An Outdoor Trip is a storybook for children aged 7-12 that I wrote in 2004 after a trip to Kanchanburi Province, Thailand. Eric Barrientos, the artist who did the illustrations for The Ironman. A Play, is currently working on the illustrations for An Outdoor Trip.
It was Friday. The Lesters were getting ready for an outdoor trip to Kanchanaburi Province. The family was gathered in the living room where they had prepared all the necessary things for a two-day trekking trip. Mom and Dad were sitting on the sofa. In front of them there was a low table with the map of Thailand spread on it. Alice, their 12-year-old daughter and Brandon, their 10-year-old son, were sitting on the floor looking at the map.
“Where is Kanchanaburi Province, Dad?” asked Brandon.
“It’s in the west of Thailand, on the border with Myanmar,” replied Dad.
“Oh, look there it is,” said Alice, pointing at the map.
“Yes, that’s right. As you can see, it’s a very big province,” said Mom.
“How long will it take us to get there?” the girl asked.
“Well, depends on the traffic in Bangkok. I think we’ll be there in two or three hours,” said Dad.
“Children, have you prepared your backpacks?” asked Mom.
“Mine is very heavy!” complained Brandon.
“What do you have inside?” asked Dad.
“A flashlight, a football, my roller-blades, the blue cap, one pair of long trousers, one pair of shorts, three T-shirts, underwear, socks, a pair of boots, my kite, swimming trunks, snorkeling goggles, and a few extra batteries,” enumerated Brandon.
“You don’t need the roller-blades and the pair of boots. We will not go rollerblading. The pair of trainers you will be wearing when we leave are enough. Leave the boots at home,” said Dad.
“You forgot the towel, the toothbrush, the toothpaste, the soap, the shower gel and the shampoo,” added Mom.
“I’ve got mine,” said Alice.
“What else do you have in your backpack, Alice?” asked Mom.
“Nothing much, just my clothes, the badminton rackets, two shuttlecocks and my storybook,” replied Alice.
“Very good children. Remember, when you go on a trip, always prepare your bags and double-check everything the day before you leave. Always travel light and take only the important things,” Dad told Alice and Brandon.
“Now kids, it’s getting late and tomorrow we have to get up early in the morning. Bring your backpacks in your rooms and make sure you don’t forget anything,” Mom concluded.
“Good night,” the children said.
“Good night,” replied their parents.
