Final answer:
Joe and Benny had a close and tender friendship in their younger years, potentially taking walks together and spending time during holidays and weekends, but specific childhood activities are not detailed in the provided context.
Step-by-step explanation:
The details provided do not directly tell us what Joe and Benny did together when they were younger. However, from the context given, it appears that Joe and Benny shared tender moments and had a strong bond, as evidenced by a wave of regretful memory that swept over them when they parted.
Benny later became an airplane mechanic and lived on Kodiak, showing that both individuals had their own paths in life. The extract about their custom of taking long walks together indicates that they enjoyed each other’s company, doing so silently and with reservation, hinting at a deep yet understated friendship.
Unfortunately, without more specific information related to their childhood activities, this answer can only infer that Joe and Benny had a close friendship characterized by an appreciation for each other's company, possibly engaging in activities like taking walks and spending time together during holidays and weekends. Each had their own trajectory as they aged, with Benny's career and hobbies clearly stated.