rideau challenge journey - the boy

So, the boy and I headed out today for 10:00 AM. We got the route for his Scout hike and it is always wise to check out where you are going before you go. We did the whole route. Good thing too, because it ended up being longer than the estimated distances than what was culled from the maps.

This hike is supposed to be done over two days and the boy did it in one. I just shadowed him and at ever junction or possible confusing fork, asked him which way to go to see if his navigation skills were working. He got it right every time. He understands how the Rideau Trail works and for a kid who is twelve years old, he has his head screwed on right.

There were some pretty mucky sections and he took it in stride. I can say, I am very proud of him for hiking over twenty kilometres (12 1/2 miles) and keeping a steady pace and not getting confused or distracted.

He ate a hell of a lot of pepperettes to keep his energy up though. Me, none, after the dental surgery, I could not maw down on them.

It was nearly thirteen kilometres in about three and a half hours before we stopped for lunch. He made oatmeal and soup for lunch with a forty minute stop. Then about eight and a half kilometres in about two and a half hours to finish. The last 2 k took 20 minutes. That is fast for a kid.

In total, 21.26 kilometres (13.21 mi) in 6 hours 49 minutes and 48 seconds. That includes 10 minutes fixing my pack at the beginning, 40+ minutes stopping for lunch and several breaks, plus photo ops. In reality, less than 6 hours actual hiking. That works out to over 3 1/2 km/h. The estimate to expect is 2 1/2 km/h. Pretty good stuff. I am impressed with myself too, though. After having my teeth ripped out less than twenty-four prior, I should have been not up it it at all.

We are awesome man. Real life explorers in our own backyard. And to boot, we repelled an attack from Squirrelajj Ventress this morning and another one when we got back.

The boy then made raviolis for dinner for everyone and has pitched a tent in the back to fulfil the spirit of the entire Rideau Challenge Journey to ensure he completes it for himself, in case his Troop is unable to attend.

Wow. I am bushed, my boots are caked with mud, my dogs are barking. You should see the boys blue jeans, they look like khakis. What a day! What a great way to celebrate the fantastic weather and the start of great "dry" season of hiking.

Oh. Yeah. We also fixed a fence in our maintenance section of the trail that some jackass, hammerhead, moron ATV jerkwad drove through. I should be harsher, but this is a family show. I have no direct issues with ATVs. But listen, it is bad enough when they tear up hiking-only trails, but to crash through a fence, when you are not supposed to be there in the first place and the fact that it could have been opened, up driven through, and put back in place without any damage. Butthead!

Anyway, time to rest up. The boy has volunteering tomorrow and those squirrels are not going to be repelled on their own.

taking a break at a shelter