In Keith’s words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here – pingbacks don’t often work.
Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”
The photo.
The Hike by John W. Howell © 2108
“Okay, you guys. We need to take a break.”
“Gee, dad we just got started.”
“Well, we have been hiking for an hour, so we need to rest.”
“Aw come on Randy. Give pop a break. He’s getting older now and needs his rest.”
“Very funny, Joe. I think we need to conserve our energy is all.”
“You bring any snacks?”
“Yes, Randy. I brought some trail mix to munch on. It’s way too early for that though. We just had breakfast.”
“I was just checking.”
“So, pop what are we going to see today?”
“I’m glad you asked, Joe. Here is a booklet of the kinds of things we should see.”
“Awesome. Are you sure all of these are in this area.”
“Well, I can’t guarantee every one of those, but hopefully we will see a lot of them.”
“Let me look, Joe.”
“Here you go, little guy.”
“Wow. I can’t wait to get going again.”
“You guys know we have to be very quiet if we are going to spot them.”
“We know dad. Trying to keep pipsqueak quiet might be a chore.”
“I’m not a pipsqueak. Did we bring a camera?”
“Yes, Randy. We have a camera. Okay, guys, before we begin, let’s go over a couple of rules.”
“Aw, dad. We don’t need rules.”
“Quiet Randy. Let pop explain.”
“Thank you, Joe. Okay, here they are. Short and simple. Try not to make any noise. Don’t move when we get near them. This one is the most important. Do not run if they come toward us. Just hold still. Any questions?”
“I can’t wait.”
“Which is your favorite Randy?”
“I think I like the Rapters best.”
“I have to go for good old T-Rex. Those teeth. Massive.”
“Okay, boys. Let’s go.”
Fiction Favorites 
I have a feeling this isn’t going to end well.
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Ha ha ha. I share that with you, Jill.
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Appetizer, entree, and dessert?
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Yup. You got it.
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Every week I try to guess where you’ll take the story, and every week I fail. I just hope pops is taking them to a film set. 😀
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In mind mind this was a suburban dad who has no idea how dangerous a place this is. Like going into Yosemite with peanut butter and honey sandwiches. Thanks, Gwen 😀
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I always laugh straight off after taking a look at the pic, because then I’m wondering where you’re going to take it and thinking it’s going to be hilarious. As usual.
I really kind of feel bad for pop though. Spending all that money on a trip to a secluded island, only to end up on the menu.
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Have to wonder what he was thinking. Can imagine this is a suburban dad. Thanks, Marc.
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I would have to agree with you. Nice call.
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🙂
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John… (shakes head) need I even say that I didn’t see that coming? 😀 I feel the earth shaking with the boom-boom of the great big footsteps. Hugs.
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Thank you, Teagan. Hold on to that cup of tea. 😀
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Don’t forget to hug the animals. They love that.
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And hand feed them your hand.
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LOL! I was imagining Sasquatch spotting but you went one better. Great job, John!
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Thanks, Mae. I like the Sasquatch idea too.
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Terrifying endeavor. Smiles
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Would seem so for sure.
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Now this is a hike that sounds like fun:) I would have to go with the T-Rexs, too.
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Here boy, here boy….down boy.
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lol
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Ha ha ha. 😀
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Doesn’t sound like my idea of a fun hike! I’m rather surprised you took this angle, John. I was thinking more along the lines of the little kid discovering a body and trying to convince the others to check it out.
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That would have been a good one too. My problem is I’m not a mystery writer so I’m looking for the twists that can be put in there. I could have gone the direction of,”Come see what I found, Dad.” “Not now son we just spotted a yellow bellied sapsucker.” Maybe next time. 😀
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Lol! I was waiting for the John Howell twist. 🙂 T-Rex it is.
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Yessiree. Gotta have one in there.
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A dinosaur hunt! That’s on my bucket list! How did you know, good sir?
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I figured you were born when they roamed the Earth. 😀
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Shhh!! My real name is Dino Dundee! Let’s keep that under our hats!
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Ha ha ha.
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You kidding me?! The big guy has a bottle of Champagne under his arm (maybe, two bottles!) and his eyes are aflame! The bigger boy is trying subtlely to tell his younger brother in a whisper: “When I raise my voice and say, ‘RUN’! don’t just stand there, RUN!!”
Now, as the boys run, the smaller boy asks, “Is he coming after us?”
“Naw, he’s just standing there weaving back and forth, making funny faces and weaving. I just saw him fall down…he’s staying down! He’s just sitting there against a tree, drinking! What a drunken loon! He likely didn’t mean us any harm. Now, he’s laughing and weaving, either that or scratching his back on the tree… We just surprised him as we came around that bend. He’s not coming after us…we’re almost back to the cabin. We can walk now!”
Well, I could be wrong about the bottle! it was either champagne or Willetts!
Just saying! ♥♥♥
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I still think you ought to join in. This was terrific. ;-D
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Thanks, good John, just seems I’ve got this bond with you that I need to kid, to tease… Maybe I’ll try Keith’s ‘Kreative Kue’… That picture of Twiggy says it ALL! So lovable! ♥
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Ha ha ha. Billy Ray. Thanks.
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I knew it was coming and it still got me by surprise. Nice job, John.
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Thanks, Dan. 😀
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For some reason, my mind shifted to Jurassic Park. 🙂 Good one, John!
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Yes good place to go. Think suburban dad in Jurassic park.
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😊
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😀
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[…] The Hike by John W. Howell © 2018 […]
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