ny115+The+Hiking+Trip

The Hiking Trip (change this title)
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 night. While they rolled out their sleeping bags, Robert began to go through all the stuff he had packed. He finished looking through the supplies and sat back on his heels, shocked. He had forgotten the first aid kit.

"Uh, dad?" Robert said nervously.

"What's up kiddo?" his dad replied, looking up from the fire he was starting.

"I forgot the first aid kit," Robert confessed, looking down at the ground.

"You serious?!" his dad exclaimed, jumping to his feet. Any camper knows that a first aid kit is one of the most crucial supplies they need. If someone gets hurt, the cut could be infected easily out in the wild. Robert and his dad had chosen an isolated area to make camp so no one was around.

"I'm sorry, I should have checked the bag before we left," Robert said, feeling worse than ever before.

"I'm so shocked I can't talk right now," his dad said angrily, "Let's talk about this in the morning."

Robert yawned and rolled over onto his side. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and... he forgot the first aid kit. He groaned and squeezed his eyes shut, wishing he could fall back asleep. Suddenly he heard a yell and a big thud. Robert ran outside and stared. //"This can't be happening, not when I forgot the first aid kit,"// Robert thought.

"Robert come here, quick!" his dad weakly said, wincing as he tried to get up. In the fog his dad had tripped over a tree root, cutting his knee. The gnash was huge, cutting across his kneecap. His face had gone pale, and his eyes reflected his pain. On instinct, Robert ran towards his dad, praying that he was okay. Suddenly he had a "lightbulb moment"! He ran to the nearest tree and grabbed a handful of moss. He quickly tied it around his dad's knee and fashioned a thick, sturdy branch into a staff.

"You saved me," his dad proudly said, resting his hand on his shoulder. Even though the accident happened a month ago, his dad still talked about it like it happened yesterday. The same glowing, tingly feeling spread through Robert every time. Robert now realized that he was being foolish and was over confident before the trip. He now double-checked everything before he packed, and now never forgets anything. "I'm ready for the next camping trip!" Robert exclaimed, winking at his dad. "Don't get me started," his mom scolded, and they all laughed.