November 16, 2015, Chino Valley- A friend online has set the week before Thanksgiving as Positivity Week. No year is more apropos for such an event as this one is, in the wake of such misguided efforts by the disquiet among us, to sow the seeds of fear and doubt.
Her first day’s theme is A Vacation Memory. Let me go back to 1961, when I was ten and Dad took me to Mt. Chocorua, New Hampshire. It was my first real tent-camping experience, and my first real uphill climb. I recall the scent of pines, the feeling of security in the morning, when I awoke to dryness underneath, thanks to our having placed sodcloth and groundcloth as the first layers of our tentsite and the sense of accomplishment at having helped my father build a campfire.
The hike up Mt. Chocorua, under a crystal-clear sky, established my love of the outdoors and of trails. The chatter of chipmunks, and of blue jays, also made me feel at home.
We would visit the White Mountains several times thereafter, and I would hike the Presidential Range, alone, in 1975. That week, though, established my father’s indelible presence in my life, and that made the biggest difference.
A Sagittarian Seeker 
Your dad sounds like a remarkable man — he knew what would make a difference to a ten-year-old! And that difference has lasted until now, with your love for nature and the environment around you.
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He did the best he could for each of us, always encouraging what he knew were our strengths.
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This is just what I want for my daughter! I’ve not yet been able to take her on such a trip, but this only strengthens my desire and resolve to do so. Good memory, Gary.
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She is such a delightful child. I also hope you get the chance to make that sort of trip soon.
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Fingers crossed for 2016. I think the odds are in my favor. 🙂
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That is awesome the time you have had with your father.
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It was, and was more important to me than I realized at the time.
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I’m glad you had a great time with your father. Thanks for sharing.
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It’s my pleasure.
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