Orange and red – dance the flames
Damp logs – low whistles release
As wood more seasoned crackles and pops
In a distant tree an owl lets loose a screech
Breaking the sense of nocturnal peace
A blanket unrolls before the blaze
In anticipation of rest at end of day –
A brief repose now the day is done
Journey continues with rising sun
Padre
It had been a great day fishing in the nearby river, and an even better evening telling stories by the campfire. Granddad Gary (3) had shown the kids how to use canoes, and as the sun set the entire family was in high spirits.
Just as the last red glow of the sun was sinking beneath the horizon, a bull moose (1) entered the camp, curious as to what was going on there. This was no Bullwinkle (2) but a massive wild creature with huge outstretched antlers.
Gary rose to try to shoo the animal from the camp. At first the moose took no notice of him. As Gary picked up a large piece of firewood to use as a club, Sue called out: “Don’t you dare hurt that animal.”
She then stepped forward and stroked the beast’s nose, and at her touch it settled onto its knees, and fell into a doze.
“There then,” Sue said. “That should settle him, all you need with moose is to show a little kindness (5).”
Sue then climbed into the tent and brought out the solar LED lanterns (4), and hung them on the moose’s antlers. “Well, that’s much better,” she said.
“Well I am just glad it wasn’t another bear or big-foot, like on our last canoe trip,” Gary said. The family then settled in for the night.
Padre
Sunday Writing Prompt “5 by 5”
1. A woodland creature to play a pivotal role in your creation
2. A cartoon from your childhood
3. A relative or close friend to participate in an adventure of some description
4. An essential piece of camping equipment
5. A personality trait to highlight and elucidate
Photo Credit: Susan Spaulding
“Well it’s not exactly the wilderness now, is it?” Melanie questioned in frustration.
“But you said camping would be fun,” thirteen-year-old Angela responded. “When Sophie went camping with her Nan they had a RV with television and everything.”
“Yeah,” twelve-year-old Amie agreed. “And when Millie went camping with her parents they had a cabin at Centre Parcs and they had all kinds of activities to do. This is just a field.”
“You girls are getting spoiled,” Mum observed. “It’s the only holiday I could afford this year, and even this wasn’t cheap. Sleeping bags might as well be made out of gold.”
“Okay, sorry,” Angela said unconvincingly. “We will try to have fun.“
The girls finished putting up their tents, and then unpacked their supplies.
Suddenly there was a blood-curdling screech from one of the tents.
Melanie rushed to see what was the matter. “What’s wrong Amie,” she said with anxious concern. “Was there a snake or something?”
“No,” Amie said with tears still welling in her eyes. “There’s no signal.”
Padre
Padre's Ramblings 