We were almost ready to go. There were a few very quibbling moments as we transitioned from the security of the van to the thought of an open trail, a feeling probably comparable to the to the reluctance of diving into a cold lake. I relied on the van door pillar for balance as I groped for my poles, trying my best to hide these difficulties. I don't think that we were really looking at each other now, but through the side of my eyes I believed my daughter tumbled backwards as she was putting on her backpack, fortunately not to the ground. I am almost certain that, like me and despite her practice drill the night earlier, she was also not fully prepared for the weight. She was also groping at various van parts but despite her apparent lack
