#Like ok summer campers can just go to school the rest of the year but Year-round campers?? | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

7deadlycinderellas · 4 years ago

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no more math and history, ch2

Ao3 link

Ygritte’s alarm wakes the three of them twenty minutes before Reville.

Arya groans into her pillow, and Meera jumps up and starts pulling on her clothes.

“Quick!” she tells her, “Or all the good cereals will be gone!”

Arya groans again, but gets up and stretches.

No one who works activities has breakfast duty, so most of them leave bed before the campers in order to get first dibs on breakfast before they have to set up their activity areas for the morning.

Arya’s stomach growls and she ignores the smell of the cooking breakfast pizza from one of the stations to grab a box of Fruit Flakes from the buffet station. It’s always the same a pile of single serving cereal boxes and yogurt cups along with whatever the hot breakfast was that day.

She gets sidetracked by movement by one of the station windows. She grins at the sight of the curly hair atop it’s head, and she can’t keep her joy to herself.

“Hot Pie!” she yells happily.

Hot Pie is clearly not paying attention because he jumps and thumps his head on the top of the window.

He rubs his head and blinks blearily looking at her,

“Arry?” he asks. Arya chuckles. She wonders if he even remembers that’s not really her name.

He passes her a bowl and the milk pitcher and she eats her breakfast standing up while they catch up. There’s not too much to go over really.

When she tells him that she’d already seen Gendry the day before he had nodded.

“He always liked you better than the rest of us. Make sure to be nice, it’s been a hard few years for him.”

Arya’s surprised. That’s more wisdom than she thought Hot Pie had in his entire body. Maybe they’ve all changed a lot.

Hot Pie has to leave when he gets hollered at to come and help. Arya even smiles seeing the shaggy head and badly burned face of the man the meaner campers dared to call the Hound.

“Clegane, they still let you stay here?” she asks, spying the back of the old camp maintenance man’s head.

“Fuck off,” he says, without even a look to see who spoke.

After shoveling down her cereal, Arya leaves to help Ygritte at the stables. They feed the horses and muck out the stalls before running back to the cabin to change into their swimsuits and heading down to the waterfront.

The crowd has already begun to gather, boys and girls on opposite sites, counselors and CITs in back. Arya and Ygritte sneak into the line, next to Shireen, who looks somewhat apprehensive.

Gendry blows his whistle, and raises his voice until everyone can hear him.

“OK! Here’s how this works. Today you get your clip, you will wear this clip at all times here at the lake. If I catch you without a clip, I get to stuff you in an inflatable life jacket until you’re past the sand. Yes-”

He intones with a hint of humor,

“-This includes counselors too. The first test will be swimming to the first row of flags and back-”

He points out about twenty feet in the lake, where blue flags mark off the shallow parts of the water.

“Do this and you will get a blue clip, meaning you may swim freely in the same area. The second test will be holding your breath underwater for forty five seconds. This will earn you a yellow clip. You must have at least a yellow clip to use any of the camp’s canoes. Now the last test-”

He points out to the middle of the lake, where a rock can be seen. They call it the island, but it’s really just a large rock.

“You will swim to the island and back to shore without stopping. If you get tired and need one of us to come and get you, roll on your back and raise your right hand. If you complete this swim and earn your red clip, you may swim anywhere in the lake. But only when one of us is on lifeguard duty.”

He points down the sand to Lem and Tom, two of the other lifeguards.

He blows his whistle and motions for the boys to come and test first.

Arya watches Bran roll his wheelchair to the end of the pier while the other boys are wading in. He locks the wheels and lowers himself to the end of the wooden dock. Throwing his left leg over his right, he is able to get himself off the dock with a sort of twist and push.

Gendry’s watching him, Arya realizes, to wait until he gets in position with the other boys. It doesn’t take long, and she can see Bran whispering words of encouragement to the younger boys. And next to her, Shireen watches him too.

“He’ll be fine,” Arya assures her, “All of us Starks can swim. Our mother was a champion in secondary school and all of us could swim before we could walk.”

Her bathing suit still bears the black and blue logo of the Cerwyn Dolphins, the team she had swam for until this past school year. Bran had spent so many afternoons at the seven center pool, claiming that in the water it almost felt like his body was all his again. Mum had long claimed that all of them had Tully blood as much as Stark.

Shireen looks at her askance.

“You’re Arya Stark then,” she says, “Gendry told me yesterday. He said you used to be friends.”

“He did? We’re still friends,” Arya objects.

Shireen nods.

“I’m glad. He doesn’t seem to have many friends.”

Gendry’s already blown the whistle twice, and several of the boys have stepped out of the water and accepted their blue or yellow clips. Bran is not among them. When the long swim starts, Arya watches several of the younger boys watching Bran and whispering. When his hand slams onto the pier, Arya steps forward to congratulate him, and help him back to his chair.

“Mum would be proud,” she assures him.

“Blood of the fish, she always said,” Bran replied, as he took his red clip from Gendry.

“Where’s your unit off to this afternoon?”

“Sports field. I heard Grey Worm and Loras saying something about basketball today.”

“Hmm,” Arya muses, “Don’t let them know how good you are before you kick all their arses.”

Bran smirks and rolls off, and Arya returns to the line with the girls for her turn.

The test is barely a test. Arya got her red clip when she was ten years old. This year she’s the first back from the rock, Meera trailing behind her, and a surprise third, Shireen.

“Do you swim much?” She asks Shireen, when they’re towelling off and getting their clips.

“I grew up on the island of Dragonstone.”

Arya frowns, trying to remember.

“That’s that island down south where all the rich people rent houses for summer holidays right?”

Shireen nods.

“The place is packed with tourists in the summer, but there’s not a lot to do the rest of the year, so I swam. My father owns...owned, a lot of…”

Her voice trails off, and Arya knows not to push. She spies Gendry looking at them and changes the subject.

“Where’s your unit headed after lunch and quiet time?”

“Riding, all of the girls are really excited.”

“That’s great! That’s what I’m teaching. Have you ever ridden before?”

Shireen looks a little spooked.

“No, I mean, I’ve read a lot of books about horses, but I’ve never been on one.”

“That’s fine, we’ll teach you everything, it’s not something you can learn from a book..”

She can smell lunch from here, it’s apparently grilled cheese today, and she salivates. She doesn’t even stop to change before sitting beside Sansa, who’s polka dotted suit bears her own red clip. This is pretty much the only day that dress code isn’t enforced and swimsuits are allowed off the lake. After lunch Arya rushes back to the cabin to change out of her suit.

Quiet time is used for napping and writing primarily, and so no one throws up in the water right after lunch, so Arya skips out to go right to the stables, where her and Ygritte feed and water the horses, tack them up and lead them out into the ring.

Arya doesn’t even get the name of the unit counselor with Shireen’s group, though from the back of her head, she thinks she’s from Dorne. She understands, at least a little. If they stayed through activities, unit counselors would be on duty from sunup to sundown. This unit appears to be mostly girls between eight and ten. A good age for paying attention, but not always the most serious about the activity. When she had learned to ride all those years ago the rest of her unit had been mostly girls who were convinced horses were more like bicycles than real animals. Manure and hay and oats were disappointing to them, the manure neatly chasing off the prissier among them.

The first day with each unit always involves mostly covering the rules.

“I know it’s hot,” Arya starts, “But you cannot ride in shorts and sandals. You will have blisters like you’ve never had before, and your feet will slip from the stirrups and you will fall from your saddle. Long pants and boots with smooth soles are required here.”

“And don’t even think about taking off your helmets,” Ygritte interjects, “Or I will kick you out so fast your head will spin and you will have to spend the rest of the summer in other activities...provided word hasn’t already gotten out.”

As the CIT, the two of them have Shireen step forward to demonstrate how to check the saddle and the reins, how to put one foot in the stirrup and swing your leg over and how to position your hands and feet.

Shireen looks rather apprehensive through the whole deal, but she bucks up and does her best, and never utters a word of fear. She smiles and shouts encouragement when the two of them walk to help the other girls do the same.

When the period is done, and all the girls have mounted, dismounted and rode a single ring around the track at least, Shireen still looks ecstatic to be on the ground again.

“I never knew horses were so big,” she’d admitted while the rest of the girls were gathering their things to go.

“It’s not so scary once you get used to them. Horses aren’t the smartest of beasts, but they can sense if you are nervous or frightened.”

She pets Nan’s nose. She had put Shireen on her because she was one of the quietest and most sedate of the camp’s horses, and has never so much as stumbled with a rider on her back. She’s never travelled at faster than a slight trot either, but they can get to that when the time comes.

Her and Ygritte discuss the group as they’re taking down the horses, brushing them before re-taking for the next unit.

“Last year was worse. The same unit was full of girls who were hooked on that cartoon with the friends and the rainbows. Real horses were a huge disappointment to them.”

The two brush in silence for a while longer.

“I thought about writing Jon a letter last night,” Ygritte admits, “But every time I try, everything I write down sounds childish.”

Arya stays quiet. She understands. Jon was always her favorite brother, even though he’s only really her cousin. Ever since Dad had died and they’d all had to take on more responsibilities, all the things she used to go to him about seemed so small and insignificant. Fighting with Sansa, butting heads with Mum, things that used to drive her crazy suddenly made her feel like a baby to admit to.

And even though Ygritte was older than him, Arya gets how talking about bunks and campfires and patrols might seem childish to write about to someone who had just started basic training.

The unit after Shireen’s is pretty much the same.

Afterwards, when the rest of the campers are doing cleaning and inspections, Arya returns to the cabin to grab her soap and towel and take a quick shower. Most of the campers shower either after breakfast, during quiet time or right after campfire, so right now the stalls are blissfully empty. The cold water from the faucet still shocks her. She smiles, remembering how the first summer here, when the cold water had offended her enough that she spent most of her session refusing to shower at all. That might have explained why the rest of the Brotherhood dunked her in the lake so often.

It’s so hot in the Stormlands that by the time she’s thrown her jeans back on her cot and made her way to the mess hall in her shorts, she’s already completely dry.

She grabs her bowl of spaghetti and takes her place next to Sansa.

“Brienne says the zombie hunt this year is supposed to stay on land.”

Arya’s crestfallen.

“Is she tired of us Starks dominating it with our superior swimming abilities or something?”

Sansa presses her lips tight.

“Apparently they had a near drowning last summer. Pyp, one of the boys Jon used to hang around here. He had to be airlifted to the hospital in Storm’s End and didn’t come back the rest of summer. So the whole game’s land only now.”

Arya feels her stomach tighten. Something else on top of a beloved childhood memory. That feeling lingers through dessert and into campfire.

Even though it’s been a long, long first day, Arya still finds herself wandering to the pier after changing into her pajamas.

And Gendry’s right there beside her.

They’re quiet for a bit, when Arya notices what looks like a band aid poking out from under his shirt.

“What’s that?” she asks.

He chuckles.

“Nicotine patch.”

“You smoke?” she asks, aghast. They had both used to laugh at the way Polliver, the terrifying old maintenance man before Clegane had taken over, used to constantly have to duck out for a smoke every five minutes it seemed.

“I worked in a restaurant for a year. Never work in one if you can help it- the only people who get breaks are smokers lighting up. So I started, and then I couldn’t stop, and I hate it, so these will make me stop before summer’s over.”

“Yea,” Arya whispers, flopping onto her back, “I suppose camp’s good for breaking yourself of bad habits like that.”

There’s a long pause before she asks.

“So you’re not working there next year?”

Gendry scoffs.

“Gods no. Between last year and this gig, I have enough to pay my way at community college, only work part time if I want to. Not sure what I want to study though. I thought about taking up a trade apprenticeship, but Davos warned me that they can take a toll on your body really young.”

“Would he know?” Arya asks, wanting more information about his foster father.

“He worked at the docks since he was a boy, and only recently started managing his own crew.”

Gendry flops back beside her and swallows hard.

“I can’t imagine being in an office all day, but I don’t want to be one of those blue collar workers who looks down on education either.”

Arya smiles, remembering his stories about his mother studying over dinner every night when she was trying to go back to school. How she would have for sure, if she hadn’t gotten sick.

“You could study wildlife biology or environmental science, something that would involve spending all day studying things in forest or marshes or something. That’s what Meera wants to do. She can’t afford to go to university yet, so she joined the Conservation Corps, she’s going to spend the next two years building and maintaining trails way back in the sticks, she wants to join the park service eventually.”

Gendry furrows his brow in confusion.

“Aren’t they the one with the motto ‘hard work, low pay, miserable conditions and more’?”

“Yup, she’s super excited.”

They both explode into laughter.

Gendry leans on one elbow to look at her.

“I don’t know about that, but it’s a thought at least.”

They quiet again, gazing at each other in a way that makes Arya’s heart race again. He reaches out to touch her face and her heart nearly stops.

“Your earrings- I don’t remember, did you have those before?”

“Oh-” she reaches up to touch the studs, small silver wolf heads with tiny red rhinestones for eyes, “-no actually, my mom took me to get my ears pierced when I turned thirteen, later the last year you saw me.”

Her stomach sinks. She hadn’t wanted pierced ears, she had long proclaimed they were too girly, though mostly she was afraid of the pain. She had fought Mum so hard at first, insisting that they were stupid and she didn’t want them, only to finally relent when she saw how happy it made her mother. It was so soon after Dad had died, and there were far too few things, far too far in between that made Mum smile.

“I used to have to take them out at every gymnastics meet, every football game, every swim meet...but Mum told me I looked beautiful wearing them and I wanted so bad for her just to be proud of me.”

She reaches up and twists the posts in their holes.

“I leave them in all the time now, and sometimes I actually forget about them.”

Gendry’s face turns confused.

“You don’t swim or play anymore?”

“Seven hells, of course not!”

She chuckles.

“I left gymnastics after there was a scandal at our gym with one of the coaches. The facility just reopened, I’m planning to work there after school helping with the tumbling classes during the year. I left the football team after year 4, but Robb and Jon and I will still pick up a game at the park when we’re all together. And swimming-”

She swallows roughly.

“Bran swims at the Seven Center multiple times a week on his doctor’s orders- we both love it, so I take him. But I haven’t competed in over a year, not since before-”

She swallows again, the tears pricking at her eyes. Swimming always made her think of Mum. She remembers her face when she placed at her first meet, remembers her showing her all of her medals from her own champion years. She remembers that no matter how busy she was with church events or work fundraisers, she made every single event Arya competed in.

“I miss it,” she says, covering her face.

Gendry seems to have realized she’s become upset, but when he reaches out to hug her, Arya can’t handle it. She pulls away and stands.

“Goodnight. Thank you, Gendry.”

And she leaves him alone on the pier.

#game of thrones #A Song of Ice and Fire #gendrya #fic

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thebookwormfairy · 6 years ago

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What if Percy had a full sibiling Part 1 The Lighting Thief

You would be 2 years younger than Percy

Posidien just couldn't resist Sally

And vice versa

Percy was the best big brother

Even though he was only 2 years older than you he acted like your dad

He was so overprotective of you

Especially when it came to smelly Gabe

As you grew older Gabe started to look at you differently

At first he treated you like Percy, but as you got closer to your teens he gave different looks while your mom wasnt looking

You didn't like it and neither did Percy

Percy actually like the boarding schools more because it took you away from Gabe

When Percy and you met Groover, he gave you two the biggest eyes

Like he couldn't believe what he was seeing

He soon shook it off and you three became close friends

While you did have some aquantinces your own age none was as close to you as Groover and Percy

When you get to Camp Halfblood Percy keeps you behind him at all time

There was no way he was going to lose his mom and his sister

When you finally got to the big house Percy passed out in your arms

It was a rush after that

You didn't understand what was going on but at this point you just went with it

You didn't leave your brothers side until he woke up

When you guys are finally introduce to camp you were met with a lot of weird stares

It was very obvious that you 2 were full siblings

You shared to many similarities with not only Poiesidion, but also Sally

Apparently it was pretty rare for a god to double tap the same mortal

Percy was claimed during capture the flag, but only Percy

Everybody was shocked there was no way you were anybody else's daughter

But if Posiedion doesn't claim you there's nothing anybody could do about it

You were so hurt and confused

Why didn't Posidien claim you too

Was he disappointed in you?

Because Percy was claim but you weren't you got separated

Percy moved into the Posidien cabin while you stayed in Hermes cabin

Even though you were in separate cabins you still did camp activities together

When it came time for the quest Percy went with Annabeth and Groover and you stay behind at camp

While Percy was away you became closer to a boy in the Apollo cabin named Will Solace

Your friendship start with a bet

His siblings vet that he couldn't teach you archery

And they were right you sucked at archery and actually accidentally hit one of the Hermes campers

After that you were offically band from archery

But you gained a new best friend

You did everything you could together

When you weren't with Will you spent your free time on the beach

You may not have been claimed as a child of the sea but it was very obvious that you were one

One time when you were playing in the water a hippocampus came up to you and let you play with it

It called you young mistress

Hearing that from the hippocampus made you feel a lot better

You don't know if he did or not but you like to think Posidien sent it to you to show that yay he acknowledge that I am his daughter and maybe he just couldn't claim me with all the drama going on

When word got out about a possible war the cabins started to take sides

Ares and Apollo aligned themselves with Posidien and you

You were touched but you were really rooting for Percy to stop the war

You were there when the trio Iris messaged the camp

You were so happy to see your brother again

Y/N: Percy I'm sooo happy you alright

Percy: Hey Sis I'm glad to see you to have you've been claimed yet?

