Adventure

When I was about 14, I talked my parents, Sheila & Doug, into letting me ride my bicycle from southern Connecticut to our house in northern Vermont with my cousin, Eric Clauss. After debating the concept with her sister, Jerry, (Eric's mom), we got the go ahead as long a added a third boy to our team.  He was our age, and the son of one of Sheila & Jerry's friend.  I just recall his first name -- Fred.  

We stayed in youth hostels every night and essentially lived on our own for 3 weeks.  No real adult supervision as we made out way across New England on our bikes.  It was an awesome experience and a testament to Sheila's belief in the power of adventure.  It helped me build confidence that I could solve problems on my own, and has inspired me to reach for adventures whenever I can.

It was brilliant parenting.  I will always be grateful that Sheila and Doug took the risk to let me go.

Ernie