Up Lookout Hill: Fix It with Context

Up Lookout Hill

1Priya and her Uncle Marcus woke early for their hike up Lookout Hill. A cool breeze made Priya's scarf flutter as they stepped onto the trail. "The path will wind up the hill for about two miles," Uncle Marcus said. "It is steep in places, so take your time."

2At first, the trail was easy. A stream trickled beside it, and Priya stopped to pick up a smooth stone. The water was so clear that she could see every pebble on the bottom. Then she noticed a gray bird at the water's edge. It dove into the stream, came up with a tiny fish, and flew to a low branch. Priya grinned and tucked the stone into her pocket.

3By midmorning, the trail grew steep. Roots and loose rocks covered the ground, and Priya had to climb with both hands. She wiped her dusty palms on her shorts and kept going. Her backpack snagged on a branch, and she heard a sharp ripping sound. There was a tear in the pocket, and her granola bar fell out. Uncle Marcus tied the pocket shut with a bootlace.

4Near the top, the trail crossed a narrow ridge. "Stay close to me," Uncle Marcus said, "and keep your eyes on the path." Priya stepped slowly. When they reached a wooden gate, he said, "Please close it behind us, so the sheep cannot wander out." Priya latched the gate and followed him.

5At last, they reached Lookout Rock. The air was brisk, so Priya zipped her jacket up to her chin. The valley spread out below them like a green quilt. The farms and houses looked minute, no bigger than grains of rice. Priya turned to her uncle. "We climbed all the way up here," she said proudly.

6They ate their snacks, took a few photos, and rested on the warm stone for a long while. A hawk circled high above them, and the afternoon sun felt good on their faces. Then Priya opened her notebook and wrote about the trail, the bird, and the tear in her pack. It had been a hike she would not forget.