Y/N (sad smile): Not yet but I've had such a great time! I-

Luke: I don't think they have time for that. You can talk to them when they get back

You said ok and goodbye to them before running off the go play with Will

With Percy

After making it back to New York in the most nerve waking plane ride ever Percy sent Annabeth and Groover a head of him to camp to let Y/N know that bot he and Sally are safe and that Percy will bring her with him when he gets back to camp

Once in Olympus and returning the bolt he got the chance to talk to Posidien one on one

Percy asked him if he was planning to claim Y/N now since there is no threat of war

Posidien looked a little hesitant and Percy's heart sank

Percy: She really needs you too father. She such a sweet girl and felt really hurt when you claimed me but not her

Posidien was about to apply but Hermes interrupted him

Hermes: Just claim her already we know you have two kids there no use trying to deny it

Posidien looked a little taken aback but nodded his head.

Percy smiling at that started to bring up the subject of Smelly Gabe

Percy made sure to mention how Gabe looked at you

Posidien got a stormy look on his face he told Percy that he'll have a choice to make but also told him not to let you anywhere near that awful man

When Percy got back to camp with Sally you were there to meet them

You launched yourself at them

Sally gave you the biggest hug

She buried her nose into your hair

Percy and you might be her babies, but you were her youngest baby and she just wasn't ready to let you go yet

It was there on the top of half blood hill in the arms of your mother and brother in front of the entire camp who came to welcome Percy back that a green trident flickered to life above your head

This made you cry

It was like Posidien was giving you a hug as well

Everybody cheered and when Sally left you were escorted to the Hermes cabin to gather your stuff and move into the Posidien cabin

The rest of the summer was spent at camp when the question came weather to stay as year round campers or to go home you left the descion up to Percy

You trusted his judgement

In the end you went home to your mom in your new apartment wearing your new camp necklaces with one bead on each (black bead with a green trident on it to represent you and Percy)

And though you were happy to be home you couldn't wait to go back to camp next year

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adolphuslongestaffe · 6 years ago

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Park Ranger America

My piece for the R76 Summer Event! This piece is rated mature for language and some references to adult situations. The explicit version will be posted on my AO3 page here: https://archiveofourown.org/users/adolphus_longestaffe/profile.

Enjoy!

Gabe has just laid down the ground cover for his tent, when he hears the low hum of an engine, followed by the crunch of wheels over coarse, rocky dirt. He stands up and scans the treeline, till he sees the glossy white paint of a late-model Chevy Tahoe flashing between the trees, a hundred yards or so down the hill. He can see a broad, bright-green stripe on the side, and the words “U.S. Park Ranger” emblazoned on the door below it.

He resumes setting out his tent gear as the vehicle approaches his site. He expects it to continue on, but it rolls to a stop beside his black jeep, which is parked off the trail about twenty yards away. Gabe gets irritably to his feet and digs out his backcountry permit as the engine shuts off. He’s in a sour mood and doesn’t relish the idea of being hassled by some government civilian, but it’s best to just let the man do his job so he’ll move on. His expression changes as the Park Ranger climbs out of his vehicle.

“Fuck me,” he says under his breath.

The man looks like fucking Captain America. He is over six feet tall, and his forest-green uniform jacket fits snugly to his broad shoulders and trim waist. His drab-felt campaign hat, complete with the embossed leather USNPS band, sits sharp and commanding over his symmetrical, square-jawed face. He’d look more like a drill-sergeant than a civil servant, but for the large, brilliant blue eyes that sparkle below the brim of his hat and seem to smile on their own, despite his serious expression. He is, for lack of a better term, gorgeous.

“Afternoon,” Park Ranger America calls out, as he strides toward Gabe’s site. His voice is deeper than Gabe expected for someone with such a youthful face. “How’s it going?”

“Afternoon,” Gabe calls back. “Very well, thanks.”

He remains where he is and waits for the man to reach him—a good habit when dealing with armed officials—and he keeps his hands in plain view rather than stuffing them into his hoodie pockets against the cold.

“Park Ranger Morrison,” the absurdly handsome man says as he steps up, holding out his hand to shake Gabe’s.

Gabe shakes it briskly and hands him his backcountry permit and ID. “Gabriel Reyes.”

“Thank you,” Park Ranger Morrison says, glancing over Gabe’s documents. He hands them back and smiles like a toothpaste ad. “Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Reyes. We’ve had some reports of unauthorized camping lately, and we’re required to check for permits any time we come across someone using a backcountry site.”

“No problem,” Gabe says, less gruffly than he would’ve if the ranger’s smile weren’t so bright. “You’re not really interrupting. I’m just, uh…trying to pitch this tent.”

Ranger Morrison glances over at Gabe’s tent gear. “I could give you a hand, if you’re having trouble.”

“That’d be great, thank you,” Gabe says, before he can stop himself.

He doesn’t need help setting up a tent any more than he needs help brushing his teeth, but the ranger is looking at him with those extremely blue eyes and it’s making his head fuzzy and his ears hot. He’s pretty certain he’s actually blushing, but Park Ranger Gorgeous doesn’t appear to notice. He just flashes another incandescent smile, and goes over to inspect Gabe’s gear. The tent is a simple, two-person backpacking model, and despite Gabe’s attempts to appear incompetent, they have got the thing erected and are attaching the rain fly within five minutes.

“Good job placing the stakes,” Ranger Morrison says, stepping back to survey their work. “Good tent, too.”

“I just wanted to keep the bugs and rain off me without having to haul around twenty extra pounds,” Gabe says modestly. “This one seemed to fit the bill.”

The handsome ranger nods handsomely. “It was an excellent choice. Light, sturdy, and it looks like it’ll hold up to the weather well.”

As if on cue, a gust of wind tears through the camp, making Gabe’s tent flutter and flap loudly, but failing to disturb it otherwise.

“Let’s hope so,” Gabe says, eyeing the tent doubtfully. “Thanks for your help.”

“My pleasure. So, what are your plans while you’re in the park?”

“Spending the night here, then hiking up to Llao Rock at first light, then Watchman Peak. Maybe Wizard Island, depending on the weather. If it’s bad, I might wait and try it the day after.”

“You never know. It’s been hit and miss this season. We’ve already had two more inches of rainfall than usual.”

“Wow,” Gabe says, as if he finds this mundane comment about the weather to be literally the most interesting thing he’s ever heard. “Gets pretty cold up here, too, huh?”

“It still gets into the forties at night this time of year, but you should be fine. Once fall comes around, you don’t want to be caught out without your cold-weather gear, though.”

“I’m literally already freezing,” Gabe laughs, chafing his hands together and shivering. “I’m from LA. Anything below seventy-five and all my blood goes into hiding.”

“Well, if you freeze to death in July, you’ll be the first. Speaking of which, you need help getting that fire started?”

“Oh, yeah thanks. I mean, if you’re not busy. I’m kind of an idiot about outdoorsy stuff.”

“Happy to help,” Park Ranger Charming replies, looking sincerely happy to help. “I’m not that busy, to tell you the truth. You’re the first camper I’ve seen out in the backcountry today.”

“That normal?”

“Not really. It’s been slow this season, with the weather and the late snow melt. I’m gonna grab my gear. Be right back.”

Gabe apologizes silently to his SERE school instructors as he watches the very athletic, very attractive blonde walk away toward his vehicle. No one could really blame him for a little harmless fib, right? Certainly not if they saw this particular Park Ranger. He doesn’t want to make it too obvious that he’s watching him, so he busies himself peeling the plastic wrapper off one of the cords of wood he’d purchased at the supply shop.

“What, you carry that stuff around with you?” Gabe laughs, as the ranger returns with a little spade in one hand and bundle of kindling tucked under his arm.

“Yes,” Ranger Square-jaw says seriously, clearly not seeing the humor. “It never hurts to be prepared, Mr. Reyes.”

“I didn’t mean any offense, Ranger Morrison,” Gabe says. “It’s just a pleasant surprise that I don’t have to trudge around collecting twigs for an hour. And call me Gabe, please.”

“It’s my pleasure, Gabe. And you can call me Jack,” the ranger says, his sunny smile returning. He sets down the bundle and holds up his little spade. “I’ll clear the fire pit, if you want to get your tinder ready.”

“Got it. Thank you, Jack.”

Gabe goes to his bag and pulls out a little rectangular tin, along with a black lanyard that holds his flint and striker. Ranger Jack is scooping old ash from the circle of stones and smoothing the fire bed. He eyes the tin and lanyard, then glances curiously at Gabe.

“There’s some dead grass over there,” he says, nodding toward a little hillock. “Might make a good nest for your char cloth, if you want to grab some.”

“Sure thing,” Gabe nods.

This blonde ranger is turning out to be unexpectedly observant, as well as hyperbolically handsome. He’d recognized what was in the tin right away. It must strike him as odd that a man who is a professed idiot about outdoorsy stuff makes his own char cloth and owns a waterproof fire starter. It’s not illegal to express a low opinion of one’s own outdoorsmanship, though, and he doesn’t seem to mind helping, so Gabe figures it’s best not to mention anything about it. He sets the tin on the ground by the firepit and stuffs the lanyard into his pocket as he hurries off to collect the dead grass. It turns out to be much too damp to be of any use, but he gathers enough to make a show of trying, and presents it to Park Ranger Perfect.

The ranger squeezes the yellow-brown fibers and shakes his head. “No good. It’ll make a lot of smoke, but there’s no way it’ll light properly.”

“Well, if it’s not against any rules…I’ve got a newspaper.” Gabe offers.

Ranger Jack squints, as if he’s considering it. “New York Times?”

“Of course.”

“Ok, I’ll make you a deal. We can use the newspaper, but only if I can have the crossword.”

“You drive a hard bargain, Jack,” Gabe laughs. “Ok, deal.”

When he returns from his jeep with the hefty Sunday paper, the unreasonably attractive National Parks Service employee has taken off his campaign hat. He is running his fingers through his silky, golden-blonde hair (which is miraculously free of any evidence of hat-head), and is frowning up at the sky. Gabe glances up, too, but the sky is exactly the same toneless grey that it’s been since he’s been in this stupid, rainy state.

“What’s up?” he asks.

“National Weather Service reported a thirty percent chance of rain for today,” the ranger says. “It’s starting to look like we’ll beat those odds. Hopefully your trip won’t be spoiled.”

“I’ve slept in the rain before. Nothing I can’t handle,” Gabe shrugs. He leafs through the paper, till he finds the crossword, which he holds out to him. “Here you go. One New York Times Sunday crossword. It’s a pretty good price for all your help.”

“It’s no trouble,” Ranger Jack replies. “I’m always happy to assist anyone who needs it.”

Gabe thinks he detects something odd in the man’s tone this time, but there is nothing readable on his face but sincerity. He folds his crossword and sets it on the smooth log near the firepit that serves as a bench, using a small rock to ensure the breeze doesn’t carry it away, then goes to work making a nest from a few sheets of the newspaper. There’s far too much, of course, so Gabe stows the rest in one of his waterproof bags for later use. Meanwhile, Ranger Jack has set aside the char cloth nest and is sticking pieces of kindling into the ground in the fire pit like a little circle of fence posts. Gabe squats down to help, and very quickly, they have built a neat little teepee out of dry twigs.

Gabe digs his flint and striker from his pocket and holds them out to Ranger Jack. “Do the honors?”

“Sure,” Ranger Jack says, smiling his Colgate smile again.

He holds the flint over the char cloth and rasps it a couple of times. The cloth ignites instantly and begins to smolder. He picks up the little nest and bends the sides inward, blowing on the center till a little orange tongue of flame leaps up from the paper. He slides the smoking bundle into the center of the kindling teepee and blows on it some more, then steps back to let Gabe add some smaller pieces of fuel wood to the outside. When the kindling has caught pretty well, they add more fuel wood, then sit on the log-bench to watch as their fledgling fire blazes up brightly.

“So, you’re from Los Angeles?” Ranger Jack says.

“Yep,” Gabe says. “Neighborhood called El Sereno.”

“What brings you all the way to Oregon? If you don’t mind my asking.”

“Buddy of mine was born and raised up here. He was always talking about Crater Lake and how it was one of the most beautiful places in the world. We made plans to take a trip here after we—after the job we were doing was over.”

“Oh, that’s great,” Ranger Jack says. “Is he going to meet you here, then?”

“No,” Gabe says, keeping his eyes on the fire. “He, uh…I came up for his funeral. I figured I’d honor his memory by taking that camping trip we talked about.”

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” Jack says gravely. “It sounds like he was a close friend.”

“Yeah, he was.”

They sit in silence, listening to the soft rush of wind in the high branches of the ponderosa pines above them, and the crackling of the dry wood as their little fire grows brighter and hotter. After a while, Jack rises and holds out his hand. Gabe stands up too, and shakes the proffered hand.

“It was nice to meet you, Gabe,” Jack says. “If there’s anything else I can do for you, let me know, ok? You can reach me by the park’s main number. Just ask for Ranger Morrison and they’ll forward the call.”

“Thank you, Jack, but I think I’ll be alright. You’ve already been more than helpful. Oh, don’t forget your crossword.”

“Thanks,” Jack smiles. He picks up the folded sheet of newspaper as he turns to walk away. “Take care, Gabe. Stay safe.”

He waves again as he climbs into his white Tahoe, and Gabe waves back, wishing with every fiber in his being that he could think of some legitimate reason to ask the man to stay. He glowers up at the trees as Park Ranger Amazing drives away, cursing them for their failure topple onto his tent, or at least drop a heavy branch or something. Fucking traitors.

As the flat grey of the afternoon sky darkens into the muddy grey of evening, Gabe begins to get unreasonably annoyed by the cold. He carries another cord of wood from his jeep and is adding some to the fire, when little drops of water begin to plop down and hiss in the embers. He stows the rest of the wood to prevent it getting wet and attempts to keep the fire alive, till the drizzle strengthens into a steady downfall, at which point he gives up and climbs into his tent.

He cracks an MRE and eats it cold, not wanting to bother with the messy oxidation heater. When he’s finished, he has to puts his boots back on and carry the remnants to the bear-safe receptacle, though he pities any bear that might encounter him in this mood. He loves the outdoors and is more than competent in field survival tactics, but cold and rain are his least favorite weather conditions. It’s coming down in earnest now, and his jacket and knit cap get soaked on his way to dispose of his trash, which further irritates him. He hangs them up inside the tent, so that they can pretend to dry overnight and still be cold and wet in the morning.

He wants to get out of camp around dawn, and there’s nothing else to do, so he wraps himself up in his sleeping bag and extinguishes the lantern. The bright blue eyes and perfect, pouting lips of the Park Ranger flicker in his mind’s eye. He imagines what that mouth would taste like. Imagines those blue eyes fluttering shut in ecstasy. That broad chest dripping with sweat and those muscular legs shaking. Just…fuck. He’s got lube with him, but he’s too cold and tired and irritable to jerk off, so he consoles himself with lazy, half-baked fantasies involving himself and the blonde Park Ranger in an isolated cabin, until he drifts off to sleep.

Gabe wakes naturally just before dawn. A decade of military service has honed his internal clock to a fine point, and he hasn’t used an alarm in years. He is pleasantly surprised to find himself warm and dry, despite the rain beating on his tent all night, and makes a mental note to leave a good review for it as he pulls on his boots. He checks his jacket and knit cap to find that they are still damp. It’s a minor annoyance. He has a spare jacket in the jeep, and he can forgo the cap. It won’t get that cold during his day-hike.

The sky is miraculously clear and he’s eager to get going. Most of the trails he’ll be using are easier ones and the later he gets started, the more likely he’ll be to encounter the only wild creatures scarier than bears: camping families. He limits breakfast to a couple of nutrition bars, along with some raisins and nuts (also taking care to get well-hydrated), then begins to pack up his camp.

Within an hour of waking, he has breakfasted, dressed, got his camp broken down, and packed his gear into the jeep. He carries back his own spade to scoop out and disperse the cold ashes from the fire. He’ll be back later, but he wouldn’t want Park Ranger Perfect to happen by and think he’d been an irresponsible camper. He can’t help but laugh at himself for this, though. As if the man would decide whether or not to sleep with him based on his campsite hygiene.

He’s probably straight, anyway. Guys like that are never gay. Probably has a girlfriend, too. A sturdy, outdoorsy type with red hair who wears hiking boots with shorts. With a name like Sandy or Linda or something. This idea strikes him as immensely funny, and he entertains himself by constructing various absurd likenesses of Ranger Jack’s hypothetical girlfriend as he finishes scattering the ash.

The sun has risen above the hills on the eastern horizon when he straps on his pack and locks up the jeep. He departs camp, headed slightly southwest toward Llao Rock. The hike turns out to be more of a stroll. The trail is extremely easy and takes about fifteen minutes to navigate, including stopping for a piss. Llao Rock’s cliff-face rises two-thousand feet above the surface of the lake, but the terrain is not difficult, since it’s part of the rim of the caldera, and the grade isn’t too steep on this side.

