Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Write a Travelogue (11/06/14)
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TITLE: The Journey | Previous Challenge Entry
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11/08/14 -
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“All aboard, last call for Train #’ 405”, the train master, with a sharp clear voice, loudly proclaimed. All the passengers scurried toward the soon to be closed doors. They had arrived at the station just thirty minutes ago, all excited about the trip which was to take them to Yellowstone Park. From that point the train would roll across the Rocky Mountains to the scenic Redwood National Forest. The final destination of course would be home gain.
As the train lumbered out of the station, many of the passengers began introducing themselves to their neighboring rider. An air of anticipation enveloped the car. The sounds of voices with different levels of expression were mixed all together like a stew. The tour Guide, Mr. Carlos, stood up in the front of the private car and began his tour jargon.
“To your left, as you are seated, you see the beautiful top of Pikes Peak. The top of it stays snow covered through out the year. Above the snow line, very little life exists, it is just too cold. Then looking to your right, you might spot an old Grizzly bear. He loves to see the trains come 0by, and he will usually peak his head out of his cave and greet the passengers and train crews.”
Heading further northwest, the locomotive slowed down as it struggled to make it up the steep slope. From a distance, the group could catch a glimpse of several ski lodges. It was a good year for the owners with lots of soft easily packed snow for the cross country snow-skiers.
Mr. Carlos began his tour message again. “ Look to the front of the train and you will see the huge Ponderosa Pines. They are quite old and very tall. If they could talk, they might tell many stories of the Indians roaming the territory, and some explorers and some homesteaders as they cut their way through this unknown wilderness. Some made it out West, some didn’t. But each had the fortitude to brave the elements that beset them.”
Traveling onward, the group noticed some clay bogs that looked as though they were bubbling. Mr. Carlos explained that the heat coming up through the clay, kept it as a liquid and caused bubbles to form. ”We will be entering the Yellowstone National Park shortly. As you disembark the train, you will be shown your accommodations for the night. Bright and early tomorrow morning, a hearty breakfast will be served. Then we shall walk around Yellowstone Park taking in all the sights of this wonderful display of God’s creation. Get a good night’s rest, you will need it for your tour tomorrow. “
The group visited for a while then retired to their rooms. Morning will come sooner than they think.
The next day, after a delicious breakfast, the group joined Mr. Carlos in front of the visitor’s center. “Do you all have your walking shoes on? We will walk nearly ten miles today. There is so much to see, but rest stops are stationed along the way with drinks and a snack. Are you all ready? Then lets travel on.”
The Group marched smartly along at a quick pace, coming to a pool of mineral water. “This pool represents centuries of hot splashing mineral water build up on the sides of the pool making it many inches thick, similar to the stalactites and stalagmites you might see in caves. The water is very hot so don’t put your hand or foot in it.”
“Next we come to a group of small geysers. They erupt periodically throughout the day. They also are very hot. Now, straight in front of where we are standing, you will see a very tall mound. That is the mound of Old Faithful. IF you remember, this geyser is famous for erupting on time every hour. In about five minutes it is scheduled to go off.”
Waiting patiently , the group listened for the sound of the geyser erupting. Then it went off! The ohh’s and ahh’s were quite audible as the white spay thrust up into the sky. It lasted around five minutes, then retreated back into it’s hole to wait for another hour.
A tired bunch of travelers returned to the hotel in early evening, ate supper and prepared for another day. This saga must remain for another time. So Long!
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