Hiking with Flat Stanley

I was very fortunate a few weeks ago to get a letter from Mrs Daum’s 3rd Grade Class from James A Garfield Elementary in Marion, Ohio. (my old home town!) They had several questions about my hike, which were a lot of fun to answer! In addition, they sent me a hiking pal named Flat Stanley, who joined me for a few days. I thought I’d share with you what Stanley learned on the Trail!

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Meet Flat Stanley! He’s out hiking on the Appalachian Trail! He’s excited because the trail goes through 14 states and over two THOUSAND miles!

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While he’s out hiking, Stanley keeps an eye out for these white marks, called “Blazes.” These mark where the Trail goes and helps keep Stanley from getting lost! What do you think you’d want to bring with you to help you in case you got lost?

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Before leaving, Stanley cooks a hot healthy breakfast on this alcohol stove! What do you think is hard about cooking food out on the Trail? Stanley has to carry everything he needs, so what do you think he carries?

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While hiking, Stanley finds a small cave! What do you think lives in there? Stanley won’t go inside, because it’s very important to not go into places like this without permission! You could harm the animals!

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Stanley is excited to see his first mountain top! He’s on Cheoh Bald! It’s very windy! What do you think he can see from the top of this mountain?

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Stanley is stopping for a healthy lunch! He makes sure to get lots of water and dried fruit! What types of food do you think it’s important for Stanley to eat while he’s hiking? Why is it important that he drinks lots of water?

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Stanley knows that it’s important to “Leave No Trace” so he puts all of his trash in this sealed bag and carries it out with him! Why do you think it’s I’m that Stanley doesn’t leave his trash behind? What do you think would happen if you had to carry your trash around all day?

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There are no bathrooms in the woods, so Stanley has to use this small shovel. What do you think Stanley does to make sure he’s cleaning up after himself? And remember, Stanley knows that it’s VERY important to wash his hands when he’s done!

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Every night, Stanley packs all of his food and trash into this special bag, called a “Bear bag” and hangs it up from a tree! This makes sure that no animals will get into his food at night. What kind of animals do you think would try to eat Stanley’s food at night? Why do you think he has to put his trash in the bag too?

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Well, it’s been a long day, and Stanley is very tired! He’s learned a lot and I hope you did too! He’s going to sleep in this building, called a shelter or “lean to” a get a good night’s rest! What can you do this week to have a day outside like Stanley?

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Comments 4

  • Tinkerbell : May 9th

    This is freaking adorable. Those kids are gonna be stoked! Cool thing to do man. Hope you and Stanley continue to have an awesome hike!

    Reply
  • Weston : May 9th

    My kid is currently reading Flat Stanley in her class, plus she has heard all of my AT stories through the years. She’ll enjoy reading this later tonight. Keep on trucking on my man.

    Reply
  • Robert Morse : May 9th

    You’re questions are perfect! Fun to read . – )

    Reply
  • Stephanie Bush : May 14th

    This is great!

    Reply

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