#Lightest Weight Beach Chair

[unipride]

Lightweight Beach Chair

Unipride lightweight beach chairs are made under the highest standards using technology, to produce a beautiful compact design, with lightweight fillers that give you both comfort and value in one. For more Information, visit our website: https://unipride.co/products/beach-chair

[outdoors759-blog]

The Art of Happier Camping

6+ Ultimate Happier Camping Formulas

Table of Contents Outstanding Things You Can Learn From Examining Happier Camping The Key Reasons Why Happier Camping Is A better optionThe Happier Camping AutopsyLocal Happier Camping Company

Some backpacks feature them, or you can simply glide them in. For backpacking, get a tank that holds 2 or 3 liters, so you do not' need to refill it as often. Also, if you make use of a reservoir, take into consideration taking a bottle too for filtering and food prep. To conserve space in your pack, obtain a retractable plastic bottle.

After you rest for a few mins on a bench or the difficult ground, you'll want you 'd brought some kind of camp chair. For your very happiercamping.com first journey, utilize any kind of chair that you could use at the beach or tailgate parties. If you want to up your comfort degree, purchase a premium chair that's made from mesh or breathable product, which will avoid overload butt and back.

For many backpackers, a lightweight chair or chair kit makes a journey a lot extra comfortable that it's worth toting the extra weight. While some companies make collapsible material as well as light weight aluminum backpacking chairs, the lightest choice is a set, or fabric sleeve, that allows you to transform a sleeping pad into a chair.

Steps to Finding the Perfect Happier Camping

Cuts, stings and also other pains are common while camping, so you must always load an emergency treatment set. There are a couple optionsyou can develop your own kit, or purchase a pre-assembled set. Pre-assembled sets can actually be cheaper, and also some consist of helpful ideas. To pick the appropriate set, think about for how long you will be out in the wild, just how lots of people are going with you, and also any kind of special requirements of your group (allergies, etc.).

Whether you construct your own, or get a kit, bring added moleskin or various other products to resolve sores. Written by Marcus Woolf for RootsRated in partnership with BCBS of AL and also legitimately licensed through the Matcha author network. Please route all licensing concerns to legal@getmatcha. com.

Spring remains in full swing, which implies that camping journey you've been itching to take is just nearby. Obviously, you've likewise been indicating to get the called for equipment too. Don't worry, whether you're a complete beginner or a vet looking to cover your bases, we have actually got you covered.

The Happier Camping Autopsy

Driving someplace and also taking place little day walks from a booming base camp? You can bring a good, huge oven. Hiking 25 miles right into the? You want something a little bit a lot more portable. The distinction in between both is normally classified as "outdoor camping" or "backpacking." Campers drive somewhere and also camp out of that place.

Tips For Choosing the Right Happier Camping

The gear finest suited for each and every usually concerns weight and also packability, so ensure you consider which you'll spend more time doing when you look for gear. Backpacking equipment tends to be pricier since it concentrates on weight, but it's wonderful for both outdoor camping and also backpacking. That dual-use nature is good for anyone preparation on doing both.

Allow's begin with one of the most noticeable camping-specific tools: Outdoors tents, sleeping bags, knapsacks, as well as all that stuff that immediately enters your mind when you think of outdoor camping. This is all the pricey gear you have actually been avoiding acquiring till you really required it. Thankfully, you can manage with a whole lot less you believe.

Everything You Need To Know About Happier Camping

There's no such point as a one-size-fits-all tent though. Tents can be found in a selection of sizes as well as in a variety of kinds. Some ultralight camping tents are best suited for backpacking, while other, much heavier outdoors tents feature spacious luxuries best matched for hanging out near a car. To confuse matters more, a lot of camping tents are available in two varieties: three-season and four-season.

[lonelypond]

Moonlight Becomes You: Apocalypse Midnight Dance Party, Ch. 9

Love Live/Love Live Sunshine, NozoEli, NicoMaki, KanaMari, YoshiMaru, 1.8K, 9/?

Summary: Most everyone settles in for a quiet night.

INTERLUDES

Pacing, Nico was frustrated and pacing, reminding herself of Eli on growl prowl as moonrise neared, Nico trying not to just throw herself into a wall to see how it sounded. That wasn’t how Nico coped, no, Nico did practical things, so taking a rag in hand she began to wipe down the counters. After that, the sliding doors, then maybe she would start chopping things for a stew or something. Not borscht though, Nico made a face, tongue out, gagging, even though there wasn’t anyone to amuse or tease. Beets, beets you could have too many of, and cream, cloying, heavy sweet cream...Eli’s new Russian food cravings were having too much influence on Nico’s meal choices. Tonight though, Nico was opting for a less cloggy choice. If Nico was eating alone, a crisp, fresh salad from locally sourced produce was the ticket...just the lightest dressing. She opened a cabinet, small bowl, olive oil, mustard, white wine vinegar, whisk, then take the chives out of the refrigerator and start chopping. Lift the knife, let it fall, get into a nice, non pacing rhythm, ignoring the people who were ignoring her by not blowing up her phone with apology texts, that was the ticket. And then, after the sensible salad, curling up on the sofa to watch K-Pop weekly roundups and eat strawberry gelato. That was the best way to spend an evening. Really it was. Nico knows all. That decided, Nico hummed as she assembled her dinner.

###

Kanan fell back into her couch, sighing. Mari flounced out of the bedroom, in her third outfit of the day, a bright --somehow -- gray sleeveless sweater dress that her hair fell off the shoulders of like the molten gold of the sun rising out of the sea. From her first sight of Mari, Kanan had never not been captivated by how that glow reflected Mari’s sunniness, inhumanly bright and impossibly brattish.

“How much did you scare Eli?” Kanan asked wearily, having developed over many years the dual capacity for enthusiasm and cynicism about the ‘helpful’ wrenches Mari in fix it mode would throw into the lives of their friends and acquaintances.

“Mio cuore, I’m not cruel. I did nothing to your dancer, except trying to get Nozomi to acknowledge the fact that she couldn’t take her eyes off the poor girl. And I can see why.”

“Mari.” Exasperated, Kanan closed her eyes, stretching her arm out along the couch, knowing what would come next. And there it was, the softest touch of feather soft strands, then the weight of Mari’s head against her shoulder.

“Ah, but you are the only beast for me, bella. We have always been linked by the thread of destiny.” Mari whispered against her ear with a touch of lips as soft as the slightest swell of the sea.

Kanan’s laugh was a bark, “No matter how much you gnaw at it.”

“KANAN.” Mari’s shock was genuine as she threw herself back across the couch, hand fluttering to cover her betrayed heart. Mari’s shock was always genuine when Kanan refused to let Mari charm her way out of confrontations.

“So Eli wasn’t crying because of you?” Kanan’s suspicions continued. The memory of Eli’s red rimmed eyes wouldn’t fade.

“No.” Mari’s dramatics were eclipsed by gentle concern.

“I wonder what it’s like to be surprised…” Kanan hesitated, caught by a sudden realization.

“Huh?”

“I always knew who I was.” Kanan reached her hands out for Mari’s, always so warm, always so willing to pull her out of fogs.

“Oh.” Mari frowned, scooting down the couch as Kanan reached out. “it must be terrifying.”

Kanan had watched Eli’s meticulous, unvarying warm up routine before every one of their rehearsals, the dancer slowly progressing through exercises and positions, always at the same slow speed, always in the same order. “Yeah.”

###

Dia was standing catty-corner to the fireplace, staring at the ocean. She’d only seen pictures of the Malibu estate like this, before the beach had been covered and the rock stairs useless at high tide. There were favorite corners she’d rather be tucked into, but Maki hadn’t invited her guests into the downstairs suites. The decorating was so strange anyway, complete absence of any hint of Nico, which made everything seem cold. Dia shivered, accidentally timed to a cough from You, who still persisted in flashing unforgettable legs in very forgettable, should be trashed shorts. Was this California in the early 21st century? Because, Dia decided, it could keep its complete lack of fashion aesthestic, before she wrenched her eyes from You’s tanned legs to the very worried blue eyes watching her.

“Weird for you, huh?” You chuckled.

“Can’t you find clothes?” Dia snapped, turning even further out to sea.

“Uh yeah, sorry about these.” You gestured at herself, “Wasn’t expecting Yoshiko to drop you into my day like that.”

“Is it Yoshiko or Yohane?” Dia wasn’t really curious, but these questions allowed her to loop around any looming embarrassments or admissions.

“Both.” You shrugged. “I’m sure she’ll explain.”

“I’m not sure she’ll have a chance. Why in the world would I…” Dia started, irritated.

“Don’t you want to get back home?” You parried with a shrewd question.

Dia sighed and sat on one of the chairs parallel to the window, pulling a leg up to rest her chin on, “Of course I do. But maybe this is a dream…?”

“Ooohh, I’ve never been in anyone’s dream with lighting like this.” You struck a pose, hands under her chin, fluttering her eyelashes at Dia.

“Silly.” Dia forced herself not to laugh but a corner of a smile snuck out.

“Ah,” You bounced dramatically to the opposite chair, “Your face does relax.”

Dia tossed her hair back, rolling her eyes so as to not encourage this friendliness. “You have a home, right? Go and get some clothes.”

“Your mother will never let me back in.” You stated flatly.

Dia thought for a long moment, then smiled and shrugged.

You groaned and threw her head back, “You’re all so cruel.”

“All right, Watanabe, everyone in the family is taller than you are…” As Maki entered the space with that announcement, You dramatically threw a forearm across her forehead. Completely ignoring her, Maki continued “so nothing is even near your size, but here’s a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. There’s a bathroom that way.” Maki tossed a pile of clothes in You’s direction and thumbed in the direction of the hall behind her. Turning to Dia, Maki handed her a much neater stack, “My mother has some casual clothes that seem like they might suit you. There’s a guest suite down that hall if you want to get changed there.”

Dia stood, her arms full of a fuzzy mint, tan and blue check jacquard sweater and a pair of black knit leggings with small slits at the ankles. Very much what her mama would consider casual wear and a little too relaxed for Dia, but not as much as if Maki had raided her own closet. “Thanks.”

Maki nodded. “The driver’s gone to get food. She’ll be back soon.” Maki glanced around the room, “The fire makes it nice here, but we can set dinner out on the table.”

Dia remembered so many nights, her mothers curled up in each other’s arms on a much pinker couch, staring into the fire as music played.

“That’s fine. I like it here.” Dia hugged the pile of clothes a little closer; at least her gandmother's perfume was familiar, berries and pale flowers and a clear musk, “I am a little cold though.”

“Mama’s got a shirt jacket somewhere.” Maki swivelled, “I’ll find it.”

Dia found herself wishing she’d stayed in the hospital room. This situation, here at home, but everything and everyone just a step not right, was becoming too disconcerting and she could feel not a head but a whole body ache starting. Maki, her eyes so kind, so watchful but without the deep warmth of maternal concern Dia was used to. Maki might not be the most demonstrative of parents, Dia and Ruby had Nico for that, but Dia’s first glance had met those loving eyes and she had drawn comfort from them since. Passionately perceptive, fiercely stubborn, endlessly generous; everything Dia had hoped to grow up to emulate. But here, Dia was a stranger, Maki was preoccupied with other concerns, and puzzlement flashed across amethyst more often than benevolence. It was going to be a full body headache, Dia thought, reaching a hand to rub her eyes, forgetting she had an armful of clothes, her knees suddenly failing, and You was right there, in a ridiculously large white shirt with black ink kanji that slid off her shoulders and sweats she was keeping up with one hand. The other seemed to be keeping Dia up. How silly.

“What did you do?” Maki’s voice sounded distant even as it echoed angrily around the room. Dia tried to blink, but her eyes wouldn’t open, sleep suddenly sounded perfect as she felt herself being eased down to the couch.

“I came back and she was so pale…”

“She said she was cold.”

“Is that a symptom?”

The voice that wasn’t Mama’s, what was her name again, Legs, You, right, Dia rambled to herself, You had squeaked with worry, that was nice but Dia was fine, she didn’t need any help, just a nap.

###

Hanamaru smiled at Yoshiko sprawled gracelessly over a chaise at the back of the bookstore. As soon as the fallen angel had returned to a comfortable place, the time displacement lag took over and Yoshiko had proven how affected by mortal failings she was now. But the snoring was cute, and the way her midnight hair splayed out against the warm red of the chair reminded Hanamaru of nights when her wife had had some energy left and Hanamaru could remind her of heavenly pleasures other than the celestial.

With a giggle, followed by a sigh, Hanamaru plugged in the refilled electric kettle. No sense remembering those scenes, until Yoshiko had a chance to recuperate. And then, there would probably still be issues to sort out related to the displaced Dia before they truly had time to themselves again

How could Hanamaru help? Too used to Yoshiko’s refusal to admit she needed assistance, Hanamaru realized this, while Yoshiko was safe in a restful oblivion, was the perfect time to do her own research. Perhaps there were some answers to be found in the future. As the tea kettle bubbled, a bright blue light flashing in the darkened room, Hanamaru moved to the locked cabinet, hidden in a jumble of seemingly random bookshelves. Time for her to consult the Book Of Riko, to see if prophecy held any answers someone less impulsive than Yoshiko could puzzle out.

