Q: How come the iPad is not charging?

Another surprise this week as the Star published my essay in the travel section. Although I did not win the Pick of the Week, I am greatly content with my work. The other story is about a sanitary pad saving the trip, "doesn't get more exciting than that," Pika commented. Understandably a more interesting piece compared to mine, so I admit defeat. At least I know it's good enough to appear in the local newspaper. As for the 2D 1N Desaru voucher, you'll find your way to me soon. Presenting...

Raining Stones

IN late summer last year, my American friend Scott and I planned on what became an unforgettable road trip. Travelling more than 7,000km in a span of eight days, we headed west from Kalamazoo, Michigan, the United States, in a minivan with three other friends.

It wasn’t a particularly easy journey and on several occasions, we drove through the night and had to be on a constant lookout for wandering wildlife.

On the fifth day, we finally arrived at our ultimate destination – the Yellowstone National Park. We then visited the Old Faithful, a famous geyser erupting 150 feet into the air. The place was indeed more than what the Wyoming brochure back in the motel prepared us for. With great expectations, we spent the entire sixth day navigating through the forest reserve, relishing the sightings of herds of wild bison. There was even one moving less than 5m away from our van!

I recalled Scott saying that “if you see a bunch of tourists gathering, you know there’s bound to be a bear or something”. He was right, because we came to a spot near the Upper Falls and saw a number of cars.

However, no one was walking outside their parked vehicles. Sensing something amiss, we waited patiently behind them, wondering if there was a bear nearby.

But, the thundering sound approaching could only mean one thing – hailstones! Suddenly, we were pelted with hailstones. Within 15 minutes, winter was upon Yellowstone and we raced one another to the waterfalls like little children. It was a beautiful miracle for us and we left Wyoming with a respect for Mother Nature and a memory we won’t forget.

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Run for your lives!!
Vonnie S.