Introducing ... the Trip! Our whole family is going on a trip across Canada. When my parents told us, they said we had to do it now because in two years I'll be fourteen and "cool," and I won't want to go anywhere with my family. "A trip across Canada? Will it be fun? Are you sure it's not going to be educational?" I've learned it pays to ask these things in my family. My mon used to be a teacher, and she can't always turn it off. "Really fun," my parents answered together. Mom paused a moment. "And nothing remotely educational about it." "This is a plot so Guy doesn't spend all summer inside playing computer games, isn't it?" said my younger sister, Rachel. She's ten and she thinks she knows everything. "We hadn't even considered that," said Dad. Yeah, right. Rachel wants to know how far we'll be going. Dad tells here its about 6,000 km (3,730 miles) across Canada, not including trips to the northern territories on our way back. "Hey, maybe I'll find some rocks for my rock collection," Rachel announced. She has about a million different collections. "Very small rocks, I hope," said Dad. "What are you going to collect, Guy?" "Wildlife." "We're going to have more wildlife in the car? Won't there be enough in the back seat already?" Mom asked. "I just want to see some wildlife. I'm brining my binoculars. I'd like to see at least one new animal in every province. Preferably charging at the car," I added. "Then you won't need your binoculars after all," Rachel answered. "I'm bringing Bucko, my stuffed beaver. He's been wanting to see more of Canada, since he is our national animal." I got a look at some of the other things she's put in her backpack for the trip. You wouldn't believe the weird things she's bringing. Do you really need to have your favourite collection of bottle caps on a car trip across Canada? My parents gave us each a journal. Mom said, "You should bring your drawing material, Guy. There will be lots of opportunities for your great cartoons." "You could draw a cartoon about Bucko Beaver's trip across Canada," Rachel suggested. "Dumb idea, Rachel," I said. On the other hand... Excerpted from Exploring This Land from Coast to Coast by Vivien Bowers All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