A/N: Howdy.Cats and furniture have been moved; still trying to get back into some form of routine. How's your October? Any Halloween plans? We're doing scary stories and snacks (probably not scary) by fireside next weekend for our next theatrical adventure. I might read some bits of Dracula. 'Tis the season ; )

[devaigh]

The Winner

Chapter 3

Much ❤❤ to my wonderful beta @sassenachbydesign for all her help, and for talking things through with me. This story would not be possible without her.

“There's my girl.”  Claire smiled wide as her daughter descended the last few steps. “I was starting to wonder where you had gone”

“Oh, no where. I was just... showing some of the guests to their rooms.” Brianna motioned absently behind her.

“I see. It seems like almost everyone has arrived, yes?”

“I think so.”

Claire linked arms with her daughter, leading them outside towards the wide terrace. “Well since the guest are mostly settled, I thought you could help me with something.”

Brianna raised an eyebrow. “And what exactly would that be?”

“I have a surprise for Roger. I assumed you would like to help me with it.” Claire grinned. “I have it hidden away for now. I happened to come across something that he would find interesting. But it looks like I will have to show you later.” She inclined her head. “I think someone is looking for you.”

Brianna followed her gaze, her own blue eyes lighting up when she saw  Roger. Her mother was right, as soon as Roger caught her eye, he hurried over, greeting Brianna with a soft kiss.

“Hello again, Dr. Randall.”

“Roger, please I've told you to call me Claire”

Roger blushed. “Aye, I'm sorry Claire.”

“Forgiven.” Claire smiled looking between her daughter and future son-in-law. “How about I leave you two, and I'll see you both this evening at dinner? You should both take some time for yourselves before things get too crazy around here. Just don't be late.”

“We won't Mama.” Brianna leaned over giving her mother a kiss on the cheek. “We'll see you later.”

“Aye, tonight.” Roger grinned, pulling Brianna close to his side. She fit neatly under his arm. “Right now, if you'll excuse us, I would verra much like to have Bree to myself a bit.”

“I suppose it's alright.” Claire teased. “Just behave both of you. We have a lot of guests, so make sure you're both back in time. We don't want to keep them waiting.”

Claire waved them off as she turned to go back to the beach house. She took a deep breath, enjoying the warm, salty air. It had been awhile since she had had a proper vacation.

For the last several years, it seemed as if she hardly left the hospital at all. Now she had two glorious weeks on a private beach in the south of France.

Claire fully intended on enjoying herself, even if she did have a wedding to see through.

A sudden movement from one of the balconies caught her eye. Twisting, she held one hand up, trying to see; the early afternoon sun was in her eyes. She could only make out what appeared to be a huge, hulking shadow, as it crossed her face. Blinking the sun from her eyes, she turned back towards the wide breezy porch and disappeared once more inside.

**********

Jamie stood frozen on the balcony of his room, his eyes locked on the point where Claire had just vanished. He could feel the rough, weathered wood of the railing give slightly under his hand as his fingers wrapped tightly around it.

Seeing her, moving so gracefully around the the edges of the beach with her lovely nest of curls floating around her face, simply stole his breath.

She looked just as lovely as the last time he saw her, when he kissed her goodbye. Jamie could feel the bitter sting of tears pricking at his eyes. With a huff, he shook his head, clearing his thoughts.

Did he truly had any claim on her after all these years?

What he could even say to her?

No, he reminded himself. He was here for one reason only. To see his newly found daughter wed. It was the least he could do for the lass. He would stay, for Brianna, and then take his leave.

It was probably what was best for everyone.

***************

“This place is beautiful LJ. How did you ladies ever decide to stay here?”

Clare laughed, “Well honestly, I've always loved this part of France. I used to come here with my Uncle when I was a little girl.  We would always stay in villas like these for a few weeks each summer. It was one tradition we always kept.” she shrugged. “I myself haven't actually been here in years. When Brianna suggested it, I guess I just went along.”

“So Bree made the suggestion.”

“She did. I don't quite know where she got the idea, but I have to say, I think it was a great change.”

“You deserve a vacation LJ. You work too hard.” Joe said, his eyes serious. “You never take time for yourself. I know Bree is your whole world outside the hospital, but she's grown now. She's about to be married. You should start thinking about you again. Maybe find you a man...”

“Joe..” Claire slumped in her chair. “Please, I have no reason to think of anything like that.” She rolled her eyes. “I haven't been with anyone since Frank, and that's the last thing I want to consider!”

It was true.

Claire's relationship with the older Professor was one that still left her sore. A quick whirlwind of a romance that still left a bitter taste in her mouth. She knew that her hasty marriage had only been the painful product of her shattered heart and discovery of her pregnancy. Yet she still had agreed. Had it not been for Brianna... Well, Claire still wasn't sure what she would have done.  Moving to Boston had been her way of putting her past behind her. It was a way to start over, and discover what she truly wanted.

That's how she had met Joe.

Three years after moving across the pond, Claire had started medical school. It had long been a dream, something she had wanted for as long as she could remember.  At first, it had been somewhat easy with Frank around, despite his annoyance at her studies. Frank had wanted Claire to remain at home, which had caused a lot of their fights.  

When they had finally split, Claire  felt only a sense of relief.

She could finally pursue what she wanted, and while her daughter went to school, Claire would be in classes as well, usually until it was time to pick Bree up. Then, once she would drop her off with the sitter, Claire would work nights as a nurse at the local hospital.

It was a long, exhausting few years. When she met Joe, she had found a friend she could rely on. When sitters were difficult to find, Joe's wife Gail would take Brianna, sleeping from Claire's arms, refusing to take any sort of payment as Claire was ushered to class or work. Between the two, Claire had kept herself and her daughter fed, and safe. She had no idea how she had made it through school without them.

By the time she had graduated, Brianna was almost in the double digits. Then her routine was mostly worked around her daughter. As a single parent, Claire was forced to work odd hours, until Brianna was old enough to stay home alone.

“I'm doing just fine, on my own Joe.”  Claire said, brushing away her thoughts.

“I never said you weren't LJ. I only said you need to do something for you. You have a lot to offer anyone.”  Joe stood then, patting Claire on the shoulder. “I hate to run, but I need to go see where Gail went.”

“Of course. You both should get some rest. It's a long way from Boston.”

“See you at dinner?”

Claire smiled. “Absolutely. Thanks Joe.”

“My pleasure LJ.”

**************

Claire stood on the edge of the terrace, her long dress billowing around her. Her eyes were closed,  her face tipped up to catch the fading sunlight. She could taste the salt in the air around her, feel the weight as it tangled in her curls. A deep rich aroma floated towards her from somewhere along the beach, it reminded her of dinner.

Soon she thought, soon she would turn back inside and change for the large dinner planned for all the wedding guests.

Despite the exitement surrounding the festivities, Claire found herself longing for more of the quiet moments. She looked forward to when the wedding was over, everyone was gone, and she could spend a few days to herself before she went back to her life.

Claire yanked off the wide straw hat she wore, seeking the warmth of the fading light. Her shoulders had gone slightly pink since she arrived, but she found she didn't care. Her normally creamy skin had started to freckle just so. She rubbed her arm lightly, amused how the lightest touch of her fingers left a brief imprint. She would need to remember her sunscreen.

“Careful there. I'd no like to see ye burned.”

Claire froze. The sound of the voice behind her thrumming through her. Her eyes shot open, wide and alarmed. As if in slow motion, she turned, her brow eyes automaticity looking up, locking her gaze on the man she never thought she'd see again.

“It's nice to see ye, Sassenach.”

[sierrawestla]

Trans Catalina Trail

                                                                     by Andrea Ehrgott – Aug 2021

 I am convinced that every additional ounce in one’s backpack results in bruises, blisters, aches and pains on a logarithmic scale. In preparation for our Trans Catalina Trail (tct) trip—a last minute change due to smoke in the Sierras, I even weighed my underwear to select the lightest. As for a tent, it had to be feather weight, so I ordered a bivvy, a flimsy nylon sarcophagus providing a mere two inches of room to the sides and four inches above my sleeping bagged body, but weighing only 1.5 lbs. Sadly REI has not yet figured out how to make water lighter.

Shortly after the ferry left San Pedro harbor, where we’d been mesmerized watching containers being unloaded and loaded on cargo ships like an automated unstoppable lego building exercise, the intimidating profile of Catalina came clearly into view. I wondered if there was any chance a quick gust of accelerated erosion might lower the steep mountains a few hundred feet before we docked.  

We three are in our sixties, arguably too old for an adventure involving backpacks, five nights camping, and hiking over thirty miles from one end of the island to the other. We’ve known each other since our kids were in preschool and we’ve hiked in our local SM mountains over the years, but this was the first time we’d carried backpacks and camped together, the first time we’d shared dehydrated dinners, band-aids, toilet paper, and sporks. To add to the absurdity, we thought it would be a lark to wear pearl (fake) necklaces. Why not?

We walked along the coast from Two Harbors the first overcast morning and after several miles found a deserted private club where three Adirondack chairs invited us to stop and take our boots off and gaze at the yacht-dotted sea. A swim in the clear water of Emerald Bay refreshed us sufficiently for the long walk back to the campground and along the way, a bald eagle soared over the inlets. It was a sweet warm-up to our trek. That night, after Fish and Chips at the only restaurant, I wormed into my sleeping bag and bivvy. Through the fly net, I studied the starry night sky and fell asleep to the monotonous rhythm of breaking waves.  

The trail, the next day, took us inland up a mountain (1500’) and down again to Little Harbor on the other side of the island. It was tough and slow-going. We arrived early enough to relish the pretty coves, the campground shaded by Canary Palms, to swim along the rocky point, to paint, and wash clothes, all while keeping a close eye on a lone bison, apparently a permanent camp resident. He seemed most at home in our campsite and slept soundly under a tree not far from us that night.

From Little Harbor to the next campground, Black Jack, was hard work. The trail climbed steadily up to the middle of the island, and from the moment the sun rose, it was hot. Among the chaparral’s dry grass, browned shrubs and prickly pear, the few trees seemed defeated by the drought, leaves shriveled, few in number, and coated in dust. We stopped regularly to drink water, adjust our backpacks, soak up the panoramic views and to watch a herd of bison grazing. The promise of lunch at the small airport cafeteria motivated us to keep going. Suffering a little from heat exhaustion plus a good amount of regular exhaustion, we stayed at the airport long after our lunch, waiting for the air conditioner to revive us and for the heat of the day to pass before we continued. The last two miles to Black Jack, although tiring, was quite lovely with more diversity in the vegetation and more interesting topography. At this campground, the only one accessible exclusively to backpackers, we got a true sense of how many people hike the TCT. Not many. I could count the tents on one hand. I don’t know my astronomy but the night sky was beautiful and three planets stood out among the stars, dimmed only when the moon rose. Getting in and out of the bivvy is difficult at the best of times, but when leg cramp woke me up later that night, it was a slow, painful, and complicated effort to extract myself from the double confines of sleeping bag and tiny tent. A little later, after I’d wriggled my way back in, several bison walked through the moonlit campground, and I heard one snorting and huffing nearby. The only reason I slept is because I imagined they had to be ground squirrels or foxes, looking for scraps.

We left early the next day for the longest leg of the trail, 11 miles, to Hermit Gulch campground a mile outside Avalon, the main town on the island and our terminus. It was long and hot, long and hard, long and dusty, long and steep. At times the trail ran alongside a dirt road with traffic, at times it deviated, and other times it overlapped with the road, not the wilderness experience we longed for. There were trucks carrying cement, trucks servicing the cell phone towers and other infrastructure, and there were “safari” jeeps carrying tourists across the island, presumably to see the bison and beaches. Evidently we were unusual specimens to be pointed out too. One jeep stopped on the roadside and we heard the driver who was pointing at us, talking over the microphone to his safari customers mentioning words like “backpack” and “camp” and  “35 miles”. I decided, like any wild animal under observation, to speed up and make myself scarce.

It was a relief to finally reach Hermit Gulch campground, to rest, eat and shower. Foxes and deer visited as the sun went down. However a few hours later when we were ready to sleep (at eight pm), other campers were warming up with vodka and drugs for loud partying which went on long after midnight. I’d like nothing more than to erase this night from the adventure so that it doesn’t leave a sour taste. Next time I’d avoid this stop; I’d continue all the way to Avalon directly and take the evening ferry home, dirt and all.

Will I do this again, I kept asking myself? Apart from a level of fitness and a tolerance for dirt and discomfort, backpacking requires organized discipline and a good memory for all the storage details. A bottle of water must be within easy reach at all times, sunblock has to be reapplied throughout the day, blisters attended to, a tent rolled up wet from morning dew has to be dried out later in the day. I’m not so worried that my legs will be the reason I stop backpacking, or my back; it’s more likely to be my memory. What happened to my chap-stick? Who has the map? Which pouch did I put the granola bar in? Where did I put the car keys? Sad to say, I lost the pearls. They were probably left at one of the campgrounds and whoever camps there next must be mystified. I also lost the matches, necessary to start the stove - fortunately my fellow camper had a lighter. And a toenail is still tender and dark red suggesting that I will be losing that too before long.

But yes, it was worth it. There is satisfaction in taking any inviting path from beginning to end, and a feeling of accomplishment in following a ridge to stand atop a mountain from where horizons are widest. There is the delight of swimming in and out of clumps of healthy kelp after being overheated and dusty. It’s lovely to get to know friends even better, and it’s pure euphoria when it’s all over and the boots come off.

