best trip of my life.
Dylan turns to hug her back, but she's already linked arms with Pablo.
PABLO
Yes, my friend, thank's for the best trip of my life.
He kisses Jo's cheek and they turn to walk away.
DYLAN
Where are you headed?
Jo turns back with a big grin.
JO
We're flying to Brazil together.
DYLAN
Wow! Just like that?
Pablo levels a stare at him.
PABLO
When you know it's right, you can't let her go.
Jo spins Pablo back around and pulls him toward the gates, calling back through the crowd:
JO
Listen to him, Dylan!
Dylan turns, suddenly looking intently for Auke.
People mill in front of him in every direction in a thick crowd. She's gone.

EXT. FERRY DOCK, PRINCE RUPERT - NEXT DAY
Dylan drives the now empty trek van carefully down the ferry ramp.
There is a mess of activity at the ferry exit, as cars pull through and out of the parking lot.
As Dylan clears the ferry and rolls out onto the asphalt, suddenly two Canadian Mountie cars jerk to a stop in front of him.
Just as quickly, two more Mountie cars roll in behind him, trapping him as their lights start to spin.
EXT. FERRY DOCK, PRINCE RUPERT - LATER
Now away from the ferry and out in the parking lot, Dylan is cuffed to the grill of the patrol car as two Mounties search the van. Sgt. LaDetrois steps in front of him.
SGT. LADETROIS
Well, she's not in your van, but we found some personal effects that could belong to her. This is a serious charge. You had us for a while, but now we will have you.
Dylan slumps his shoulders and hangs his head.
Another Mountie, the Prince Rupert SUPERINTENDANT, walks up leading someone behind him. The Superintendant is a big man. Red face, very official. Heavy and angry.
SUPERINTENDANT
Uncuff this man immediately.
One of the Mounties jumps to, fumbling with the keys on his belt, and looking back to Sgt. LaDetrois.
SGT. LADETROIS
Yes, sir. I was going to take him in to town.
Dylan looks up at the person who arrived with the Superintendant, backlit, standing next to him. It's Thad.
SUPERINTENDANT
We're releasing him. This man here is the girl's brother. He claims that both of them attended a funeral for the deceased two days ago in Juneau.
SGT. LADETROIS
He was transporting a dead body.
SUPERINTENDANT
With the family's consent.
SGT. LADETROIS
It is still illegal; to transport the dead, without the proper papers.
SUPERINTENDANT
Have we found this body?
SGT. LADETROIS
No, Sir, but...
SUPERINTENDANT
Then I suggest that you not prolong this conversation.
SGT. LADETROIS
What about vandalizing a police vehicle?
SUPERINTENDANT
I gave you a direct order, sargent.
SGT. LADETROIS
Yes, sir.
The Mountie undoes the cuffs quickly.
MOUNTIE
I'm sorry for the misunderstanding.
SUPERINTENDANT
You are free to go, son.
DYLAN
Just like that?
SUPERINTENDANT
Just like that.
The Superintendant spins on his heels and walks off toward his own car.
Dylan rubs his sore wrists and walks to the open van door. Thad steps up next to him.
DYLAN
How did you do that?
THAD
I just made a phone call. The rest happened all by itself. I had to make a report... They checked out who I was...
DYLAN
I don't know how to thank you.
THAD
You already have. You gave my sister something that we couldn't.
Dylan fishes around in his pocket for something.
DYLAN
You ran off so fast in Juneau that I never got a chance to give you this.
He holds out Jan's necklace with their mother's ring on it.
Thad just stares.
DYLAN (cont'd)
It's your mother's wedding ring.
Thad takes it, gently running his fingers over it's smooth shape.
THAD
I know. I recognize it.
DYLAN
I thought you might...
THAD
Thank you.
DYLAN
Do you need a ride south?
Thad shoulders his rucksack.
THAD
Nah, I enjoyed the hitch-hiking. I want to see America.

