CHAPTER ONE Warren

The small mat at the narrow twisted and thorned vine entrance (or was it really one of the exits?) was misspelled “GO AWEIGH”.
“That Hopper is always actin’ aloof!” remarked Jasper the Junco.
“Sounds rather Navyish to me.” commented Tracy the Towhee.
“Well I’m headed back to the mountains now so I don’t have to put up with his Imperious antics!” And with that chirp of disapproval, Jasper flew off.
Then, appearing at the entrance/exit was a sleepy eyed Wombat dressed in wide blue and cream stripped pajamas…”The Master still sleeps and this chatter is bound to wake his excellency which would surely result in unpleasantness for all.” he said in a vagely Australian accent.
“Oh…please relate to your employer my shallowest apologies.”
tweeted Tracy.
“I will convey your sentiments to Mister Hopper upon his awakening.” Then the Wombat slammed the vines in Tracy’s beak!
Nearly none of the animals that inhabited the woods where Hopper the Hare maintained his warren of tunnels knew exactly how vast they were. They all did know that the tunnels extended for untold distance. Untold because Hopper wouldn’t say and also because visitors were infrequently invited into Hopper’s vast underworld.
Until the visit by Gerry G. Groundhog, a Dear old friend of Hopper’s way back before the floods. “3 G’s”, as Hopper referred to his tunnel loving friend, was on his way to Trundle Springs for his summer vaca with his family of Grace his mate, and Gary and Georgina his “kits”.
When Gerry knocked upon the entrance to the Hopper estate, the Wombat Butler recognized the Groundhog family from photos hanging in the gameroom.
“Oh Mister G…and Mrs. G…and Miss G and Master G it’s such a pleasure to meet you….Mister Hopper will be so happy to see you. Please enter.” The vines swung wide for the woodchuck family as the few nearby observing animals watched the rare occurance with awe.
“You’ve travelled quite a distance from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania you all must be tired.” noted Wilfred Wombat.
“Oh we took the train most of the way, on the DOLE fruit boxcar. We are quite rested and quite full.”
“GERRY! You old dirt loving rodent. Long time no see!” Hopper hopped over to hug Gerry and then exclaimed…”And what a lovely family…my your ARE the lucky one as Hopper kissed the paw of Mrs. Groundhog.
“Wilfred, show 3G’s and the Misses and the kits to their rooms and then we’ll all gather in the drawing room and bring each other up to date. Such fun whot?”