hr115+The+Hiking+Trip

Hiking
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.

As the sun began to set, Robert and his dad decided to make camp for the day. Roberts's dad sent him to the tent to grab the sleeping bags.

He rushed in. They weren't there. Robert didn't want his dad to know he forgot the sleeping bags.

He lifted up the back flaps of the tent. Took the food, and chucked it.

Robert shrieked "We've been robbed!"

"By who? We are in the middle of nowhere?" replied Robert's dad.

//Ummm//, Robert thought. His dad was right. They were in the middle of nowhere. He looked down. He had no food and was starving. His stomach made a moaning noise. Immediately, he discovered that it sounded like a bear. Calmly he replied to the question, "The bears dad. The black bears."

His dad rushed in. He didn't see any evidence so he didn't believe him. "Since when do black bears rob tents that are in the middle of nowhere covered in bear repellant?"

Robert shrugged. His dad was going to find out sooner or later. He didn't want to get into any trouble so he told his dad in reply, "Who else would've done it?"

"I don't know." replied his dad. He called his wife and told her about how they were robbed. She was bamboozled. As quick as a fox she ran upstairs and spotted the green sleeping bags on the floor of Roberts room.

His dad was disapointed in him.

He didn't care. All Robert could say is, "Next time, we know who's ganna do the packing."