INT. VAN - NEXT DAY
Canada's Yellowhead Highway stretches outside the front window. A huge, verdant pine forest flanks both sides of the road as Dylan drives.
He puts the Stones in the CD player.
The opening chords of 'Honky-Tonk Woman' blare in the van. He absentmindedly shuffles through the rest of the CDs until he comes to the CD-R he listened to in Mexico.
He takes the CD out carefully and taps it on the steering wheel, lost in thought.
He holds it up, noticing his reflection in the surface.
Reaching down, he presses the automatic window, filling the van with rushing, cold air.
In one motion, he tosses the CD-letter out the window and steps down hard on the accelerator.
Gaining speed, he looks at his watch. It reads "10:22 AM." He turns up the stereo and floors it.
EXT. CARIBOU HWY - LATER
Dylan drives like mad. He swerves around another car on the road, forcing it to pull onto the shoulder in a panic.
The undulating green of the Canadian forest is endless around him as he drives into the distance.
INT. VAN - NIGHT
Speeding by outside the window, trees are a blur in the darkness.
Dylan switches on the interior light and smooths the road map on the passenger seat with his free hand.
INT. VAN - MORNING
The early morning sun on the horizon, Dylan still grips the wheel, hypnotised by the road. He passes a car like it was standing still.
The speedometer needle on the dash is stuck all the way to the right, over 100 m.p.h.
Dylan glances at the gas gauge. It's nearly empty.
DYLAN
Shit.
Looking up, a sign comes up fast in the front windshield. It reads "Hope - 15 km."
EXT. GAS STATION - HOPE, B.C. - MINUTES LATER
Dylan opens the door, leaving the gas station's snack shop with a single gas station rose in his hand.
He walks quickly back to the van and gets in.
EXT. US BORDER - LATER
At the border stop, American flags flutter in a row. A U.S. Border Guard waves the van to a stop and goes to the window.
GUARD
Passport.
Dylan hands over his papers for the van and his passport.
DYLAN
Beautiful day in America.
The guard smirks, and looks over Dylan's passport, carefully turning the pages. He points to the last stamp.
GUARD
This stamp from Juneau is from two days ago?
DYLAN
Yes. I drive fast.
The guard looks suspiciously at the van, then eyes Dylan.
GUARD
What's the rush?
Dylan returns his gaze levelly, very serious.
DYLAN
I have to meet a girl.
EXT. SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - MINUTES LATER
Racing past other cars on the entrance road, Dylan's van swerves toward the curb at the international terminal, cutting off a shuttle van and a Seattle transit bus.
He pulls up in the red zone and jumps from the van holding the rose in one hand.
The Airport SECURITY GUARD calls out to him as he runs around the van and in the building.
SECURITY GUARD
You can't leave your van there!
Dylan ignores him and races through the revolving door and in the terminal.
INT. AIRPORT TERMINAL - SAME
Dylan runs past the check-in counter and up the escalator to the departure level, then pauses to get his bearings.
Over the public address system in the terminal two smooth digital bells ring, followed by an even-toned woman's voice.
P.A. SYSTEM
Now boarding Virgin Atlantic Airline's flight number 427 to Amsterdam, rows fifteen through thirty. Please have your boarding pass ready as you approach gate number twelve.
Dylan looks up at the directory to see the gate numbers, then races toward gate twelve.
As he runs, he cranes his neck trying to catch sight of her through the mess of people.
Suddenly, up ahead the crowd breaks and he sees her standing there, back to him, heavy suitcase on the ground next to her, sunglasses pushed up on top of her head.
He slows and walks until he stands just behind her.
DYLAN
Auke.
She turns quickly around at the sound of his voice.
AUKE
I've been looking for you.
She throws her arms around him and holds on tightly.
DYLAN
I had to kiss you again.
AUKE
Then kiss me.
They kiss.
Dylan is still holding the rose from the gas station in Hope and he offers it to her as their lips part.
DYLAN
I brought this for you.
She looks at him....
AUKE
It's from a gas station?
He looks at her, still breathing hard.
AUKE (cont'd)
You are very romantic, Dylan. I'll never forget you.
They kiss again.
Dylan looks at her urgently, but still paralyzed. Then:
DYLAN
Auke, don't get on that plane.
AUKE
Dylan?..
DYLAN
I love you, Auke.
AUKE
Dylan, I...
DYLAN
If you get on that plane, my life will never feel complete. There will always be this empty...
She quiets him by placing her finger on his lips.
AUKE
I love you too, Dylan.
He gathers her into his arms, and they hold each other there, motionless for a long moment.
Over the PA, bells chime again, and then the woman's voice:
P.A. SYSTEM
This is the final boarding call for flight 427 nonstop to Amsterdam.
They stop hugging and stare into each other's eyes.
Auke breaks the stare and looks down at the floor.
DYLAN
You'd better get on. They won't wait for you.
AUKE
I was wondering...
She looks straight at him.
AUKE (cont'd)
If you'd have room for me... in your van.
Dylan throws his arms around her, almost knocking her over.
EXT. SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - MINUTES LATER
Dylan flings open the van doors, lugging Auke's bag in through the opening, as Auke gets in the passenger side.
Behind them, the aggravated airport guard huffs up.
SECURITY GUARD
Hey, you can't just leave your van in the red like that.
Dylan shrugs, then looks to Auke and smiles.
SECURITY GUARD (cont'd)
I'm not kidding. I called to have your vehicle towed.
They ignore him. Dylan holds up the keys, tosses them to Auke.
DYLAN
You want to drive?
She settles down in the passenger seat, tossing the keys over the side mirror back to him.
AUKE
Nah, you do it so well.
He jumps in to the driver's seat and starts the van, as the guard comes up to the window.
SECURITY GUARD
What the hell do you think you're doing?
Dylan looks over at Auke.
DYLAN
Where we headed?
Auke smiles.
AUKE
South.
He pulls forward as the security guard bangs the side of the van.
Dylan accelerates smoothly away from him as he stands there in the street.

MONTAGE - SNAP-SHOTS FROM THE TRIP:
A snap-shot of the group having drinks, toasting the first night.
A snap-shot of Jo, standing proudly by her tent the first night.
A snap-shot of the group all holding hands, backs to a tree, trying to hold hands around the giant redwood.
Another of the group posing in front of the City Lights bookstore in North Beach, San Francisco.
A snap-shot of Jan, sitting next to Dylan, looking out at Yosemite valley from the overlook.
A snap-shot of the entire group posing on the bow of the King Fisher in Glacier Bay, champagne glasses in hand.

INT. VAN - SUNSET
Dylan and Auke drive south through beautiful pine forest. Mt. Rainier is in the distance out the window, reflecting the last of the sun's rays.
Auke leans over and kisses him on the cheek as he drives.

FADE OUT.