It has to be. First-timers usually have an adjustment period even if they pack light—and Sadie didnotpack light.
“It won’t be after I sleep onthis,” she says, proudly peeling back hersleeping bag to reveal the inflatable plastic cushion just underneath, barely thicker than a yoga mat.
“Hate to break it to you, princess, but that’s no luxury mattress.”
“Princess?” she exclaims, eyebrows shooting up, drawing glances from Brittany and Emma, who have joined Matteo over by the fire.
“Well, when you say it like that, it doesn’t sound the same as it did in my head.”
She crosses her arms. “Which is how, exactly?”
“Like I was referencingThe Princess and the Pea?” Heat creeps up my neck. “You’ll still feel every rock, they’ll just be a bit less jagged. That thing’s no cloud.”
“Well, then, I guess it’s a good thing I also broughtthis.”
She unzips her sleeping bag to reveal a rechargeable heating pad insert—not the worst idea, actually. In fact, it’s kind of brilliant.
“Do you also have the rest of an entire REI store hiding in your tent?”
I can’t help but give her a hard time about how much she’s brought.
“As they say,” she says, zipping her sleeping bag up and making the whole setup pristine again, “you can’t spelloverpreparedwithout the wordprepared.”
I have to laugh. “Who says that?”
“You know.They.” She keeps a straight face, stubborn as all get-out to win whatever this conversation has turned into. “And no, for the record—I only packedhalfof an REI.”
We’re interrupted by a cheer from across the clearing: Joshua and Zoe havefinallystopped making out long enough that their tent is upright and, from the looks of it, functional. She’s beaming as he lifts her high above his head, then spins her around like they’re dancing—
But they’re just a little too close to the tent, and her foot catches on the corner, and it all comes crashing down.
CAPTAIN’S LOG // AUGUST THORN
Day 1 • 10:35 p.m. • 75°F • Sunshine all day
TREK NOTES
Not the worst day, not the best. New group of trekkers seems reasonably solid—
Tennis girls: Emma (not Emily), Parker, Brittany. Athletic, kept pace well, no drama.
Coffee bros: Hunter, Silas, Trey. A little high on their own hype, but eager for adventure. Hunter’s camera might be a problem if it keeps slowing our pace.
Engaged couple: Joshua, Zoe. Ask Danica about PDA rules for future treks…
Sadie: A bit of a mystery—not sure why she’s here, this doesn’t seem like her thing. That said, she did better than expected today. Look for ways to help her (if she needs it) without implying that she can’t do it on her own. Her shoes are going to be an issue, and maybe her overstuffed pack, too.
Matteo: We haven’t spoken all day. It’s getting awkward.
FOR DAD
Spotted a Western Tanager in Valerie Forest
He would have loved the view at the scenic overlook—one of those clear days where you could see for miles
DAY TWO
Valerie Forest • L’Heureux Falls Crossing • Cloverleaf Creek