He’s not foolish enough to make the descent down the narrow ridge to the actual overlook without a partner or at least a belay line, but the view from further back on the cliff is more than worthwhile. The volcanic crater that forms the lake bed spreads out before him like a titanic ring, rising thousands of feet above water so crystal-blue and pristine, it doesn’t look possible. He snaps a few photos with his phone, but he won’t really be able to get a good picture until the sun is higher, so he decides to continue on to Watchman Peak before all the day-trekkers do.

As he meanders down the trail toward his next objective, he begins to be soothed by the meditative sense of solitude produced by the open, airy silence of the natural world. Gabe has always found the term “the great outdoors” to be repulsively clichéd, but here it is all around him, and it is spectacular. The broad sky and bracing wind, the whitebark pines, gnarled and hoary with age, which stood centuries before he was born, and will stand centuries after he passes. And even these are infants in the presence of the ancient, sleeping volcano. When he thinks if the magnitude of the cataclysm that saw the birth of this place, he is filled with reverent awe, as if he is standing on sacred ground.

Just as this feeling is sinking in, an RV thunders past him on the nearby paved road, followed shortly by a Subaru containing a large family, and what he can only imagine constitutes the entirety of said family’s earthly possessions strapped to the roof. This shakes him from his reverie and somewhat mars the natural serenity of the wilderness. He checks his phone and finds that it’s just past 0800. He’s been dawdling along, enjoying nature and lost almost an hour. He speeds his pace, hoping to reach the fire lookout before it fills with tourists.

He is surprised to find snow still lingering on the ascent to Watchman Peak, and is less surprised, though much chagrined, to find that he is not the only one who has apparently sought to beat the crowds by arriving early. The parking lot at the trailhead is nearly full already, and there are people idling about in pairs and small groups. Well, fuck it. He came here to see the Watchman Peak fire lookout, and that’s what he’s going to do.

He grits his teeth and heads up the trail, trying not to look as snarly as he feels, which would certainly frighten the many children people have made and brought with them. On the apron of the third switchback, he has to stop and wait behind a family (probably the Subaru contents from earlier), while the frazzled mother collects a howling child who had gone darting ahead and slipped on the rough scree. Her male counterpart attempts to herd the rest of the brood to the side so that Gabe can pass, nodding apologetically as he picks his way around them. Gabe responds with a sympathetic smile.

The fire lookout atop Watchman Peak is a two-story blockhouse-style building erected in the 1930s. The first floor is constructed from heavy stone masonry and has a restroom, of which Gabe takes eager advantage. The top floor consists of a four-sided observation room entirely enclosed in glass, and surrounded by a broad, wood walkway with log railings. The three-hundred and sixty-degree view of the park comes in handy for the Rangers, who still use it as an active fire lookout, and for park visitors looking to take photographs with which to bore their friends back home.

Despite the fullness of the parking lot, Gabe is pleased to find that there are only a few people actually inside the observation room. Aside from the Subaru family, there is a group of five twentysomethings on the deck, taking selfies with the lake behind them. On the far end of the room, at the window overlooking the lake, a hardy-looking elderly couple in khaki shorts and windbreakers are chatting with a Park Ranger.

Gabe’s stomach does an odd little flip as the ranger glances in his direction. It’s Ranger Jack, because of course it is, and of course he recognizes Gabe immediately. Gabe nods in greeting, and Park Ranger Perfect smiles and looks perfect. His uniform fits his athletic body like a goddamned glove, without a wrinkle or a misplaced thread. His hat is in his hand and his golden-blonde hair is even more golden and blonde in the brilliant sunlight.

Gabe feels and probably looks like a bag of smashed assholes. He knows he has a good layer of scruff around his usually meticulously groomed facial hair, not to mention he’s all rumpled and dirty from sleeping in a bag on the goddamned ground and slogging around in the woods all morning. His instinct is to flee, but the Park Ranger politely excuses himself from his sociable elders and walks over to him.

“Nice to see you again, Gabe,” he says cheerfully. “We got quite a bit of rain last night. How did the tent hold up?”

“Nice to see you, too,” Gabe says, attempting ‘cheerful’ and achieving ‘not quite homicidal’. “Tent held up great. Thanks again for all your help yesterday.”

“Glad to hear it,” Ranger Jack says, looking genuinely glad to hear it. “And you don’t have to keep thanking me. It was my pleasure. Much better weather this morning. How was the hike over?”

“I wouldn’t really call it a hike, but it was excellent. Beautiful country out here.”

“I couldn’t agree more. Did you get a good view from Llao Rock? The lake is spectacular on clear mornings.”

Gabe can’t help but smile as the ranger’s infectious enthusiasm begins to soften his surly mood. “I did. I’m looking forward to the view of Wizard Island from here, though.”

“It’s really something. Eighteen-hundred feet down from here. You should go have a look!”

“I will, thanks.”

“Oh, Gabe,” Ranger Jack says, his expression suddenly becoming grave. “I’m afraid I have some bad news. The National Weather Service is predicting thunderstorms this afternoon, so the boat tours out to Wizard Island have been cancelled today. I’m sorry you won’t be able to get out there. I know you wanted to.”

“It’s no big deal,” Gabe shrugs. “I can see it some other time. Maybe—” he catches himself. He’d almost said, ‘maybe you can show it to me.’ Good god, what has gotten into him? “Maybe I’ll come back up here next summer,” he ends lamely.

“You should!” Ranger Jack shines, instantly all sunbeams again. “You can’t see half of what the park has to offer in one trip.”

There is a sudden clamor of footsteps and boisterous young voices, and Gabe turns to look toward the door. A female Park Ranger is leading a group of children of varying ages into the observation room.

“That’s the Junior Ranger program,” Ranger Jack explains. “I’m giving a talk about the history of the lake in a minute, so you’ll have to excuse me. Say goodbye before you go, ok?”

“I will. But…would it be ok if I wanted to stay and listen to your talk?”

“Oh, I didn’t think—are you really interested?” Ranger Jack says, becoming a little flustered. “I mean, it’s pretty much what you could read in the visitors’ guide.”

That faint flush of pink color in the ranger’s angular cheeks is enough to strike Gabe dead where he stands. He has no idea what he’s done that could have produced this reaction, but he would give a limb to do it again.

He grins mischievously. “Well, maybe I want to be a Junior Ranger.”

“You can’t be a Junior Ranger, Gabe. That program is for six to twelve year-olds. But you’re welcome to stay and listen.”

“I think I might,” Gabe says nonchalantly, as if any force of nature could tear him out of this building while the handsome Park Ranger is in it. “I happen to be extremely interested in the, uh…”

“The history of the lake.”

“Yes. The history of the lake. I look forward to being educated.”

“Well, good. I hope you find it enlightening. I’ve got to go help Ranger Molly.”

Ranger Jack goes to assist his female colleague in wrangling the fifteen Junior Rangers, who have scattered about the observation room and deck. Within a few minutes, they are gathered around and seated on the floor facing Ranger Jack, who stands before the window to deliver his lecture. Gabe leans on the wall behind the group of youngsters, watching the handsome blonde illuminate his topic with energetic interest. Much to his surprise, the formerly rowdy youngsters appear to be totally captivated by his tale, and they sit still and quiet, hanging on every word he says. When the talk concludes, Ranger Molly asks if there are any questions for Ranger Jack, and seven of the little hands go up.

“Is Skell the sky god real?” one of the younger children asks.

“That’s a good question,” Jack smiles. “I wasn’t there way back then, so I don’t know for sure. But the Klamath tribe has transmitted their account of Skell and his battle with Llao to save their people for many generations.”

“If the water gets in from rain, why doesn’t the lake fill up all the way to the top?” another child asks.

“Another excellent question,” Ranger Jack says. “The water level is maintained by evaporation and natural seepage, which just means it soaks into the ground.”

“How do you get to be a Park Ranger?” another child asks.

“Well, there are a lot of ways, depending on what kind of ranger you want to be,” Ranger Jack answers. “Volunteering in the parks is a great way to start. You can be a seasonal ranger, too, if you don’t want to make a career of it. If you want to be a commissioned ranger like me, serving in the military helps, too, since it’s a government job.”

“Were you in the military?” a slightly older one asks.

“I was,” Ranger Jack smiles. “I was in the Air Force.”

This seems to impress the children greatly. A number of them ask simultaneously, “Did you fly planes?”

“I didn’t fly planes, but I did work on them.”

“Why do you got a gun?” a little boy wants to know. “Is it for bears?”

“No, it’s not for bears,” Ranger Jack laughs. “I carry a firearm as part of my job, since I’m a federal law enforcement officer. That’s just like a policeman, but for the park.”

“Who shoots the bears then?” the same boy asks.

“Hopefully, no one. The bears live in the park because it’s their home. As long as you follow your safety rules and keep all your food and trash in the correct containers, you shouldn’t have any trouble with the bears.”

“Alright, Junior Rangers,” Ranger Molly cuts in. “It’s time for us to head back to the visitors’ center for our next activity. Let’s give Ranger Jack a nice big round of applause, ok?”

The Junior Rangers (and Gabe) clap enthusiastically, then the children get up to follow Ranger Molly away. Gabe gazes across the room at Ranger Jack for a moment, watching as he returns some rock specimens to a cabinet, then he strolls over to join him.

“So, what did you think?” Jack grins. “Did you learn a lot?”

“Yeah, I did,” Gabe says. “Why didn’t you tell me you were in the military?”

“It didn’t come up,” Jack says. “You didn’t tell me you were, either.”

“How do you know I am?”

Jack looks at him dubiously. “Are you serious? You’ve got Army written all over you. It may as well be stamped on your forehead.”

“Do I?” Gabe laughs. “Well, I wouldn’t have pinned you for Air Force. What did you do?”

“Guidance systems and SAT-COM. What do you do in the Army?”

“Oh…nothing interesting,” Gabe says, crossing his arms. “Just a grunt.”

“Ah, I see,” Ranger Jack nods. “Special Forces, then.”

“Jesus, how the fuck could you tell that?” Gabe says, too astonished to bother denying it.

“It’s a gift,” Ranger Jack shrugs. “Why don’t we check out that view of Wizard Island?”

Gabe follows the ranger out onto the deck, where they lean on the log railing and gaze out over the lake. Or rather, Ranger Jack gazes out over the lake. Gabe pretends to, while he uses the opportunity to surreptitiously study the man’s strikingly handsome face in the full sunlight. He thinks he could look at that face forever and never get tired of it.

A slight smile curls the corners of the ranger’s perfect lips. “It’s not polite to stare, Gabe.”

Fuck. He must’ve been less sneaky than he’d thought. “Oh, I wasn’t—I mean, I didn’t—”

“Tell me something,” Jack interrupts, keeping his eyes on the lake. “If you’re Special Forces, you went to SERE school at the Mountain. So, why did you pretend not to know how to set up a tent or light a fire?”

Gabe had been entirely unprepared for this blunt question. His mouth goes dry and he feels heat rushing into his face. He is absolutely mortified, but really, what can Ranger Jack do to him? The worst he can do is reject him, which Gabe is pretty sure will be the result, no matter what he says. And if he’s offended, they never have to speak again, so fuck it. Fortune favors the bold.

“I didn’t want you to go,” he blurts out. “I know I wasted your time, but it was nice to talk to someone. I’m…an asshole. I’m sorry.”

“I don’t think you’re an asshole,” Jack says. “Just don’t lie to me again, ok? I am a federal law enforcement officer, you know.”

“I won’t, I swear. And I really am sorry.”

“No need to apologize.” Jack turns his head and looks up at Gabe with those impossibly blue eyes. “Since we’re telling the truth…I knew you didn’t need help the minute I saw you.”

Gabe is literally dumbstruck. He stands there blinking like an idiot, trying to assess whether this extraordinarily attractive man is saying what it sounds like he’s saying. Because it sounds a lot like—but that can’t be it, right? He’s not even gay. What about Sandy, his sturdy, shorts-wearing girlfriend? He doesn’t have time to formulate a response. Just then, there is a blinding flash of light and an earsplitting boom. Gabe nearly jumps out of his skin. Ranger Jack does not. He replaces his hat on his head and looks up at the sky, which has been steadily filling with dark, roiling thunderheads while they’ve been in the lookout.

“Looks like that thunderstorm is early,” he says. “You want a ride back to your jeep?”

Gabe nods and follows Jack into the observation room, then down the stairs leading to the trail. Despite his survival training, he feels somehow far less competent and calm than this Park Ranger, who looks perfectly at ease. As they descend the slope, the wind kicks up into a gale, and blows dust into Gabe’s eyes, so he has to squint and blink in order to see where he’s going. Perfect. He’ll probably fall and embarrass himself some more. He is just thinking this, when some loose scree slides underfoot. His hands fly out to grasp at nothing as he loses his balance and goes tumbling backward.

He should have ended up on his ass, but somehow, Ranger Jack’s strong arms are already around him, seizing him mid-fall and steadying him on his feet. Gabe cannot understand how this is possible. He’d been a few paces ahead, and shouldn’t even have seen him slip, let alone had time to catch him. But his eyes had been full of dust and he hadn’t seen the rocks in the path either, so he isn’t inclined to question it.

“You alright?” Jack calls out, above the noise of the wind.

“Yeah, I’m ok,” Gabe calls back, heart pounding in his throat. “Let’s get out of here before I make any more of an ass of myself.”

Jack gives him a thumbs-up, and they continue down the incline. The storm clouds burst before they reach the bottom, and by the time they reach Jack’s vehicle, they are soaked to the skin. Gabe climbs in and tosses his pack on the floor behind his seat. Jack pulls the driver’s side door shut and removes his drenched hat, which is also tossed into the back.

“Well, you can’t set up your camp in this,” Jack says, peering up through the windshield at the deluge outside. “I can take you to your jeep and you can drive over to Rim Village or the lodge, or you can come back to my station with me and wait it out.”

“Am I even allowed in your station?” Gabe asks. “Isn’t that sort of an…official business only type place?”

“Keeping park visitors safe in severe weather conditions is official business, Mr. Reyes,” Jack says solemnly. “You are more than welcome to wait there till the storm clears.”

He’s talked this way since they met yesterday, but this time, Gabe definitely detects a twinkle in those blue eyes. It hadn’t occurred to him that the ranger might be fully aware of his stiff, Eagle Scout demeanor, and may even be capable of making fun of himself for it. Ranger Jack is turning out to be a very interesting man.

He crosses his arms and eyes him thoughtfully, as if weighing this proposition. “I don’t know. What’s the coffee situation like?”

“Fresh-brewed by yours truly,” Jack grins.

“Deal,” Gabe says. “Ranger station it is. Unless Rim Village is as fun as it sounds.”

Ranger Jack either misses or chooses to ignore this joke, and they engage in desultory chit-chat about the road conditions as they make the bumpy drive to Jack’s ranger station. Gabe can’t manage much more, since he is using all the energy in his body to will the rain to continue. It would be a literal tragedy to lose this opportunity to spend more time with this extraordinary man. Fortunately, Skell the sky god appears to be on his side. The rain shows no signs of letting up, and in fact, seems to have intensified.

They turn off the north entrance road onto a gravel drive, and Jack parks the vehicle in front of their destination. Gabe had expected the ranger station to be a square, ugly government building. Instead, he is looking at a quaint little stone-walled cabin with a peaked roof covered in dark green shingles. It looks so much like a gingerbread house, he almost laughs out loud. It even has white-paned windows.

They grab Gabe’s bag and Jack’s hat and jog to the front door, despite the fact that this a futile exercise, since they were already soaked. Jack unlocks the door and Gabe follows him inside, then stops short, blinking about confusedly.

“This is your ranger station?” he asks.

“Yep, this is it,” Jack says, flipping on a light switch. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I just…I thought a ranger station would be more like a police station or the lookout. This looks like—”

“A house?”

“Yeah.”

“It is,” Jack says. “It’s my ranger station and it’s my house. Well, it’s mine while I’m employed with the park.”

“You…live here?”

“I do. It’s pretty common for National Parks Service employees to be given a residence on site. Especially full-time, permanent employees who work in extreme climates. I’m not the only ranger who lives at the park.”

“Oh. Well, thank you for inviting me. I didn’t know you lived here, or I’d have been more careful about intruding like this.”

“It’s really no trouble, Gabe,” Jack smiles. “I keep telling you, I’m happy to help.”

Gabe stands there awkwardly, looking about him at what he now knows is Jack’s living room. The place is small, but cozy, and very neat and tidy. At the far end of the room, there are some tall bookshelves, which are very full, beside a desk with a computer and telephone on it. Before the large, stone fireplace, there is a rough-hewn log coffee table sitting on a woven rug of some Native American origin. The sofa bears the same red, black, and green pattern, as do the smaller rugs in the entry and hallway. The coffee table and end tables match each other, too, and there are several framed paintings of lake scenery on the walls. Gabe guesses the house must have come furnished. He can’t imagine a man of Jack’s age choosing this type of décor on his own. Jack throws a switch to activate the gas, and the fireplace blazes to life.

