outdoors sports, camping gear

My father has always been a hard-working man and I couldn't think of anyone who was more deserving of the birthday present I had been planning for him. For years, my dad, who is an outdoors sports fanatic, has received the typical collectables gifts and even fitness equipment. Though he always graciously accepted his gifts, I missed seeing that special twinkle in his eye. Growing up, I can remember the gleam in his eyes as we would take a trip to the nearest sporting goods store and get everything we needed to go camping. I wanted to see the sparkle in his eyes again and set out to make this the most memorable birthday ever.

My dad had not been camping for years and his camping gear quite worn out so I went online and ordered him some new gear and then a light bulb went on in my head. I immediately called both my brother and sister and told them to plan on going camping for Dad's birthday! Now that we are all adults with our own children this is something we had done for over a decade. I never could have imagined just how happy my dad was when he opened his presents and we told him to get packed so we could all head off to his favorite camping spot in the Sierra Nevada mountains. That day, I not only saw that familiar sparkle in his eyes, but a tear came to his eye and I knew we had given him the best birthday of his lifetime!