Friday, June 17, 2011

Boots-- His and Hers


When my just college graduated niece and her boyfriend arrived here from Ohio earlier this week, I thought their plans to wilderness hike in Yosemite National Park was a fun and amazing opportunity.

But as I watched them pack their gear, including a humongous knife they laughingly referred to as "the bear knife", I realized they weren't kidding about driving north into the "wilderness"-- As in they are not staying in campsites-- with other people-- and Forest Rangers-- and lights or running water! Instead they'll hike the trails and "find a nice spot in the middle of nowhere to pitch a tent".

This caused my eyes to nearly pop out of my head, my heart to skip about a thousand beats and a deep concern that my niece had not shared this bit information with her mother, my baby sister-- Because I'm sure if she had, Baby Sister would have never, ever, driven her cherished daughter to the airport to visit me.

I immediately started asking questions about cell phone reception (probably none), "wilderness" experience (to which the boyfriend responded "seven times" meaning seven nights TOTAL in his entire 22 year lifetime, not seven trips) and if they'd like me to gift them a hotel room instead (no thank you).

Upon learning this news, my response was to write my niece's name and emergency phone numbers in permanent marker on her back and stomach before they pulled out of my driveway on their adventure. And I'm not kidding about that either.

So for the past three nights I've laid awake, secure in my warm bed, praying and wondering how that "wilderness" thing was working out for them.... And counting the minutes until they call and check back in with civilization again.

Tick, tick, tick.....

*****
I have a GIVEAWAY coming next week so stay tuned!!
*****

Happy weekend everybody.
Welcome to www.TheFiftyFactor.com - Joanna Jenkins

44 comments:

  1. That doesn't sound good to me - I like running water!

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  2. oh my! your nails will be non-existent by the end of the week!

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  3. My hubby and son do this on occasion. I don't love it.
    But they always come back. Sometimes with hair-raising stories, sometimes with just a little minor chafing and some itch here and there.

    It's hard to do nothing when there's nothing to be done, huh?

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  4. I would be totally freaked out, worried about them!

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  5. Joanna, what I have learned from my kids, is that they can do things we would never of thought of.. I bet they will be just fine.... love that photo of their boots. Definitely something I would frame and give to them...

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  6. being a natural worrier, I'm with you Joanna....hope (and they'll probably) be ok.

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  7. Let's hope all your worries are unwarranted!

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  8. I used to backpack all the time in rugged, remote areas. Always went with seasoned hikers who knew how to read maps and compasses. I come from the Colin Fletcher school of backbacking and we were always prepared. I'd say, if they were well outfitted and new how to read trail maps, no worries. As long as you know where they were going in case they don't return on time. Then you could call the Forest service and put a search for them.

    Truly this kind of hiking is the very best! If my health still allowed, I'd be doing it.

    Worry not, JJ.

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  9. smiles. we used to do that on the AT every friday night in the summer...just take a bag, breakfast and a flashlight and hike tile we do tired and find a tree...sounds like a trilling adventure to me jj...

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  10. I hope you don't worry TOO much, but truth be told, I probably wouldn't sleep a wink either until they got back!

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  11. I hope they will be back soon with some great memories and some great stories to tell like the one about not telling her mom and the one about how worried Aunt Joanna was.

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  12. Yikes I'd be worried too....okay now I'm worried! Keep us posted of her safe return!!

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  13. Yeah, I know some campers too, and they love being in the middle of nowhere. One man's pleasure is another man's worry.

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  14. It'll be super-awesome tripindicular. Hopefully they'll take lots of pics and come back with amazing stories.

    Cheers,

    Casey

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  15. Hope they have a very safe adventure. Hope you can catch up on your beauty sleep when they return.

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  16. On her back AND stomach - really both sides?
    How did she react to that?
    I do hope they checked in with the rangers and told them where they were headed. At least there would be no concern for winter storms. The bear problems are rare and probably more of a problem in campsites because of the food. Now if they went hiking in certain parts of LA - I'd be more worried.