“It’ll warm up in here pretty quickly,” he says, hanging his hat over a peg on the mantel. “The fireplace has a backburner that heats the whole house. We should probably dry your clothes, while we’re here.”

Gabe is suddenly, painfully aware that he is dripping water all over Jack’s spotless dark-wood floor. He shifts his feet in the puddle he has created. “I’d love to do that, but I don’t actually have a change in my pack. I left most of my gear in the jeep.”

“That’s alright,” Jack says brightly. “I’ve got a spare bathrobe you can borrow while they dry.”

Gabe can’t help but laugh. Of course he does. He thanks his host again and follows him to the bathroom, growing increasingly suspicious that this is some kind of dream. A man like Jack simply can’t exist in this world. He’s handsome, capable, intelligent, kind, hospitable, and prepared for everything. He’s literally the perfect man. And now Gabe is in his perfect bathroom in his perfect little cabin, peeling out of his cold, wet clothes and putting on a soft, plushy bathrobe that smells like some kind of pleasant laundry detergent.

When he emerges from the bathroom, the fire is roaring merrily, the rich aroma of coffee is wafting in from the kitchen, and Jack is standing there in a white t-shirt and red plaid pajama pants, smiling and holding out his hands to take Gabe’s wet clothes. There’s only one explanation for this. He’s dead. He died in the night and this is heaven.

“I’m going to put these in the dryer and pour us some of that coffee,” Jack says. “Make yourself at home.”

Gabe sits down on the sofa and looks around. He notices the crossword he gave Jack yesterday sitting on the coffee table. He picks it up and is glancing over it, when Jack comes back with two steaming mugs of coffee. He sets one in front of Gabe and seats himself in the wood chair across from the sofa.

“Are you sure you don’t mind my imposing?” Gabe says. “I don’t want to keep you from anything.”

“Not at all. I’m not on duty today, anyway. I only went up to the lookout for the Junior Ranger talk.”

“Oh. It’s really kind of you to do all this for me on your day off.”

“Don’t mention it,” Jack says, gazing out the window. “It’s really coming down out there. I haven’t seen rain like this in July since…well, ever.”

“Yeah, it’s just my luck. Maybe I brought it with me,” Gabe says. He replaces the paper on the coffee table and picks up the mug. “You didn’t even start your crossword puzzle.”

“Oh, no. I didn’t have time. There were some hikers that needed help last night, and I was working pretty late. I figured I’d save it for a rainy day, ironically.”

“What did they need?”

“They were climbing in a restricted area and one of them slipped on the wet rocks and fell about twenty feet. Broke his leg and dislocated his left shoulder. I was on the scene first, so I called for search and rescue and waited with him till they airlifted him out.”

Gabe stares at him in awe. “Holy shit, that’s what you were doing last night?”

“Yes. What?”

“When most people say they were working late, they mean sitting at a desk. You were out saving lives. That’s…heroic.”

“You Special Forces guys are heroes, not me,” Jack says, frowning down at his mug. “My job must seem pretty trivial to you.”

“It doesn’t seem trivial to me at all. You were in the military. You know what we do isn’t that different from what you do.”

“It is, though. The most dangerous thing I deal with is bad weather. You guys actually fight real wars. I didn’t even do that when I was in the military. I had a tech job and I benchwarmed during the second Gulf War. Never even went overseas. I just did my tour and then I came home. There’s nothing heroic or even exceptional about that.”

“Did you do your duty honorably and to the best of your ability?”

Jack nods, still gazing down into his mug. “Every day.”

“Then you should be proud of your service, Jack,” Gabe says earnestly. “The most courageous thing you can do is sign on that dotted line and agree that, should it be required of you, you are prepared to give your life in service of your country. The fact that it wasn’t required of you isn’t up to you. You were willing. That’s all that matters.”

“I…thank you, Gabe,” Jack says, with a hint of a tremor audible in his voice. “That means a lot to me.”

Gabe gazes at the increasingly complex and fascinating man across the table. There is so much more to Ranger Jack than that blonde hair and square jaw and athlete’s body. He wishes he could dig down into the core of this man and study every particle of him. Find out everything there is to know about him and truly understand him.

“So, where are you stationed?” Jack asks, after a long silence.

“Fort Campbell, in Kentucky.”

“Wow, that’s all the way across the country. When do you go back?”

Gabe leans back and sips his coffee. “Well…I don’t, actually.”

“What do you mean?”

“My tour ended and I didn’t re-up. I’m technically still on active duty, but I’m on terminal leave till the end of my term of service, which is in two weeks.”

Jack looks at him thoughtfully for a moment. “Was it—” he begins, but breaks off, apparently having changed his mind. “What are you going to do after that?”

“I haven’t decided yet. I’ll be staying with my sister in L.A. while I look for a place, and then…who knows.” Gabe is fairly certain he knows what Jack had been about to ask, so he answers the unspoken question. “After my buddy was killed in Afghanistan, I didn’t have the heart to do it anymore. I’ve already seen enough death to last a lifetime, and I’m only thirty-seven. I figured I’d get out before I’m too old to do anything else, and see what’s out there.”

“I’m so sorry about your friend,” Jack says quietly.

“He agreed to give his life in service of his country, if it was required of him, just like we did. It was required of him.”

They sit in silence again, listening to the rain beating steadily on the roof and windows, and the low rumble of thunder in the distance. There is something so vivid and poignant in this moment, warm and safe in Jack’s little cabin, while the storm rages outside, that Gabe can’t shake the feeling that he’s being drawn toward something. As if some invisible force has been gently, irresistibly guiding him to this place and time. The idea thrills and terrifies him. He looks up to find that Jack is looking at him, too. Jack turns away quickly, with that soft flush of rosy pink rising into his cheeks again.

Gabe smiles. “You really love what you do, don’t you, Jack.”

“More than anything in the world.”

“Then don’t ever call it trivial. It isn’t. The world needs the kind of heroes who work hard every day to make it a better place to live in. That’s what you do.”

“Thank you, Gabe,” Jack says. “I’ll remember that.”

“So, hey, we’ve still got that crossword and it’s about as rainy a day as it gets. You want to do it together?”

Jack smiles. “Sure. That sounds nice.”

He gets up and moves to the sofa beside Gabe, and they set to work solving the first clue. As they are working on the fifteenth or thereabouts (they haven’t really gone in order), Gabe gradually becomes aware of something. Silence. He realizes that this means rain that has been pattering on the roof has stopped. Jack looks up at the ceiling. He has noticed it too. Gabe’s heart sinks.

“Well, I guess I better grab my clothes,” he says reluctantly, setting down the pencil.

Jack’s gaze drifts down from the ceiling to meet his. “I…don’t think it’s safe yet.”

Gabe’s heart skips about a dozen beats, but he manages a smile. “Oh yeah?”

“Yeah,” Jack says gravely. “It’s always better to err on the side of caution. I mean, you could slip in the mud and injure yourself, and then I’d just have to come right back out and help you. You should definitely stay a little while longer.”

Gabe can hardly breathe. Everything inside him is screaming for him to grab Jack and kiss him, but he can’t take a risk like that while he’s sitting here in the man’s house wearing his robe. It was one thing when he could have just walked away. It’s entirely different now. There would be awkward apologies and changing clothes and weird silences and Jesus Christ Jack’s hand is on his knee.

Gabe looks stupidly down at Jack’s hand, then back up into his beautiful blue eyes.

“Gabe, this may be totally inappropriate, but…I’d really like to—”

“Yes,” Gabe interrupts.

Jack blinks, then laughs. “You don’t even know what I was going to say.”

“I don’t care. That’s a universal yes. Anything.”

“Anything?”

“Anything, Jack.”

“Wow. I was just going to ask if I could kiss you, but anything? Now I have to think about it.”

“Jack, kiss me,” Gabe says. He takes the the blonde Park Ranger by his wrists and pulls him closer. “Kiss me right the fuck now.”

“That’s not very polite, Gabe,” Jack grins, letting himself be encircled in Gabe’s arms and pressed into his chest. “Didn’t your mother teach you please and thank you?”

“Please,” Gabe breathes. His lips are almost touching Jack’s now. He can feel his warm breath on his face. “Kiss me, Jack.”

Jack’s soft lips barely brush his, lingering on the very edge for an excruciating moment, then their mouths are pressed together ravenously, wildly, with all the desperate abandon and exhilarating newness of a first kiss. Jack swings his leg over to straddle Gabe’s lap, and Gabe’s hands slide up under his t-shirt, clinging tightly to his smooth, muscular back, as they kiss and caress each other.

When Jack pulls away to catch his breath, his pupils are blown wide, almost swallowing the color in his blue irises. His cheeks are flushed and he smiles shyly, with wet, pouting lips. Gabe is gazing dreamily into his face, thinking that this is the most beautiful human being he’s ever seen, when Jack cranes his neck and looks down between them.

“Wow,” he says. “You have a concealed carry permit for that?”

Gabe follows his eyes to find that his robe has slipped open and he is rather indecently exposed.

“Oh, fuck,” he says, reaching down hastily to cover himself. “I didn’t mean to—the robe just—”

Jack catches his wrist and stops him. “Let me get that for you.”

Gabe watches in breathless astonishment as Jack slides down and pushes his knees apart to kneel between them. “I…Jack, you don’t have to—”

Jack grins up at him, with a mischievous sparkle in his eye. “I keep telling you, I’m happy to help.”

*****

The summer season at Crater Lake National Park has always been Jack’s favorite, for many reasons. The snow melts, the sky clears, and the sun shines down on the pristine waters of the impossibly blue lake, set like a sapphire in the center of its massive volcanic caldera. He loves the lake, the trees, the sky, and the mountains. Most of all, he loves the people.

The park is a lot less lonely when it’s full of enthusiastic visitors, all come to enjoy the natural splendor of the place that is so dear to Jack’s heart. Last summer, one of those people had been a man named Gabriel Reyes, an ex-soldier mourning his deceased brother-at-arms. Jack had never expected to meet someone like Gabe, and he’s certain he never will again.

Today, Jack is leaning on the log railing outside the fire lookout on Watchman Peak, gazing out over the majestic lake, and thinking fondly of that day last July, when he met Gabe at the backcountry campground on Grouse Hill. The memory fills his chest with a tender ache. They had stood here together on a morning just like this and looked out at the lake, after Jack had talked to the Junior Rangers. Then the thunderstorm had driven them into Jack’s ranger station, and then…and then.

His reverie is interrupted by the clamor of feet stomping up the stairs, and young voices chattering boisterously. Jack steps inside to greet the Junior Rangers, who have come for his lake history talk.

“Alright, everyone,” the ranger who is attempting to keep them organized says. “Let’s all sit down and say hello to Ranger Jack. He’s going to talk to us about the history of Crater Lake. Pay attention, because this will be on the Junior Ranger quiz later.”

Jack stands before the window and waits politely as the children crowd around and get themselves seated. When they’re reasonably quiet, he begins.

“Good morning, Junior Rangers,” he says cheerfully. “I hope you’re all very good listeners, because Crater Lake has a very interesting history. But first, how about we all say a big thank you to our Junior Ranger trail leader.” He smiles across the room at his colleague, who is leaning on the wall behind the group of children. “Thank you, Ranger Gabe!”

#Reaper76summerevent #reaper76 #gabriel reyes #Reaper #soldier 76 #Jack Morrison #mature #r76 #AU #Jack is a Park Ranger

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metametalmugs · 6 years ago

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The Smell of Blood and Kool-Aid

Wow, 2 updates in under 2 days, how responsible of me...

watch, I’ll leave this alone for like 7 weeks now

Warning: This chapter includes death and violence, don’t worry, I’ll probably sum it up next chapter

Max crawled up to a tree, still shaken up about the knife dug into his stomach. “Ahh... ah...” Max kept on breathing heavily, as his mind raced. He thought about what was beyond death, and how long it would take for him to find out. Max looked at Mark, who went and sat beneath a tree, his stoic expression changed into a face of apathy

“You... why... why the fuck...?” Max said between breaths. Mark looked at him, but shook his head, “I already said... it was for my uncle.”

Max looked up into the sky, the existential thoughts he had faded into thoughts about Daniel. Max kept up with his asshole front for the whole incident. But inside he knew he was scared. He was scared about the safety of his friends, something Max had rarely ever done in his life.

“...but why me?” Max said, placing his hand on the knife. Mark glanced at him, “...honestly, in hindsight, it’s a stupid reason.” Max’s face hardened, “just fucking say it.” Mark chuckled, “it was a grudge. A grudge that formed years ago.”

Mark rose up from his seat and stretched, “but I want to entertain your fleeting life, so seeing as you clearly don’t remember, I'll explain.” He took a seat in front of Max and looked in the eye

“I’m sure you remember those days where you weren’t as tough...”

--3 years ago--

Max was shoved against a wall, surrounded by 3 bigger kids. “C’mon little man, get up! Punch us in the face!” One of the kids taunted, as he kicked Max in the ribs. “C’mon, little Maxie, get up and show us how ‘tough’ you are!” The kids kept on kicking and punching Max, as he helplessly took all the hits and insults. Max was too weak then, he couldn’t fight back, no matter how hard he tried.

Eventually, the kids just left him beaten and bruised in the hallway. Max coughed, and he curled up, trying his damned hardest not to cry. Soon, a kid came up to him and put his hand on Max’s shoulder

Max quickly turned, and his face softened when he saw who it was. “Marcus?” Max said as the kid took out a tissue “Here, take this, your bleeding.” Marcus held out the tissue to Max’s face. Max just slapped his hand, “I told you before, I don’t need your help.

“But Max-” Marcus said desperately as Max got up, “Shut it! I said I didn’t need your help, they’ll just beat me up more if they see me with you. So just scram! I’ll do it by myself!” Max took off in a huff, leaving Marcus sitting in the hallway.

“...when Marcus went home that evening, he sat in his room, contemplating on what you had said. He stayed up there until there was a ring at the door.”

DING DONG

The bell rung, Marcus ran downstairs to see who was there, and to his surprise, and his mother, it was someone very familiar to them. “Oh, Daniel... what are you doing here?” Marcus’s mom said, nervous as Daniel walked in. “Oh, nothing special, like say, escaping the asylum. I’m just here to visit my adoring little sister and... oh, where is that little rapscallion?” Marcus’s face lit up and he ran down to stairs, “Uncle Daniel!”

Daniel went down on one knee and caught the kid in his arms and hugged him. “Aw, there’s my little guy, how’s it going?” Daniel broke the hug and looked at Marcus. “I... um... Uncle, I’ve got to ask you something... in private.” Marcus nervously said.

“Why, of course, Marcus.” Daniel and Marcus went upstairs into Marcus’s bedroom. Marcus sat on his bed and Daniel pulled up a chair, “So champ, what’s the matter?” Marcus hesitated to say anything but eventually spoke: “There is a kid... in my school, that is really mean to me... I don’t know what to do.” Daniel's eyes opened, “Oh, sport, that’s ok... I know exactly what to do with people like him.”

Marcus looked at Daniel as he walked over and sat on his bed, “Marcus... there is a way to make those people pay... and make it so they don’t mess with you ever again...”

Daniel took out a switchblade, “...you make them silent.”

Marcus took it and stared at the blade, “but you can’t just do it immediately, no no no, you’ve got to gain their trust, that way it’ll be easier. Don’t worry, I'll show you exactly how... by the way, isn’t your summer around the corner?”

Marcus kept staring at the blade, and Daniel slowly smiled, “Then, I will show you how to silence the people you hate forever.

Marcus walked into school the next morning and saw Max with a knife, and one of the bullies on the ground with stab wounds in his leg, “C’mon, show me how powerful you are now!?” Max snapped at them with a crazed look in his eye. Marcus just watched what happened to the nimble boy that Max once was, why did he become a violent kid... but he just stood and watched as Max was taken away by a teacher.

“...to be honest, it was either you stabbed them or I would, either way, one of us got suspended, and it was you.” Mark said, and Max stared up into the sky. “So, you were Marcus... you’re mad at me because I turned you away... that’s why you stabbed me...” Max chuckled and Mark kept staring at him.

“Not just you, I hate you, but I want to destroy the whole camp... but why did you hulk out on those kids?” Mark faced Max, who shifted his eyes back onto Mark.

‘why did I?’ Max thought about that, when he thought about the day he stabbed the bullies, he felt like he wasn’t in control... that he was acting completely out of instinct... he thought about it for a while and then it dawned on him.

“Bloodlust” Max muttered out, and that got Mark’s attention, “what?” “Nothing” Max looked away. Mark just scoffed, “whatever, so, where was I?”

“That summer, I went with Uncle Daniel to a summer camp...”

Marus hopped out first out of the car and went up to 2 counselors who greeted him and Daniel.

“Why hello! Welcome to Camp Wallabee, the liveliest camp in the state!” One of the counselors greeted them cheerfully.

Daniel walked up and smiled brightly, “Hello, my name is Daniel and I hear your camp requires an additional counselor, this is my nephew, Marcus and I would like to be a counselor to watch over this little guy along with the rest of the camp.”

