I had an assignment last weekend called "Pack Your Bags." You are supposedly going on some sort of trip-in my case a "Fall Foliage Fun Trek to New England"-and you have to "pack your bags," or list 20 items you would bring.
OK, so if you were going to New England in autumn, what would you bring? Ummmm, a scarecrow? Nah, too big to pack. Well, how about this: I'll write here what the "pamphlet" I received says, and then I'll write what I have decided to bring. (This will help me get my homework done faster, too.... Don't ask why.)
"This one-week trip takes you through three New England states: Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. You will feast your eyes on the spectacular splash of color offered by the autumn leaves while hiking in the Green Mountains, taking a train ride in the White Mountains, and mountain-biking in the Appalachians (I'll bet they're red-you know, "apple" colored). Come ready to breathe the cool, fresh air that fills New England as the leaves turn.
"Accommodations: Saturday-Monday: Camping on the trail. Tuesday and Wednesday: Mount Washington Resort Hotel. Thursday-Saturday: Chimney Pond Cabin at Mt. Katahdin.
"Date of Trip: Oct. 12 through Oct. 19.
"Provided: Food and drink."
"Bring: -
That was nice-if they would have listed what to bring, I wouldn't be writing this article!
OK, they said food and drink were provided, and the way it sounded from my teachers, that meant we couldn't even bring a granola bar. So that leaves out granola bars, hot chocolate, marshmallows, peanut-butter-and-jelly-sandwiches, hamburgers, Pepsi (and other carbonated drinks), hot dogs and graham crackers.
That there would have taken up almost half of the list.
I guess I would bring money-in case we would come across any gift shops-a sleeping bag and maybe even a tent. It did mention a motel, but that's not for the whole trip.
I would definitely bring a couple jackets, sweatshirts, sweatpants, T-shirts, shorts (to sleep in) and a backpack.
To carry in the backpack? Well, let's see, a water bottle, portable CD player, an electronic game of "Sorry," a first-aid kit, another first-aid kit, a thermos in case there's hot chocolate that I wanted to carry along, and maybe an extra pair of glasses-or even contacts (Hey dad, hint hint!).
As for sleeping stuff, I already mentioned a sleeping bag, but a pillow and a sheet would be nice.
Oh yeah, can't forget a book-maybe two!
But, you know, I'd rather go to Alaska. At least it's not one of the contiguous states. Alaska wasn't a choice, but let's think about what to pack.
Oh, I know! Polar Bear Repellent! Oh, speaking of polar bears, what's white, white and white? A polar bear inside an igloo during a snowstorm.
Yes, I know you're not laughing so let's keep packing.... Don't ask why.
I should probably bring some Eskimo pie. Oh, and maybe an igloo building kit.
Which reminds me, after Eskimos build their igloos, what do they do? They get Inuit! Ee-yeah--um-a, let's keep going.... Inuit, I just knew it, you wouldn't get it.... Don't ask why.
To be real here, a coat, a jacket, some gloves, a skiing cap and some skis-or at least some money to rent them. I'd also bring other "heavy" garments, a tent (supposing it was a camping trip) a sleeping bag, a pillow, a blanket, a porta-no, I wouldn't be able to carry one of those things around-a Reader's Digest (in case I get bored) and possibly a couple friends.
Then again, what's a Reader's Digest without a good-never mind.... and don't ask why!
Before I end, I have a question: Mrs. Loewen and/or Mr. Winkler, do I get extra credit for this?
Oh yes, and no matter where I go, I'll always bring a lap-top computer, so I can send my columns back to Hillsboro-my home when I'm not away from home!
Don't ask why.
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