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  17. I wouldn't sleep either, Joanna, I'd be biting my nails the whole time. Here's hoping they are having a great (and safe) time.

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  18. They are both scouts, right? I know it sounds horrible, but just keep thinking positive thoughts. I used to feel this way about them going away to college!

    I'm sending hugs and good thoughts to you!

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  19. My experience (limited as it may be) is that camping is safe and fun - about as much as the city!
    I hope your sweet mind can rest and find some bright spot in the day!
    Camping is maybe like a modern day "proving ground..." It's just something that seems to call to certain people - the beauty of the wilderness is awesome and life-changing! Yosemite! Wow!
    *sigh*
    I can just see you with a Sharpie pen telling her to hold still a minute and come "just a little closer!" :D

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  20. I had to laugh about the penning of her body but I feel your fear! I would be nervous too!!! Yikes!!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  21. I used to spend entire weeks alone in the wilderness, camping in a tent. I remember those times as some of the most serene and memorable of my life. I think they will be all right, Joanne. If they were prepared, that is. I hope I'll hear from you that all your worries were for naught.

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  22. Youth really is wasted on the young. Instead of roughing it in the wilderness...I'd be basking in the wonderfulness of a hotel complete with valet parking, room service and a pedicure.

    I hope the time goes by quickly for you and they come back safe and sound.

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  23. I think I'm biting my nails for you until their return. I don't blame you for being a bit anxious. My idea of roughing it is our 5th wheel with 2 slide outs and all the comforts of home. To old to sleep on the ground and rough it anymore. Hope they return to you safe and sound and soon.

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  24. That would worry me, too. But boy, Yosemite is a beautiful place.

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  25. Think of the great stories they'll bring home after they're done!

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  26. Oh, I do love to see people having adventures ... but preferably much more prepared than with just seven nights' experience!

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  27. Holy Crap! The recklessness of youth. They go from immortal to thinking they can't be hurt or injured...

    I'd be lying awake at night too.

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  28. I was wondering if you told your sister or not. I'm sure they'll be fine. Imagine if they had left for some African country under turmoil. U.S.wilderness is safer.

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  29. Wow. Not sure I was EVER that carefree!

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  30. what an adventurous spirit! one that I lack...It always 'sounds' fun to go on hikes such as that but well, I'm really okay with hearing the stories from others.
    I laughed when you wanted to write the name and phoe number on her stomach; hah!

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  31. Do you care if I stay awake with you? OMG....I would be one to worry as well and I can't wait for you to post that they are back from this big wilderness trip...Of course, I'm one that won't hike a hundred yards into the woods....
    I hope all goes well for them and will definitely be praying for their safety...

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  32. I'm sure they have a great time.
    Don't worry too much - you know it doesn't help them. :)
    Have a good week ahead!

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  33. Wow! Yeah, for me hiking is on a marked trail. And it can't be too far into the woods. And animals like bears and such would make me nervous. SMART IDEA about writing on her! Really! Very smart! I wish them well!

    Come over and enter my giveaway in my sidebar! I'll come back for yours too.

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  34. I'm not a wilderness
    gal, so I'd be very
    very
    very
    worried, too!
    Keep us posted!
    xx Suzanne

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  35. Oh, the determination and fearlessness of youth. I miss it at times.;))
    I am sure they will be fine.;)) Have a great Monday,
    xoxo

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  36. Everything will be fine, don't worry :) Helpful advice from me!! ;0)

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  37. Well, now I just want to know for sure they got back OK, too! Thanks for another sleepless night, Joanna! LOL

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  38. Ummmm oww. Holy cow. I can't even imagine. I love the permanent marker, and here's hoping they arrive home safely soon!

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  39. I would be scared to death to hike and spend the night in the woods! Young kids are not afraid of most things!

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  40. Joanna! Are you going to tell me that I might have been within driving distance of your house last week and I didn't even know it?! :(

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