Just be straight up with him. Tell him ya love him and would like for him to be around to see his future grandkids.

You don't want to just be able to tell them about their Grand Pa.......
YOU WANT THEM TO KNOW HIM!!!!!!!!!!!

exactly. I used to do a lot of camping and would have loved it if my dad was in good of health to go along(which would have definately cut back on daily mileage/altered food choices). I'd really consider slowing down/not playing metal and spent some quality time. you always have next year.

Yeah, you can blast... I dunno... Three Dog Night, or something.

Just be sure you're tactful about informing him that you want your privacy. You're basically telling him that he can't keep up anymore, and that'd be a blow to any guy out there.

On a lighter note, where are you going?

"I am going to SE Oklahoma- the Ouachita Moutains. "

Duh.

I would tell him how you feel... That you planned the trip for yourself for reasons stated above. Tell him that you ARE concerned about his health and not being able to keep up, etc.

Then...

Come up with an alternative plan that could still include him and not be so strenious. Maybe go fishing or something? I'm sure there'* a way that you could include him. If his health is a concern, then it might be best for him to get away to relaxing atmosphere. Sometimes it sucks being the "bigger" person, but this sounds like a situation where you might have to.

Life is short and when he is gone youll miss him and regret all the opportunities you had.

My suggestion if your serious is to make a base camp close to a lake or fishing hole. Do a few short hikes with him but let him know you want to do some long strenuous ones as well while he fishes or naps. Bring things for the two of you to do together as well as for him to do while your gone. Bring along both music types and alternate playing each others every hour or so.

He is probably feeling the stress of working all the time and not being able to spend quality time with you. Woke up one day and your a grown man and now he is having regretts. Give him a chance to spend some time before its to late for you both.

Wow, deep even for me, and in the freaking lounge no less. I have to get out of here....

You're right. I shouldn't complain about him coming along. He'* probably really looking forward to it.

Go on some practice hikes in ur local area and bring him with u.... if he doesnt have a problem there he probly wont have a problem on the trail, plus it will be good for him... and he will know what he is asking to do... with the workout he will probly give up and not go to the main trip...

Unless u do this kind of thing all the time i would suggest some practice hikes for u too.