fm115+The+Hiking+Trip

// The Best Hiking Trip Ever //
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.

"Hand me the tents," Dad said to Robert.

"Sure, one sec," Robert went to the backpack and unzipped it. When he looked inside he saw a big hole in the side.

"So where is it?" Dad was standing behind him with an angry look on his face. Then Robert replied "Um, I don't really know."

Dad just sat on a rock while the sun went down, looking at the sky. Robert sat on the empty bag and looked around. They were the only hikers on the trail. Then, just before the sun was out of sight, he saw something shine a couple yards down the trail. Robert ran up to it. "Dad!" shouted Robert. "I think I found something!"

Dad ran up to Robert. Robert picked up the object. "This is the can of soup I packed!" he said excitedly. Dad ran a little farther down the trail. "This is the coat I packed," he said. They went along further and further picking up things as they went. Soon, they could hear the sounds of the highway. They kept walking while picking up there stuff. After about ten minutes, Robert picked up the last item right outside their front door. They both agreed to go camp in the back yard, so they wouldn't have to go on the trail in the dark.

"I'll be right back Robert, you go and set up the tents," said Dad. "OK," Robert replied.

Robert went in the back yard and pitched the tent. Then, he put in he and his dad's sleeping bag and got in his. Dad came back with two cups of hot chocolate. They both got in their sleeping bags and lied down.

"This is the best hiking trip ever," said Robert.