Boy Scout Explorers at Headless Hollow

"Boy Scout Explorers at Headless Hollow" by Don Palmer is a children's adventure novel written in the late 20th century. The story follows a group of Boy Scout explorers led by Mr. Hap Livingston as they return home from a camping trip, only to become embroiled in a mystery involving an old prospector named Stony and treasure hidden in a place called Headless Hollow. The book sets the tone for a classic adventure filled with themes of camaraderie, courage, and the pull of a tantalizing treasure hunt. At the start of the story, the explorers are driving through the New Mexico Rockies after a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch, visibly tired yet excited about their journey home. After stopping at a rundown motel, they meet Old Stony, an aging prospector who hints at the existence of gold and a treasure map hidden in the mountains. After a violent encounter in which Stony is attacked in his cabin, the Scouts learn of his past and the potential riches lying in Headless Hollow. As they vow to respect Old Stony's wishes by contacting Craig Warner, the son of Stony's deceased partner, they embark on a quest that promises adventure, danger, and the search for truth in the wilderness.