James Allen, the writer/artist of “Mark Trail,” mentioned a couple of panels he’d done in January 2017, with Mark and Cherry discussing in-print vs. online readers. Mark was pretty much of good cheer (any readership is good readership, so to speak), but even the stalwart Champion of the Wilderness has feelings. And Punching Fists. So watch out.

Oh, Mark, how I’ve missed you, with you dashing all around my own stomping ground, the wonderful lower Sonoran desert! I’m not quite sure what you’re doing out here, but if you’ve brought the rains with you, that’s good enough for me.
By the way, yYou really shouldn’t be out in the strong sunlight without a hat. Those powerful rays, you know…it can do strange things to a man.

But, true to his character, Mark can succeed at anything. Doc has been found, a blessing to us all! I guess.

Mark Trail’s knowledge of reproduction, not so much…

A dislocated shoulder, an angry bear, a twisted ankle — what could possibly be worse for ol’ Mark?

Oh.

Yeah.

Rex Morgan, M.D.

Oh, well…

…and then someone has to step in to ruin it.

Two Words:  So easily.

Two More Words: Hi, Mark!

Four More Words:  Yep.  So very easily.

Eleven more words:  Will there be anyone like Luann there to ridicule and deride?

Sometimes a whole strip doesn’t inspire me, but several do:

Even the next day!

A Man and his SUV! On the open road!  Quite possibly Enjoying Nature, too!

Sometime a Man just has to linger and reflect…possibly plan times to come.

At least we know Mark isn’t drinking and driving (otherwise, the phone call would’ve been more like “Heyyyyy, Cherrrrry…I…I…I LOVE YOU, MAN!”)

It still doesn’t explain how the cell phone work, without a tower anywhere in Lost Forest’s pristine venues. though.  (Mr bats :[ chalks it up to Mark’s phenomenal mental powers.)

Maybe not quite “sexy on a stick” (or a fishin’ pole), but he’s getting there!

I’m sure he’ll still be Enjoying Nature and giving hell to those who endanger it (if they don’t take care of things themselves):

Welcome, James Allen! Thanks for all the good times, Jack Elrod!