5603kc+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. She 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.

That Saturday, Robert and his dad were going up a hill, when his dad said,"Oh, it is getting dark. We'll soon stop for dinner."

Robert's father had hot soup for dinner. He had just picked it up from the store. The lay their picnic mat on the dry grass, and the took out a bucket full of cooking and food materials. There it was. It was a dead rat in their container full of soup.

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