I'm Not *Technically* Cheating on LLBean...

... but we are seeing other people, LOL! Last night I went to a class at the REI Outdoor School in Marlton on "Hiking with Kids -- Basics". Although there were 10 people signed up, only 3 adults (including me) and 2 kiddos were there. It was a true shame the others missed this class, because there was lots of solid beginner info, a relaxed and easy learning environment, and FREEBIES! Yes, the instructor gave away FREEBIES in a class that was FREE! Each family received a Kids' Adventure Journal (PDF version without the cool stickers available here) for recording their treks and a really cool Coughlan Kids 7-in-1 binocular set, one of each for each child in their family!

The instructor was Mark Hughes, an REI staffer and two-time Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker <insert image of me bowing here>. That's 2,184 miles people -- each trek! Mark wrote a book about his experiences (including his first attempt in which he decided he needed more info at 50 miles in), which I am planning on ordering on Amazon tonight (no, REI doesn't stock it for some reason):

He was a super nice person, very humble and knowledgeable, and his love for the outdoors and everything you experience there just shone through. I will definitely be attending more classes and events there.

And the funniest part? He is currently living in our town! Cool, huh?

More info on the Appalachian Trail (which I've hiked a wee small part of):
Wiki Entry
AT Conservancy
National Park Service Listing

Someday, maybe after we win Powerball, I'll section hike the whole thing...