Part 1: A Fortunate Evening
Kyle Kepler was what most people would call an outdoorsman. If it was an outdoor sport, he was interested in it. Hiking, fishing, camping, hunting and any other sportsman like activities were where he spent almost all of his time. After taking a sabbatical from his job, he had decided to go on a 500-mile hike through the Great Green Forrest. The trail took him through plots of old growth oaks and groves of young pines. It winded along rivers and streams. The trail went up mountains and down into valleys. He had just turned 30 and wondered, as did most of his friends, if this was an early mid-life crisis.
For his first day, Kyle decided to take it slow. He only planned on hiking 5 miles in before calling it a night. He parked his car at the trailhead and changed into his hiking books. He wore running shorts and a tight t-shirt that showed his toned but not overly muscular body. He wore a baseball cap that covered his short but shaggy black hair. His facial hair was scruffy, but not yet a beard. He was going to let it grow while he hiked and see what it looked like at the end. Once he felt ready, he threw on his backpack that had everything he would need for a week before resupplying at a small town near the trail. He took a quick look at the map and then started walking through the forest towards his first stop five miles down the trail. It was a fairly popular campground and he hoped there would still be an empty site for him to set up his small tent for the night.
As he traveled, he became more and more happy with his decision to take time off from his office job. The forest was revitalizing. He could feel his soul replenishing with every step despite the pain of his backpack straps on his shoulders. He passed a few hikers on his way. They all smiled and greeted him. He was impressed with how attractive all of the people on the trail looked. It made sense. They were all in shape and being in nature has a tendency to make most people more happy and cheerful.
After hiking for a mile or so, Kyle came upon a couple sitting on the side of the trail. The man looked like he was in pain and the woman was talking to him. Kyle got closer and saw that the woman was rubbing his back as the man winced in pain.
"Hello there. Is everything alright?" Asked Kyle.
"Hi. My husband twisted his back," answered the woman. The woman looked to be about 30 or so. She had long blonde hair and was fairly tall, about 5'9". Her long tan legs shot out from tiny denim shorts. She had worn high-end hiking boots on and was wearing a purple sports bra. Kyle thought it looked like the bra was holding back very large breasts.
"I think I will be alright if I just sit for a while," added the husband. He looked a bit older, maybe 40 or 45 years old. The husband was the definition of an old hipster. He was skinny about the same height as his wife with a faded haircut and a fashioned mustache. His hair was brown with speckles of gray. He was wearing tight jeans, a plaid shirt, and Chuck Taylors. His backpack looked brand new.
"My name is Kyle. I have some Tylenol if that will help," volunteered Kyle. "How far are you guys going?"
"I think that would help," answered the man. "We are just headed up to the Green Springs campground for the night."
Kyle got the Tylenol out of his bag and handed the bottle to the man.
"Thanks," said the man. "My name is Brad and this is my wife Nadine. Tomorrow is our one-year anniversary and I agreed to take Nadine camping. It's her favorite activity, but I'm not big on the outdoors. As you can probably see." Brad chuckled motioning to himself with both hands.
Kyle and Nadine both chuckled with him.
"So, Kyle," Nadine started, "How far are you going?"
"I'm actually headed up to Green Springs tonight as well. I am thru hiking though and this is just my first night," answered Kyle. "I will be hiking the entire trail over the next few weeks."
"I have always wanted to hike the whole thing. I was hoping to convince Brad to go with me. Things aren't going as planned," joked Nadine.
"I'm doing it solo," added Kyle. "It sure would be nice to have a friend, but none of mine could take the time off work."
"Do you have a reservation at Green Springs?" asked Brad. "The say it's all booked up tonight."
"Well shit," proclaimed Kyle. "I thought I would be able to find a spot when I got there."
"You can stay on our site," offered Nadine and Brad nodded in agreement.
"I think the Tylenol is starting to work," said Brad. "Can you help me stand up?"
Kyle and Nadine took Brad's hands and helped him up. He tried to lift his pack but winced in pain.
Kyle reached down and picked it up. It wasn't too heavy since it was only for one night.
"Let me carry this for you Brad," suggested Kyle. "Least I can do with you guys offering me a place to sleep."
"I think you're the one we should be thanking," said Nadine and with that they started down the trail. Moving slowly as to not exasperate Brad's back.
As they walked, Kyle got to know Brad and Nadine a little bit better. Brad was a photographer and Nadine was a department store model. They had met at a photoshoot and got married after a year of dating. They had been trying to have children for a few months, but still hadn't gotten lucky. Nadine had been hiking and backpacking her whole life, but Brad had always been a city dweller. They had spent several previous nights car camping, but this was their first time backpacking. Brad didn't complain too much, but really wasn't suited for athletic activity.
Just before the campground, they had to cross a river. It had rained the night before and the water was pretty high. Luckily, a rope had been strung from one side of the river to the other and they could use it to balance as they walked. Brad went first and though he was a little unsteady, he seemed to be doing alright. Mainly because he didn't have a backpack on. Nadine went ahead of Kyle. They were both doing well until Nadine stepped on a slippery rock and went over sideways. Kyle reached out and grabbed her, but she was already drenched. Kyle was also completely soaked after getting her back on her feet. Her pack was soaked through. Luckily, Kyle was able to keep both his and Brad's pack above the water. They quickly made their way to the other side of the river. Though a bit breathless, Nadine found the strength to hug Kyle and kissed him on the cheek.
"Saved us again Kyle!" She exclaimed after kissing his cheek.
"It was nothing, no worries," Kyle answered. As Brad ran over.
"Oh man, thank god you were there Kyle. Thanks bro." Brad said as he patted Kyle on the back. "Shit you guys are soaked. Good thing we are almost there."
They hiked the short distance to the campsite. Once there, Brad went to check in as Nadine and Kyle set up camp. Their campsite was pretty far off from the others. Even though the campground was full, their site was out of view of all the other campers. Kyle first sent up a clothes line so they could dry their clothes.
"I'm going to change," Kyle said opening his pack and taking out some boxer briefs and a tank top. He didn't have another pair of shorts and it was too hot for pants.
"You want me to close my eyes," joked Nadine covering her eyes but peaking though her fingers and laughing.
"Just giving you a heads up. What you do, is up to you."
