7805ac+Hiking+Trip

The Hiking Trip
Robert and his father had enjoyed hiking and camping out together ever since Robert was old enough to walk. Their favorite hiking trail was the Appalachian trail, which stretches from Maine to Georgia. They had never walked that far of course, but enjoyed the section of the trail that passed through their part of Pennsylvania.

Although his dad always picked the date, it was up to Robert to plan the meals, shop for the food, and get all the necessary supplies packed for the outing. Dad always insisted that Robert create a checklist so that nothing would be forgotten but sometimes Robert got lazy.

"If we forget anything it won't be a big deal," Robert explained to his mother,"there are always other hikers around who will loan you a can opener or share their matches.

Mother just shook her head as if she disagreed but said nothing. Se had firmly stated from the very beginning that these trips had nothing to do with her and she would not get involved. Mosquitoes sore feet and using a bush for the bathroom was not her idea of a vacation.

Robert checked the calendar. This weekend was their next trip and here it was already Thursday.

He had totally forgotten.

"No big deal," he said aloud,"I've packed our supplies a thousand times!"

"Sure you don't want to make a list?," asked his mother sipping a cup of tea at the kitchen table.

"Never had a problem before," Robert answered confidently,"Besides if I forget one little thing what could possibly go so wrong?"

If he only knew...

On Saturday morning, Robert and his dad loaded the car and drove out to the trail.

"I hope we didn't forget anything," Robert's dad remarked.

"We, have everything," Robert replied.

When they pulled into the parking lot, Robert and his dad unloaded the car and and began to hike. As they got to a rest-spot, dad asked for the water bottles.

Robert looked into his bag twice...

Robert looked at his father.

"I'm sorry, but they were forgotten," Robert admitted.

"Okay," sighed Dad.

When they arrived at the campsite later that afternoon, they were starving for dinner. Robert pulled out all the food and cooking utensils. As dad cooked, Robert set up the tent.

When that was finished, Robert pulled out the mess kits and realized that he forgot utensils; but they had plenty of napkins!

"Dad, I forgot the utensils too," Robert complained.

As Robert and Dad ate, they used more than half the napkins.

That night they slept well, and in a tent which he DID NOT forget...


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