One of the counselors glanced at Marcus and smiled at Daniel, “Why of course, follow me, my partner here will introduce Marcus to the other campers and our activities. You’ll follow me to our cabin to sort out paperwork.” Marcus was taken away as Daniel entered the counselor’s cabin.

It didn’t take long, but the very next day, the entire camp was indoctrinated into Daniel’s cult, and the 2 counselors were tied up. The 2 tried to break out of their bonds, as Daniel walked up with a knife.

“Oh, what a day... a whole camp in under 2 days... what an achievement.” Daniel twirled the knife.

Marcus just looked down at the floor, until Daniel tapped his shoulder, Marcus looked up and saw Daniel pointing the knife at him. At first, this freaked Marcus out, but Daniel twirled the knife so the handle was facing him. “Do the honors, sport.”

Marcus started breathing heavily, “It’s time for you to learn how to silence them... forever.”

Marcus took the knife and started to walk to the 2 counselors.

One of the counselors pleaded, “Please, kid, don’t do this, you don’t have to listen to him! Let us go and we can help you be free of him!”

Daniel laughed, “you think that he would listen to you, after all...” Daniel placed a hand on Marcus’s shoulders.

“... I love my uncle” Marcus replied as he pointed the blade at the counselors, and he violently stabbed one of them.

Daniel watched as the lifeless body of the counselor bled, he could hear the screams of the other counselor, “oh god, Tony! No!”

He looked at the knife in his hands and he was fascinated by it. ‘This is how to become stronger... physical strength is for meatheads... I’d rather render them unable to bother me again’ Marcus smiled at the weapon

His train of thought was interrupted as he felt someone touch his shoulder, and he turned around to see who it was.

“Oh Marcus... you grew up so fast... one moment you're cowering at the Boogey Man, the next you committed your first case of murder...”

Daniel bent down to Marcus, “It was my mistake to use my real name... because of that, when I was caught, everyone in my family knew who I was... what I was... but you’re a blank slate, you can change. You can be a better follower than I was.”

Daniel closed Marcus’s hand, making his grip the knife harder, “I want you to go to an alias, so you won’t be found out as easily... how about... Mar...k, I know it was just your name shortened, but hey, the police won’t know what.”

Marcus, now Mark, went with Daniel and burnt down the whole camp, killed the last counselor and sacrificed the campers to Xemug.

“...Then we continued to murder other camps, me and Uncle Daniel both burnt down over 22 camps that summer, but when he got to Camp Campbell, my mom told me to come home, and my uncle had to comply...”

Mark’s face hardened, “...you clearly fucking know what happened.” Max chuckled, “Yeah, the idiot got himself poisoned.” Mark got up and slapped Max, “how fucking dare you! Because of that drink, he’s now in a coma... If I just followed him for that... I would’ve saved him.” Max stared at Mark, who was visibly angry.

Mark calmed down a bit, “that’s why I’ll kill everyone in this camp... so I can finish what he started and get payback for what you sons of bitches did to my uncle. I’ve been planning this for a year now, I’ve been watching you guys in the opposite side of Camp Lilac, I enrolled in the Woodscouts to watch you, to formulate how to kill you...”

Mark got up and walked away, “and I'll start off by killing that bastard David...”

#cc makki #cc max #cc daniel #cc nikki #Camp Camp #regretisalreadysettingin #theforsakencamper

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thepropertylovers · 7 years ago

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Feature Friday with Ryan Wengel

Happy Friday! How was your week? We were supposed to go to South Georgia to see Thomas' sister and her family but the plans fell through at the last minute. Womp womp. So now we're going to take it easy this weekend and get some stuff done around the house. #WeekendWarriors.

We took a break from FF last week to celebrate Thomas' birthday but we are back with a brand new one that we think you're going to love. Ryan gets real about the insecurities that adolescence can bring and the subtle, surprising way he came out to his mother. Take a look below to read his touching responses and to see pictures of his gorgeous kitchen!

Where are you from? Wisconsin born and raised!

Where do you live? About 4 years ago, my partner John and I moved to the CUTEST small town about 20 minutes outside of Madison, WI. We were introduced to the neighborhood by our best friends and fell in love hard! Nestled on a perfect little lake, we do our part to enjoy everything it has to offer -- boating in the summer, ice fishing in the winter (ok, that's a stretch), and cozying up with friends by a fire year round! You can count on Happy Hour at 5pm every Friday -- rain or shine.

What’s your Instagram handle? @mrryananthony

Age: 33

Relationship Status: Partnered up. John and I met over 10 years ago while I was completing my degree and the rest is history! As it goes with any relationship, there are ups and downs, but we're really lucky to have each other.

What is your favorite place you have ever travelled to and why? I have a total soft spot in my heart for the beach. Being from Wisconsin, we have short summers and brutal winters, so I cherish anywhere 75+ and sunny! Plant me on the gulf coast of Florida ... Clearwater, Fort Myers Beach and everywhere in between. It may not be the most most exciting destination, but offers an opportunity to slow down and reset. We also travel to Mexico (Cancun) once, sometimes twice, a year with friends and always look forward to that getaway!

Who is your favorite artist at the moment? Favorite song? Should I be embarrassed that Shawn Mendes' - "Lost in Japan" has been on repeat since Monday? He is such a sweet kid and his new music is my jam! One thing is certain, Beyonce is QUEEN!

What is your proudest accomplishment? Tough question! I've never really reflected on this. I would say that my proudest accomplishment has been all the DIY work we've tackled during home renovations. We take so much pride and passion in turning unloved houses into really special homes. (Thanks PJ and Thomas for the kitchen island inspiration!!)

How would you describe your home décor style? My style is totally transitional, but I love keeping it eclectic. I'm the type of person who will go into a house and paint all the walls white, upgrade the finishes and accent with a great rug. I tell everyone that paint on a wall is much more of a commitment than a throw pillow or artwork! Keep it neutral and accessorize with great pieces that you LOVE. I am good mix of Christina Moussa (gold on gold fabulousness) and Joanna Gaines (all things shiplap).

What is something you wish you would’ve known when you were younger? I wish I would have know to have confidence in myself sooner. I truly regret my adolescent insecurity and at times feel like it has built an "inadequate foundation" that I am now racing to repair and strengthen. Most recently I am learning that you are not your day job... you are so much more than what you went to school for... and that you can do anything you want with enough ambition. Quit doing work that you're not passionate about, leave unfulfilling relationships, and be unapologetically happy. Life is too short to do anything otherwise.

What is one thing still left on your bucket list? I have a lot of places to still see. I've never been to either coast, so NYE and California are both ranked on the list! John and I go back and forth on getting a camper or RV and taking more road trips... what do you think??

How old were you when you came out and what was your experience like? Because of my insecurity growing up, coming out was more about changing my perception than it was about changing others. It has been a progression, but most of the "sit down conversations" happened just as I was graduating college. I took the pivotal change as an opportunity to free myself of the secret I had held onto for 22 years and allow for my life to really begin. My best friends were first and that was no sweat. They already knew John and were excited learn his true place in my life. Shortly after, I told my mom in a Mother's Day card. I asked she read it after I leave and share it with my dad when ready. Maybe cowardly, but I couldn't find the courage to have the conversation face-to-face. Not even 2 miles down the road, my mom was calling in tears. We continued to cry happy tears together as I drove by to the apartment that John and I were then sharing. Everyone else found out somewhat organically because we weren't "hiding" anymore. What did you learn about yourself in the coming out process? I learned that it was me who had the issue (insecurity) with it and not others. If there is a recurring theme here, it is to find your confidence and voice early on.

Have you faced any backlash or criticism since coming out? Looking back, I can honestly say that I've only gained from it. I am fortunate to say that neither of us have experienced negativity because of it.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why? If you can't answer this question with "my mom," I am truly sorry. She worked incredibly hard to give us a good life -- something I didn't always appreciate while growing up. Things have finally come full circle and now I get to see her enjoy more of life, collect experiences and invest in good relationships.

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craske · 7 years ago

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HEY YALL I’VE WRITTEN AN OC INSERT FANFIC!

im really hyped to share it, hope you’ll like it!!

-Hey campers! I have great news!-

Max and others sat there, over a plate with questionable mashed potatoes, which were said to be quartermaster’s speciality. And yet these tasted like dirt. Everyone around had the same faces of doubt and disgust, because even the smell of this food was bad. And since when potatoes smell bad? Not a good sign. At all.

David, smiling and happy as ever, came in and stood there where all campers would see him, but most of them didn’t pay attention, which didn’t demotivate David at all. Max knew that there was almost nothing to make this man lose his optimistic attitude. And he couldn’t decide if it was impressive or just simply annoying. So he just sighted.

-Noone cares David. You made up some lame activity at 7 am, did you expect us to be jumping around? Or climbing on a wall?- Max said. It was true, yesterday David told campers that they will go out for some wood walk. And as if it wasn’t bad, they’d have to leave at 7am because David “wants campers to experience wilderness when at its most beautiful part of day!”. Nobody was excited. Well… Maybe Nikki, but sugar flows through her veins, so she jumped out from her bed as soon as she heard the trumpet, which Max wished he would never hear again.

-Oh come on Max! You will see how Mother nature wakes up to start new day! Lizards go find some warm spots, owls find their nests to rest, day birds sing the loudest at this moment and we might see deer with young! Isn’t it exciting?- David exclaimed, making Max even more grumpy. What does this man take every morning?

-But this is not only great news, fellow campers!- Counselor said, with no effect. Everyone still didn’t seem to bother, but have such things ever discouraged David? Nope.

- I received a call yesterday, a new camper is joining us today!- he exclaimed, and this time, surprisingly, some people looked at him with curiosity. At the same time Neil looked concerned, Nikki was close to exploding and Max just hit his forehead at the table.

-Not another Jermy Fartz…- he mumbled.

-It would be wierd at least if another kid like Jermy came- said Neil, sticking his fork into potatoes. He picked up the plate and turned it upside down, neither potatoes nor fork hit the table, they stayed in their place, sticked to the plate as if glue was used.

-This is…concerning…- he said, when putting his plate back on the table. His friend wasn’t even suprised about this, he never ate these potatoes anyways.

-Now i’m just more concerned about this trip David planned for today. Though on the other hand… maybe bear will maul me or some shit- said Max.

After the breakfast campers went back to their tents to grab important stuff and prepare for the walk into the woods. And nobody was eager to leave their tents after entering, but David literally dragged some of the kids outside, so it was clear, there is no way to avoid this. David was talking about stuff they will see, really happy about this, even more happy than the usual, which was slightly wierd for Max.

-Well… i think he is excited that new camper is coming today- said Neill, when Max pointed it out. Nikki just shrugged.

-Or he just has even better humor, i dunno- she said and ran forward, because she saw their camp mascot platypus, who disappeared two days ago. Everybody was a bit concerned, but only because it would mean they’d have to go look for new mascot. And nobody was willing to do it.

-There she goes…-

-Nikki will dominate all animals around, you’ll see-

-Yeah, maybe she’ll become alpha of some wolf pack or something-

Max laughed at this, but then got quiet and looked to the side, as if he remembered something not so nice. But he came back to reality after a moment. Kid smirked.

-What do you say we go half a mile with this loser and then turn around and go back to camp?- he said to Neill, who thought for a moment.

-What will we be doing there?-

-I dunno, maybe slacking off? Doing what you are supposed to do during summer?- said Max with irony in his voice. He wasn’t in a good humor today and felt like being super salty about everything. Neil just groaned in response.

-You really want to be pain in ass today, huh?-

-You have no goddamn idea-

When group reached the main cabin, in which they had eaten breakfast earlier, suddenly the group stopped. David looked a bit distressed, because somebody was on the roof of the lodge.

-Hey! What are you doing up there? Come down before you’ll get hurt!- he yelled, running towards the house. The person was sitting on the side of the roof, with their legs hanging down. And kid didn’t seem too concerned about where they were sitting.

David went inside the house, probably for the ladder, but when he was struggling to pull it through front door he noticed the kid got down on their own.

-Uhmm this won’t be necessary, mister- she said.

Other kids watched it mostly with interest, but nobody was nervous about this situation. They just looked at the new camper, who was actually probably 14 year old girl. She was wearing green hoodie with short sleeves, red long-sleeved shirt under it, blue shorts and typical high boots perfect for some treckking. She also was wearing yellow lumberjack gloves, but the thing that was most unusual about her was that her hair were dyed to be bright blue, though some brown was visible in places where hair was growing.

She stood there looking a bit guilty, but not scared. David put ladder down carefully. He would have big problems with Gwen if he broke it, because it was their only one and it is never sure when it will be useful.

-Gosh darnit you scared me! How did you get up there?- he asked when approaching that new girl. She scratched her head in embarrassment and smiled.

-I uh… climbed? I mean, i jumped on that box by the wall and grabbed the edge of the roof… i will get into trouble on my first day, won’t I?- she said. David looked at the girl and smiled, still a bit shocked after what he saw.

-Oh don’t worry about it! You kids would go anywhere! So, you are new part of our group for this summer, right?- he leaned towards the girl, who was visibly more comfortable when knowing she isn’t in trouble anymore.

-Yeah! I came here few minutes ago but nobody was here so I thought waiting will be good thing to do- she said.

-Well, if you are our new camper, please introduce yourself to us!- David exclaimed, grabbing her shoulder to turn her so he can face the group of other kids. She surprisingly didn’t seem to be intimidated, more like happy that she can finally leave her excess behind.

-Um… Hi, im Meg!- she said, rising her right hand slightly. David clapped his hands, excited.

-Well, it’s very nice to meet you Meg and I’ll let you know that you arrived just in time, because we were leaving to go to the woods for long and amazing trip!- he said. At the same time Max watched it all, bored. Let’s be honest, he didn’t expect a new camper to appear here in this way, but it’s nothing special. He tried to escape during his first day, just like Nikki and Neil. Well… they wouldn’t try it if Max didn’t persuade them to do so.

He felt he won’t like this girl, Meg. She seemed annoyingly happy, just like David. Ok, nobody can be this fucking happy 24/7, but still. He smirked after a moment.

-We’ll see how excited you are ‘bout this shitty trip- he said quietly.

But there was one thing that he noticed, how she shivered when David touched her shoulder. It was wierd.

-Ok campers! Let’s go meet mother nature!- said David and went in the direction of that one path they mostly used when going into the forest. Everybody letted out a tired sigh, but followed David anyways.

-Zis isn’t going to be a good time- said Dolph who was walking in front of Max. Meghan waited for the group to pass, and then joined it at the end, happy to go to the forest.

Finally! Away from city, in the place where air is fresh, birds chirp and no sound of cars. Meg was really tired of that lil wierd city so he decided to take some vacation, it would be good for her health. Aaaand… she had a feeling her friends were getting fed up with her. So it will be good for everyone!

She was walking silently, watching the group and surroundings, excited to be here. Kids in front of her weren’t talking much, maybe because of the hour of waking up… There was… girl with green hair, dude which looks like Shakespare, magician, a black girl in some kind of cosplay, some brute, cool girltm, little boy who kinda resembled her of that one german dude, kid who apparently wants to be an astronaut, dude with fluffy brown hair and next to him boy with fluffy black hair, This is one interesting group, Meg felt that it’s gonna be great month. But there was no sight of that one kid with blonde hair she saw through the window of bus when she was coming here. She even pointed out to that scary driver some camper was out there in the forest, but he didn’t seem to care… or he didn’t hear her. It’s not sure, because he is so old he might be deaf.

-Uhm… sooooo…- she started, trying to make a conversation with two boys in front of her. Dude with brown hair turned around to look at her, though he seemed nervous, while black-haired dude didn’t even react.

-This is everyone in group, right?-

-Yeah, David wouldn’t let anybody stay in the camp during this trip- said that guy with brown hair.

-Oh by the way, what’s your name dude?- she asked, coming closer to hear these two in front better.

-Oh, I’m Neil and this is Max- Neil said while pointing at boy next to him, who just looked back at her. It’s been a long time since she saw somebody this bored. Well… guys in school looked like this few days ago.

-You are… Meg, right?-

-Yeah! And I’ll be honest with you guys, i have a feeling this is going to be one of the best summers ever!- she said, filled with excitement, while Max said to himself that he will always stay at least 5 meters away from her.

At that moment Nikki came back, covered in mud and with some twigs in her hair. She was holding something fluffy and small in her hands and before she said anything Meg ran towards her and kneeled, her irises really big.

-Is that a squirrel?- she asked, not stopping to look at the animal Nikki brought. She nodded furiously.

-Yea! And it has this funny thing on it’s head see?- She said

They were left behind, which made Max sigh in relief.

-I won’t be able to not do something to her. She is like… David or some shit- he said, not bothering to check if two girls are catching up.

-At least it isn’t another Jermy Fatrz- said Neil, but Max wasn’t sure which one of them would be worse.

-Hah, i dunno man-

After minute or two girls caught up, talking excitedly. Boys noticed they both had some scratches on their faces… Well, Nikki had some more new scratches. But they both looked really happy.

