1205am+The+Hiking+Trip

Ummmm..... Where's the tent?

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 later on the trail, Robert and his dad decided to make camp for the night. Robert searched around for the big grey/green duffle bag with their tent and pillows.

"Hey dad?" Robert said?

"Yes?" he replied.

"Where's the tent bag?"

"Its right over.... Uh oh." Wait... I think I put it over here.. no.. over here?... no.... oh wait... Maybe here. FOUND I..I.. never mind."

"That bag had all of our pillows-AND OUR TENT!!!!" "Oh wait..."

"What?"

"Well.. I think I left the bag right under my desk... at home..."

"Robert.........."

"SORRY!!!!"

Robert's dad was pretty mad. He did not know what to do. He ran around looking for other adventurers and found none, except a picture of a little boy holding a red flag, and standing at the top of the trail.

"Wait..." Robert said. "Maybe we could use some sticks and leaves to build a little cabin, and tomorrow we can try to find someone else we can stay with."

"Ok...." His father said. "Lets get some sticks."

An hour or two later, they found their selves sleeping the night away. The next morning, they woke up at 8:32 AM and started walking. They suddenly found a red flag.

"Hey dad, maybe we can use this to get the attention of other hikers."

"That's a pretty good idea son, great job!"

They held the bright red flag up and suddenly found another hiker. She had blonde hair, and bright blue eyes. She had a son about 13 years old, and he looked like the boy in the picture they found.

"Is everything ok?" The woman said.

"No. We lost our tent." Robert said

"Hey, you can have mine, we have plenty of extras."

"You sure?"

"Of course!"

Robert and his dad were so happy. They could now hike the trail.

Now, Robert took a picture at the top of the trail holding the red flag, they found out bears have been taking duffle bags with tent in them, and Robert always makes a list.