Adventures in Big Bend
(1) When Becca’s parents informed her that the family would be trekking to Big Bend National Park in West Texas for spring break, Becca was not excited. (2) The only things she knew about Big Bend were some things her friend Shayla had told her. (3) It was in the middle of nowhere, the cell phone reception was spotty, and there was very little to do. (4) Becca seriously questioned her parents’ decision-making on this one.
(5) As the family prepared to leave for their trip one early morning, Becca’s parents’ bubbly enthusiasm contrasted sharply with her apprehensiveness while they did the necessary things to get ready. (6) “Cheer up, Rabbit!” her father encouraged, while she grimaced at the nickname she had had since she was five. (7) Becca had always loved animals, but one silly encounter with a rabbit in the backyard had made an enormous impression on her family. (8) Ever since that day, she had been affectionately known as “Rabbit.”
(9) Becca tossed her bag into the trunk of the car and asked how long it was going to take to get to the infamous park. (10) When her mom responded that it would take about five hours, Becca’s mood soured even more. (11) “Is the scenery at least decent along the way?” she whined.
(12) “Well, hon,” Becca’s father replied optimistically, “if you enjoy lengthy stretches of highway in the midst of desert-like landscape, then yes, it’s phenomenal scenery! (13) But I promise it’ll be worth it when we get there, because the Chisos Mountains are breathtaking. (14) I give you my word it will all be worth it.” (15) Then he added, “I can’t wait for you to get a glimpse of them.”
(16) “Yeah, can’t wait,” Becca replied sarcastically under her breath as she braced herself for one long, boring car ride and one long, boring vacation. (17) She climbed reluctantly into the back seat. (18) She rested her head against a pillow and promptly fell into a deep slumber.
(19) After hours of tossing and turning in the uncomfortable confines of the back seat, Becca was startled awake by her mother’s excited proclamation: “We’re heeeere!” (20) Becca groggily raised her head and then bolted upright. (21) They were just inside Big Bend National Park, yet she could’ve sworn her dad had missed a turn and erroneously navigated to Colorado. (22) Glorious, tall, colorful mountains surrounded them at every bend as they meandered down a slow, winding road to the lodge where they would stay. (23) After rounding a hairpin turn, they confronted an incredible vista of a deep canyon overshadowed by steep, rocky cliffs. (24) Gazing wide-eyed into the canyon, Becca suddenly spotted a large animal crouched on a rock ledge. (25) “Dad, look!” she yelled.
(26) After a while Becca thought about the opinions her friend Shayla had shared with her. (27) “Whooooaaa, Rabbit, would you look at that? (28) You spotted a mountain lion! (29) Amazing.” (30) The three of them gaped in astonishment at the majestic cat serenely surveying his domain. (31) Becca could barely speak.
(32) “Uh, Mom, Dad,” Becca finally uttered as the cat slunk off into some tall brush. (33) “I didn’t know Big Bend was so beautiful or that mountain lions resided here. (34) I can hardly believe what I am seeing!”
(35) “Well, Becca,” her dad said, “you have to keep your mind open to things. (36) You’ll often be surprised!”
(37) “The lodge looks so nice,” Becca’s mom added, “and this will be a vacation to remember. (38) This park is home to a tremendous variety of wildlife, including black bears!”
(39) Becca didn’t know how to answer. (40) “Well, what are we waiting for? (41) Let’s hurry to the lodge and put our things away so we can start exploring! (42) I’m so excited!”
(43) Becca’s parents smiled knowingly. (44) They had been confident all along that their Rabbit would feel right at home in this environment of stunning natural beauty and wildlife.
39 How should Arya revise sentence 5 to avoid repeating ideas?