Hummock Trail

Matt grabbed Pete’s arm. “C’mon, Mr. Graville is telling us about the nature walk.”

“What’s so exciting about that?” Pete grumbled. “Nature walks are for wimps.” He trailed behind Matt, more to stay out of trouble than out of any real interest. “When was the last time you took a hike among pieces of volcano?” Matt challenged, and took a step closer to the rest of the group gathered around their science teacher. Matt had been looking forward to this field trip, not only for the chance to be excused from other classes but also for the opportunity to see a volcano up close. They had already visited the visitor center and exhibits at the rim of the volcano, which he’d found fascinating. But this stop promised to be even more exciting: they would hike a trail through hummocks left by the last eruption. As far as Matt was concerned, this was second only to hiking the rim of the crater itself, which they had not been allowed to do.

“Does everyone have a trail guide, assignment sheet, and buddy?”

Pete confronted the instructor. “Why do we need buddies? This is middle school, not elementary.”

“Good question,” Mr. Graville acknowledged. “Does anyone know the answer?”

Matt didn’t want to antagonize his friend any further so he kept quiet, although he knew the reasoning behind the requirement. While Mr. Graville was reviewing the questions they would investigate, Matt had gazed across the terrain and noticed the trail was barely visible among the gravelly sand and pumice. He was curious to discover the effects of the eruption on the landscape and how the environment had evolved since then.