mo115+The+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, as the sun began to set, Robert and his dad decided to make camp for the night.

"Which backpack did you put the tent in?" asked Dad, while rummaging through his bag.

"It must be in //your// backpack," replied Robert, "because it's not in mine."

"Check again."

Robert began to have a sick feeling in his stomach. When they unloaded the backpacks in the parking lot at the beginning of the trail, he had thought that the bags seemed pretty light, but he thought that they had just seemed that way because he had so much energy.

"The tent's not here," Robert admitted softly.

Dads face got red as he tensed up."You're kidding, right?" When Robert didn't answer, his dad threw a rock at a bush. "I guess we'll be sleeping outside tonight."

Robert knew his dad was angry, so the two of them prepared dinner and went to bed without another word. As they lay in their sleeping bags, Robert whispered, "I'm sorry dad. I learned my lesson; next time I will make a list."

But his dad said nothing. He was already dead.

Dead asleep, that is.