[furniturein-123]

Light Weight Office Chair Review

Office life is a phase everyone loves in today’s date as people do wish to opt for being independent living on their own terms. Therefore, to keep their employees safe, healthy and in perfect shape, firms should opt for Office Chairs and furniture which should be kept in place with modern and stylish looks. Companies mainly now love to style their office with fancy and comfortable Office Chairs. Mainly people prefer the mesh chairs under Office Chairs but as the generation is evolving people are making their office space to be more comfortable and stylish with modern lounge space furniture or chair sets which can be setted by the poolside of your office or even in the meeting and lounge areas. Let’s review the best Office Chair in the house below:

 Portable Office Chair

What is it?

A lightweight, foldable set of chairs made up of a steel frame and textilene fabric which is flexible, weather - resistant and lasts long. It is a reclining chair that locks into place and smoothly glides into an ergonomic "zero-gravity position". It means you feel as if you are floating in mid-air. It comes with removable elastic cords that immediately adjust to your body's weight.

What makes this convenient is the addition of a removable tray which has two cup holders and a dedicated space for a phone and a tablet. No need to choose between your favorite beverage or your preferred electronic gadget. A removable headrest adds that element of extra comfort.

How does it perform?

With a claimed weight bearing capacity of 250 lbs the chair should be able to accept most adults that choose to use it.  The reclining feature doesn't make it lay completely flat. The tallest of us may find their legs dangling from mid - air though. The locking mechanism has a tendency to not be the most reliable. The weight is more than a camping chair and as such may feel a bit heavier for those who want the lightest chair possible. Even though it's made from steel, long exposure to air and moisture may end up spoiling the metal.

Who is it for?

The chair should please anybody who wants a foldable, light versatile chair that is able to take decent loads and is portable enough to carry out to the park, backyard, garden or even the beach.

It's a handy chair for lighter, more casual uses. Steel frames offer good support. They're a good deal for the price as well.

Dimension:

Open Dimensions: 32.5"-61"(L) x 25"(W) x 33.5"-44"(H)

Folded: 38"(L) x 25"(W) x 6"(H)

Pillow: 14"(L) x 2"(W) x 7"(H)

Weight: 16.3 lbs. (each)

Specification

Material: Steel, Mesh

Weight Capacity: 250 lbs.

Includes: (2) Zero gravity chairs, (2) Cup Holder trays, (2) Headrest pillows

Minimal assembly required to attach tray (with instructions)

Available in 14 colours: Gray, Black, Brown, White, Beige, Burgundy, Aqua Blue, Crimson Red, Forest Green, Cobalt Blue, Camouflage, Burnt Orange, Pink, Tan Striped

[sallyannthearts]

Hiking for Princesses 2

How To Prepare for a Hiking adventure when You’re a City Princess

Pic: Day One when all was still well and I could still balance well enough on a steep rock to take this photo. 

A real princess is one who lives in fantasy whilst still having her toes touching reality, no matter how harsh it may seem. In that sense, signing up for this trip wasn’t on a silly girly whim. I knew that there’d be tough times ahead but I also didn’t want to think too much about it. 

One thing that I knew I’d be okay with and was ready to do was: NOT TO SHOWER FOR 6 DAYS... and probably crap in a hole in nature. 

I’d signed up before the summer holidays and told myself that I’d be dancing every single day at summer dance camp while hiking on the weekends to prepare for this feat. But just before the summer holidays began, I found myself with a severe ankle sprain after having fallen off a chair during a dance in Cabaret the Musical. I couldn’t walk properly for the next 1 month. Oh Oh. 

Pic: Early stages of rehearsal during Cabaret the Musical by ECM Paris at Theatre de la Variete, Paris. I wore heels to dance in the show. 

So, in total, Andro, reason 1/2 of why I was going for this torture trip and I only trained like, twice for the trip. The first time we did so was around our backyard from Paris 5th arrondissement to Parc Montsouris where we ended up having a tasty lunch with beers. 

Pic: If only she’d known back then what awaited her. 

The second time we ‘trained’ was in Dieppe with 8 bottles of milk in my bag pack and we walked over slippery rocks at the beach with the tide threatening to come in close to wash over us (dangerous thing to do). That was more like it and already, I thought I was dying from lack of stamina. I shivered at the thought of the 110km. But summer was very hot in Paris for the next remaining weeks so... we didn’t train anymore. 

Pic: Day One when we arrived at the first viewpoint/ eating place with LapDonalds hamburgers for sale and I thought this was going to be an easy breeze. 

SO, if you’re going to sign up for a Classic Fjallraven Hike or anything like that, one thing I do advise you is: TRAIN FOR IT or at least have good enough stamina because I have to thank the Gods for my youthful energy and dance background for having saved me by the latter. 

Also, another note that would be elaborated later: LEARN HOW TO USE YOUR EQUIPMENT because not everyone will be lucky enough to have an Andro to help you through it all. 

Pic: This is an Andro. He was the one who helped me and two other girls survive this trip by teaching us how to really set up our tent and to use our bunsen burners amongst other camping tricks.

Photo credit: Michael Mead (a.k.a Jesus because he came to join forces with the Andro to help us girls along the way; to be continued). 

Now question about your packing list, what do you really need in that bag of yours? 

I got most of my stuff from Decathlon and their equipment proved to be very good. My undergarments came from Ice Breaker, full 100% Merino wool of comfort and cleanliness which makes every cringing penny you spend SO worthwhile. 

YOUR HIKING PRINCESS PACKING LIST:  

1) A Waterproof Bagpack (YES WATERPROOF IN SWEDEN!!! You will soon read why.) Mine was a 60L one which was just enough and nice for a little body like mine. Anything lesser would be tough to keep everything in for a 6 day hike like this. It also comes with a waterproof bag cover, worth the buck! 

2) Waterproof Boots (Decathlon, mine came with pink laces!) I remember telling my boyfriend that I didn’t wanna get mud on them when I first used them. HA. Ha. 

3) CLOTHES: 

-Base layer: 100% Merino Wool bra and panties (Ice Breaker) Yes, they’re expensive but they’re well worth it! You’ll smell like roses even after six days of rain and not changing them. 

-Extra base layer (if it’s cold because the weather in Sweden can go from hot summer to freezing cold winter with snow): 100% Merino Wool long johns and top (or sleep naked in the ice cold like me because you love your sister more than your comfort and you gave her your long johns to sleep in whilst your soaking wet pants tried to dry in vain in the rain) 

-Middle layer: A odour-proof, sweat-proof basic T-Shirt (Decathlon) 

-Top Layers a.k.a the dozens of Jackets you’ll put on if it’s super cold: 

1st Jacket: Basic Fleece Polar (Mine was from Uniqlo) 

2nd jacket: Feather down Jacket (Mine was a pink one from Gap, pictured above) Get one that’s easy to pack and very light so that you don’t add more weight. 

3rd jacket: Waterproof & Windproof Jacket with Hoodie (Mine was a green one you see above from Decathlon, a $20 euros deal that saved my life!) 

-Rainy layer: Huge Poncho (Decathlon) that can fit your bag pack inside too. Choose wisely for you will look like hunchback or if you prefer, like my sister, a cute orange spongebob. 

Pic: The Orange Spongebob, nicknamed after my boyfriend when we were looking out for her in the distance.

-Head layer: A beanie because even your ears will freeze if you are blessed with weather like ours. 

-Neck layer: An all purpose scarf/headband (Decathlon) 

-Hair: Bring hair ties to tie your hair up! 

-Hands: Winter gloves that can withstand rain (Or 1 single glove because you love your sister and gave her yours only for her to find hers and lost 1 out of 2 of your gloves and so you continued the hike with one aching hand all the way) 

-Bottom Layer: One pair of Waterproof pants that can be turned into shorts (Decathlon); actually, bring 2 pairs because if it rains, I’d rather save you from the horrors of sleeping in 0 degree Celsius naked. Also, if you’re a less adventurous princess, sleeping in your bed with the same muddy pants may not be your cup of tea as I did during my adventure. 

4) FOOD & DRINKS: 1 Lifestraw water bottle 50ml (You’ll keep passing beautiful streams and rivers of nice fresh water but still this built-in filter assures 99,999% of bacteria and virus killed); 1 pot and pan with utensils, 1 bunsen burner beaker (they'll provide you with gas), 1 lighter or matches (bring your own and don’t make the mistake like us of sharing only one! But hey, now we have a matchbox from Salka as a souvenir!)  !!! Bring your own energy bars and chocolate and all that guilty crap you couldn’t eat back in the city because of well, fat. YOU CAN SNICKERS YOUR WAY THROUGH IT THIS TIME! Hello, guilt-free eating! 

Pic: DO NOT get the Creamy Salmon with Pasta from Real Turmat. Neither do I recommend the beef and lamb stews. Instead, the best were Chicken & Lime, Kebab Stew, Curry Chicken and Chilli Con Carne! 

5) BEAUTY: Vaseline (For your feet blisters), Blister pads & Hand plasters, thick creamy facial cream (with 20SF sunscreen in case you get some sun suddenly popping out), Flip Flops (Even in the cold, to let your feet breath), Toothbrush & Toothpaste (although I only used them twice in 6 days), polarised sunglasses, small microfibre towel, lip balm, hair oil, mosquito stick (in case), 1 roll of toilet paper, 1 small anti-bacteria hand wash. 

6) MEDICATION: Panadol, Diarrhoea pills, Muscle ache roll-ons (DO NOT get the ones that cools instead of heats else you’ll end up feeling intense cold on certain parts laughing in semi-hypothermia like me).

<!!! Contact Lenses: 

I’ve tried looking for blog posts about advice on wearing contact lenses when hiking and camping in the wild but to no avail. So here it is: TO WEAR OR NOT TO WEAR YOUR CONTACTS? 

Yes, YOU CAN WEAR THEM. How? Dailies. Wash your hands beforehand or use a small bottle of eyedrops to wash your hands and then put them on, preferably with the help of a tent if not you’ll be surrounded by three other people like my sister whilst she tried hard to put them on in the wind and rain.> 

7) Walking Sticks (2 of them because you’ll thank the vision of yourself at age 90 walking with these sticks when you’re at 25km and limping in the cold towards the next checkpoint) 

8) TENT (Spend on your tent, seriously! The Green ones most of the Singaporean team got from NatureHike was not suitable for the cold weather at all! Your Tent is your Home. It’ll motivate and help you to stay strong. More to come about my horror Tent story later) 

There goes, my Princess Hiker Packing List. I also brought a book and a packet of Monopoly deal, neither which were ever used. My bag was one of the lightest  from the start because we spent on the newest and lightest quality equipment, all of which your back and shoulders would thank you later. 

Pic: With one of the lightest bag packs at less than 10.5kg amongst the 2200 participants of this year’s Fjallraven that had an average of 15kg to a whopping 25kg+, I was set for a breezy walk, wasn’t I? 

So, with about $500 euros per person spent on equipment. I was ready for the 110km adventure wasn’t I? 

Click here to READ ABOUT THE WORST CLASSIC FJALLRAVEN SWEDEN 110KM HIKING YEAR EVER AND HOW IT BECAME THE BEST. 

[morethanaprincess-a]

🛏️ oh no, again?

send 🛏️ for a starter in which our muses’ hotel room only has one bed so they’re forced to share.

What was supposed to be a relaxing school holiday for Classes 77-B and 78 had now turned into a situation far more awkward for Sonia. Hope's Peak was often meticulous in their plans, from each main course student's education and examinations to their cafeteria menus. So when it was announced that a joint class trip was to occur to Okinawa, just as she'd seen in plenty of anime and drama series, she hadn't been concerned. As far she knew, it would be a chance to deepen the bonds of friendship between herself and her 77-B classmates and get to know Class 78 better. Their assignment had been to utilize their talents in a positive way while enjoying the delights of the seaside with their friends, like normal teenagers. But she doubted normal classes of Japanese teenagers were given no choice but to share rooms with members of the opposite sex. Even in her favorite manga, that was a situation too improbable to put on paper.

And yet, here she stood in front of a closed hotel room door, plastic key card in her hand as she hesitated to open it. There had been a mixup in the room reservations, as she'd intended to stay with Chiaki Nanami but the Ultimate Gamer had been assigned to Peko Pekoyama's room instead, leaving Sonia alone and roomless until the teachers had come to their brilliant solution: Class 78 had an odd number of pupils, none of whom seemed keen on rooming with their own foreign exchange student. So it had been hastily arranged: Sonia could easily get along with Kaiser and would stay with him for the night, at least until the rooming situation could be reassessed in the morning. After all, she was the only one who spoke German.

"I'm very sorry to impose upon you like this, Kaiser," Sonia sighed, nudging one of her many suitcases with her foot as she looked up at him, her expression apologetic. They'd all arrived just in time to take advantage of an afternoon at the beach and a night at each student's leisure, but Sonia found it difficult to exude her usual brand of optimism. "But it should all be fixed in the morning. You will simply have to endure my presence until then, and at least we were promised two beds. I will do my best not to trouble you!"

Her words carried more weight than just that night's inconvenience. Since the day she'd thoughtlessly, foolishly kissed him in the student lounge and they'd introduced themselves properly, they had not spent much time together. A combination of schoolwork and Sonia's own embarrassment regarding the whole debacle had kept her preoccupied with other tasks and friends. Perhaps it would be easier to reconnect in the tropical environment, with views of white sandy beaches and waves that lapped against the shore.

