Reread to Fix It: A Snow Trail Hike

A Winter Hike with Ms. Brooks

1On Saturday morning, Mia and her cousin Dev put on warm coats and met their hiking group at the foot of Pine Ridge. The air was cold and crisp, and the sky was bright blue. Mia checked that her scarf was snug, and Dev counted the snacks in his pack. Ms. Brooks, the park guide, would lead the group up the snowy trail. "Stay close to me," she said. "We will walk together."

2The trail began to wind up the hill between tall pine trees. A cold wind pushed snow across the path, and the hikers pulled their hats down low. Pine branches bent under the heavy snow, and now and then a clump slid off with a soft thump. Their boots sank deep into the snow, so each step took great effort. They trudged upward, breathing hard. Mia noticed a small tear in her mitten and tucked her hand into her pocket.

3Soon the trees grew thin, and deep drifts of snow piled against the rocks. Dev was weary, and his legs ached, but Ms. Brooks smiled. "We are almost there," she said. At last the group reached the summit, the highest point on the ridge. They stood together and looked down at the tiny cabin far below. Mia grinned and gave Dev a high five.

4Mia opened her thermos and shared warm cocoa, and everyone rested on a flat rock. A small bird hopped along a branch nearby and watched them rest. The setting sun painted the snow pink, and the whole valley glimmered in its warm glow. Dev pulled out a notebook and drew the cabin below. "I want to remember this," he said. Then the group started down the hill, and the first stars began to appear.