It was the middle of July when we drove way up into the mountains and backpacked up a stream. The banks were lined with old trees. We waded (涉水) through the cold water, our backpacks balanced on our heads.

We set up camp on a sandy flat beside a pool. What a swimming hole! My brother and I swam, diving and playing in the clear water. We-hiked upstream, against little rapids. Suddenly we heard a roaring sound, and as we came around a bend, we saw what was causing it.

A huge waterfall! It rose high above us. “Wow!” I said. “Let’s climb it!” “No way,” said Dad. “End of the road.” We turned back but I couldn’t stop thinking about the waterfall and how much I’d like to climb it. Later, lying in my bag, I thought of the waterfall, wondering what was on the top... then finally I fell asleep.

The sun was hot as a bonfire. We cut leaves as wide as elephants’ ears, and tied them on our heads to keep us cool. Then we waded against the little rapids deep into the stream. I was the first one to the waterfall. “Let’s go up. I think there must be something unique out there,” I said. My brother smiled. “If you go, I will,” he said.

I found a way alongside the falls, and then we climbed like mountain goats. Mom shouted, “Be careful!” And we inched our way up and up—the tips of our toes gripping thin ledges (岩石突出部分), our fingers finding cracks. Sometimes rocks were unstable, but we clung (粘住) like glue. We had to.

The waterfall roared by our ears. “I’m scared,” said my brother. I said, “Just don’t look down.” Near the top, a tree grew out of the rock. It was just what we needed. When we stood at the top, we clapped our hands and shouted down, “Hey Mom, Dad! It’s like a whole other world up here! Come on up! You can do it!” And I did a little dance.

Mom looked at Dad and Dad looked at Mom.

“We did it!” Mom shouted, breathing hard.

A young girl named Lily had always dreamed of going on a world tour. She had read countless books about far-off lands and different cultures, and she longed to experience them for herself.

One day, Lily made up her mind to take the challenge and set out on an exciting journey. She carried a big backpack with all the necessaries of life and set off into the unknown.

Her first stop was a famous city, where she was attracted at once by the lively colors and sounds of the streets. She walked slowly around the markets, tasting new foods and chatting with the vendors (商贩). As she continued on her journey, Lily came across all sorts of interesting people and places. She met a wise old man who taught her the art of keeping calm, and a group of musicians who invited her to join their team.

But not everything was easy on her travels. Lily face d challenges and difficulties along the way, from getting lost in a foreign city to running out of money. But she kept going because it was what she enjoyed, always keeping her heart open to new experiences.

On the last leg of the tour, Lily found herself in a small village which was located (位于) in the forested mountains. The air was fresh and clean, and the mountain view was breathtaking. She decided to stay for a while, helping out the locals and learning about their way of life.

It was there that she met a kind-hearted girl named Cathy, who also dreamed of traveling just like her. Together, they explored the nearby wilderness, climbing mountains and fishing in rivers.

But as much as Lily loved her travels, she began to want to go home. She missed her family and friends back home, and she longed for the familiar (熟悉) comforts of her own bed.

So Lily said goodbye to Cathy and set off on the journey back home.

Lily shared the interesting stories with her loved ones upon returning home.