-Wow, I haven’t been attacked by a squirrel in a long time! Last time was when somebody feeded park squirrels with coffee-dipped nuts. It was wild dude!- Meg was talking loudly.

-Wow it even bit you! Didn’t it hurt?- asked Nikki, excited just like new camper, who shrugged and showed her hand with thick glove on.

- Nope, i didn’t feel anything! These are really useful!- Meg said, proudly.

-You wear them all the time?- asked Nikki, and Meg nodded in response.

-Well… Yeah! Just, you’ll never know what will happen next moment!- she said and two girls finally caught up with the group.

-Guyguyguyguys! That squirrel attacked us! It was wild! But we kicked it into the bushes!- said Nikki, really happy about this little adventure.

-Uhh… are you sure you won’t get sick? Some animals carry diseases… Well, al of them- Neil pointed out, while Max just shrugged.

-Oh don’t worry, you body must experience everything to be less vulnerable in the future- answered Meg, which ticked Max off even more.

-Wow, and i thought we can’t have more smartasses in this godforsaken place- he said, which caught Meg off-guard. She looked at him for a second. Wow, so this is the typical camp douche who can’t have fun apparently. She just needs another tactic when it comes to mr. Grump.

-Man, at least there are some smart people, huh?- she said, smirking. It sounded surprisingly salty, but Meg immediately dropped the salty mask and smiled again.

-Oh dude, come on. How bad can it be?- she said. Max turned around with a bit of satisfaction on his face.

-Oh you’d be surprised-

Nikki sighted.

-Well, you just have to be carefully around Nurf because he can pull out a lot of knives from his pockets. And we still don’t know where he gets these- she said.

-And uhh… David can be annoying- Nial added. Meg looked forward. David was leading group deeper into the forest, but they still were in this more open and brighter part of the woods. And the counselor seemed as ecstatic as when he greeted Meg back at camp.

-He seems nice. Is he always this happy?- she asked.

-Unfortunately, he is almost never down and I swear it makes me sometimes want to snap someone’s neck. Especially his- Max was the one to answer this time. Meg looked at him, slightly concerned about this last thing.

-Oh…- she said and for next hour they all four were silent, though when the group started walking around on more mountainous terrain, then everyone was wheezing, trying to catch up with David, because that son of a devil apparently had so much energy that mountains were the same as simple campgrounds. Even Nikki had enough of this and she just like others, literally threw herself on a ground when a break was announced. Max at that time approaches David, really mad.

-Wow, you’ve put us through such a shit I swear David, this trip must be worth this hell- he said aggressively, but counselor just patted the boy on his head.

-Oh Max, haven’t you noticed how wonderful it is? Haven’t you seen all these animals?- David asked cheerfully.

-Well, i saw one squirrel attack Meg and Nikki, but eh- boy shrugged. His words slightly concerned David. Why didn’t he know about this? He quickly approached two girls, talking while lying on that one bigger rock. It was pleasantly warm thanks to the sun.

-And then that bus caught on fire and…-

-Um, girls? I’ve heard you had a… situation… with wild animal. Are you both ok?- David interrupted Meg’s story, but she didn’t seem to mind.

-Nah, we’re good- she said and quickly got back to the story she was telling. Nikki was listening carefully.

