CHAPTER 2

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?

Three hours later, the Keys family finally arrived at Shenandoah National Park. Dad parked the car, and everyone climbed out.

Marlon stood and stretched his legs. He was glad to finally be out of the car, even if they did seem to be in the middle of nowhere.

Mom and Dad grabbed the hiking gear. Marlon struggled to put on his backpack. It was harder than he’d expected.

“Why do they make these things so hard to put on?” he whined.

“We tried to show you how to put your pack on before we left home, but you couldn’t be bothered,” Dad said.

“I was busy,” Marlon grumbled.

“Yeah, too busy to even pack your own bag,” Mom retorted. “I had to do it for you. It’s like you don’t even appreciate this vacation.”

“You need to adjust your attitude,” Dad said. “You’re too attached to your phone. Maybe if you unplugged sometimes you’d see the health benefits.”

Marlon didn’t say anything. He was sick of his parents always giving him a hard time about being on his phone. How else was he supposed to talk to his friends?

After a few more minutes of struggling with the straps, Marlon finally managed to get his backpack on. It weighed a ton. Together, he and his parents headed to the rangers’ office. As they entered, a uniformed man greeted them.

“Good afternoon!” he said, smiling at them. “I’m Ranger James. Welcome to Shenandoah National Park, one part of the massive Appalachian Trail. Checking in?”

“Yes,” said Marlon’s dad. “We’re the Keys family.”

“Ah, I’ve been expecting you. You’re all set up for a cabin share with the Sharma family,” Ranger James said. “Follow me, and I’ll introduce you to them.”

Marlon rolled his eyes. We have to share a room with another family? Ugh. Great, more people I don’t want to be around.

Ranger James led Marlon and his parents out of the office and down a winding, rutted dirt trail. Lush chestnut trees lined the path.

As they walked, Marlon saw a spider sitting in the middle of a massive web. The creature sat suspended between two of the chestnut trees.

Ugh, I hate bugs, Marlon thought with a shiver. Just seeing the spider made him itch uncomfortably.

A few moments later, they arrived at the cabin. Marlon looked at the run-down living quarters and sighed. The covered front porch housed a set of dusty old rocking chairs, and an outdoor fireplace was set up a few feet away. The cabin was definitely big enough for two families, but not big enough for Marlon to have space for himself.

Hopefully this place has electricity, he thought.

“Here we are,” Ranger James said. “Cabin fifteen.” He opened the door to the cabin. Inside, another family was already settling in.

“Keys family, meet the Sharmas,” Ranger James said. “I’m sure you’re all tired from traveling, but there’s a chance we might have some storms tomorrow on your group hike. Let’s discuss some tips for hiking in bad weather after you’ve finished settling in.”

As Marlon’s parents greeted the other adults, a girl who looked to be about Marlon’s age walked over.

“Hi,” she said. “I’m Nadia.”

“Nice to meet you,” Marlon replied. “I’m Marlon. Did your parents drag you on this trip too?”

Nadia shook her head. “It was actually my idea,” she said. “This is my fourth hiking trip, but I’ve never been on the trail before. What about you? Are you a big hiker too?”

Great, Marlon thought. Another outdoor enthusiast.

He shook his head. “Nope. But it looks like I don’t have much of a choice, do I?”

Before Nadia could respond, Ranger James addressed the group again.

“You’re all scheduled to take a group hike on the trail tomorrow,” he said, “so make sure to use your maps to stay on the safe pathways.”

I’d rather stay off all pathways, Marlon thought. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

“It’s up to your group if you plan to do an up-and-back or camp overnight on the trail,” the ranger continued. He studied both families. “Does everyone here know what ‘up-and-back’ means?”

Nadia raised her hand. “It’s when you turn around and retrace your steps, heading back to where you started, on a hike,” she replied.

“That’s right!” said Ranger James. “You should also be prepared tomorrow if thunderstorms roll through while you’re on the trail. Make sure you have the essentials: water, poncho, snacks, flashlight, first-aid kit, and your tent.”

“Can’t we just come back if it rains?” Marlon asked. “Or use our phones to call for help?”

Ranger James nodded. “Some folks enjoy the experience of camping in the rain, but if the storms are really bad, I would suggest coming back to your cabin,” he said. “But as for the second part of your question, there’s no cell phone reception out on the trail. Using your phone out there is a waste of time.”

Marlon’s mother turned toward him and winked. “Did you hear that, Marlon? You’ll have to live without your phone tomorrow.”

Marlon shrugged. “We’re only walking through the woods,” he said. “I think I’ll survive.”