Backpacking at 7

•    Means collecting 5 lbs of pretty rocks to bring home to family and friends, and stashing them in your backpack and carrying them home without a peep to your unsuspecting Dad.

•    Means loving Top Ramen like it a a gourmet meal, and asking why we never have such good food at home.
•    Means swiping Dads camera to shoot some photos of your “best friend” Molly posing in the dramatic scenery

•    Means demanding 3 jelly beans at the top of every hill before moving another step
•    Means being excited as to how curly your hair will be after two solid days of it being wrapped in a braid
•    Means shedding a tired tear about missing Mommy and Sissy only a few moments after making Dad promise we will come back to this spot again for a longer backpacking trip.

•    Means insisting you try everything from pouring the alcohol in the stove to opening the bear canister with your brand new swiss army knife.
•    Means being oblivious to the little smiles you bring to everyone you meet on the trail as you walk by with a little skip,  and “Molly” peeking out of your backpack so “she can enjoy the trip too”.

•    Means savoring that popsicle you picked out at the little café down the road from the trailhead.