While I really enjoyed working in CMC's emergency department while I was in Charlotte, N.C., I would have to say the highlight of my trip was being able to visit CC.

 

I believe parents have always been placed in a difficult situation. On one hand, you want to always keep your children close by so you can see after them and try to protect them. On the other hand, you want to give them the courage to try new things and get the most out of life. However, the adventures and opportunities that are presented to our children may mean they have to move to another state. While in Charlotte, I had the opportunity to visit CC and see what she does as an "outdoor educator." If I had any doubts about her dedication, motivation, or her ability to get the job done, they were dispelled during my visit.

 

For example, due to my work schedule, I was limited on the days I could visit with CC. Naturally, the only time I could go would be the same time Mother Nature decided to try and end a two year drought over a two day weekend. A little rain wasn't going to stop us however. This was my first lesson in how much CC has grown in her new profession. SHE had the proper wet weather gear.

 

 

Her rain jacket was light weight, water repellent, and vented to let out the built up heat. And of course, you know I did not wear shorts. However, I found out later lightweight nylon shorts work out much better than Levi's once you have been in the rain for about four hours or more.

 

Anyway, she first wanted to hike up "this little hill." I found out later the "little hill" was only about 3,000 feet in elevation.

So, as we were driving up to the area where you park your car I was thinking, "This won't be too bad." But, have you ever looked at a tree you wanted to climb thinking the same thing? You just don't know how high you're going until you are already committed.

 

You know, CC and I have always enjoyed a bit of one upmanship between us, and I knew she was going to try and out do me on our hike. So, I was sort of surprised when she started inquiring about my well being so early into the hike. I mean I may be old, but I'm not decrepit. I try to stay in as good of shape as I can. However, she wasn't concerned about my exercise tolerance. She was concerned about some 210 pound "city slicker" falling on the wet rocks and being stuck with the task of trying to get me out of the woods.

 

Well, we made it to the base of the exposed rock at the top of the "little hill."   

This is where CC wanted to climb the rock initially. However, with her job comes the responsibility of ensuring safety.  Since we would have had to use a harness and rope to climb here, she changed our plans. The rain made the rock too slippery and too dangerous to try and climb here. So, she took me to another point where there was a semi-path  to the top and the angle wasn't nearly as steep.

 

Then I found out again how well prepared she was and how well conditioned she was to "roughing it" out in the wilderness. I'm looking around, trying to act like I'm not out of breath, when I turn around and see her eating a piece of PIZZA!! The little squirt had snuck our left over pizza from the night before into her backpack!