A Walk with Grandpa (story)

"Are you ready?" Adam asked.

"Yes," his grandpa said.

"Me too,” Adam said. “We're going now, mom."

"That's nice," mom said. “Have fun.”

"Where are we going grandpa?" asked Adam.

"It's a surprise," said grandpa.

Adam picked up his new backpack. “I brought a water bottle. And dad’s compass," he said.

"I’m glad you have a long sleeve shirt," grandpa said. "Mosquitoes like to chew bare arms."

“Could Riley come?” Adam asked.

“Dogs can get lost in the woods,” grandpa answered.

Adam and grandpa waved goodbye. Mom, dad and grandma also waved goodbye. Grandpa and grandson left the trailer site.

"This park is real nice. But it's too hot, grandpa."

"Don't worry," grandpa said. "The woods will be cooler."

Adam showed grandpa where his family camped last summer. “It was very wet,” Adam said. “The water couldn't drain away."

“My…My. You use big words,” grandpa said.

They walked past the playground.

"Sometimes I bring my brother,” Adam said. “Colin is three. My mom says I'm a big boy for seven, grandpa."

"You are a big boy Adam," grandpa said. "But even big boys get tired. Do you want to stop for a rest?" They were now at the end of the trailer park.

"Oh yes," Adam said. His backpack began to feel heavy. "Are you tired too, grandpa?" he asked.

"Yes," grandpa said. "Let’s sit for a few minutes. Do you see anything interesting?"

"Some kids are walking their dogs," Adam said. "And a couple of big people are drinking lemonade."

"Isn't it nice just sitting and talking?" grandpa asked.

"Yah," Adam answered. "Let's go now. I want to walk some more."

"OK," Grandpa said. After awhile they came to a sign. Grandpa read out loud, "THE WATER LILY TRAIL."

"What's a water lily grandpa?" Adam asked.

"It’s a beautiful flower. And it’s part of your surprise," grandpa answered. "Now put bug juice on face, neck and wrists. Make sure none get in your eyes, or in your mouth. It doesn’t taste very good."

“Okay grandpa,” Adam said.

"Rub a little in your hair. Mosquitoes bite heads too," warned grandpa."

"Look,” grandpa. “My water bottle fits good on my belt. Are you thirsty yet?" Adam asked.

"Not yet," grandpa said.

They walked slowly down the wood chip trail. You could hardly even hear their boot steps. Soon they saw a sign and read, 'OBSERVATION TOWER'.

An arrow sign pointed to the right.

"Go first," grandpa said. "You can even be the guide."

Adam was really pleased.

"Pretend that little bridge is over a river,” Adam said. “And it’s full of alligators. Then, we’ll run faster than ever before, grandpa!"

Adam jumped over a log. Then he rushed towards the bridge. Grandpa quickly followed.

“You’re acting like a little kid, grandpa. Just like me,” Adam said.

“Well, thank you,” Grandpa said. “I feel like a kid.”

“Mom said to watch out for poison sumac,” Adam said. They couldn’t see any. Or poison ivy either. “Whew! That’s a relief,” said Adam.

A crow shiny as a coin called loudly. Adam tried to copy his noise but he sounded silly. Grandpa was so funny when he yelled out, “CAW! CAW!”

Adam and grandpa finally came to a wooden observation deck. They climbed steps high above the ground. Now, all they could see was marsh, trees and sky.

Grandpa showed Adam how to use his binoculars.

“Do you see your surprise?” grandpa asked.

“There’s a huge pond!” Adam said.

“Yes,” grandpa answered. “Look at those yellow water lilies. And listen to how peaceful the woods are. There are even no sounds of cars or trucks.”

Adam could see a bird making a nest. And frogs hopping on the edge of the pond. “Yes. This is a nice restful place,” he said.

Grandpa took a picture of his grandson sitting on the rail. He wanted them to remember this trip together.

Then they ate their snack. Adam shared his peanut butter and jam sandwiches. And some gum. Grandpa got the largest piece.

Soon it was time to return home.

Adam found walking sticks for grandpa and himself. The boy was so tired. He could barely stand up.

They climbed the last hill very slowly. Then they had one final rest, as they looked around. Adam’s heart was beating like a drum.

“Close your eyes and listen,” grandpa whispered.

Adam heard all kinds of forest sounds. The wind whistled in his ears. “Splashing” water came from the creek below. He also heard grandma’s favourite bird, the Chickadee.

It was his favourite, too.

They drank the last of their bottled water. Then grandpa said, "We have to go. It will be dark soon."

Grandma and Adam's brother were waiting at the trailer site.

"Where did you go?" Colin asked.

Adam didn't answer. The walk wasn't finished yet. Not until he told grandpa how much fun he had.

Adam turned and said, "Thanks grandpa. That was lots of fun. Maybe we can go again tomorrow."

Then Adam said to Colin, "We went all through the woods. And I wasn't even scared."

"Can I go on a walk next time?" Colin asked.

"Only when you get big like me," Adam proudly answered.

- The End –

© Richard L. Provencher