Scenic Route

In just two weeks, Carter is heading on a backpacking excursion with the high school group from church. Can't get used to him being a "high schooler." In preparation, we've purchased various items we didn't have "on hand" since we are not outdoorsy camping types.

In the past 6 weeks, we've gotten hiking shoes, a special mummy-style sleeping bag and pad, appropriate socks, soap and XL Ziploc bags for storing clothes. His one task, besides having his mother buy all this, was to break in those hiking shoes. Nobody wants blisters the first day of camp!

A few weeks ago, he ventured out on a 2-mile walk with me to start the breaking-in process. He hasn't put them on since. Initially, our pastor said they should put 20 miles on those shoes before the trip to the Porcupine Mountains. Today after church, he told Carter 50! Uhm, yeah, he's gonna have to get 48 miles in over 14 days. Not gonna happen. But we will get those 20 in at least, even if I have to walk every step with him. Which I plan to!

Plus, I have to be the drill sergeant or he won't do this on his own.

So after church, we changed clothes and went for a 3-mile hike. A flat one with no backpack on. (But that will change very soon!) By the end he was already complaining of sore knees and thighs. He is Mr. Out of Shape! We had an interesting hike, though.

Right out of the gate we see an albino squirrel cross the road in front of us. Of course we both got excited. I said, "Get your new  iPod out and take a picture!"

His new iPod Touch sure does a lot of cool things. But he's going to have to figure out how to take clear photos! You get the idea, though. We're pretty sure "Albi" is a neighborhood resident so we may see him again. If this is what entices Carter to get out there and keep walking/hiking, then I'll take it.

Lord knows the scenery he'll see in the Porkies will surpass this ten-fold! I might just have to send my camera with him!

In a super sealed Ziploc bag, of course!