That settled her nerves somewhat. With a determined nod, Sonia took a step forward in her wedge sandals, opening the door with the plastic key. Smiling, an encouragement for herself as much as it was for him, she picked up the two lightest suitcases and entered. "The view is supposed to be of the beach as well, which is very kind of the school to off-"

But the sight of his- their room had derailed that train of thought. In the center of the room lay a single king-sized bed, the dresser, chairs, and tables arranged for a single occupant or, perhaps due to the serene, pleasant nature of the resort, an intimate couple. Sonia's blue eyes went wide, immediately dropping both suitcases by her feet as she stared at the layout. "I suspect this is not a sort of joke but a further mistake upon the hotel and the school's part..." Sonia stammered at last, gulping and looking over her shoulder to him. She hoped the turn of events wouldn't strain their friendship further.

[dragonydreams]

Aruba: Best. Vacation. Ever. - Captain Canary & Foxfire

Title: Aruba: Best. Vacation. Ever. Fandom: DC's Legends of Tomorrow Rating: Explicit Pairings/Characters: Sara Lance/Leonard Snart, Mick Rory/Amaya Jiwe Summary: When Mick drags Leonard to Aruba for a well-earned vacation, he doesn't expect to enjoy it quite so much. Timeline: AU Word Count: 4,767 Disclaimer: I claim no ownership over these characters. I am merely borrowing them from Berlanti Productions, DC Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Television. Betas: Thank you to angelskuuipo and shanachie_quill for looking this over for me. Author's Note 1: Prompt from @laweizhu: Captain Canary: scuba instructor / vacation type deal? Author's Note 2: Happy Birthday @newyorkcitydreaming! 

"This is the life," Mick Rory said, lifting a sweating beer bottle to his lips as he settled more comfortably on his lounge chair.

Leonard Snart frowned from his own lounger a few feet away, under the shade of a beach umbrella. He looked over at his best friend since childhood as Mick stretched out, enjoying the heat of the sun beating down on his mostly exposed flesh.

"If you say so," Leonard drawled, pulling at the collar of his long sleeved shirt.

While Mick was lying out in only a pair of board shorts, Leonard wasn't so comfortable exposing himself to total strangers. So, despite the heat, he wore the lightest weight long sleeved shirt he could find with his board shorts (his one concession to the heat).

"You didn't have to come," Mick reminded him.

"I said you could choose our destination after our last big score, and I'm a man of my word," Leonard said. "I knew the risks of making that kind of a promise."

Mick shifted onto his elbow and grinned up at him, lifting his aviators to meet Leonard's eyes. "It's not like I haven't been dropping hints about Aruba for a while now." He winked, then lay back down. "But I meant that you could have stayed inside the nice air conditioned cabin."

Leonard grunted his agreement. He'd thought about doing just that, but in the end had decided that he'd rather sweat to death in the shade out here than stay by himself while remaining comfortable.

Besides, he thought to himself as he looked out over the clear blue water, the view was much more enticing out here. He could admit that there was something to be said for the sound of the ocean waves crashing against the shore.

Leonard found himself looking at the hypnotic motion of the surf more than the book he held open in his hands.

He had just taken a sip of his beer when he thought he saw something that made him choke and blink his eyes. If he were a fanciful man, he'd think that he had just seen a mermaid, for he could have sworn he had just seen a beautiful woman pop out of the water before disappearing again.

"You okay, man?" Mick asked, not moving from his position.

"Yeah," Leonard croaked. "Beer just went down wrong."

"Hate when that happens," Mick said.

Leonard sat up straighter, looking out over the water at the spot where he'd seen her. A minute later, a woman rose from the water, closer to shore than she'd been before. She removed a snorkel mask as she walked out of the water. Her long blonde hair clung to her shoulders and back, drawing Leonard's eyes down her turquoise blue bikini-clad body.

As if she could feel his gaze on her, she locked eyes with Leonard, smirking knowingly at him as she walked up the beach, passing to his left as she made her way towards the resort, probably in search of a towel.

As she passed him, she asked, "Enjoying the view?"

"Very much so," Leonard admitted, turning to watch her go.

She looked back at him over her shoulder and gave him a wink before she reached one of the chairs near the pool and retrieved her towel, wrapping it around her body.

Leonard turned back around and took another sip of his beer. Suddenly, this trip didn't seem like such a bad idea.

~~*~~

When Sara returned to her small employee's apartment, she went straight to her roommate Amaya's room and swooned dramatically onto her bed. Amaya, who was sitting at the head of her bed on her laptop, looked up at her friend's antics.

"Good swim?" she asked.

Sara rolled onto her stomach. "I think I'm in lust," she admitted.

"Again?" Amaya asked. "What's his or her name?"

"I have no idea," Sara said, dreamily. "But he has the most amazing blue eyes that I have ever seen.

"Aside from a mirror?" Amaya teased.

"He's got a friend, too," Sara sing-songed. "Big, muscly guy that was working on an impressive tan."

"I do like them with muscles," Amaya acknowledged, setting aside her laptop. "They're guests?"

"Yep," Sara said. "They had that 'I desperately need to relax' vibe going on."

"And you want to be the one to help Mr. Blue Eyes relax," Amaya said knowingly.

"Well, we are supposed to help make the guests' stays more pleasurable," Sara said, laughing.

"You're terrible," Amaya said, giggling.

"Just wait until you see his friend," Sara said. "You'll soon be singing my tune."

"We'll see," Amaya said, blushing faintly. She wasn't as quick to seduce the guests as her friend, but she had been known to have a fling or two.

Sara rolled off the bed. "I'm gonna go shower and then we should try to find them at dinner so I can point them out to you; maybe even join them. After being out on the beach all afternoon, I predict they'll be hitting the buffet tonight."

"Count me in," Amaya said.

~~*~~

That evening, Leonard and a deeply tanned Mick decided to dine at the resort's buffet. Leonard was wearing khakis and a light blue button down shirt, open at the collar, while Mick wore a bright Hawaiian shirt, opened several buttons, over jeans.

They had just settled across from each other at a table, plates piled high with food, when a couple of shadows fell across their table.

Leonard looked up, snarky comment at the ready, when he saw the blonde from the beach grinning down at him, along with a beautiful black woman beside her. Both were wearing brightly colored flirty dresses.

"Hi," the blonde said, "mind if we join you?"

"Sure," Mick quickly agreed, his eyes hungrily taking in both women; eventually lingering on the silent friend.

"Of course," Leonard agreed.

"I'm Sara, and this is my friend, Amaya," Sara said as they set their plates on the table before sitting.

"Leonard. This is Mick," Leonard said, handling their introductions.

"You guys just arrive?" Sara asked. "I would have remembered seeing you around."

"Yeah, we just got here yesterday," Mick answered. "Love this place."

"Does that mean that you've been here a while, to know if we're new or not?" Leonard questioned.

"I suppose you could say that," Sara admitted.

"We work here," Amaya added.

"Should you be fraternizing with the guests?" Leonard asked, suddenly disappointed.

"Probably not," Sara said with a shrug, then grinned wickedly at Leonard, "but that's never stopped me before."

"You do this often, then?" Leonard asked, leaning towards her.

"Only with the special guests," Sara said.

"How d'you know we're special?" Leonard returned.

"Oh, I've just got a feeling," Sara said, hungrily running her eyes over Leonard before tucking into her food.

"So, uh, what do you ladies do here?" Mick asked into the silence.

"I lead nature hikes," Amaya said, "and Sara here is a scuba and snorkel instructor."

"That's great," Mick said. "I love nature, and Leonard loves to swim."

"You ever been diving?" Sara asked Leonard.

"No, I'm more of a pool guy," Leonard admitted.

"Well, then," Sara said, meeting his eyes as her foot brushed against his leg under the table, "I think we'll need to schedule a private lesson or two."

Leonard raised an eyebrow at her blatant flirtation and smirked. "I do believe that we should."

The flirtatious conversation continued through dinner, and once they'd all had their fill - Mick returning to the buffet at least once - the girls led the men to the front desk, to get them signed up for their activities the next day.

"Does this mean you need to call it a night?" Leonard asked, not wanting the evening to end.

"Only if you want it to," Sara said. "But I was thinking we might have a drink on the beach."

"I like the way you think," Mick said, slinging an arm around Amaya's shoulders.

"So do I," Leonard said, offering his elbow to Sara. She took it and guided them to the poolside bar so that they could procure drinks before heading down to the beach.

As soon as they hit the sand, the couples split up by silent consent, Sara and Leonard slowing their steps to allow Mick and Amaya some privacy ahead of them.

"Hang on," she said, halting Leonard with a hand on his arm. She balanced against him as she pulled off her platform sandals.

Leonard grinned down at her as she lost about three inches of height beside him. "I didn't notice how short you were before."

"Shut up," Sara said, lightly, slipping her arm through his as they began to walk down the beach. "This is much better for walking on sand."

"So, how long have you worked here?" Leonard asked.

"Full time, about a year now. I started working here during summer breaks from college, then after I graduated, I didn't really know what to do with myself, so I asked if they needed full time help and they said yes."

"You didn't want to use your degree?" Leonard asked.

"Not really much opportunity with a photography degree," Sara said.

"You're a photographer?" Leonard asked, not really surprised.

"Just as a hobby for now," Sara admitted.

"Lots of inspiration here, I'm sure," Leonard said.

She met his eyes and heat flared between them. "Oh, yes, there is."

Slowly, Leonard dipped his head, when their lips were centimeters from touching; a loud peal of laughter startled them apart, breaking the moment.

Sara slid a piece of loose hair behind her hair as she glanced up the beach to where Amaya was still laughing at something Mick had said before she glanced back up at Leonard.

"So, uh, what brought you guys to this resort?" Sara asked as they began walking again.

"Mick and I are business partners and I told him that he could pick where we went on vacation after our last big job," Leonard said.

"You vacation with your business partner?" Sara asked, confused.

"He's like my brother. We've known each other since we were kids," Leonard found himself admitting.

"And what is it that you do?" she asked.

"People hire us to acquire items that they want," Leonard answered.

"You're thieves," Sara guessed, sounding intrigued.

"We prefer to use the term 'retrieval specialist'," Leonard said. "That's not a problem, is it?"

"Since my dad's a cop, I should probably say yes, but it's not a problem for me," Sara said.

Leonard instantly relaxed again, having stiffened when she said her dad was a cop. "I'm glad to hear that."

"I thought you might be," Sara said, grinning. "That a lucrative business?"

"We do alright for ourselves," Leonard admitted with a smirk. "And the hours are much better than working in an office."

"I get that," Sara said. "My schedule here may vary depending on how many people are interested in diving or snorkeling, but is it really work when you love what you do?"

"And your office really is rather appealing," Leonard added, gesturing to the ocean beside them.

"Really can't complain about that," Sara agreed, grinning up at him.

Leonard found himself smiling back at Sara.

"Hey, Boss," Mick said in greeting, drawing Leonard's attention away from Sara.

Leonard turned to glare at Mick as he and Amaya approached, Mick's arm wrapped around Amaya's shoulders and her arm around Mick's waist. "Heading back in already?" Leonard asked.

"Yeah, uh, about that," Mick hesitated, then met Amaya's eyes and rushed to say, "Gonna be needing the room tonight."

Leonard raised an eyebrow at that, taking in just how close Mick and Amaya were standing.

"You two are sharing a bed?" Sara asked, teasingly.

"We're renting one of the bungalows," Leonard explained. "There are two beds, but they're in the same room."

"What's wrong with your room in our apartment?" Sara asked her roommate.

"I should think you'd appreciate us not hooking up one thin wall away from you," Amaya said, blushing. "The bungalows are isolated…"

"Stop, I beg you," Leonard said, cutting her off. "I don't want to hear any more."

"That is rather the point," Amaya said.

"Fine," Leonard grumbled. "I'll find somewhere else to sleep tonight."

"Thanks, Boss," Mick said, beaming at Leonard. Leonard just waved them off. "See you tomorrow."

"Yeah, yeah," Leonard acknowledged. "Have fun."

"Oh, we will," Mick said, swinging Amaya up over his shoulder in a fireman's carry and hurrying off towards their bungalow.

"So, I guess I better go see if the hotel has any rooms available for the night," Leonard said, staring after his friend.

"Don't be silly," Sara said. "You can crash at my place." At Leonard's raised eyebrow, she added, "We have a very comfortable sofa."

Leonard groaned. "Sofa surfing is not something I imagined myself doing on this vacation."

Sara laughed. "Were you planning on doing any other kind of surfing?"

"No, but I also didn't expect to get kicked out of my room," Leonard admitted.

"I'm happy for them," Sara said. "Amaya needs a good lay. She's usually so shy around the guests."

"Bet you didn't think she'd be the one getting lucky tonight instead of you?" Leonard said.

"Who said I'm not?" Sara countered, running her eyes hungrily over Leonard's body.

"But you said…" Leonard started, looking confused.

"You didn't really think I was going to make you sleep on the sofa after how hard I've been flirting with you all night, did you?" Sara asked, laughing.

"I didn't want to presume…" Leonard said. "I hoped, but I wasn't gonna rush you."

Sara closed the short distance that was between them, sliding her arms up his chest and around his neck. "I'm all about living in the moment," she purred.

That was all the encouragement Leonard needed. He groaned as he got the first taste of her lips, his arms wrapping around her waist to pull her closer to his body.

