The Grand Adventure

Papa and Griffin-

Off on their GRAND ADVENTURE.

Now- before you get all excited.....

I have to tell you a bit 

about how we use this term in our house.

It usually doesn't involve a plane ticket,

or fancy clothes (see above)

or even an itinerary.

It more than likely is rather

 low-key by most standards.

But, perhaps the possibility arises of

 seeing things with new eyes-

with a little friend.

I have to make this part up

 because the Grand Adventure-

to the Creek, 

was always something John did with his girls.

I suppose I was invited,

 but the risk of poison ivy 

to a highly allergic gal-

 just didn't seem worth the risk.

SO- I always stayed home for these outings.

 Some of my recollections

 are from 25 years ago.

Now, Papa is in his heyday

with another whole generation.

 Right now he is at a count

 of 4 Grandsons 

to thrill with this hike into the yonder.

I know it involves a creek- 

so my guess after the heavy rains

 this past week, the water was "up".

The rest of us went thrifting 
at the Thrift stores.

But, upon our return- 

there was excited stories about 

BIG FISH and tadpoles and worms, and 

building a BRIDGE.

It was a secret mission.

But, there were a few photos.

They came out of the woods

 far from where they entered.

Tired Griffin was carried on 

Papa's shoulders most of the walk home.

The little blue rain boots were muddy.

And a washer load of clothes, already run,

 told the story.

Now the oldest grandson will await the day

 to initiate the rest of the littles-

to the GRAND ADVENTURE.

Sometimes it is not about where you go,

but who you travel with, I'd say.

So, on a sunny, mild, but humid August day,

memories were made of simple times,

laid precious.