A little something for AT

[Jimr]

Almost there.jpg

[AlmostThere]

How do you think I got the nickname?

[Hobbes]

We were on the Big Island 12 years ago when my son was 6. Since he was always dragged everywhere, he's been a pretty good walker since he was little. I wanted to hike down to Waipio valley on this particular trip, and didn't feel like waiting for a tourist shuttle. Since we walked down, we had to hoof it back up. Now, for those unfamiliar with this narrow, muddy, one-lane road, the grade averages 25% and hits 40-45% in some sections. (Which is why it's 4WD only and has basically -0- traffic except for some experienced locals.)



For those who have or remember young(er) kids, you know they reach a certain break/melt-down point at some level of fatigue. But, per usual, I had my secret weapon of peanut M&Ms, which I would reward him after every 50 yards with a calming reassurance that we were "almost there". Finally, after a particularly steep stretch, he started losing faith that we would ever reach the end and finally burst out "we're NOT almost there!"

It still cracks me up, because sure enough, we turned the bend and could see the upper reaches just a few turns more. Total lifesaver, and proved that we were indeed "almost there".

http://www.dangerousroads.org/north-ame ... d-usa.html

[Jimr]

How do you think I got the nickname?

You told me that eight years ago. That's why it was for you