Tents and Truths

On Tents: I think I'm in love. And no, this isn't a threat to my dear wife.

I'm always perusing the journals of people taking on the PCT thru-hike (I must admit that every time I write the word "thru," my lip curls in annoyance, due to the vast percentage of my students who spell it like that in all circumstances. My hands are tied in this case--that's how the name is written), checking out what they've gone through and how the hike changed them (and if they made it at all). At this point in the year, most folks are preparing for the start in April or early May. One of the favorite bits of information is the gear list, wherein the potential hiker lists what he will be carrying. If you're interested in this sort of thing, you can read some of the journals here.

At any rate, one of the hikers mentioned her deep and abiding devotion to her tarptent. Holy cow! The testimonials are pretty convincing, and the thought of having a good, solid shelter for under three pounds and which can be compressed to the size of a softball is fantastic. If I were going solo, I'd be looking at the Contrail (one and a half pounds!), but the Cloudburst 2 is probably where I'm headed. One for Joanna and I, and maybe a Rainshadow 2 for the kids...

I probably spend far too much brainpower thinking about a journey I'll most likely be making ten years from now. As the basis for my non-fiction book, a modern-day pilgrimmage, it has a powerful draw on my psyche. Some day, O mighty trail... some day.

On Truths: On the way into preschool this morning, the boys and I were discussing how it is a good thing to try new food. Denver is the more adventuresome eater at this point, generally trying things at least once. (Oddly, he invariably tastes something and claims that it is delicious, but when more is offered he refuses it utterly. Weird kid.) Poncho, on the other hand, lives on string cheese, crackers, and peanut butter. Getting him to eat an apple can be a trial.

At any rate, I was congratulating Denver on his bravery, and encouraging Poncho for his small steps (he tried cheese pizza the other day and is very proud of this fact). As we were walking into the classroom, he said seriously, "If you love God, you will go to heaven, even if you don't try new foods." I had to heartily agree.