-And believe me or not, we actually didn’t suffer! I had barely any burns or scratches! But my pal, he yhh… got blasted away by a bomb in that suitcase…- David didn’t hear anymore bc he had to go forward and check out their trail. He planned to avoid Sleepy Pine at all costs.

~~~~~~~~~~~

-Ok my feet will hate me for next few days and don’t expect me to get outta my bed- Meg said something, what everybody was thinking. It was long past evening meal, maybe 11pm at best. Nobody wanted to go eat anyways, sleep was their ultimate desire and as soon as the group reached the main lodge, they went to their tents as fast as they could. David had to show Meg her tent, which Gwen set up while they all were gone.

-Everyone wake up at 7am for breakfast in main lodge, where you get food made by our Quartermaster, you also can choose diffrent drinks. But no coffee-

Meg wasn’t listening, she just wanted this dude to go away, she was super tired and she couldn’t breathe good, but she tried to hide it. During the entire walk she had big difficulties with keeping up, especially on that mountainous part of track. She thought she’d suffocate.

-Ok David, i really need to sleep, thanks for everything- she finally said with hardly hidden pain. David smiled.

-Ah no problem. Good night! We are really happy to have you here at Camp Cambell!- he said and left. Meg quickly entered her tent and checked if tent drapes are closed and took off her shirt. Beneath which there were bandages wrapped around her torso, binding something to it. She took these off as fast as she can, revealing small, blue set of wings. She spreaded them as much as she could in this tiny tent and took few really deep breaths. It was such a great feeling, being able to finally breathe normally. She couldn’t leave the group to take these off, it would be suspicious. But let’s hope it won’t be the same during the rest of camp. Or she’d just pass out one day, and then people would be curious and they might find out…

Ok, don’t think about this, it won’t happen.

She took off her gloves too, revealing clawed hands covered with green scales, which were going all up to her arms and down her back. That’s why she was wearing those, but… Yeah lumberjack gloves are simply handy, today’s action with squirrel proved it.

-Damn, what a relief- Meg said and chuckled when throwing herself her bed. She finally could swear without anybody judging her.

-This is gonna be such a great summer- girl said and as soon as she closed her eyes she fell asleep. She really wanted to leave that city, it was starting to be really tiring, the everlasting noise and stench of her hideout behind that one library. Now she was there, surrounded by woods, with no sound of cars. Simply sounds of night.

It’s gonna be indeed best summer. Unless people find out what she really is…

But it won’t happen.

#my art #digital art #fanfic #fanifiction #camp camp #oc insert #oc #meg #meghan #idk if i should tag characters #uhhh #maybe not #anyway #artists on tumblr #writers on tumblr

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plounce · 8 years ago

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taz girl scout camp au - back with more gravitas

hope you’re ready for more fun times!! almost all of this is compiled from a chat with charlie @stonerlucretia, which means there’s a lot of focus on the director, but is that a bad thing? no, obviously. thanks so much to charlie for writing about half of this and being so cool as per usual.

under the cut: the director, the cast, honorary camper june, a bit of ango, haggard camp staff roswell, and a class sketch of sweet junebug, my new favorite part of this au.

THE BELOVED DIRECTOR

the director at the girl scout camp i went to as a youth rode around the expansive campgrounds in a golf cart… so obviously lucretia does the same. she has gotta scoot around to make sure everything is going smoothly in a timely manner!

but this doesn’t mean she’s unfit, god no. in this au she looks older than she is because she has spent so much of her life out in the wilderness, kicking nature’s ass!! everyone thinks she’s a wiry old lady until she like, paddles a kayak at lightspeed to help a camper, or wrangles a spooked horse, or scares off a mountain lion.

Nobody Fucks With Lucretia’s Camp.

she’s constantly wearing old lady shorts with big pockets and big clunky tennis shoes… khaki shirts… sunglasses on a string around her neck… a fanny pack (that she rocks, obviously). half of her closet is camp shirts going back twenty years.

she always has a big nalgene filled with iced tea (like my mom)

the campers are at arts and crafts and she just shows up on a horse. holy fuck mom. and then she does tie-dye with them!! it’s not the most colorful shirt out on the drying rack, but it is one of the more neat ones. she also gets a bit stained with tie-dye… a camper got eager to show her a creation.

she is universally beloved by the campers….. constantly hug-rushed. “girls you’re covered in paint. please girls. okay yes hello”

“girls you’re covered in lake water. girls the sludge. you smell like a sewer grate. i am glad you had fun swamping your canoes but Please”

“carey please put that lizard down before you - okay well now it’s stuck. thank you”

the lizard is carey’s new friend that she found down by the creek. only she ran up to lu too fast? and now. uh oh. it is stuck on lucretia’s shorts. and it does not want to be pried off. now the lizard is lucretia’s friend also

the lizard crawls up and just kinda chills on lu’s shoulder for a while like a parrot. she gives it back to carey at the end of the day but she’ll stop by when she sees carey playing with it and say hello to him and shake his lizard hand

(charlie wrote most of that and charlie is definitely the lizard)

she also has a cat!! camp pet and mascot. it comes and goes… it can usually be found near the director’s residence or the dining hall. each summer’s campers have a name for it but she like… has a “real” name for it. maybe it’s davenport.

THE CAST LIST (if i am missing any people lmk)

the campers: carey, killian, julia, noelle, ren, jess, and sabine

the college age counselors (the job i will probably be doing this summer lmao): sloane and hurley

camp staff: the director (the director), maureen (main camp staff, science lead), c*ssidy (horse stables staff), roswell (lake and boating staff), jack (more behind-the-scenes, takes care of any rattlesnakes or problems with facilities - occasionally will do nature talks)

honorary future camper: june!!!!!!!!

JUNEBUG

june is too young to go to camp yet (around five or six years old)… but her dad works there so she lives at camp over the summer. the director is very fond of her. sometimes she brings june while doing her rounds and june gets to participate in activities… lucretia’s assistant!!

she has a little clipboard that has the day’s schedule on it. and some coloring pages.

when the director is like “ok it’s time for Paperwork” june’s like OH! YES WE’RE SO BUSY and she just colors for 4 hours

the director’s office and room are papered in june’s pictures. in her desk she has a drawer that’s just filled with markers and crayons for june’s use.

lucretia: filling out grant apps and incident reports

june: drawing self insert “if i could go to camp” fanfic in those little booklets that have lines on the bottom half and blank drawing space on the top half

all the stories are of her being super cool and all the older girls think she’s really cool and they lift her up on their shoulders and call her the Best Camper Ever at the end of every one

the director has a fucking library of these things

“june [last name], honorary camper in: THE MOUNTAIN LION MYSTERY!"

(charlie also wrote most of that and made me almost cry in class bc it’s So Pure, You Guys)

POOR ANGO

angus is also there… he hangs out with june a lot. he’s the director’s nephew. his parents dropped him off so they could go on vacation by themselves :( lucretia disapproves but tries to give him a good summer break regardless. she is not fond of her brother, but very fond of her nephew.

he has read every nature book in her and jack’s offices at least twice, and he reads all of june’s stories and makes minor editing suggestions that go largely untaken

everyone’s pretty nice to him though!! he often sits by the lake and reads and eats his PB&J while the campers go boating and when they paddle up near him he says hi :)

he doesn’t participate in a lot of the more active camp activities (lucretia wouldn’t force him to) but he’s around! he makes the best of a bad situation!

ROSWELL WANTS YOU TO KEEP YOUR HANDS INSIDE THE BOAT PLEASE

roswell, as said, is the pool/lake/boating supervisor… safety first, kids.

carey please put your lifejacket back on and - KILLIAN DON’T STAND UP IN THE CANOE IT’S VERY DANGEROUS

JESS AND SABINE PLEASE STOP HITTING EACH OTHER WITH YOUR PADDLES

LET THAT FROG GO PLEASE CAREY

CAREY ENOUGH WITH THE SALAMANDERS THEY JUST WANT REST

carey you can’t bring crayfish into the boat. carey please do not pinch me with your new friends

carey i am not a downer

(sigh) you kids wanna feed some ducks? (killian: YES)

when the campers get to swamp their canoes (that’s when you intentionally rock the boat so you fall in, it’s very fun) roswell is always very close by in their kayak… they are glad they’re all having fun! they worry, but they made sure each life jacket fit perfectly, so they’re not too concerned.

ALSO

here’s a tinie junebug i drew real fast in class…

she is covered in arts and crafts projects. and band-aids. they didn’t have a camp tshirt small enough to fit her properly, but it is very enthusiastically tie-dyed.

she is also missing lots of teeth, because she is a little girl. when asked she will tell you the story of how she lost each one. every time. (one of charlie’s kids from his job does this) (it’s cute from june though)

and yeah!! i hope to get around to writing a fic set in this au at some point when school isn’t kicking my ass… if you have any ideas send them to me!! i love this au so much. feel free to draw anything, also!! (please)

#chirps #taz gs camp au #tazbird #the adventure zone #bird in the hand #quill

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fadingpersoncollectorstuff-blog · 7 years ago

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I just graduated with a bachelors degree, and my student health insurance runs out in August. The health insurance offered by my husbands job (which won't open up to me until Jan.1 anyway) considers pregnancy a pre existing condition, and won't cover it. We have been searching for affordable plans, but the only ones we have found that will cover pregnancy aren't accepted in New York state. For all the plans offered in NY that we've been able to find, none cover pregnancies in progress. I would hate to have to use the state provided health care plan for pregnant mothers (mostly because I feel like there is no reason for me to be part of a government program when we are capable of paying for our own insurance, but also because it means we have to go to specific clinics and I won't be able to keep my doctor), but there is no way we will be able to cover all the costs of a birth, especially if for some reason I need a C-Section or the like. Can anyone give me some advice, especially as it relates to the NY state health plan for pregnant women?""

What company should my son contact for affordable health insurance in the state of Virginia?

Full Coverage Insurance ripping me off ?

I got a wreckless driving dui dropdown in ohio live in kentucky in my Nissan 350z was paying $70 a month for full coverage under my parents plan... Now 2 years later after dealing with a bunch of bullshit driving a pos car with just liability for $100 a month in insurance for 2 years I finally have enough to buy a 08 nissan altima and I checked what full coverage would be and they told me $300 full coverage cheapest so I gave a few different cars and still the same price....Does it make since if my car payment is only $220 a month why in the hell would anyone pay more for insurance..?? & before you start saying something like a troll would I live in the country there is no bus stops or anything so I need a vehicle to get to work and back at this point the insurance cost to much for me to even afford when you have a apartment on ur own and only making $13/hour full time America doesn't make a god danm bit of since is this what the world is coming poverty P.S I hope i don't hit anyone without insurance....if only insurance was affordable.

How much will my insurance go up after a DUI??

I got a D.U.I. and i am going to get my license back soon and i am wondering how much my insurance will be compared to before.

Health Insurance Question?

I am 19, and I am Diabetic. I would like to move out of my parents house, and start living independently. Is there any Health Insurances out there that are government run that could help me get a cheap Insurance rate? Oh, and I live in Ohio if that makes any difference.""

I need help car insurance?

Im looking to buy a 2010 fusion se right now through Lee auto. For me to do it myself I'd have to pay almost 400 dollars a month for insurance and 360 for The car. Is there any way I can lower my insurance? This is rediculius all I have is 2 speeding tickets and that's it on my driving record. I have no loans no payments or nothing.

Terms Life Insurances-term life policy?

i am wanting to cash in a 14year life insurance policy. the amount is $50,000. what is the formula for a cash out, in other words how much will i receive?""

Why do i need car insurnace?

give me 7 reasons why i need car insurance

Why is insurance on an s2000 so expensive?

I have been looking for used cars in the 10-15 grand range as my second car, currently drive a miata, and I am stuck on a few cars: -01-02 s2000 -01 m5 -01-03 s4 I just recently turned 18, and took my driving test, and passed. I'm a male, about to graduate highschool with above a 3.0 and am already enrolled for a Junior College starting in Fall. I haven't received a violation yet, and I don't think I will any time soon. I was just wondering why insurance on an s2000 is MORE expensive than an m5 or s4. I was really sold on the s2000 because its 4 cylinders naturally aspirated (cheap on gas), a convertible, and relatively pretty. All of this was great news, until I saw how much insurance would be for this car. Lets look at the facts for these cars s2000: 2 door convertible 237hp/153lbft RWD 2 Liter N/A 4 cylinder top speed: 155 0-60: 5.5 - 6 seconds m5: 4 door Hardtop 394hp - I don't know the torque RWD 4.9 liter Naturally Aspirated v8 top speed: ~180 mph / 155 mph with limiter 0-60: 4.7-5 seconds s4: 4 door Hardtop 261HP/I do not know the torque AWD 2.7 Liter Twin Turbo v6 top speed: do not know/ limited to 155mph 0-60: 5.5 seconds I know that the small size of the car may make the s2000 unsafe, but the m5 is much more of a car than the s2000, and in my opinion much, MUCH more unsafe than the s2000. The s2000 is a sports car, but what is the m5 then, a 4 door family car? It is much more than that. High performance sports car in my opinion would be much more apropriate. If you are knowledgeable in the area of car insurance, i.e. you are a insurance agent or work for an insurance company, could you please let me know why an 18 year old has a easier time insuring an m5 or s4 than an s2000 under the exact same plan? Thanks for reading, and if you answer, thank you for answering. Have a nice day!""

Will my insurance rate go up if i recently got stopped for a failure to obey stop sign? More details!!?

i am 17 years old and i got a ticket for failure to stop at a stop sign but i could not find my papers. so the officer never scanned my insurance card. will my insurance rate go up? ps... im not on the insurance policy, it was my mothers car and i am a new driver.""

Should i Register my car under my dad's name to get cheaper insurance?

How does it work? Do i buy the car under his name and register it under his name? OR Do i buy it under my name and register it under my name and just insure it under him? How does it work? EZ 10 Points here guys.

Car insurance does it realy go up?

if your cars red does your car insurance price go up and if its a two door sports car does it go up?

Insurance on 1995 BMW 318i heeelp?

I am a 20 year old college student that is looking to buy his first car. I am currently ON MY PARENTS INSURANCE and i am thinking of buying a bmw 318i 1995 automatic trans with around 140,000 miles on it. Around how much would the insurance for this car be? I just need a rough estimate just to see what i'm working with. Thanks""

Do i need maternity insurance when I already have health insurance?

Just found out we were expecting... I am using Aetna health insurance, Do I need to add maternity insurance? Does it make a difference?""

Car Insurance quesiton?

I live in Orange County, California. My question is if there is any cheap car insurance? I'm looking just for liability and would appreciate if anyone knows of the cheapest insurance. Thank You for all those that answer:)""

Does sprint phone insurance cover a cracked iPhone 5c screen?

Help! My Daughter dropped my new iPhone 5c and the screen totally shattered!! Is this covered??

How to fix a speeding ticket and no proof of insurance?

I am a California resident in LA county. I got a ticket for speeding at around 80mph when the limit was 65. The cop pulled me over and asked for all the essentials. But i could not provide the proof of insurance even though it was in my glove compartment because the place was kinda messy. I found it after the cop left. Anyways, I got a ticket for speeding over 65 and no proof of insurance both marked non correctable. I know i can't contest for speeding, but can I somehow fix no proof of insurance? If there is a way, what are the steps?""

How much would my car insurance cost? ?

Ok, I'm 14 almost 15, and when I'm 15 I will go get my drivers permit, I live in missouri, and Im pretty sure I will be getting my grandmas car. If I got a low end 7 dollars an hour job at 15, would I be able to afford the insurance on my own? my mom doesn't want me on her policy, but I won't be driving her car anyway with my grandmas car that I'll be getting. How is this gonna work, cause I'm clueless. Please help!!!!""

Scooter insurance - where can i get cheap scooter insurance for my 16 year old son ?

My 16 yr old son is being quoted stupid prices - he has a 49cc and has past his cbt. can anyone suggest a company who specialise in young riders ?

How much would my insurance cost if self-insured?

im 21, JUST got g2 and live in toronto, ontario my choice of cars is s2k, mazda RX8, and 350z, how much will my insurance be for each? Also, my father works in Apotex, a huge medical company that have insurance packages for employees + their family, how much would my insurance cost if i sign to them?""

Non-credit based car insurance?

i saw a commercial on tv about a car insurance company that bases your premium on your driving record, not your credit score. but i cant remember the name. anyone know? thanks!""

Health Insurance for Uninsurable?

I haven't been able to get health insurance in the past couple years due to constantly changing jobs, and not being able to stay on my feet as much as I would like to in my career. I have diabetes, which is causing more serious issues with my limbs and eyes that I can't wait to take care of. I am in my low 30's, single, and a resident of Illinois. I know the affordable health care is suppose to start accepting applications in October, and care beginning in 2014, but I just can't wait that long. I tried any other state and federally funded option, but they have suspended their applications due to the new programs coming out later this year. Would anyone have any other ideas, my family will help offset some of the costs, I just need to find some kind of a plan with pre existing conditions to include diabetes.""

Insurance Premium Increase?

I got into a car accident last month..i hit a BMW that caused it to bump into a Mercedes in the accident. (The accident was on the highway) The Mercedes just has a scratch on the back bumper, and I'm pretty sure the BMW needs to replace the back bumper i hit, and probably some scratches in the front... does anyone know about how much this will all cost for repairs? And does anyone know how high my insurance premium will go up? I'm 18 years old living in CA, with Mercury Insurance.""

Does driving a corvette raise your car insurance?

Non Owners Auto Insurance?

Hello, I'm 18 and I just got my license and I am buying my first car soon. I wanted to know if it's possible if my grandmother could register my car and have the car in her own name, and I buy Non Owners Auto Insurance to cover me while driving? Is this a bad idea, because it seems as though it would be much cheaper for me? Please let me know thanks!""

How will canceling my auto insurance effect my credit?

I have insurance right now on my car that is quite expensive. I've had it for a month but I found a cheaper one I'd like to switch to. Will it effect my credit or anything of that matter in any way?

""Could $5,000 cover the healthcare insurance premium for a family?""

If McCain's credit becomes reality, doesn't it seem logical that a major healthcare provider would put together an affordable health insurance package for the credit amount and market the heck out of it? Obviously, it won't have all the bells and whistles, but people would be covered. There is the issue of the tax on the premium, but it still seems like a good idea. This link was interesting - it describes both plans clearly: http://money.cnn.com/2008/03/10/news/economy/tully_healthcare.fortune/""

Health insurance for a high school student(19)?

I was really behind in my studies so now I am being home schooled full time but my mom's work had to take me off her insurance since I'm over the age of 18. I am currently unemployed since I am trying to focus on graduating. Is there any affordable health insurance i could go on??

Is it too risky to be a homemaker even if spouse has good life insurance?.?

We both agree that I should be with kids but I'm worried about financial risks.

Car Insurance? There has to be a way.?

My X has had two accidents and a speeding ticket in the last two years. Her insurance company dropped her. The car she is driving now is financed and as everyone knows, it must carry full coverage, but the quotes are crazy. From $200 a month to $430 a month. She used to pay $65 a month. Can anyone suggest how to get full coverage and still keep her pocketbook happy?""

How much will my car insurance cosT?

We have Allstate. 2 cars, and my mom and dad are both covered on both cars. If I were to get my license in a week, when I am 16 how much will that increase there bill too? I only want to get insured for one car, and its an older classic car. Also I have taken an online drivers ed course.""

Help me lower my car insurance!?

im a 17 year old male driver, i was thinking of buying my neighbors 2001 car, but apparently insurance is gonna be 6000 a year with me as a primary driver. my parents both drive and both have vehicles, is it possible for them to be the primary driver on 2 vehicles if we say its for work/convenience and myself as the occasional driver on one car? my friend said i can if my parents list the honda as a secondary vehicle and their the primary. is this true/possible? orrr if anyone else knows any way to lower insurance in past experiences or just know help please! :)""

Is it important to have insurance?

Is it important to have insurance for a motorbike? I was thinking of buying a 125cc learner bike. How much would insurance, mot etc cost roughly""

How much is motorcycle insurance compared to auto insurance?

I'm 19 years old and have have been driving for over 2 years with my dads car using secondary insurance. Last year I really got into motorcycles and after riding a couple on back roads, I want to get one this year. I like the look and feel of an older motorcycle. I want to get something from the 80's. So far my most favourite bike I've ridden is a 1979 Honda with a 125 motor I believe. I don't care for speed, I like cruising. I'm more into chrome and chopperish feel. I'm a full time college student and I found that they offer motorcycle driving training there in the summer. Since I'm a student I will get a good discount. On top of that the parking at school for motorcycles is only $20 a month whereas I pay $7 a day for car parking. I live in Ontario, Canada which probably has the highest rates in the country. I currently pay $100/month for secondary. It used to be $150 but since I've proven to be accident free, they brought it down for me. Primary car insurance on the other hand is more like $300 or more per month for me. So do I have a good case here? 1. Older bike which won't need full coverage 2. I own the bike 3. Parked in a private underground garage at home 4. Parked in a private, security controlled lot at school 5. Already have driving experience and clean record I get my full driving license next week and I am in the process of registering for my M1 What could I be looking at paying? I know it's not possible to get an exact quote but what could I be looking at? Which bikes have lower rates?""

Car insurance in Ireland?

Does anyone know, if I want to buy a used car (small and cheap) only for a short time (one month traveling in Ireland). Is it any possibility to get a short time car insurance and dont pay for a whole year? Im not Irish, but I have full EU driver licence. Thank you for your advices. Ondra""

What auto insurance should I have for a car that stays in garage?

I live in California, I do have a car that I am not using anymore and it stays in the garage until I decide to sell it. By California law, is there any law that you must have insurance for car? even if it is not being used. if there is a law then what is my best options for auto insurance? Thanks, I appreciate any answer!""

How much would it cost to insure a 1995-2000 Ford Mustang?

Something with around 80k-100k miles. Everything stock no mods or tuning. Not convertible. Im 18 so i know itll be a decent amount. Im going to have my dad co sign on the car to help lower the insurance. Itll be used for maybe 3 times a week and ill put maybe 5k a year on it. Im on gieco currently and they wont give me an accurate qoute and i know you wont really be able to but if you give me the same number itll be the set amount ill asume. Thanks

Car insurance does it realy go up?

if your cars red does your car insurance price go up and if its a two door sports car does it go up?

How much is the average cost of auto insurance for a new driver?

heres some other info, im 20, i just got a learners permit. i live in new york state.""

Can you approximate how much car payments would be on a 2011 mustang gt convertible?

It is a mustang gt 2011 convertible , how much would car payments be with decent to good credit , also insurance payments? - thanks(:""

Is my car insurance still valid?

My partner has been banned from driving, he is the first named driver on my car insurance and I am the second driver. Am I still insured to drive my car?""

Is auto insurance cheaper in the U.S or in Europe?

According to my father in Europe auto insurance is cheaper because when you get a ticket they don't work with points you just pay the ticket and the car insurance never finds out about it anybody know if this is true.

How much would insurance cost for a 2011 Hyundai Elantra for a 20 year old?

I have never been in an accident and never got a speeding ticket. What would it cost a month?

Where does the money go that everyone pays for car insurance?

If I pay $100 a month for car insurance for 20 years that's $24,000. I know 5 people in my family who pay approximately that so that's about $120,000. So with everyone who drives pays about that, where does all that money go? To pay for car wrecks? Government? What? (No, I've never had a wreck or used the insurance to pay for anything)""

Does anyone know ANY affordable dental insurance or affordable/reasonable dentists in San Antonio TX?

Hi im looking for an affordable, dental insurance because it seems as though every where i look i can't get help because i'm not considered needy . And most health insurances have huge monthly payments without really any coverage. I think i need to get my wisdom teeth pulled and i have several cavities so if anyone can give any information on good dental coverage or even reasonable dentists' prices in san antonio, TX it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much in advance.""

How does car insurance work if someone lends you their car?

