Add 3 brothers, wives, and bambinos

Combine in cabin for 3 nights

Add to cabin: a trampoline, tree house, climbing tower, ping pong table, fuse ball table, and basketball hoop

Mix with a large cool swimming hole (ensure waterfalls are present)

Baste on sunscreen and bug repellant

Stuff with marinated grilled meats and other fatty foods

If able, stuff with freshly made fudge from a local provider

Turn up volume as needed (only shush laugher when neighbors complain)

Turn off all electronics if possible (if impossible bemoan the state of our youth and society as a whole for it's dependance on facebook etc. do this loudly and frequently)

Upon vacation completion, garnish with a rowdy group cheer 

In a previous blog post, I had visited a new location.  Deserted and eery in the middle of a dust storm, I hadn't ventured too far.  This Saturday, I walked the trails with a friend.  We used to hike the Maine woods together with no fear.  Since then my buddy has become amazingly citified!  This hike was surprisingly deserted.  I expected more traffic on these trails.  We walked for maybe 2 hrs and only saw two transients under the bridges.  My recommendations:

Stay away from bridges.

Don't hike this alone.

The bike trails are great. (though a bit boring on foot)

The rocky paths by the water are more fun (but you might go to focus on some sunflowers and find someone in the bushes!)

Remember the bears are as scared of you as you are of them.

Don't sleep in.  Hiking from 8-10 in July is not advised. I don't care how much coffee you had.

Wear sunscreen.  Always.  Those freckles that are "angels with umbrellas protecting you skin" need help sometimes.

Socks prevent blisters.  This is a known fact.  I don't care if your toes are claustrophobic.  Wear socks.

A yummy breakfast erases all discomfort.  Three cheers to Joe's Breakfast Dinner.