On a sunny spring day in April, Chris decided he wanted to hike a mountain trail. Not just any trail, however. Chris wanted to hike the Alpine Ridge Trail in Colorado.

Chris thought about hiking day and night.

Well, he thought about his dream just about all of the time!

Someday I will hike that trail! I know that if I put my mind to it I can do it. I will just have to prepare.

Chris knew that the first thing he had to do was ask his mom and dad if it was okay. It was very important to get their permission.

Hi Mom and Dad! I wanted to ask you if I could plan a hiking trip to the trail close to our house. What do you think?

Of course Chris! We can all go together. Just make sure you prepare for the big day! The Alpine Ridge Trail is not easy to hike. 

Chris started preparing for his first big hike. First, he went to the park with his friends to exercise. Chris knew this was an important part of his journey. 

Another activity Chris did to prepare was walk the trails around his house. He loved when his friends joined him on his afternoon walks. 

Thanks for joining me! It is so much easier to get ready for my big hike with friends. 

"Of course Chris! You know, that's what friends are for. We are always here for you," said Stevie and Jim.

Chris' next step was to start eating healthy lunches every day. Chris loved to eat fruit, so he asked his mom to grab some of the best fruits she could find from the grocery store!

Chris' favorite fruits are bananas, pineapples, and oranges. He knows that by staying healthy he will be able to walk farther on his hike. 

"Good choice Chris," said his mom from the living room. 

Even on rainy days, you could find Chris inside watching TV shows and doing research on the trail. The big day was coming up quick. 

I'm so excited!! The big day is tomorrow!