Sitting on the makeshift tarmac, Derrick Schmidt ate his prepackaged meal in silence while surveying the scenery around him. Despite the staleness and bland taste of the bread, the geologist ignored the poor food quality. To him, the new lands-unexplored and untainted by humans-needed his complete attention. His swarthy complexion and unbleached hair made obvious his outdoors career, but Schmidt still shaded his eyes from the blinding light of the mid-afternoon sun. “I wish that survey team would hurry up,” he mumbled under his breath as his fellow scientists thirty feet away studied the maps made by the first team. Although sealed in crates, his sensitive equipment could not withstand the intense heat radiated by the sun. In hopes of cooling off and stretching his limbs, the restless member of the U.S. Geological Survey team choose to take a hike.

Although the commander prohibited wandering from base camp, Schmidt ignored the rule in order to do some exploring of his own. By standing up, he could finally stretch out the cramps in his legs and brush off the food crumbs from his loose-fitting hiking pants. Derrick examined the panorama of gorgeous landscape before him. Lavender-colored mountains rose on both sides of a lush rainforest. Colors of the landscape blended together as the tropical green of the forest merged with the purple haze of the distant highlands above. Baby blue skies filled the space above the mountain peak where the sun radiated its golden beams. While the sun heated the air, the humidity remained low, and a fresh breeze helped cool off Schmidt. Taking a deep breath of the fresh, unpolluted air reminded the man of the sweet smells of his grandfather’s tulip farm in Oregon three decades ago. No flowering plants appeared anywhere in sight, but the thirty-five year old could still taste a certain sweetness whenever he breathed.

To get a better view of his surroundings, Schmidt headed for the hills. No one observed his departure; he walked at a moderate, but determined pace. Forging a trail through the sparsely wooded hillside proved no challenge to an experienced outdoorsman like Schmidt. Although experienced, he took no chances and marked his way by wrapping white cloth on trees. Occasionally he stopped to name some trees, caressing the coarse bark and feeling the texture of the leaves. Even a geologist like Schmidt had more interests than just digging for rocks and studying the Earth. Soon the “trail” grew steep, and Derrick found himself panting and taking short breaks to catch his breath. Continuing up the hill, Schmidt gripped the jagged and rough rocks jutting from the ground. Perspiring and thirsty, he reached a vista point before long. After a strenuous climb, he received his reward: a dazzling view of an endless ocean glimmering with sunlight and a serene beach on the edge of the rainforest.

Schmidt glanced around and saw no sign of base camp. Somehow the man had worked his way around the foothills bordering the airstrip, but the geologist had no concern of becoming lost. Taking a few paces down the seaward side of the hill, Schmidt discovered the banks of a running stream. Like music, the little body of water seemed to sing, giggle, and talk all at the same time. Even though the water appeared clean and fresh like the rest of the land, the Geological Survey team member still tested the water. When the testing device gave him the “thumbs-up” sign, Schmidt quenched his thirst. This water reminded him of eating cool melons, diving into a sparkling pool on a hot day, and smelling a fragrant rose for the first time. Crisp and cool, the water revived the weary, yet satisfied man.

Finding his path back to the hillside facing the airfield and U.S. survey team’s camp caused Schmidt little difficulty. Sitting down on a tree root, he rested his chin in his hands, feeling the coarse bristles of his unshaved face poking his skin. Again the geologist took in the fresh air and smelled the vigor and life of this new land. Reflecting on his short journey, Derrick cast his eyes to the mountains; he longed for an opportunity to explore them. Their jagged peaks formed a set of sharp teeth pointed heavenward. Gazing down to the plain, Schmidt saw lights from the camp as dusk began to set. In the distance he heard the rumblings of helicopters bringing the first survey team back to base after a day’s work.

age = 13-16