Kissing Sara was like stepping into a cool lake on a hot summer day; like coming alive. Like coming home.

Her tongue flicked against his lips and he eagerly opened to her, echoing her moan as their tongues met and danced.

His hands dropped to her ass, giving a teasing squeeze and Sara lifted one leg to wrap around his hip, pressing them even closer together.

"Get a room," someone hollered, causing them to end their kiss and press their foreheads together as they struggled to catch their breath.

Sara pressed her hips against Leonard's growing hardness before lowering the leg she had around him. "That is an excellent idea."

She bent to pick up her sandals and empty beer bottle, which had dropped at some point during their kiss. She almost shyly took Leonard's hand and began to walk back towards the resort.

~~*~~

The next morning, Leonard awoke to the sensation of lips and a tongue exploring his shoulders and a warm hand stroking his morning wood.

He groaned and rolled onto his back, moaning with pleasure as he opened his eyes to see Sara grinning down at him, her loose blonde hair falling around her shoulders, still gloriously disheveled from the previous night.

"Mornin'," she greeted him, giving him an extra squeeze.

"Good morning," Leonard panted as he thrust up into her hand.

Sara leaned down to kiss him, moaning as Leonard skirted a hand up her thigh, over her hip to take a breast in his hand.

Sara shifted until she was straddling Leonard and was about to sink down onto him when he broke the kiss to croak, "Condom."

"Already on," she informed him before smoothly welcoming him into her body.

"Fuck," Leonard hissed, his fingers grasping her hips, holding her still for a moment.

"Too much, old man?" Sara teased, lowering herself to lie on top of him as she slowly rotated her hips.

She squealed in delight as Leonard rolled them so that he was above her and her ankles locked around him. "Who are you calling old?" he asked, pulling back and thrusting back into her quickly.

"No one," Sara gasped, digging her nails into his back. She dragged her fingers down his back to grasp his ass, encouraging his movements.

Leonard shifted until his weight was on one arm, freeing one hand to slide across her body until he could reach her clit.

Sara cried out her encouragement at the first touch to that sensitive flesh. She pulled his mouth to hers, kissing him desperately as he pushed her closer and closer to the edge. She whimpered and bit his bottom lip as her orgasm ripped through her. As her body tightened around him, Leonard let himself go, following her over the edge into bliss.

He collapsed on top of her, breathing harshly for several minutes before he finally managed to pull out and collapse next to Sara.

"Now that's what I call a wakeup call," Leonard said, pressing a kiss to Sara's shoulder.

Sara leaned up to kiss him. "Mmm, yeah it was. We also need to get going if we're going to grab breakfast before your snorkel lesson."

"You mean that was for real?" Leonard groaned.

"Of course," Sara said, rolling out of bed. "I can't wait to show you my ocean."

Leonard saw the eagerness on her face and realized he was going to have to go through with snorkeling if he wanted to keep seeing Sara. At least he would be with her while doing so.

"Okay," he said, standing. "May I use your shower?"

"Yeah, it's the next door to the right," Sara said.

"Join me?" Leonard asked.

"Maybe next time," Sara said. "I'll go make some coffee."

Once she heard the shower start, Sara pulled on a robe and went out to make the coffee, as promised. She was startled to see Mick sitting in the living room.

"Mick, what are you doing here?" she asked, tugging the robe tighter around herself.

"Waiting for Amaya to change for our hike," he answered. "Sounded like you and the boss have been having fun." Mick waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"We were," Sara agreed with a grin. "Hey, why do you call him 'boss'? He said you were partners."

Mick shrugged. "He likes to say that, but we both know that he's the brains of the operation and I'm the brawn. I know my place and I'm cool with it."

"I'm sure you're more than just the muscle," Sara said, filling the coffee maker with coffee grounds and water.

Mick shrugged again. "Maybe, but he's definitely the one with all the plans."

"Except for this vacation," Sara pointed out.

"Yeah," Mick agreed, smiling. "Best choice I've made in a long time."

"I'd have to agree with you there," Sara said.

"Okay, I'm ready to go," Amaya said as she entered the room. Upon spotting Sara, she added, "Oh, hey, Sara."

"Mornin', roomie," Sara said.

Amaya lifted her backpack from near the door and grabbed her water bottle out of it. She went into the kitchen to fill it with ice and water.

"Have fun last night?" Sara quietly asked, knowingly.

"As much as you did this morning," Amaya grinned, winking as she walked back out to her bag.

"Enjoy your hike," Sara called as Mick went to Amaya.

"Enjoy your swim," Amaya returned as she and Mick left.

"Later, Sara," Mick said.

"Later, Mick," Sara returned.

Leonard emerged from the bathroom a minute later, a towel wrapped around his waist.

"You missed Mick and Amaya," Sara said.

"What were they doing here?" Leonard asked, wondering how long they'd been there, and what they'd heard.

"Amaya needed to change for their hike," Sara answered.

"Did they--?" Leonard started to ask, but Sara cut him off with a "Yep."

"So much for being in separate spaces," he commented.

"Go ahead and get dressed," Sara said. "I'm gonna rinse off and then we can go grab breakfast. There's coffee in the kitchen. I wasn't sure how you took it, so I left out milk, sugar and a mug. Help yourself."

"Thanks," Leonard said, stealing a kiss, before disappearing back into Sara's bedroom as she closed the door to the bathroom and jumped in the shower.

She didn't bother to wash her hair since she was going to be in the ocean today anyway and was soon dressing in a one-piece swimsuit and slipping a maxi dress on over it. She pulled her hair up into a ponytail and was ready to go.

When she joined Leonard in the kitchen, he commented, "That is the fastest I have ever seen a woman get ready for the day."

Sara laughed. "Well, it does go faster when you don't have to do your hair and makeup. Pretty silly to do those things if I'm just going to be in the salty ocean all day."

"I suppose you have a point," Leonard conceded. "You look beautiful without those things anyway."

"Thanks," Sara chirped. "C'mon, let's go."

~~*~~

"Isn't there some kind of rule about not swimming for an hour after eating?" Leonard grumbled as Sara led him to the shed where the snorkeling gear was kept. They had stopped by his bungalow so that he could change into swim trunks before grabbing a quick breakfast in the dining room.

Sara laughed. "That's just an old wives tale," she said. "Besides, by the time we get in the water it'll have been an hour since we ate."

"We're not just going in the water here?" Leonard asked, surprised. He’d seen Sara snorkeling close to the resort the day before so he’d assumed that’s where they’d be going now.

"No way," Sara said. "We'll take one of the boats down the coast a bit where there are some amazing reefs. Trust me, you'll thank me."

"You are the expert," Leonard conceded. He watched as Sara selected snorkel masks, fins, and small machines that look kind of like fans. She had him try on the mask and fins to make sure they fit correctly.

"This is sanitized, right?" he hesitantly asked, eyeing the mouthpiece as he pulled the mask over his head.

"Of course," Sara said, laughing. "We sanitize the masks and fins after every use."

"Just making sure," Leonard said.

Sara checked the mask and was pleased to see that it fit him perfectly. "It's a match," she announced.

"You have a good eye," he said, removing the fins and mask.

"I've had lots of practice," she said with a shrug. "Okay, I think we're all set."

"Can I get one of those?" Leonard requested, pointing to the wet suits hanging along one wall.

"Don't really need one. The water is warm," Sara said.

"I'd really prefer to wear one," Leonard said, wrapping his arms around his body. Sara may have seen all of his scars last night, but that didn't mean he wanted to show them to the rest of the world.

Finally twigging to the real reason behind his request, Sara's expression softened and she selected one of the black skin tight suits from the rack.

"This one should fit you," she said, handing it to him.

Leonard met her eyes, his unspoken relief showing through. "Thank you," he whispered.

Sara gathered up the other items they'd need and headed out of the shed to give Leonard some privacy while donning the wetsuit. When he stepped out a minute later, covered from neck to ankle, Sara couldn't help but admit to herself that he still looked damn sexy in the tight material.

"How's it feel?" she asked.

"Tight," Leonard admitted.

"Good," she said. "Then it fits right. Having second thoughts about wearing it?"

"No." Leonard shook his head. "Still better to be wearing it than risking… anything."

"In that case, let's go!" Sara handed him the fan-like things and led him towards a small marina he hadn't realized was there. She signed out one of the speedboats, Waverider, and soon they were out on the water.

Leonard sat back and admired the way Sara commanded the small boat, confidently steering them away from the resort.

Half an hour later, Sara cut the engine and dropped anchor.

"I take it we're here?" Leonard asked. The ocean looked the same here as it had on the ride over.

"Yes, we are," Sara confirmed, slipping off her dress. She grabbed the fins and handed one set to Leonard. "Put these on like this," she instructed, then pulled on her own fins. Leonard did as she showed.

Next she handed him the snorkeling mask, which Leonard pulled on without instruction, then lifted up at Sara's gesture.

"Okay, when we get in the water, I want you to practice breathing through the mask before you put your face in the water. Once you've taken a few breaths, I want you to float with your face in the water and just breathe for a minute to get used to the sensation. Ready?"

"As I'll ever be," Leonard confirmed.

Sara set the fan-things on the bench before sitting on the edge of the boat and swung her legs over the side. "See you in the water," she said with a grin before hopping over the side.

Leonard took a deep breath before following her. His feet felt heavy from the fins, but he soon got used to paddling with them. Sara swam over, her mask already in place, and pulled his down, making sure it was secure. Leonard put the mouthpiece between his lips and tried to remember how to breathe as he looked at how natural Sara was in the water.

After several breaths, Sara encouraged him to float on his stomach, his face just beneath the water. Staring at her powerful, bare legs moving beneath the water did nothing to ease his breathing, but Leonard did his best to do as she'd instructed and before he knew it, he was breathing fairly normally.

Sara tapped his shoulder, encouraging him to rise out of the water. "How'd that feel?" she asked.

Leonard removed the mouthpiece and said, "Pretty good, actually."

"Excellent." She reached over the side of the boat and grabbed one of the fans and handed it to him before grabbing the other one for herself. "These are going to help pull us through the water. When you're ready, turn it on here." She pointed to the On button. "Then just follow me."

"We're not going to be going underwater, are we?" Leonard asked, hating how nervous he sounded.

Sara shook her head. "Not on your first time out. We'll keep to the surface of the water. You'll still get to see some pretty cool fish from here."

"Lead the way," Leonard said, sliding his mouthpiece back into place. Sara grinned at him before doing the same.

She faced away from the boat, turned on her fan, and began moving forward. Leonard followed her.

They traveled for ten minutes or so when he began to see them. Bright yellows and blues darted in and out of his field of vision. A small school of zebra striped fish swam under him, one bumping into him, as if upset that he was in its way.

Sara tapped his arm to get his attention, pointing to her left.

It was like a city under the water. Reefs full of coral and plant life with fish moving over and around it.

He grinned around his mouthpiece, wishing he could communicate his excitement better. He gave her a thumbs up, the best he could manage. Sara nodded her understanding.

They moved closer, watching the fish and the way plants swayed in the water.

A sea turtle detached itself from one of the reefs and swam away from them. Leonard did his best to follow it, but it evaded him, knowing these waters better than the gangly human.

They swam around the reef for over an hour before Sara led them back to where the boat was anchored. Once they'd maneuvered themselves back onto the boat and removed their gear, Sara asked, "So?"

Leonard pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly.

"That was amazing," he beamed. "I never really thought about what life was like under water before. I get why you love working here. When can we go again?"

Sara laughed, delighted that he enjoyed it so much. "How does tomorrow sound?"

"Like too long to wait," Leonard pouted.

"I'm sure we can think of something to do to pass the time," Sara said, smirking as she ran a hand down his back and over his ass.

"Best vacation ever," Leonard stated, claiming her lips again.

The End

[goron-king-darunia]

Squid Girl/Ika Musume Profile

Annon-Guy: Here’s a profile on Squid Girl from my Anime Guest Fate Idea (info copied from The Squid Girl Wiki).

=======================================

Ika Musume (イカ娘, lit. Squid Girl) is the main protagonist of Shinryaku! Ika Musume. She is a squid-human hybrid who comes from the sea with plans to invade humanity as punishment for them polluting the sea. However, after causing damage to a beach house, she is forced to work as a waitress to pay for the damages. She later begins living at the Aizawa residence. She is voiced by Hisako Kanemoto in the Japanese dub, Wiphada Chatuisaphon in the Thai dub, and Christine Marie Cabanos in the English dub.

Biography

Like a squid, she has ten fully controllable tentacles that protrude from the top of her head like hair. These tentacles are very strong, incredibly dexterous, and can be controlled effortlessly by Squid Girl. They can also stretch a huge range and have a variety of offensive capabilities. The squid ink she spews from her mouth is noted to be of high quality, and is used for the squid ink spaghetti dish at the Lemon Beach House. Shrimp is her favorite food, and her strong craving for it is shown regularly. She fears natural predators like killer whales and sharks to the point that even swimming floats shaped like them terrify her.

She has a “hat” resembling a squid's mantle which is, above all else, how she recognizes her own kind. If someone wears a similar hat, she will instantly believe that he/she is one of her own species, and without it, she will not even recognize a fake version of her own head. While it is called a hat, it is actually the part of her body that allows her to control her fins. Originally, she does not know this, so she believed that the fins had no purpose. After learning how to control them, she uses them to slap people such as Sanae. According to her, she will die if she takes it off, and it is shown on multiple occasions that it is directly attached to her head. When trying to forcibly remove it, it starts to make a ripping sound from the strain, inflicting enough pain and shock to recover from amnesia and leak squid ink from the tear.

