Two Bad Turns Hard Core

"So I'm hard core now!"  Two Bad reported.  Yesterday he hiked a whopping 17 miles with Hansel and Gretel to finish out his week-long adventure with his kids.  They spent last night in a bed and breakfast called The Dutch Haus in Montebello, VA.  Hansel and Gretel both confirmed that Dad had done a great job with them.  Even though they slowed up for him a little, by the end of the week, they had covered a lot of ground.  Two Bad hiked about 120 miles with Hansel and Gretel!  Not "too bad" for an old guy!

After the first day, Two Bad was doubting himself a little.  "Man, I might have made a mistake," he thought as he did his best to ease out the cramps in his thighs and back.  Even his shoulders were sore.  But the second day was a little better, and by the third day he really felt like he was adjusting to Trail life.  But then the blisters hit him.  Fortunately, Gretel knew the best way to deal with this problem since she battled her own blisters when she first started the Trail.

For Two Bad, this trip has been a physical challenge; one he trained hard for and still experienced plenty of aches and pains along the way.  But it was also a chance to see his children in action and share this life-changing experience with them.  After all, it was Mom and Dad who first exposed Hansel and Gretel to the woods and the joys of backpacking on the Appalachian Trail.

There was pride an his voice when Two Bad said, "They are doing great.  They have it all figured out.  The whole organizing, camping, set up, tear down, shopping, cooking."  He talked about the delicious meals that Gretel makes, throwing extra flavorful ingredients into various concoctions that she has perfected.  Not every father has the opportunity to spend quality time like this with his children after they have left college.  Walking through the woods with only the bear essentials on their back, singing the words to their favorite Bruce Springteen songs as they hiked, sitting around the campfire talking about life as their put their feet up after a long day.  The days on the Trail that Two Bad spent with Hansel and Gretel is a testament to the ever-present support and unconditional love that he has shown all three of us since the day we were born.  We are a lucky crew to have known such love from our parents.


Happy Trails!


Here's one Bruce song they sang together: If I Should Fall Behind
And the Lyrics:

We said we'd walk together baby come what may
That come the twilight should we lose our way
If as we're walking a hand should slip free
I'll wait for you
And should I fall behind
Wait for me

We swore we'd travel darlin' side by side
We'd help each other stay in stride
But each lover's steps fall so differently
But I'll wait for you
And if I should fall behind
Wait for me

Now everyone dreams of a love lasting and true
But you and I know what this world can do
So let's make our steps clear that the other may see
And I'll wait for you
If I should fall behind
Wait for me

Now there's a beautiful river in the valley ahead
There 'neath the oak's bough soon we will be wed
Should we lose each other in the shadow of the evening trees
I'll wait for you
And should I fall behind
Wait for me
Darlin' I'll wait for you
Should I fall behind
Wait for me