MadRiver
New member
We have friends who have a cabin near our place in NH and have two kids; a boy 6 and a girl 8. Recently Tim (the father) has expressed some interest in having the kids hike the 48’s as a way of introducing them to hiking. Initially I was all for it. However, he has his mind set on doing an overnight to Garfield campsite as their first introduction to the wonderful world of hiking. His rationale is that he wants a “wow factor” that will instill a fervent desire in them to pursue the 48’s. Unfortunately, I think it will have the direct opposite effect that he is looking for.
They recently did a hike to the first ledges on Welsh and all were completely exhausted, so to me hiking to Garfield is totally out of the question. Compounding this issue is Tim’s total lack of hiking experience or even having the most basic of gear with which to accomplish this overnight trip.
I do not wish to rain on their parade, but nor do I wish to sit idly by and watch a train wreck. My fear is that if Tim continues to pursue the Garfield trip, these kids are going to come away with a complete hatred of hiking.
I do plan on gently suggesting that they do a few warm up hikes prior to even considering Garfield, but barring Divine intervention, there is not much more that I can do.
They recently did a hike to the first ledges on Welsh and all were completely exhausted, so to me hiking to Garfield is totally out of the question. Compounding this issue is Tim’s total lack of hiking experience or even having the most basic of gear with which to accomplish this overnight trip.
I do not wish to rain on their parade, but nor do I wish to sit idly by and watch a train wreck. My fear is that if Tim continues to pursue the Garfield trip, these kids are going to come away with a complete hatred of hiking.
I do plan on gently suggesting that they do a few warm up hikes prior to even considering Garfield, but barring Divine intervention, there is not much more that I can do.
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