Out of Step for the weeks end

   Migraine, Friday put me down for a few hours, which really upset me do to the fact that my soul mate planned a very busy weekend with family so that we may have a joyous time time in saying good-bye see you soon to Bump and I. 
   A fast recovery got me to Buxton between 7 and  730pm for a outstanding lasagna dinner. Following dinner was a game of Picturnary, a game we got to teach Reggie and his always smiling girlfriend, Kelsey.  Boys vs. Girls, I'll take those odds.  And the winners are... Yup! Boys rule. Midnight bed.
  Saturday morning started the day like any Saturday morning should be started, Cartoons.  As a family of little people we watched "Tangled", most enjoyable I recommend it to all.  After the movie, lunch, making sandwiches with kids can be so fun. Off to the "Maine Wildlife Park" in Grey ME. Awesome walking around the park. Bears and Moose and every Maine critter in between.  Seen the park whats next? Off to Biddeford for a bird wildlife preserve along the ocean. What a wonderful day. Kids should be ready to collapse for bed now, WRONG ! end the day with hide and seek in the dark.  Always a good time.  Did I say end the day I was wrong. S'mores. Heaven!  BED.
      I get up Sunday morning thinking I'm getting ready to go home and chill from this very busy weekend. Family breakfast and we're off again. This time to Fun Town/ Splashtown USA.  It's just nice enough out all the rides all the slides. I  have to make it home before i collapse.
  This weekend has knocked me out of step, out of planning mode and a little out of ready mode.  Thank you my wife.  I love my family and most of hers too.  Now everybody else go out and find yourself out of step and take a hike.

 

One step closer to being one step closer

Yesterday was a beautiful fathers day.  Movies and restaurant's filled most of my day on top of a little work and a little play.
   With the long walk in the woods only a short two weeks away and still shopping to do. We made our way to a store that shall not be mentioned for their lack of soul, and over abundance of stupidity for some active wear, tees, underwear and shorts.  These last minute purchases are what brings me one step closer.
   Another realization happened last night as I was sitting out side watching the stars and the satellites move across the sky.  I'm leaving in 2 weeks for a month. The reality of it is I'm going to miss the things I've done on this day.  Sitting at the table for breakfast with the family, catching a matinee, lunch out, ice cream, my favorite TV shows all things that I get to enjoy with the people that I love.
   I've made some jerky, and now I'm getting ready to set up camp in the yard. Taking inventory, making lists, trying to remember whom I still have to thank for all of their help, like Nikki at EMS for the good read on camping and what it takes and what will help and hinder. 
   I had Richard reading it, and I think he lost it, in true Richard fashion. We've got our guide books our compasses, most of our clothes, packs, tents and pads, pillows, sleeping bags, and I'm even bringing my vacation mascot, Mr. Chicken. 
   Trail names selected, I am Frog Prince and Richard is Bump, as it has always been a nickname for him. The stories behind the names is for another time as we come one step closer to being one step closer to miss all that we truly love.

Chad

Take a Hike

From
Frog Prince aka Chad,
     
      Here I am with only a few week left before I leave on my first true multi day long hike.  I've shared with many people about my dreams and goals regarding hiking the Appalachian Trail or A.T. for short.  I failed to make my budget for that trip this year. So to not waste all that I have worked for, I am hiking the Vermont Long Trail in July.
    The Long Trail should take me about 25 day give or take a few for health and weather. My youngest, Richard will be joining me on this expedition.  I hope he learns a lot, as I know I will.  We have so much to gain in a trip like this.
    We will learn more about nature, ourselves and each other. We will have time to reflect on our past and on our futures. Bonding all the while. Sharing our knowledge, missing friends and family, his mother aka my beautiful and supportive wife. I know that this trip will only help us grow to be better people and a closer family.
    We have about 90 % of what we need.and a small percentage of stuff we don't need. I have ordered the last reference book that we'll need , so now we have the "The Long Trail Guild" and the "End-to-Enders Guild" from the Green Mountain Club. All that I need now is a map.  If there is anybody else out there that may be thinking about multi day pack trips and need a hand just ask, I am fast becoming an expert on the subject.
    In closing of this blog, I must put out a very special thank you to the people at Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS). The team of people over there in Portsmouth have been more that just helpful with gear selection and their knowledge of what we're getting into.  They have been supportive and motivating, sharing stories about their own hikes and trips.Giving me thing to think about when I thought that I've already made up my mind.
   I feel like I've made a new group of friends.  So a heartfelt thank you  to the crew at EMS, Jason, Chris, Rob and the rest.  Bless you, you all truly make the difference.
                      Frog Prince !