“I can’t wait to start planning,” Sawyer said. “Let’s each prepare a list of our top five locations. Marshall and I will drive to your house next month, and we can start arranging the ninth annual Stanley-Miles backpacking trip!” Well, he was ready to plan!
At first I was surprised that we would meet in a month, but then realized that if our plans had to be finalized in six to seven months, we did need to begin soon. Ellie looked pleased that Sawyer and Marshall would make the five-hour drive to our house. I smiled as I thought back to our conversation about Sawyer prior to this trip. What a change!
Our parents approved of Sawyer’s decision to start planning immediately. Usually Dad and Caleb began discussing the next year’s trip before the end of summer, so I guess it made sense; although usually they did much of the planning over the phone. I suspected that Sawyer had another reason for offering to visit us in person. I still could hardly believe that he had basically told Dad that he wanted to ask Ellie on a date!
After breakfast and teeth brushing, we began to pack up our tents. As I stuffed my sleeping bag into its tiny compression bag, my shoulders ached again, reminding me of the miles we carried my sister. I had a hunch that I would still be learning life lessons from this trip for many years.
Ellie was beside me in the tent, on her knees, filling her pack. Suddenly I heard Sawyer’s voice at our tent flap. “Ellie?” he called. Ellie jumped at hearing his voice, and then cast me a nervous expression. I gave an encouraging smile. “Yes?” she squeaked. I had to stifle a giggle at the nervous edge in her voice.
“Uh,” Sawyer paused, as if unsure how to start conversation through a tent. Clearing his throat, he said, “Do you have a minute to talk?”
“Um, yeah,” she said, and then sounding more certain, added, “I mean, yes. I definitely have time to talk to you.”
Phew, good correction, Ellie! I thought.
I totally whispered “I told you so,” and then I smiled warmly at her as she stepped out of our small tent. They walked behind our tent, about eight feet away. Conveniently, our tent flap happened to be open on that side, so I could clearly watch them through the mesh screen. I wondered if it was rude of me to listen in, but I knew that Sawyer was chaste enough to not do or say anything that needed total privacy. And really, if he didn’t want me to watch and listen, he would have led her farther away. Besides, Dad would appreciate having someone chaperone. I just happened to be the most available.
Ellie faced Sawyer and curiously looked up at him. Sawyer looked nervous to proceed. The suspense was killing me! Finally he said, “I have something to give you, Ellie.”
Ellie raised her eyebrows and anxiously said, “You didn’t have to get me anything, Sawyer.”
Sawyer scratched the back of his neck and said, “Well, uh, I mean, I didn’t actually get you a gift. I’m sorry. I didn’t think of that.” Ellie laughed nervously, and Sawyer quickly added, “It’s actually a return.”
He reached into his jacket pocket and handed her something, but I couldn’t see what it was. “A beautiful girl once threw this at me. But it belongs to her, and it’s time I give it back.” Ellie’s eyes were huge as she observed Sawyer’s face, and then looked at her faded green bandana in her hand. “You saved this?” she whispered, just barely loud enough for me to hear.
Sawyer nodded.
“Did you call me beautiful?”
“Um, yes, I did,” Sawyer softly – and nervously – spoke.
Ellie stepped forward, and Sawyer pulled her into a hug so sweet that my face broke into a grin and I whispered, “Aww,” to myself. Was this really happening? I slowly shook my head in disbelief as I watched Sawyer and Ellie hug again. After a few seconds, they stepped apart and Ellie again asked about her bandana. “What made you keep this for, what’s it been, three years?”
Sawyer blushed and cautiously said, “Even though we always drove each other crazy, I, uh, couldn’t bear to get rid of it. I didn’t want to get rid of it. It reminded me of you, and even though I pretended that you annoyed me, I guess maybe I liked you after all. Either way, I always wanted to apologize for what I said to you. And anyway, it belongs to you.”
Now Ellie blushed, then smiled, and shook her head with a little laugh. “When we were packing for this trip, Marlee was teasing me about you. I didn’t want to think about you, I guess, but it turns out she was right all along.” Now it was my turn to blush, even in the privacy of the tent.
Sawyer tilted his head and curiously prodded, “What was Marlee right about?”
Ellie shrugged and said, “Oh,” and then trailed off, looking like she regretted bringing up this point.
Sawyer grinned and wiggled his eyebrows. “Was it,” and then donning a theatrical tone, he continued, “that my ruddy good looks would finally convince you to notice my incredible personality?” I stifled a giggle. Corny. But still cute.
Ellie’s blush deepened, but she played along and casually said, “That’s an accurate paraphrase of what Marlee said.” I could tell Sawyer was surprised with her response, because his eyebrows jumped up two inches, and he didn’t say anything for another minute.
“In all seriousness, Ellie,” he quietly said, “thank you for trusting me this week and for,” he took a breath, “well, for being a friend.” Ellie’s smile could have lit up a cave.