Due to her small stature, she can adjust her weight in order to pick up larger objects without being toppled over. Adjusting the bands on her wrists allows her to go from anywhere between 0.0005kg to 20,000kg in an instant. She can float on an updraft at her lightest, allowing her to take “flight”.

an instant. She can float on an updraft at her lightest, allowing her to take “flight”.

Abilities

Due to the ability to manipulate them at will, Squid Girl can use her tentacles for many purposes. She can deliver a powerful smack, wrap them around a foe and hoist them into the air, or coerce them through tickling. She often uses her tentacles to carry many plates at once while working at the beach house. Drawing with her tentacles results in hyper-detailed masterpieces. She also excels at drumming and physical activities such as volleyball with the help of her tentacles. Despite her usual naiveté, she displays a high level of intelligence in certain fields; it is revealed that she is a mathematical genius, capable of working with such functions as the Fourier analysis and the Poisson summation formula. Chizuru notes how quickly she learned how to speak Japanese and interact with humans. She also picks up English very quickly after Cindy teaches her. She can also emit light from her body like a firefly squid. She also vomits squid ink when her stomach feels queasy.

Relationships

Chizuru Aizawa: Although she likes to tease Squid Girl[2], she wishes to be closer to her[3], just as Eiko and Takeru do. The main obstacle to her wish is Squid Girl’s wariness to her in general, and to her eyes in particular. During Kiyomi’s visit, Chizuru open her eyes to convey support, but Squid Girl interprets this as getting the silent treatment. When Chizuru wears contact lenses[4], Squid Girl accidentally makes eye contact with her and squirts a slice of lemon in Chizuru’s eyes to force them close.

Eiko Aizawa: Although Kiyomi Sakura is Squid Girl’s first friend by choice, Eiko is her first and best friend on the surface world. Apart from sharing the same room and working together at the Lemon, they often hang out together[5] outside.

In general people find her annoying due to her rudeness but she does warm up to people so they don’t find her as annoying when she is nice. 

Trivia

1. Her dress is not an ordinary one, with at least 2 known features:

- Auto-repair in 15 minutes: after being ripped by protruding wire-mesh fence[6] and torn in half by Eiko[7].

- Non-sticky/instant dry: After a car splashes roadside puddle, Squid Girl simply dusts it off. After she sits on a chair with wet paint, she simply peels the paint away[6].

- Also, while not exactly a “feature”, when she went tanning while wearing her dress, her dress “tanned” while her skin remained the same tone.

2. Squid Girl is quite similar to Sgt.Keroro of the Sgt.Frog series, as both are characters plan to invade Earth for a reason (Sgt.Frog invades Earth/Pekopon to relay information to the awaiting Keron Invasion Army whereas Squid Girl invades Earth because humans are polluting the oceans), both ended up as a slave after they did something bad (i.e., damaging property), and both characters ended up befriending a human but decided to use them as part of their so-called “invasion plans”. Both often have crazy misadventures while trying to “invade” Earth.

3. In the drama CD, Squid Girl is shown to have the ability to break any material (such as glass) with ultrasonic resonance.

4. In the dub for Season 2, Christine Marie Cabanos was the only voice talent to come back as her role.

=======================================

Hope you like it.

[unipride]

How to Choose a Comfortable Beach Chair?

A beach is a lovely place to spend a day out and to add more comfort to it you must have a Comfortable Beach Chair. There are a variety of styles available that you can buy online. There are brands like UNIPRIDE from where you can buy multifunctional beach chairs to relax in the sun at the beach.

For immediate release

UNIPRIDE products are the best in their class. With a variety of beach chairs to offer one can buy easily and go for its pick without any confusion. The store is now offering 2-in-1 beach chairs at an affordable price range only at UNIPRIDE.

Choosing the best beach chair

As we know there is an abundance of choices, but UNIPRIDE is having best to offer.  There are a number of materials by which these chairs are made like aluminum, wood, plastic, and others. You can buy the one that suits your taste. There are also a number of colors available which means everyone gets to pick according to their choice.

Materials of beach chair

If you are confused then you can buy a chair based on the material. Aluminum chairs are lightweight and it is very easy to carry around. Just be careful while handling it as it easily gets dented. Then comes the wooden chair which is the timeless and classic one. They are heavy, but functional. The third one is steel which is incredibly durable. The steel ones are also the most expensive ones and can even rust.

Different types

People have different styles and choices based on which we can buy our beach chairs. The Beach Portable Chair is available in different styles such as backpack chair, lounger, travel bench kid's chair, and classic beach chair. When you have styles to sort out it gets easy to pick the one that fits your style.

Which is your style

Classic beach chairs are perfect to enjoy wet sand and cool water on the beach. Kid's chairs will give personal beach space to your kids. For ultimate convenience, you can buy a backpack chair and for sunbathing lounger is an ideal piece of furniture you can pick. Approach UNIPRIDE for the best variety.

Company information

Nova Plutus LLCm, 30 N Gould St, Ste 5067, Sheridan, WY 82801, US

support@unipride.co

Phone: +1 636 923 8625

[thenerdytomboynewb96]

Samantha Allan Park Ch. 51

Any references to TMNT or anything from popular media and culture is NOT MINE. I only own my OC's. Any references to “TMNT Out of the Shadows” DO NOT BELONG TO ME. Only my additions that I came up with myself belong to me. Anything from the films or other series ARE NOT MINE, only my OC’s and my ideas that I have added onto the story FOR FUN. Thank you.

Chapter #51

Spring Break through Renet’s eyes:

She had only known them all for about a month now, and she couldn’t have been happier that this was the family she had been destined to be with. In fact, she believed that this family was placed on this earth for her to find them, just like her Aunt Sam had. Maybe it was Rachel who had been looking out for her, maybe it was some sort of greater power, but with this family she truly felt she would never ever be alone again.

On Monday morning Renet had woken up very early. She sat up only to see that her parents were still asleep, and as long as Keeno was still sleeping, then so were they. She tip toed over to where the closet was and silently pulled out a clean t-shirt and pair of sporty shorts. Once she had her shoes and clothes on, she silently left the room without anyone knowing she had ever moved a muscle. She then ran down the halls, amazed by the beautiful building she was in. She ran down the staircases and then from floor to floor, until she heard movement from the weight room that is.

She walked closer and looked through the glass of the door to see her mutant uncles and her Aunt Sam working out and using all different types of equipment. She didn’t realize that she had leaned forward as she stared in awe at her family’s incredible strength and abilities until the door had begun to open and she then tumbled forward. Leo turned around when he heard the door and smiled when he saw the small child. “Well, looks like we have a visitor” he said as he walked over and leaned over the child who was teeny tiny to him even when she was standing up. “I wanna be strong like you guys” she said, her eyes still open wide. “Heh, well it’s going to take a long time for you to be as strong as us” he said as he leaned down and scooped up the child so that she was sitting in his arms. “When did you become strong Uncle Leo?” she asked with curiosity. “Hmmmm, we were probably 7 or so when Sensei introduced us to martial arts. That’s when we started training daily. But you’re took young for rough training like that.” Renet crossed her arms and began to pout. “How am I gonna fight bad guys and save the world if I’m not strong?” she moped. Leo couldn’t help but chuckle. “And who said it was your job to save the world?” he said with a smile. Renet paused, realizing that she might have just said something she shouldn’t have. “I want to keep all of you safe. You all protect each other, I want to do the same thing” she replied. This way she wasn’t lying, but she wasn’t revealing secret information either. “Hmmmmm, well Raph is the best at preparing workout routines for the rest of us. Maybe he can come up with something for you. Let’s go ask” he whispered as he brought the girls ear close to his face, making the girl giggle from her uncle’s silly actions.

Leo walked over towards where Raph was lifting weights as he laid back along a bench, while Sam was standing nearby as his spotter. She smiled when she saw Leo walking over with the little bundle known as Renet. “Oh Raphael” Sam said in an oddly sweet voice. “What?” he grunted as he looked back at her. That’s when he saw Sam nod her head forward. Raph looked forward and began to sit up, and that’s when he saw his brother and the young child. His expression immediately changed from the annoyed expression from the way Sam had said his full first name to a calmer one. “Hey. What’s up?” he asked as he stood up and away from the bench. “I have a small fry who wants to turn into a tough tatter tot” Leo said, moving her arms as if she was fighting a bad guy. Raph chuckled. “Oh really?” “Train me?” Renet asked, her hands clapped together in front of her as a means of asking permission. While Renet bowed her head forward, Raph and Leo exchanged the same comical look. “Ohhhhh fine. I guess I can train you for today” he said as he took Renet from Leo’s arms and carried her across the gigantic space to a spot where she could ‘train’ without using any heavy equipment.

He first taught her some different stretches to complete first so that her muscles would be warmed up. He then took her to a spot where there were hand weights of all different sizes. He then showed her different exercises using the lightest weight they had (which was about 2 pounds). He then showed her how to use machines that would be safe for her. She used the bikes (although Raph had to help her use the pedals), he taught her how to use an ab machine (which was actually just a curved pole that could be used in a variety of different ways, how to use the rowing machine, some different exercises on yoga balls, a mini stepper machine, and a few other machines that were harmless as long as he was there right beside her. Within this gym was also a course based on the Ninja Warrior series. Raph ended their training session with helping Renet complete the course. He helped her climb the ladders, he held onto her and helped her jump (which was really him carrying her) from one jumping stone to the other, and he helped her move across each set of monkey bars the course had to offer.

Raph was having so much fun with the child that he hadn’t even thought about her parents, not until Jay walked over with a concerned look on his face. “Dude! I have no issues with you having a play date with my child, but let a dad know first! Okay?” “What are you talking about?” Raph asked, confusion written on his face as he placed the girl back on her feet on the ground. “I came down here on my own daddy” Renet said as she walked over and put her arms up so that he dad would hug her. Jay crouched down and gave his daughter a huge hug, but then pulled back and put his hands on her shoulders. “Why didn’t you tell us you were leaving the room? We woke up and started freaking out because we couldn’t find you. We ran into the hall and ran into your uncles who said you were down here.” “Oh” Raph said as he then looked around the room, “I hadn’t realized they even left, hehe.” Renet smiled at her uncle and then turned back towards her dad. “You and mommy were sleeping, so I didn’t want to wake you. But I was ready for the day!” she said with excitement. Jay smiled. “And that’s fine, but next time you need to let us know!” “That or inform us to contact your parents” Raph said with his arms crossed as he now walked over and stood over top of Renet. The girls smile began to fade. “You’re mad at me…” she said in dismay. Raph shook his head. “Nah, I’m not mad. But I am worried that you’re going to scare your dad again. I don’t know if I can train someone without permission” he said, secretly winking to Jay as a signal that he would catch him up later. Renet then rapidly began shaking her head. “No! I’ll let my parents know next time! I promise!” she said turning back and forth between her dad and her uncle. “Good. In that case, training is over for today. Let’s go eat” Raph said. Jay stood up while holding his daughters hand, and he couldn’t keep from smiling when he saw his literally hopping daughter squeeze his own hand while also squeezing the hand of her rough and tough uncle. Today was day one of her training with Uncle Raph, which continued throughout the rest of the vacation. She would later on be grateful for these training routines that her uncle introduced to her this week and at such a young age. She had no idea now how much these routines would come in handy the older she grew. Donnie was right when he said that one day she would change the world, but for now, she just wanted to spend more time getting to know her ‘scary’ teddy bear of an uncle.

On Tuesday evening she got to spend more quality time with the oldest brother when the teens had returned to the pool. Renet wanted to join the group, but she also had seen teenagers before and she knew that some groups were mean when they didn’t want to be bothered from their fun. However, Leo sensed this child just like he had the previous morning (something he was also learning to master) and snuck into the house through a side door. He then scooped up the surprised Renet from the doorway and walked her outside. “So why are you hiding from us tatter tot?” he asked. “I didn’t want to get in the way” she said softly. “I’m sorry what?!” he said out loud, shocking the child in his arms. “Well my soul is broken. HEY GUYS!” Leo called out to the others in the pool, “RENET THINKS SHE’S GOING TO GET IN OUR WAY.” “Ha! I must be hearing things, I thought Leo just said Renet would get in our way” Kris said, literally slapping his knee. “That’s funny!” “I shall now reenact the way my heart feels” Mikey said as he flopped into the pool. Raph, Donnie, and Sam all looked at each other. “Ditto” the trio said as they all threw themselves into the pool the same way Mikey just had. “See?” Leo said as he placed the girl on her feet and then sat in a chair nearby so that he was on eye level with her, “those dorks over there love you. You can’t get in the way when you’re the path they want to follow” he said with a smile. “Now let’s go back inside and get your floaties-” “My swimmies!” she interrupted. “My apologies, your swimmies, so that you can join us in the pool” he said as he stood up and walked with her back inside.

