As intros to backpacking go, this might be pushing it. At noon on a brilliant Tuesday in March, my 12-year-old son Kai and I are a mile and a half into a four-day, 27-mile walk through the Grand Canyon—his first backpacking trip—when he asks, “Are we almost to camp?, Um, no. Camp, at Hermit Creek, is seven miles and nearly 2,500 feet below, that will take us several more hours.
We are here largely because of a birthday note Kai wrote to me two years ago in which he declared, “You used to be a wild 10-year-old like me and now you’re a wild 53-year-old. We can do so many things together! I am excited for when I’m old enough for the Grand Canyon.”
There are, I suppose, dads who could resist that, just as there are fathers who would plan an experience-appropriate trip for their sons. I am neither, so here we are. Never mind that; aside from simply being 12, Kai has done almost nothing to physically prepare for this. Or that I haven’t backpacked for 13 years.
We go down a poorly maintained path off the canyon with twisty trees and twining bushes. Gradually the view broadens, the landscape in Vishnu fascinates Kai greatly. “This place is amazing,” he says. Nightfall in the canyon can be magical. Darkness surrounds us, pressed by cool air. Hearing the sound of a waterfall, we lie down to take in the stars. Twice I suggest we turn in. “Not yet,” Kai says. “This is too unbelievable.”
Wednesday, we travel three miles to Monument Creek, and hike a mile and 1,000 feet down to the Colorado River. The next morning a t 7:30 when we march out, I’m optimistic, and Kai sets a quick pace. Friday, we rise before dawn and are the first ones out of camp; for an hour we have the Bright Angel Trail and its soaring (高耸的) scenery to ourselves.
In that birthday card, Kai had also written, “Even when you’re 100, you will always be wild.” Nice. If I’m lucky enough to make it there, it looks like I’ll have company.
4. According to the author, he goes backpacking in the Grand Canyon with Kai ________.
A.to promote the father-and-son relationship |
B.to satisfy Kai’s desire for the Grand Canyon |
C.to fulfill Kai’s birthday wish |
D.to develop Kai’s strong will |
5. What is true about the author?
A.He has been engaged in backpacking for years. |
B.He tends to make sufficient preparations for backpacking in advance. |
C.He favors an experience-appropriate trip for his son. |
D.He is enthusiastic about meeting challenges. |
6. How does Kai probably feel during the trip?
A.Exhausted. | B.Relieved. | C.Thrilled. | D.Desperate. |
7. What does the last paragraph imply?
A.Kai hopes his dad will live a long life. |
B.Kai believes his dad will be wilder in the future. |
C.The author doubts whether he can live as old as 100. |
D.The author enjoys Kai’s company during the trip. |