Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: FERHOODLE (confuse or mix-up) (03/03/16)
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TITLE: Birthday Persuasion | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karen Dick
03/10/16 -
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“I did mean it,” Jim answered, “but it will take forever.”
Noticing my husband’s anxious demeanor, I considered changing my request. Perhaps I should compromise. Perhaps I should consider his needs and ability. My consideration only lasted a moment.
“No, it’s my birthday and this is what I want to do. It will only take a couple of hours,” I added with a smile.
Jim relented and after equipping ourselves with bottled water, granola bars, and our leashed Border collie, Misty, we were off.
I had walked to the beach from our home only one other time. I knew that once we reached the woods, choosing the correct trail to the beach would be the tricky part. However, I was confident that I could rely on my dog’s keen sense of smell and my husband’s former Boy Scout expertise. I was sure they would remedy any confusing issues.
Stepping into the forest, the pungent smell of leaves and dirt quickened my excitement. Sharing the experience with my husband filled my heart with love and gratitude. I joyfully grabbed his hand, “Isn’t this fun? I’m so happy you decided to do this with me.”
He nodded, “Where’s the trail that leads to the beach?”
“I believe it’s one of these coming up.”
“What to do you mean you believe it’s one of these?”
“I’m not exactly sure which one leads to the beach. I kind of thought Misty would remember,” I smiled, determined not to let his mood affect mine.
Facing us were several trailheads.
“Is it this one or this one? Or is it any of them?” He asked irritably.
“I’m not sure, I don’t remember, just choose one!”
With a disgusted look, Jim chose the first trail surrounded by dense trees. We proceeded, hoping it would lead us to the beach, with our dog happily traipsing ahead.
Amazingly, we found our way. As we exited the trees, the sandy beach was in view. God had granted a beautiful day for my June birthday. The sun was shining brightly, the smell of seaweed and salt water was invigorating, and I sent up a glorious hallelujah. We partook of our refreshments while briefly resting on a log when Jim announced he was ready to go.
“You want to leave already? Don’t you want to enjoy the beach for a while?”
“We have to go uphill remember? It was downhill to get here, and now it’s up. We should go while we have energy.”
Locating the main trail from the beach was simple; however, once we ascended halfway, there were numerous trails that branched off in various directions.
“Which way do we go?” Jim asked.
“You’re the Boy Scout; I thought you would know.”
After we examined our choices, there was no doubt that Jim would not take the steepest way out. I was pretty sure we had come from that direction, but I was confused again, and followed his lead.
Soon we arrived in the middle of a campground filled with tents and campers.
“How did we get here?” I pointedly asked my Boy Scout.
“I’m not sure,” he answered turning from me.
“We should ask for directions,” I suggested, my voice escalating with a small dose of panic.
“It’s ok. I’ll find the way out,” he answered firmly.
Walking around the perimeter of the large campground, amidst campfires and bacon cooking, we discovered many trails. We chose one, with guarded optimism, only to discover it led us right back to the campground. Over and over again, we continued choosing pathways that went in circles. I felt discouraged and dizzy. My stomach was growling, and so was my disposition.
“This campground is confusing and I want to go home,” I grumbled, close to tears. This was not part of my birthday plan.
Finally, after close to three hours of going in circles, we stumbled out of the woods and into a parking lot. We surveyed our surroundings, and realized we had landed in a residential neighborhood adjacent to our house.
Once we were home, we recovered from our birthday hike in the kitchen sipping hot coffee. I sheepishly took my husband’s hand and said gently, “Thank you for going with me.”
Slowly grinning he answered, “Maybe next time we should just go out to dinner.”
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I liked your ending line. I think after that birthday excursion I would prefer a simple dinner out.
Well done.
God bless~