Girls Scouts was going pretty well. She had been allowed back, which was rather rare when she tried social activities, (Apparently her Kindergarten teacher were not as excited about a bonfire in the classroom) On her second week at Girl Scouts, when she discovered her undying love for glitter glue, the scout master made a chilling announcement.
" Our annual weekend camping trip is coming up soon. For all of you who asked, no, there are no bears where we will be hiking. If you happen to wander off, then that's another story."
Such a kind person, their scoutmaster.
Anyway glitter- WAIT A MINUTE. Camping? With a bunch of girls? In the wilderness? She could deal with roughing it with her mom and Henry, but there they would be working on all sorts of things like ' wood chopping' and 'putting OUT your campfire' ( the rangers are still mad at her Mom) and WORST OF ALL ' hard work'! Her mom was a terrible camper, so most of the things were pre -packaged, but Girl Scouts would surely be not as kind. eh, at least since her Mom wasn't going, she wouldn't have to worry about packing a fire extinguisher.
There was some small ray of hope. Her mom, ecstatic about her daughter's ' first real camping trip!' had loaded her down with everything. She could probably survive a month comfortably with everything. Bug spray, sunscreen, water purifiers, matches ( in a child- lock container so Ashley wouldn't be tempted) , enough jerky for all of Calcutta, and more were loaded into her bag. She would have to re-pack after her mom had checked it. Did her dear mother miss the fact that she would have to be carrying the bag 5 miles there and back? At least she was more supportive then Henry, who just laughed and handed her some beef jerky that was at least ten years old. But the good thing was,the camping trip was three days away from his lame jokes. Honestly, if she heard ' the one about the duck, the skunk, and the giraffe' she was going to shoot somebody.
She had zoned out her Mother's excited chatter ( honestly.. Helen Magnus, chatter? Ashley was starting to get scared.) she didn't notice her mom start to put something on her feet. What she did notice was the wonderful feeling of bliss her feet slid into once the things were on.
" What are these?"
" Combat boots. They're not hiking boots but they'll work just as well. They'll stand up to wear better then hiking boots so they'll last longer..........."
She zoned out the rest of her Mom's talking as a goofy smile came over her face. She officially loved combat boots.