The two returned soon with Renet’s swimmies which Leo helped blow up and place around her arms. He then walked with the girl back over towards the pool. He knew that Renet still wasn’t confident in the water yet, so he placed her on top his shoulders as he walked into the pool. Sam had brought a couple boogie boards from the beach shed up to pool since she liked to lay in the sun on the boards. She gave one to Renet and the teens took turns pulling her around the pool, and once Jay and Brenda made their way outside with Keno, Jay jumped into the pool and pretended to chase after her while she was being pulled from the turtles who were pretending to save her from the ‘monster’ that Jay was acting as. At one point Sam pretended that she needed to be saved and Leo held onto Renet in the water so that she could save Sam. This process was then repeated as Leo helped Renet save Mikey, then Donnie, then Kris, and then Raph. After a couple more hours in the pool, Renet grew very tired. Many of the teens and adults had taken breaks and had rested throughout their time at the pool, and everyone had taken turns holding baby Keno, but Leo had decided to play with Renet as much as he could since he didn’t always get the quality time he would have hoped for with the girl. Between all the aunts and uncles the young child had, it wasn’t always easy getting time to play and bond with her, so he wanted to take advantage of this time as best he could. That was why he also offered to take the groggy child inside and freshen up once it was obvious how tired she was.

Leo walked with Renet to the elevator that took them to her parent’s room. Leo had Renet take a ‘tubby’ but had her keep her bathing suit on. This way he could help clean the chlorine from her eyes, but not have her sit completely naked in the tub as well. Of course, Renet got her second wind and wanted to play once she was in the tub. Well Leo wasn’t ready to say no to bath paints and bathtub fishing. Leo taught Renet how to write some Japanese kanji on the sides of the tub and was surprised at how easily the child was able to copy his own handwriting. Soon after, Renet had thrown a bunch of toy fish into the tub so that she and Leo could use toy fishing rods to pull them out of the water. Finally, the actually tubby was complete and as Leo was helping Renet dry off and change into a clean pair of clothes, he began to count how many times she had yawned (it was 9, oh now it was 10 times). Leo smirked as he walked the sleepy child over towards one of the beds. After the long day full of play he had had, he decided to lay down next to her, but leaving enough space so that if he happened to turn over that he wouldn’t hurt her. He fell asleep…and the next thing he knew, he was gently being shaken awake. “Hey bro, time to wake up” he heard Raph saying. Leo groaned as he slowly opened his eyes. “What time is it?” “Dinner time!” he heard his youngest brother call out from down the hall (which he also heard Sam smack him because ‘Renet was sleeping in there’). Leo rubbed his eyes as he sat up. He then stared down at Renet who was still sound asleep. “You okay?” Raph asked him. Leo looked confused. “Yeah, I’m fine. Why?” “Hmph, sorry. It was just the look you were giving her” Raph replied as he sat down on the bed. Now Leo’s eyes were wide. “Was my stare creepy? Was it weird?” Raph chuckled softly. “No, you just looked at her as if you were a dad.” “Is…is that weird?” Leo asked. “No, trust me. I’ve had talks with Jay and Casey about it. Apparently all four of us do it. They say it’s just natural instincts and Jay says him and Brenda appreciate that we have them. They’re always trying to monitor the baby so they love that we know how to be protective of their daughter. They also think us being so fatherly is what’s helping Renet get so comfortable so quickly with the whole family.” “Well our family is definitely one that takes a while to get used to” Leo chuckled. They both then looked back down at the sleeping child. “Man I want one of these one day” Raph said softly. “Me to. I never realized how great it would be to have a kid around. And we’re fortunate to have two in our lives now” Leo said with a smile. “Hopefully more in the future when Sam and Kris get married. And if April ever gets married then she might have some to.” “But let’s not rush things. Let’s cherish the time we have with these two while they’re still kids” Leo said. “Couldn’t have said it better myself bro” Raph stated. “Hey, you guys coming?” Kris said as he now stood in the doorway. “Yup, who wants to carry the tatter tot?” “I’ll do it. You guys keep hogging her, so I’ll take care of her this time” Kris teased, which then lead to him receiving nudges from the two brothers.

Of course, Renet being the sneak she was, was acting the entire time. She had been awake ever since she heard Mikey yelling in the hallway, but she kept her eyes closed so that no one would notice (something Sam and Mikey had taught her). She was shocked to hear her uncles talk as if they were never going to have children one day. Granted, there were still a lot of people that would eventually enter their lives that they had never met, but did they really think that she was one of the only kids that would enter their lives? And why did they think Aunt Sam was going to marry Uncle Kris? That was a bit shocking to her. Apparently they had no idea who Sam really loved (or who she would love, since nothing could tell Renet when her aunt fell in love with her husband when she did, she just knew that one day it would happen). But she wondered why they thought it would be Kris. Was it because he was human? He acted the same way that the others did around her, and Sam treated him the same as she did the others, so maybe her turtle uncles assumed that Sam would only date a human. She did just hear her uncles talk as if they would never have kids of their own, so maybe that’s how they felt.

She carefully brought it up with her intelligent uncle the following afternoon when she was with him on the beach. Every day at one point or another throughout that entire week, Renet ended up on the beach with Donatello. There were days when he taught her how to fly a kite, there were days where they went sightseeing and watched dolphins from the shore, some days they went scuba diving and examined different plants and animals they saw in the water. Today, they were collecting shells. It was part of a craft that Renet was completing. She took some sand from the beach and scooped that into a zip lock bag. She also had a bucket in which she was placing small shells. At home she had a jar where she would place all the shells and would then pour the sand in from the beach. Of course, the entire time she was on the beach with her uncle, the two were always talking up a storm. “Uncle Donnie, what do you and your brothers think of humans?” she asked as she picked up a rosy pink colored shell she spotted in the water. “Can you be more specific?” he asked as he picked up a shell, but then tossed it back into the water once he realized it was badly cracked. “Do you like humans?” she asked. Donnie chuckled. “Well of course we like humans. You and your entire family are made of humans. That and we saved the entire city, well, the world actually. And the world is made of humans. So yes, we care about them. Why do you ask?” “I thought maybe that’s why you all think Aunt Sam likes Uncle Kris.” Donnie paused while the two were crouched down in the water. “Why would that have anything to do with whether we like humans or not?” he asked gently. “I thought maybe you assumed she liked him because they were both human.” “Ahhhh I see” he said as the two stood up and continued to walk along the shoreline. “And why are you worrying about things like that in the first place?” Donnie asked. Renet had to think of an excuse. “Because I’m a child, and I see everything” she said in a playfully menacing tone before running along the shore towards a shiny shell. “Well, I definitely can’t argue with that” Donnie said as he placed his arms behind his head and trailed behind the young girl. “Gasp! Something you can’t argue with? You can’t be my Uncle Donnie” Renet teased as she stuck her tongue out playfully. Donnie stopped and stared at the child with raised brows. “Well something I can argue about is whether that shell belongs to you or me!” he said he snatched it from her hand and then ‘ran’ away. “Hey!” Renet laughed, “that’s mine!” “Well let’s look at the facts. I’m taller, I’m faster, and I’m a ninja” he said as he dorkily kicked his leg in front of him, “therefore, unless you can defeat me, then this shell is mine.” “Well the facts say that finders keepers losers weepers” she said with her hands on her hips. “Those aren’t facts because they can’t be proven. Soooo I win you lose!” he said as he continued to take long and slow strides along the shore. Within seconds, tiny little Renet was chasing her tall uncle all over the beach. Once Donnie could see that Renet was growing tired, he pretended to trip and collapse onto the beach. “Oh no!” he said. “Got it! It’s mine!” Renet said as she scooped up the shell into her hands. Donnie snapped his fingers and placed his fist under his chin as he sat up in the sand. “You got me this time. This has been a terrible tale of the troublesome tatter tot” he teased. Renet walked up to Donnie and sat in his lap. “It’s okay Uncle Donnie, I’ll share it with you” she said as she held it close to his face. “It’s purple, so we can take turns keeping it” she said with a beaming smile. “You’ve already shared more with me then you’ll ever know” Donnie said as he smiled and hugged his niece. As the two gathered their belongings and made their way back to the relax space, Renet wondered if what her uncle had said was similar to what her two oldest turtle uncles were talking about the other day. ‘He must be the same way. He must think I’m one of the only kids he’ll ever see.’

Donnie laid down on a hammock so that he could look up at the stars, but his gaze was distracted and redirected to the four year old who climbed up and was now sitting on his stomach. “Uncle Donnie, are you ever going to have kids?” Renet asked bluntly. Donnie fought to hide his laughter. “Ex-squeeze me?” he asked. “Will-you-ever-have-kids?” she asked as she clapped out the syllables. “No” Donnie said, “why?” “…I want cousins” Renet stated. This was a lie. She loved her baby brother and was fine with how things were now where it was just two children being spoiled with attention, but she needed to say something without giving away her real reason for wanting to know. “Well even if I had kids, they would be even younger than your baby brother by the time they were born silly. Now what’s up with these questions today? Did Uncle Mikey say something stupid in front of you again?” he asked as he rolled his eyes. “No” Renet giggled, “and I always ask you questions.” “Yes, but today they have a unique theme. Why are you asking personal questions?” Now Renet felt embarrassed, she couldn’t think of an excuse that wouldn’t make her uncle feel sad. “Renet” Donnie said more sternly, “be honest. It’s okay” he reassured her. Renet looked down while she spoke. “Why do you all think that you’re never going to have families?” she asked in a low voice. Donnie scrunched his face. “Now why are you worried about something like that?” he asked gently, sitting up some so that he could sit face to face with her. “I want you all to be happy. You guys all helped change my life in such a short amount of time and have made me so happy. Why don’t any of you think that you’ll be happy like that?” “But, we’re already happy Renet. We have more than we could have ever asked for right here, right now. Me talking to you on a beach is literally something I never thought would ever happen to me.” The girl shook her head. “That’s not the type of happiness I mean. I mean like how dad looks at mom, and how he looks at me and Keno.” Donnie paused, wondering how he should respond to this. “You see….your uncles and I…we would love to have something like that. But, it’s not really possible-” “Why not?” she asked in a demanding tone. He displayed an apologetic look, as if what he was about to say would upset her. “You and your parents, Sam and Kris, Irma and Vern and April and Casey, they’re each a one in a million type people. Meaning that there’s no one else like them. They accept us for who we are, not what we look like. Like, Sam has literally put her life on the line to protect my brothers and I. Not everyone in this world would care about others like that. Sam cares about us, and we all care about her. That’s why our families are connected, because we all care about one another and would do anything for the others. But not ALL humans are that way.” “But Aunt Sam said that there are people in the city that want to thank you! They care about you!” Renet said as she excitedly started kicking her feet, hoping that maybe this conversation is what Rachel was talking about and was the surprise that would lead to her uncle’s future.

Donnie sighed with a smile. “They may support us, but we can’t put our trust, our lives in the hands of hundreds of thousands of people we don’t know. It’s complicated to explain. We are and will be forever grateful for what the people of New York do for us, but we’re still ninjas. We still live in the shadows. That’s why there are no workers here, because we can’t be seen. But you should be happy about that” Donnie said. Renet titled her head to the side. “Why?” “Because that means that we can dedicate more of our time towards you” he said as he hugged her once more, something that he was more prone to doing ever since the children had entered his life. “And Keno to, right?” “Oh of course Keno to! We would never leave him out” Donnie said as he rested his chin on top of the small girls head. “Good. Oh! A shooting star!” Renet exclaimed. “That’s a plane” Donnie said as he leaned back and laid down in the hammock. “What about that one?” she asked. “Another plane.” “Man I can’t catch a break” she said as she flopped backwards.

The two continued to look up at the actual stars for the rest of the night until they had both fallen asleep in the hammock and needed to be carried in by the others.

Renet decided to drop the questions for now (Donnie wasn’t the only uncle she asked interesting questions to). She knew what was in store for everyone in her family, so she decided to leave the topic alone. That and if she began asking too many questions then she might change things in a bad way, so she chose to keep quiet. However, right now she was screaming in excitement while she was riding on a jet ski with her youngest turtle uncle.

She could see her mother holding onto her father’s arm for dear life in fear that something was going to happen to their daughter, but she knew her Uncle Mikey deserved more credit than that. This was one of her favorite things about her youngest mutant uncle. While the other three said it wasn’t safe for her to be out on a jet ski, Mikey knew his boundaries and knew he could keep her safe. He knew how to have fun without being so paranoid. This was also due to him having incredible reflexes. There had been a few times that Renet had been down to the lair and had the opportunity to watch her uncles spar from afar and while Mikey joked around A LOT, he did pay attention and was always alert. Granted, sometimes him being alert kicked in at the very last second, but she lost track of how many times his brothers thought they were about to win the match and then Mikey dodged at the last second, as if getting a second wind and becoming twice as skilled as before. He was the same way with physical activities.

When they were all on the water slides, Mikey was the one who went down with her so that he would be right there in case something went wrong and she got scared and couldn’t swim. Mikey was the one to help her learn how to boogie board and feel comfortable in the water. Mikey was the one who taught her how to do basic rolls and flips on the trampolines near the game room. There was so much that Mikey helped her learn and feel comfortable with, and more than anything, Mikey trusted her. He made it very clear when they were getting ready to ride the jet ski that she would have to sit relatively still so that she wouldn’t fall off (even though they also twisted the clips on her life jacket so that she was literally strapped to him) and that she needed to hold onto a small handle in the front so that she could hold onto something tightly. He explained to her what to do if they tipped and that in order for her to ride with him then she had to follow the rules. While the others weren’t so sure if Renet would be okay with all of this at such a young age, Mikey trusted that Renet would follow the rules and he believed that she would be able to handle the fast speeds of the Jet Ski, and right now the child was extremely grateful for his trust in her.