And then I sneezed. That never happens in real life! Why would I sneeze at a moment like this? Unbelievable. Sawyer and Ellie turned to look at me with amused expressions, “Did you get the recording, Marlee?” Ellie teased as they walked to the tent together.
Sawyer popped his head in the tent doorway and followed suit, saying, “You didn’t get much packing done!”
I blushed, “You two are just so, so–”
“Say it, Marlee,” he said playfully.
“Cute. And compatible, and I’m relieved that you two have moved past constantly clashing,” I hurriedly finished.
They each gave me a genuine smile and then shared yet another smile with each other.
“Really, think about how much easier this will make planning next year’s trip now that you can be within a hundred feet of each other and not make everyone else miserable.” I had to break the silence with something humorous. I was surprised with my Lydie-like comment. Sawyer and Ellie laughed and Ellie ducked into the tent to resume packing while Sawyer headed back to his tent.
After another half an hour we were all packed up. Dad and Caleb used their hiking boots to gently fluff up the grass where we had camped. I was glad to have been taught strict adherence to leaving no trace, even though it sometimes seemed a bit over the top, like fluffing up grass.
Glancing at our stuffed vehicle, I thought about how odd it was that five people could carry enough gear to fill a vehicle completely. Considering how sore my body felt, I knew it wasn’t easy, but certainly possible.
Dad and Caleb shook hands and pulled each other close for a sort of one-sided man hug. Mom and Julia hugged, and we kids exchanged brief hugs before our departure.
“See you girls next month for planning,” Marshall said as he hugged Lydie and me at the same time. “Take care of that leg, Lydie,” he added. “Marlee, thanks again for talking sense into me.”
I smiled and nodded, and typically-witty Lydie beat me to the punch line, “Well, she made a start. Of course, it will take several more sessions to really have you thinking sensibly.”
Marshall chuckled and I said, “Thank you for sharing that information about guys.” He nodded, and Dad protectively interrupted, “I, too, will be interested to hear the information about guys on the car ride.” Dad shot me a curious look.
“It’s nothing bad, Dad. Marshall just gave me some pointers on how to treat guys respectfully, like brothers.”
Dad nodded without looking fully convinced. “You kids did have an enormous adventure, didn’t you?” Dad said after a thoughtful moment.
Lydie, Marshall and I nodded with large eyes. “I’m kind of jealous I missed out. But happy with how it ended. And I want to hear all about it,” Dad concluded.
Extending his hand for Marshall to shake, Dad said, “I look forward to hearing how the planning progresses.” Marshall nodded and smiled before Dad stepped toward Sawyer who was flirting with Ellie.
“You’re a fine young man, Sawyer. Anytime you need to talk about backpacking, trip planning, wilderness rescue, or my beautiful daughter, I’ll be ready to listen,” Dad said.
“Thank you, Mr. Forrest,” Sawyer made eye contact with Dad, and they shook hands.
As we loaded into our vehicles with the bright blue sky above us and the elusive peak filling the horizon, I felt my eyes fill with tears. I love home, and it would be good to return to running water and indoor plumbing, but our time in the wild always seems too short. As we pulled out of the meadow and exchanged final waves with the Miles family, I was especially glad that we would be meeting with the boys in a month to plan our next adventure together. As eventful as the last week had been, I somehow had an empty feeling in my gut. I could not escape the feeling that we didn’t fully accomplish what we set out to do. Dad talks about some hikers being goal-oriented, who will take unwise risks just to make it to the peak. On the contrary, other hikers are experience-oriented, and regardless of whether they achieve the summit, they find joy in the experience.
I’m not sure into which category I fit. I mean, we experienced so much this week, and the skills I learned are invaluable. I am thankful for all that I managed to do, and though it seems strange, I am glad for the opportunity to have pushed myself in such a challenging environment. I think I worked harder in those two days than in all my life – physically and mentally! And spiritually – never have I had to rely on God more fully than when I was covered in snow, contending with pain to keep up with Marshall, and fighting hunger and cold to sleep under the glittery stars. Looking back on the satisfaction acquired from these experiences, I started to think maybe I am experience-oriented.
But, as I watched that big, dangerous summit shrink and finally fade from sight after two hours of driving, I wondered if maybe I am goal-oriented. I admitted to myself that we hadn’t completed our adventure. We set out to see the view from the summit in the moonlight, and though we did get close, it bothered me that we missed out on the sight we risked so much to see.
My eyelids grew heavy, and I sighed into an exhausted sleep, finding comfort that adventure is everywhere. And, no matter where the next adventure in life lies, I’ll have God on my side. That alone makes every day meaningful. So whether I’m climbing a mountain or weeding the neighbor’s garden, each moment is an opportunity to achieve greatness with God.
And I knew right then where I would suggest to the group that we go next summer.
Epilogue
“They’re here!” Lydie announced, barely limping in her walking boot to open the door. Ellie dodged past Mom into the bathroom again to check her hair and the dash of eye shadow she had applied.