I'm 16,licensed. No car at the moment,but I'm insured on my moms car.(mom and dad are seperated). My dad says he'll let me take his car out when I'm over but I'm not on his insurance. Would it cover me since I won't be driving it regularly?or would it not. And if I wrecked would it affect my license? (Tennessee)""

COBRA insurance help?

I recently got fired is it cheap to get cobra insurance? Have you ever paid for COBRA insurance usually how much it cost for family? are my only option buying my own insurance or cobra or no insurance. Is Medicare only for older people???/?

Cars that have cheap insurance?

im 18 and just passed my driving test, but unsure of what car(s) are cheap on insurance and road tax, is there a site i could go on to find the information i require?""

Why do men have higher insurance rates than women?

Can i register a car under my name but put it under my parents insurance?

hi i live in New York and am about to buy a car but im not sure how to insure it. im am currently under my parents insurance as a secondary driver. if i register the new car under my name can i stay a secondary driver or will i have to change to primary driver? being a secondary driver is obviously way cheaper than primary. also does anyone know how to transfer ownership of the vehicle when i buy it? i know i need a bill of sale but how to transfer the title? and is there anything i need to do? i went to the DMV website but its pretty confusing. thanks in advance

What is car insurance and insurance quotes?

i'm not driving yet but i am taking driving lessons and i am just searching around for a car but i don't understand how things work. what is car insurance? why do we need it? and what are quotes? please help me!!! thank you much love xx

My new job has a waiting period of three months for health insurance but we need medical treatment now!?

My wife has been having serious difficulties with her joints, fatigue, etc. Got bad enough that she ended up losing her job. Doctor told her a couple weeks ago she has rheumatoid ...show more""

Universal Health Care- Insurance Companies?

Will private insurance still be available if the US becomes a single payer health care? If not, what will happen to all the insurance companies, will everyone be laid off?!?""

Insurance Quote?

My Step-dad and I are buying a 1.4 MG ZR between us. He is going to be the first driver and i will be the 2nd named driver. This will be my first car. My stepdad has driven for 12 years or more. Any rough ideas of a price for me? He has no pints on his license. thanks

""21st Century, mainly for the reduced rates with the same as other carriers?""

21st Century Insurance Company is a quality, affordable carrier for automobile ... At 21st Century Insurance Company, we understand how complicated buying auto insurance can be....I'm thinking of switching my auto insurance from GEICO to 21st Century, mainly for the reduced rates with the same coverage. Anyone has any experience with ...for a quote go to http://www.quoteinsuranceauto.com""

How much money does drivers ed save on car insurance?

Is the amount saved by drivers ed a lot, meaning does drivers ed pay for itself by helping lower your insurance cost?""

Insurance and childbirth?

i might be moving to oregon but im on my insurance blue cross of california.. does anyone know if they charge more to give birth out of state?

What is a good health insurance provider in Texas?

My mom gets sick very often and would like to purchase some health insurance since she isn't eligible for MedicAid. What's a good health insurance provider in Texas?

If i have no car do i have to pay insurance?

if i have my liscence but no car, but i drive my parents car do i still have to pay insurance""

What are the minimum legal requirements for auto insurance in california ?

Insurance On A Supra For 17 Year Old?

How much would insurance be for a 17 year old in (Kingston, Ontario) Canada for a 93-94 turbo or non turbo Toyota Supra be? ALSO : If its under my dads insurance would it be cheaper for me to pay ?""

I need affordable and reliable health insurance. 23 yrs old.?

hi I am a 23 year old foreign student currently studying in the US in a student visa..I am thinking about getting an affordable health insurance that covers emergencies and any sudden diseases that might occur in future.. also may be a yearly doctor visit etc.. i do not need dental.. i just want to make sure i am covered in case of emergency.. i am just a student and do not have a stable job so i cant afford a lot.. i have heard about medicare and medicaid but they are not for foreign nationals.. i have also heard about blue cross blue shield i was thinking about going with them but what do you guys think?? and what should be the monthly price?? thank you in advance .. no advertisements or spam please!!

Why do NEW drivers complain about how much it costs to insure there cars.?

Numbers DO NOT tell lies! my Sister works at a car insurance brokers and she told me The number of new drivers who are involved in accidents is UNREAL You CANT actually drive a car correctly when you have just passed your test (I know you think you can but you cant) So therefore you are a liability to other road users and therefore have to pay more to insure your car.

Car insurance does it realy go up?

if your cars red does your car insurance price go up and if its a two door sports car does it go up?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-makes-car-insurance-cheaper-young-drivers-carlene-ostara"

0 notes

nolimitsendurance · 7 years ago

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“One who fears failure limits his activities. Failure is only the opportunity to more intelligently begin again.” ~ Henry Ford

A view from the Leadville 100 course.

This summer, I embarked on an attempt to complete the Grand Slam of Ultra Running: 1) Western States 100, 2) Vermont 100, 3) Leadville 100, and 4) Wasatch 100.

I made it 40 miles into Leadville 100, and my journey along the Grand Slam ended.

I’ve been asked this a lot recently: “What happened at Leadville 100?”

The simple answer is that I DNF’d–or “did not finish,” or “did nothing fatal.”

But, I know those that ask me this question are looking for more than the obvious. As endurance athletes, we sometimes sugar coat these types of outcomes. In my case, I’ve explained that my result was a medical DNF. That said, it’s still a DNF.

I’m ok with that outcome for now. I own my result, and make no excuses.

So what happened?

The answer to that begins with Western States and Vermont 100, for a complete understanding of the summer as a whole.

Western States was a mental and physical battle to say the least. The toasty weather conditions and very recent loss of my coach Steve Pye played a factor. But, we managed to get to the glorious high school track before the cut off.

That’s the cake.

Running mountain 100’s has a way of exposing the limiters of our bodies and minds, as I learned–repeatedly–in the past few months and years. Running in the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning exposes the soul to the core.

A few weeks after WS100, I toed the line at VT100 for my fifth consecutive attempt at a finish. Every finish after the Western States finish was really icing on the cake. I still feel that way about this attempt of the Grand Slam, as I barely made it to the starting line at WS this year–mostly because of how challenging I found WS to be this year. It was the longest battle of my life–or so I thought. (You can read about the Western States story here.)

1 mile left to got at VT100, with my pacer & crew (and very good friend!) Eric.

Round 2

At Vermont 100, the first 50 miles went well and I felt solid until just past the half way aid station. At some point not long after, my GI system slowly seemed to get possessed with a monster wanting to stop my progress.

I fought this monster and used every tool I had in my toolbox to fix it. But it fought back just a little bit harder, and I puked for the entire second half of the race. I battled deeper than I ever wanted to for a 500 mile buckle finish.

My pacer and crew Eric Schrading was on point as always. Although, I could see in Eric’s eyes a few moments along the way he knew I was deep in the hurt locker, and finishing was not going to be pretty–or maybe not happen at all.

Uncertainty was creeping in, and we punched its ugly head for hours upon hours.

I was running with uncertainty. Could I keep moving with no calories or hydration for such a long duration? I’ll spare you the details but “Pukefest 2017” has a nice ring to it.

I made uncertainty my partner during this time, and after a while, we became friends. We would finish or I would be taken away in an ambulance.

I had come too far to let the mountains wring the quit out of my body and mind. We finished in the early morning hours in the sunlight. I’ve run this race in under 20 hours in the past. Yet, this time it took me a little over 25 hours. That puts the scope of the “Pukefest” into perspective.

Taking a little dirt nap along the trail during VT100.

Round 3

After Vermont, it was time for Leadville 100, with a starting line at 10,152 feet above sea level or 2 miles high. Talk about unknowns! I had no idea how the altitude would affect me, as I’d never spent any duration at that high of an elevation.

This sign sums up how we felt about Leadville: “We ❤ Leadville. Great Living @ 10,200′. Maria is pretty much convinced this town is home.

Not long after the start of Leadville 100, somewhere around 2 or 3 miles in, I looked at my HR. It was high, much more so than normal–by 30 beats.

It’s just the altitude, I thought. It will settle down.

But it didn’t. So I slowed down my pace even more–almost walking to force my HR to drop. That did not work. So, I walked a bit, and even with walking, my pulse was 10bpm above where I’d normally run a marathon.

I thought to myself: This isn’t sustainable. What do I need? What do I have?

I reviewed my hydration and fueling. They were in check–but I was dealing with a new experience, and there wasn’t much else I could do. I was living with uncertainty again.

Stay controlled and go slower than I think I can.

Then, a little headache creeped its way into my temple. The gradual, minor pain progressed into a constant, thumping pain. Then, I began to feel as if I had too many beers.

The dizziness crept in next, and my mobile dexterity started to get out of whack. I had to be extra cautious to avoid falling, as I found myself stumbling on even clear sections of single track.

When I came through the first crew aid station, around 13 miles into the race, I did not let Maria know how I was feeling just yet. I was hoping the symptoms would pass. Sometimes during endurance events, you feel bad for a bit and then you feel better. I was hoping the headache and dizziness was just a temporary situation.

At the next crew aid station, around 27 miles into the race, I stopped and sat down. This time, I told my crew, which included Maria, my parents, and our friend Alexa, how I was feeling. As I recall, they said my physical and mental state was okay, and encouraged me to keep moving along.

Maria shows off the options at mile 27.

View from the Mile 27 crew station.

I found myself leaving the crew aid station reluctantly. Not long after, I found myself unwinding progressively. I was having more and more difficulty with easy tasks. My eyes felt like they were rolling; they were unfocused and blurry. My head continued to thump, louder and harder still.

Simply walking was becoming more difficult.

Get to the next crew aid station and we can reevaluate, I thought.

Time went slowly, and then even slower still. My speech slurred. Fellow runners asked: “Are you okay?”

I was conscious and understood what was going on, but could not control how I felt or my movements. I couldn’t focus. My vision blurred, my limbs didn’t work. My head pounded.

My. Head. Pounded.

Finally, I reached the Twin Lakes crew handler aid station at mile 40. I was 7.5 hours into the race.

I saw Maria first. She said, “You look good!”

I gave her a doubtful look. “We need to have a discussion.”

Twin Lakes Aid Station.

Maria led me to where the rest of the crew was and I sat down, hoping things would come into focus – and I don’t just mean my vision.

I told my crew something was not right. While Maria sat with me, and ran through a series of questions to check the basics, my mother and Alexa went to grab a medic, who could evaluate my situation. We all knew what was happening was very likely altitude sickness. What we didn’t know was whether that was a show stopper or not.

The medical staff performed some tests to diagnose my symptoms, most of which were similar to the types of tests police officers might give someone who they suspect of drunk driving.

He asked me to walk a straight line, heel to toe.

Fail.

He asked me to touch my nose and then touch his finger.

Fail.

He asked me about the duration of my headache and the blurred vision.

Fail.

After the tests and the questions, he recommended that I withdraw from the race.

Fail. Fail. Fail.

I had yet to climb up Hope Pass, which is the highest point of the race, and that meant that the chances of my symptoms improving were near next to zero. The chances of my symptoms worsening were almost 100%. He explained that altitude sickness can cause brain swelling, along with many other long term issues or even possible death.

In my heart, I knew my race and attempt at the Grand Slam were over. If nothing else, I was done from not being able to focus my vision. I can deal with headache and would grind through the miles, but I needed to be able to see to get this done.

So, we made the decision to withdraw and pull from the race. The Grand Slam journey was over.

I’m sharing this experience not because I want sympathy. I’m sharing this story because I want everyone reading this to know that sometimes shit goes wrong. And, you have to acknowledge when that “wrong” is worth battling – or not.

I DNF’d. I’m not happy about it. But, I know it was the right call.

I like doing things that take me into uncertainty. To me, that is living. I wasn’t certain I could finish Leadville on this day. And, I didn’t. But, I will go back and make Leadville 100 right some day. I need to do that for myself. I accept the failure of 2017, and thanks to what I have learned, I will begin more intelligently when the day comes to return and finish what I started.

Congratulations to all 2017 Grand Slammers! See you in the mountains, on a trail someday soon.

Thanks to all who supported and helped along this journey.

.JPG

Our campground set up from the roof of our truck camper.

Running Towards Uncertainty "One who fears failure limits his activities. Failure is only the opportunity to more intelligently begin again." ~ Henry Ford…

0 notes

everettwilkinson · 7 years ago

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Chuck Says, “I Told You So!”

Good day… And a Happy Friday to one and all! I’m having a tough time focusing this morning, and my infusion confusion hangs on, and this morning, it’s making it tough for me to see clearly. I need some Johnny Nash right now… I can see clearly now the rain is gone… But, hey! I’m not going to let seeing double or blurry words on a screen stop me! It was crazy at the doctor’s office yesterday and the infusion center… What should take no more than 2 hours tops, took 4 hours… UGH! The Late Great, Dan Fogelberg greets me this morning with his song: As The Raven Flies… I used to play that song on my guitar… But wouldn’t remember the first chord now… UGH!

Well, I guess I could say to U.K. PM May, “I told you so!” I would get to needle her in the worst way because as I said months ago when she took a chance and called for this election in hopes it would strengthen her position on BREXIT negotiations, and I said that she was “taking a risk she didn’t have to”… The pound has gotten caught up in all the exit polls, and the final count. Yesterday the pound was sitting pretty at 1.2983, when the polls and bookies had pretty much said the Tories would maintain their majority in Parliament. This morning, the pound is 1.2732, and has been as low as 1.2705 overnight.

A hung Parliament pretty much means that the Tories will have to form a coalition Government, which means they won’t have the strength going into the BREXT process than that would have had, if PM May had not been so greedy… The U.K. is now going to find that negotiations on Trade with the European Union, and all the other things that need to happen, are going to be a real pain… And all along the way, I fully expect that the pound will be caught in the middle, and that doesn’t bode well for the pound, in my opinion…

Well, what’s bad for the pound is bad for the rest of the currencies, as they are, for the most part, sucking wind this morning… One exception is the Swiss franc… It appears that a lot of the pound selling crossed into francs, and that won’t make the Swiss National Bank (SNB) happy campers. Remember that the SNB is all about a weak franc, as long as the rest of Europe is weak, and weaker is what they are this morning, as the Big Dog, euro, lost the 1.12 handle yesterday, and has not attempted to win it back…

Gold lost another $ 9.20 yesterday… On Monday this week, I asked the question about which asset would reach their psychological level first… Euros at 1.13, or Gold at $ 1,300… Unfortunately, I must have put the kiss of death on them, because neither one is close to those levels now, as they’ve both moved in the wrong direction the last couple of days. But what? Me worry? Not really… I really do still believe that Gold is about to go on a run to higher ground, and that the Big Dog, euro, will be the main beneficiary of dollar weakness that will come later in the summer when the Fed has to admit they shouldn’t have been hiking rates into economic weakness, and loses what credibility they have left… Of course that’s just how I see it, you know, my opinion, which could be wrong, right?

Over in China last night, they printed their May CPI (consumer inflation) and it showed a strong jump from 1.2% to 1.5%, and the renminbi was allowed to appreciate again… What’s going on with the renminbi I asked a week or so ago? It now appears that the Chinese want the renminbi to settle in below the 6.80 figure, and probably want to see it around 7.50 by the end of summer… Yes, that would represent a nice appreciation from where it started a couple of weeks ago around 6.90…

There’s been no word from the Chinese Monetary Policy Authorities (CMPA) about the announcement that they would change the way the renminbi was fixed each day… I don’t know what to expect from the CPMPA, they could radically change it, or just make a minor change. But with all the hoopla of announcing that they would make the change, I’m leaning toward a major change…

Wouldn’t it by tre-cool if the Chinese used Gold as the basis for their fixing? I mean why not? As I’ve said for 7 years now, I believe the Chinese are accumulating Gold for two reasons… And one of them is to first float their currency in the open market, and then back it with some percentage of Gold, thus making it the most attractive currency in the world! So, this could be a precursor to that scenario, having the value of Gold (on the SGE, not the COMEX) relate to the renminbi’s fixing… See how I tied that all together with a nice neat bow? (Sometimes you amaze me Chuck! The way your mind works is amazing! HAHAHAHAHAHA!)

The Chinese CPI print has allowed the Aussie dollar (A$ ) and New Zealand dollar / kiwi to maintain their levels and not get caught up in the mess going on everywhere else that was caused by the U.K. election results…

The price of Oil slipped to the $ 45 handle in the past 24 hours… Last week, the price of Oil was $ 50, and this week its $ 45… and looking like it is going to slide further… Yesterday, on my way home from the infusion center, I had to stop for gas, and I noticed that gas prices haven’t yet dropped to reflect the drop in the price of Oil… I did pay less than $ 3 for Premium gas, so I guess I wasn’t that upset, but still, I would expect gas prices to have dropped more by now!

When I first began driving, I know it was a long time ago, and no, we still didn’t use horse and buggies in the City! But when I first began driving, the price of gas was 23-cents a gallon for Ethyl! You would pull into a gas station, and a young man would come out, greet you, ask you if needed a fill up and while the gas was being pumped into your car, he would wash your windows…and check the air in your tires if you asked! Well, all that passed, the price of gas skyrocketed to more than a $ 1 (oh my, the humanity!), pump the gas yourself stations popped up, and then years later, pay at the pump, and here we are… Thanks for sticking with me through that little nostalgic trip…

So… the former FBI Director, Comey, testified yesterday, and from what I can tell, there’s no real smoking gun here that should throw the President’s policies off the tracks… But a lot of the dollar move since yesterday is about dollar shorts unwinding… And you can see it in the Dollar Index, which was 96.78 yesterday morning and 97.45 this morning…

And the final piece of the triple-witching Thursday, was the European Central Bank (ECB) meeting… And here’s where there are two schools of thought from what ECB President, Draghi had to say… the first thought is that Draghi signaled that there was an end to stimulus in the future… And the other thought is that nothing changed, and bond buying and negative rates will continue through 2018… The euro traders took their cue from the 2nd thought and sold euros… I’ll let you decide which thought is appropriate by letting you read what Draghi had to say… “The ECB now expects borrowing costs to stay at present levels for an extended period.”

I’ll also point out something that was left out of his talk.. In previous meetings Draghi had always reminded everyone that “rates could go lower”, and those 4 words were missing yesterday, and that’s what really got some traders excited… But, like I said, traders went with the 2nd thought, and that cost the euro the 1.12 handle…

OK.. onto other things… Well, besides the Political problems in the U.K. the night didn’t have much for us, and neither has the early European session… Today’s U.S. Data Cupboard is basically empty, and there are no Fed speakers today, so we’re all on our own today with the currencies… I would never say that about the metals, though… there’s just too much “outside interference” in my opinion…

Speaking of the metals… As I said above, Gold lost $ 9.20 yesterday to close at $ 1,277.60… The number of contracts traded yesterday was a whopping 243,000! That’s right 243,000 contracts traded just in Gold… So, it wasn’t all selling of Gold yesterday that led to the $ 9.20 loss… At one point, Gold was $ 1,291.50, and later in the session it fell as low as $ 1,273.50, before settling at $ 1,277.60 on the day… The early morning trading has Gold down another $ 3… Which is quite strange to me, given the goings on in the U.K. but it is what it is, and I’m not going to worry myself about it, for I look at like this: Every time Gold gets whacked, it just gives Gold buyers an opportunity to buy it cheaper!

I was thinking about the early days of World Markets at the old Mark Twain Bank… Frank Trotter started the division, that had Peggy Jourdan as our currency trader, Neil George, Chris Gaffney, Mark Elmore, John Kaupisch, Jedda, and me… It was a fun group. I recall my wife bringing us treats all the time, and the time Chris Gaffney showed us his spider bite, that’s all I can say about that! But this is where it all started… It’s where I first began to study currencies, foreign bonds, and economies… It was 1992, and the Pfennig was born… That was 25 years ago! I was a young man then, but had already been in the investment business since 1973! So, an old man on the desk!

To recap… Well, it’s all about the Hung Parliament in the U.K. after the elections yesterday, and the selling of the pound, which crossed over to all the other European currencies, except the Swiss franc, which was the beneficiary of the pound selling. Gold lost $ 9.20 and Chuck wonders why, given the news from the U.K. China prints a stronger than expected CPI, which allows the antipodean currencies to hold their levels and not get caught up in what’s going on in Europe. And besides all that, Chuck rambles on about different things today, someone needs to shake him and get him on track today! HA!

For What It’s Worth… With yesterday being a long infusion day, I didn’t have a FWIW article this morning, until I opened up Ed Steer’s letter (www.edsteergoldandsilver.com ) and found one right away! This is a Bloomberg article from Billionaire Investor, Paul Singer, and his thoughts on the monetary and fiscal policies today in the world, and it can be found here: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-07/elliott-s-singer-warns-system-may-be-more-leveraged-than-2008?cmpid=socialflow-twitter-business&utm_content=business&utm_campaign=socialflow-organic&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social

Or, here’s your snippet: “I am very concerned about where we are,” Singer said Wednesday at the Bloomberg Invest New York summit. “What we have today is a global financial system that’s just about as leveraged — and in many cases more leveraged — than before 2008, and I don’t think the financial system is more sound.”

Years of low rates have eroded the effectiveness of central banks to contend with downturns, Singer said at the event in an interview with Carlyle Group co-founder David Rubenstein. “Suppressive” fiscal, regulatory and tax policies have also exacerbated income inequality and led to the rise of populist and fringe political movements, he added.

Confidence “could be lost in a very abrupt fashion causing conceivably a ruckus in bond markets, stock markets and in financial institutions,” said Singer, founder of hedge fund Elliott Management Corp., which is known for being an activist investor>”

Chuck again… Well, while the opinion of a Billionaire Investor, shouldn’t sway our thoughts completely, the should be kept on file, and added to all the other thoughts we get on the financial system, which to date aren’t good, right?

Currencies today 6/9/17… American Style: A$ .7536, kiwi .7209, C$ .7402, euro 1.1183, sterling 1.2735, Swiss $ .9717, … European Style: rand 12.9243, krone 8.5160, SEK 8.7420, forint 275.04, zloty 3. 7450, koruna 23.4545, RUB 56.94, yen 110.33, sing 1.3840, HKD 7.7954, INR 64.28, China 6.7939, peso 18.23, BRL 3.2699, Dollar Index 97.45, Oil $ 45.80, 10-year 2.20%, Silver $ 17.31, Platinum $ 939.54, Palladium $ 870.80, Gold $ 1,276.20 and SGE Gold $ 1,295.46… (this price is from the previous night for China)

That’s it for today… I can see clearly now, the rain is gone… I knew it would take a little while for things to clear up, and they did! Well, Kathy returned home yesterday, and this morning she was up early (on Eastern time) and clanging pots and making noise while I tried to concentrate on my writing. So blame her if I got off track too many times this morning! HA! It’s supposed to really heat up this weekend here. While I love warm weather, really hot weather is a notch below warm weather… But I’ll take it any day over frigid cold weather! Yesterday, I said, we needed to “let tomorrow be”, and see what happened? We woke up, and the world didn’t collapse! So, let’s let tomorrow be again for Monday… Head East takes us to the finish line today with their song: Never Been Any Reason… The diner where the band’s picture is taken for the album is the Olivette Diner, and my good friend, Duane and I go there for breakfast at least twice a year! And it was in the shopping center next to our (EverBank’s) first office! We shared some office space with the PayChex Co. But there I go again being nostalgic! Alrighty then, I’m in no shape to have any fun today, but you can! So, go make this a Fantastico Friday! And Be Good To Yourself!

Chuck Butler Managing Director EverBank Global Markets Creator / Editor of: A Pfennig For Your Thoughts 1-800-926-4922

http://www.everbank.com

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melindarowens · 7 years ago

Text

Chuck Says, “I Told You So!”

Chuck Butler Managing Director EverBank Global Markets Creator / Editor of: A Pfennig For Your Thoughts 1-800-926-4922

http://www.everbank.com

The post Chuck Says, “I Told You So!” appeared first on Daily Pfennig.

Daily Pfennig

source http://capitalisthq.com/chuck-says-i-told-you-so/ from CapitalistHQ http://capitalisthq.blogspot.com/2017/06/chuck-says-i-told-you-so.html

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