“Let’s go faster!” she shouted. “What?! We’re already going so fast that we passed everyone else twice!” Mikey announced with a laugh. “I love feeling the wind in my hair” the child said as she turned her head side to side. “Then you’ll love this, hold on tight!” he said as he sped up to an upcoming wave and made the jet ski jump off the water some. Of course Renet was howling with laughter. She was enjoying every second of this action packed adventure she was currently on. The group was following a course that was set up further out into the water. Leo, Raph, Donnie, and Mikey all had their own jet ski. Casey was riding with April, which he had no complaints about holding onto her while she drive, and then Kris and Sam each had their own as well. Vern was driving a jet ski as well with Irma holding onto him tightly from behind. “Ohhhhh we’re gonna pass grammy!” Renet said, lightly kicking her legs from the fun of passing others on the speedy water vehicle. “Let’s go!” Mikey said, swiveling and swerving quickly throughout the course until minutes later they made a sharp turn and passed by the others. “YESSSSSS we’re winning!” Renet exclaimed. “Hehe, let’s go splash Uncle Raph” Mikey whispered, and he couldn’t help but laugh at the adorable yet wicked face the child made in agreement with his claim. The two sped up some and as they made their turn, splashed the heck out of Raphael. “Argghhhh I’m gonna get you back for this, just wait!” Raph bellowed. Renet, who now knew more about how her sometimes grumpy uncle acted, knew that he would not actually hurt her (maybe get a little rough with Mikey though) and giggled at his reaction. Renet then gasped and began to squirm. “What’s up tatter tot?” Mikey asked. “I gotta pee” she said. “Well then let’s park and I’ll run you inside” he said. He double checked behind him on both sides and then drove away from the course. He carefully pulled up to the side of the dock and then turned off the jet ski. “What happened?” Jay called from the side. Mikey scooped Renet up so that she was now sitting on his shoulder, and as he ran he screamed out “we’re taking a pee break!” Renet giggled when she saw her parents sigh, and also Sensei shaking his head at his son’s silly remark.

The two made their way into the gigantic house so that Renet could ‘use the potty,’ and she almost made it…but she was a few seconds short. She was potty trained and could use the bathroom by herself, but she had waited too long and it was a decently long run back to the house, even if they were using the bathroom outside by the pool. Luckily, there was also a shower in this rather large bathroom. “Looks like we’ll have to get you cleaned up before we head back outside. You can’t go back and swim in a peed in bathing suit. That only works if you’re surrounded by the ocean” he teased, trying to make her feel better. He then realized that the young girl was beginning to cry. “Oh no. What’s wrong?” he asked in concern. “I peed myself like a baby” she said as a few tears drizzled down her cheeks. Mikey sat down criss cross and pulled the child over towards him and gave her a hug. “Hey, it happens sometimes. I used to wait until the last second as a kid all the time, so I had a lot of accidents when I was even older than you” he said as he gently pat her on the back. Renet then took a step back so she could face him. “Really?!” “Mhmmmm, really-really. Of course my brothers always teased me about it, but that’s just what brothers do.” “Will….will they tease me?” she asked, her face growing sad once again just from the thought alone. “What? Of course not! But, if it makes you feel any better, I’ll keep this a secret between the two of us” he said with an honest smile. Renet then nodded her head as a few more tears spilled from her eyes. “Now let’s get you showered up and out of these bottoms. There’s towels outside so I can always wrap you up in one so no one knows you’re not wearing bottoms” he said as he began to stand up and make his way over towards the shower.

Mikey knew that his brothers were sensitive to things like giving Renet a bath since she was a girl, but he knew that most adults were fine with things like this as long as the kids were still very young. Because of this, he helped Renet take off her yucky bathing suit bottoms and he let them soak in the sink while he turned the shower on and let her stand there and rinse off. Afterwards, just like he promised, he quickly got a towel from one of the racks outside and wrapped it around the girls waste so that it looked like the towel was being used as her skirt. He walked inside with Renet and lead her up to her room where he helped her change out of her bathing suit. “Do you wanna go back to the beach, or do you wanna stay inside?” he asked the girl who was now jumping on the bed. “Is it okay if we stay inside?” she asked softly. “Of course!” he said as he caught her mid-jump and placed her back on the floor so he could help her get dressed. “And I know exactly where we’re going to go” he said. The two left the room (Renet quickly latching onto her uncle’s hand) and they made their way down towards the trampoline and rock climbing room.

As soon as Mikey opened the door, Renet ran right in and ran towards one of the longer trampolines and instantly began rolling around. “Well look at you, our little ninja in training” he said as he walked over and fell backwards onto a trampoline. “You really think so?!” she said as she sat up and stared at him. “Well yeah. In another life you would totally be kicking butt with us” he said as rolled forward so that now he was next to the child. Renet pouted and crossed her arms. “Why can’t I fight bad guys with you in this life?” she asked. “Because” he said as he pat her head, “you’re thinking of things from a kids perspective and have no idea how dangerous and serious being a ninja really is” he said with a smile. “But one day I’ll grow up and I’ll be mature enough to fight. You guys can’t save the world forever.” “Ouch. That’s pretty dark” Mikey said. “Sorry” Renet said with a saddened expression. “Why do you want to be a ninja so badly? Even Sam has other future goals. She’s going to be a soccer star and a dancer in the next few years, so she doesn’t even want to be a ninja forever. So why are you so dedicated towards becoming one?” he asked gently as he now sat criss cross facing her. “I want to keep you all safe” she said, not fully telling him the truth. “Awwww but that’s our job. Your job is to change our diapers when we get old” he teased as he gently nudged her with his foot. This got the girl to smile, along with an ‘ewwww’ as she ran forward and leaped onto him. And of course the playful uncle rolled backwards with the girl in his arms as she pretended to fight and defeat him. 15 minutes later the two were in a position where Renet was sitting on Mikey’s shell while Mikey groaned and begged for mercy. “Pleaseeeeeee let me go! I’m innocent!” Mikey begged, trying to crawl away from the child sitting on his back. “See, I could totally save your butt from bad guys” she said, crossing her arms and nodding in confidence. “So we’re back to that, huh?” he said as he rolled over so that now the child was sitting on his stomach. “I’ll never back down” Renet teased. “Well how about this? When you’re my age, then I’ll train you so that you can become a ninja and save everyone. Okay?” he asked, putting his hand out for a fist bump. ‘You’re going to train me way sooner than that, but I’ll play along with this for now’ the child thought to herself. “Okay” Renet replied while following through with the fist bump. She then looked over towards the rock wall. “Will you help me climb that before my parents get back?” “Girl I’ve been waiting for you to ask. But remember, you have to follow my rules. Okay?” “Got it!” Renet exclaimed as she rolled to her side and then began to run over towards the rock wall, but then stopped and turned around and ran back to her uncle so she could give him a big hug. “Awwww, what’s this for?” he asked as he snuggled his chin against the top of the girls head. “Thank you. For trusting me, and for believing in me. Everyone else still sees me as a child, but you trust me more than they do. That and you can keep secrets. One day I’m going to owe you a lot of favors” she teased. Mikey then kneeled down in front of the child. “You know why I treat you differently from everyone else?” “Why?” “Because even though I’m 17, people treat me like a baby to. I’m literally the same age as my brothers, but because I was the last to be born they see me as the baby. Honestly, that’s why I act the way I do sometimes, because that’s how they all view and treat me. But I’m a lot more than the kid they think I am. And I believe that you’re a lot more than just a typical 4 year old. They’re going to see you as a child no matter how old you are. I’ll always be a baby brother, just like how you’ll always be the little girl that joined our family as a daughter and as a niece.” “You’re really smart, and really insightful Uncle Mikey. I’ll never forget that, I promise” the girl said as she put her pinky forward. “And I’ll never forget about your feelings either kiddo” he said as he completed the ‘pinky promise.’ “Now where on earth did you learn the word insightful at your age?” he asked as he walked with her over towards the rock wall.

The ironic part of this conversation between the two was that Mikey had no idea that one day he would train Renet to help do incredible things, and Renet had no idea how important it would be that she could trust her uncle more than anyone else in the family. Neither one knew of what was in store for their future. But one day, they would look back on this conversation and laugh at the irony. For now, they were just worried about climbing this rock wall before anyone found out.

[therewillbesparkles]

Major Kayak Brands

The best kayak brand is constructed to provide the maximum consolation and space and requires minimal maintenance. Consider all the gadgets you tend to tote on fishing journeys to find out how much additional house you’ll need. How much am I able to dedicate? A shorter (twelve toes or less) and broader (30 inches or much more) kayak will change very simply, but will likely be considerably far tougher to paddle and preserve pace. Different instances fishing kayaks will also have paddle clips. Nowadays, quite a lot of fishing kayaks include lawn kind chairs which offer outstanding again assist. It additionally has room for an electric motor mount where the propulsion pedal is situated, or on the transom (back), which makes extra sense to us as a result of you'll be able to keep the pedals do you have to run out of battery cost. Most fishing kayaks can have a large rear storage space with bungee cord rigging to maintain everything secure. It features two dry-bag storage compartments, with the liners included.

With removable stadium type Pro Seat comes with two changes for the anglers, upright and recline position that may be adjusted with the recessed monitor. The Hero seat is adjustable and amply padded. If your not seeking to spend a lot of money, I'd say the Solar Dolphin Journey is one of the best low-cost fishing kayak. Q: Should I get a single or tandem kayak? Similar to a regular kayak, common kayaks and inflatable kayaks each are available in a single or tandem style. Length and Width - Usually, longer kayaks are extra rapid so you can journey far-reaching distances. When you aren't utilizing your kayak it may be placed in its carry bag and saved in a closet. They deflate to the scale of a duffel bag making them small enough for to retailer most wherever. It has many different seating options, allowing for conventional tandem positions, face-to-face, and a superb variety of solo positions, making it an awesome platform for fishing of every kind. A bungee system is nice however is vulnerable to letting gear fall off.

These can have the tendency to collect water and a bailing pump or one with a drainage system is finest because of this. With a tarpaulin bottom that prevents punctures, this kayak additionally has a a number of air chambers system where another will get inflated as soon as one suffers a puncture. Whereas attempting to minimize the luck issue, kayak anglers need high efficiency fishing equipment to extend their likelihood of catching more fish. The very best ones are made to quietly slip in and out of fishing spots without scaring off the fish. Long kayaks are quicker, but much less agile than short ones. There are certainly inflatable fishing kayaks which are being sold for a similar worth as the hard-body kayaks, but they are often plagued by dangerous reviews on Amazon, lack of options, and are identified to have many points. Take a look at the checklist of the highest rated fishing kayaks later on in this text and see which boxes get ticked. More often than not this is the place the fish are hiding, so you are missing out on prime searching grounds.

All it really takes is slightly time spent searching for extra accessories that you might want, which will properly match the model that you're occupied with getting. Accessories apart, your essential focus ought to be the kayak’s stability, width, weight limit, and pace. The higher the rocker, the extra speed the kayak could have. Acceleration is quick, and only a few strokes will convey you up to speed. You require to question oneself some inquiries: Where, and how usually, will I be fishing? Plus, it is already rigged for fishing! Fishing rod holders take the inconvenience out of fishing for a wide range of causes. Additionally they never take care of within the wind as properly. It's the top kayak brands lightest materials that can also be probably the most durable, however the fee will take your breath. I am not a critical kayaker and relatively decided to construct an open-finest kayak that is 14 ft prolonged with a 23 inch beam so i might take some leisurely fishing journeys in a close by lake. Kayak Fishing Tips - Choosing the Right Kayak Paddle sports will be the fastest growing water sport today. Kayaking, canoeing and rafting are actually destination activities. With all the green and environmentally friendly activities available, paddle sports have dominated the outdoor adventure scene. Paddle sports are low influence on the environment, inexpensive, thrilling and constantly memorable.

Families that are looking for a trip more which can be more related to winter as well as the holidays; consider organising a ski trip using your relatives. If you have family everywhere, you can all meet a ski lodge and also have a great holiday celebration. Even family members who do not ski can engage in a short time of cuddling up with a fire, sipping hot cocoa or eggnog and exchanging family stories. Those who do love to ski can hit the slopes throughout the day and relish the experience unlike any other holiday celebration they've had.

1. It is windy and you positioned your kayak to make an ideal cast. You put down your paddle and quickly get your rod and rush to produce the cast before you decide to blow away from your role - you miss your spot, you miss the fish, you miss lunch! In a Hobie, you are able to hold your posture to make the cast - actually it is possible to make multiple casts, since you will not be blown from position. Once inside the kayak you're feeling totally safe because of its excellent stability. It doesn't matter if you're on lake, river, beach or calm sea, paddling is straightforward and highly manoeuvrable, turning left or right is practically effortless. This is very good news for novices; you should not be a specialist to own fun for the waters. h_270 If you are new to this sport a kayak which is straightforward to penetrate and away from is mostly the principal concern. Most beginners are involved about easily being able to get beyond the kayak so wouldn't need a snug cockpit. An excellent alternative for newbies can be a 'sit-on-top' model using a recessed seat. Beginners generally like better a ship which includes excellent initial stability and that has suprisingly low tendency to tip. Experienced paddlers probably will look for a ship with good final stability which will be more stable rougher water.