My name is Riley Johnson, and I'm a nine-year-old living in the small town of Summer Springs, Minnesota. I have an older sibling named Bailey, who is just two years older than me. Being the youngest child in the family, I often rely on Bailey's help and guidance.

Today is an exciting day for us because we're getting ready for our long-awaited trip to the Grand Canyon. We've been planning this adventure for weeks, and now the day has finally arrived. The anticipation is almost too much to bear!

As I struggled to pack my bag, feeling overwhelmed by the task, Bailey came to my rescue, just like they always do. They have a knack for helping me out when I need it most. Whether it's tying my shoelaces or reminding me to grab my toothbrush, Bailey is always there to lend a hand.

With Bailey's assistance, packing became a little less daunting. They patiently guided me through the process, making sure I had everything I needed for our exciting journey. Their calm and reassuring presence eased my worries and made me feel more confident about the trip.

As we almost finished packing our bags and double-checked our list, excitement bubbled within us. The thought of exploring the majestic beauty of the Grand Canyon filled our hearts with joy and wonder. We couldn't wait to embark on this adventure together as a family.

"Dad, Bailey and I are almost done packing!" I shouted to him down the stairs.

"Great! When you're finished, bring your bags down to the camper," he replied. "Oh, and your mother wants to know if you prefer egg salad or tuna for sandwiches."

"For the sandwich? I think I'll go with egg salad," I replied, zipping up my bag after adding the last shirt.

"Sounds good to me too," Bailey chimed in.

With our bags in hand, we made our way down the stairs.

The camper was already loaded up with all the camping gear and supplies.

"So, are you two excited about the upcoming camping trip?" Dad asked us as we placed our bags inside.

"Yes, absolutely!" we both exclaimed simultaneously.

Mom came outside, holding a paper plate with the egg salad sandwiches.

"Here you go," she said, handing us the plates. "If you want more while we're on the road, I packed some extra in the fridge in the camper, along with a few tuna sandwiches."

Dad turned to us and asked, "Do we have everything?"

"We sure do," Mom replied. "I also made sure all the doors and windows are locked." She glanced at her phone. "And I set timers on all the devices, so it looks like we're still home."

"Well, I guess we're all set," Dad said with a smile. "Hop in, kids."

The road trip was an adventure. Bailey and I were in the back, chattering excitedly about what the Grand Canyon would be like and what we would see.

The drive was long but it flew by. Dad pointed out different landmarks along the way and shared stories about his previous camping trips as a kid. He was in good spirits and told many jokes about it as well. Of course, we both groaned at his dad's jokes. But besides all that, we all had a good laugh.

As we continued on our journey, the scenery changed from bustling city streets to serene countryside. Dad's enthusiasm was infectious, and his stories made the drive feel shorter than it actually was. He would excitedly point out mountains, lakes, and forests, recounting memories of his adventures in each location.

His jokes, although cheesy, never failed to bring a smile to our faces. We would roll our eyes and pretend to be annoyed, but deep down, we appreciated his lightheartedness and ability to make even the most mundane moments entertaining.

The hours passed by in a blur of laughter and shared experiences. Dad's storytelling skills were unmatched, and he had a way of making even the simplest anecdotes sound captivating. We found ourselves engrossed in his tales, eagerly awaiting the punchlines of his jokes.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape, we couldn't help but feel grateful for this time together. Dad's joyous spirit had turned what could have been a monotonous drive into a memorable adventure filled with laughter and connection.

Eventually, we arrived at our first camping destination along the trip, tired but content. The drive had indeed flown by.

We stepped out of the car, stretching our legs and taking in the fresh air. The campground was nestled amidst towering trees, with patches of sunlight filtering through the leaves. The sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling added to the tranquil atmosphere.

The next morning, we woke up feeling refreshed and ready for another day of adventure. Mom didn’t want to make breakfast. So we decided to treat ourselves to a delicious breakfast at a local café. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the tantalizing scent of pastries welcomed us as we stepped inside.

The café had a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with soft music playing in the background and friendly chatter filling the air. We found a table near the window, allowing us to soak in the morning sunlight while enjoying our meal.

As we perused the menu, our stomachs growled in anticipation. The café offered a wide variety of options, from classic breakfast staples to unique and creative dishes. Dad ordered his favorite eggs benedict, while Bailey and I opted for a fluffy stack of pancakes topped with fresh berries. Mom chose a hearty breakfast burrito and a plate of avocado toast.

As we waited for our food to arrive, mom and dad sipped on steaming cups of coffee while Bailey and I drank some orange juice and engaged in light-hearted conversation. The café buzzed with activity, with locals stopping by for their morning caffeine fix or grabbing a quick bite before starting their day.

When our plates arrived, they were a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. The eggs benedict came perfectly poached, with hollandaise sauce drizzled over a bed of English muffins and Canadian bacon. The pancakes were golden brown and fluffy, accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream and a generous pour of maple syrup. The breakfast burrito was packed with savory fillings, while the avocado toast boasted creamy avocado slices on top of crusty bread.

We savored each bite, relishing in the flavors that danced on our tongues. The food was not only delicious but also served as fuel for the day ahead. We shared bites with one another, exchanging smiles and approving nods as we indulged in this morning treat.

As we finished our meal, we felt a sense of satisfaction and contentment wash over us. The café had provided us with a warm and welcoming start to the day, fueling our bodies and spirits for the adventures that awaited us.

With full bellies and smiles on our faces, we bid farewell to the café, grateful for the nourishment and the memories created within its walls. The day was still young, and we were eager to continue our journey, knowing that more incredible experiences awaited us along the way.

After a few days on the road, we finally, pulled up to a small town at the beginning of the Grand Canyon. We were both extremely excited.

The line into the park took a while. Backed up for miles. Cars inched forward as eager visitors waited their turn to enter the Grand Canyon National Park. The anticipation in the air was palpable, with families and friends chatting excitedly and snapping photos of the iconic entrance sign.

“Look at those people,” I laughed.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we reached the entrance gate. Dad paid to get in, but eventually, we were moving along. 

We made it to the camping site. Bailey and I jumped out of the camper, we were both eager to explore the Canyon. 

“Don’t wander off too far,” Mom said. “It’s getting late, we can see the canyon in the morning. 

“Yeah, you don’t want to miss out on my famous burgers,” Dad chuckled as he was getting ready to start up the campfire.

“Mom,” I complain. “The best part of the canyon is at night when the sun hits it.”

“Don’t worry, we’re here for a few days, you won't miss it.”

I sighed, reluctantly accepting my mom's words. I knew she was just looking out for us, but the anticipation of seeing the Grand Canyon in all its glory was almost too much to bear. Bailey and I decided to take a short walk around the campsite to satisfy our curiosity.

As we strolled along the dusty path, we marveled at the towering pine trees that surrounded us. The air was filled with the sweet scent of nature, and the sound of birds chirping added a melodic soundtrack to our adventure. We couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and tranquility wash over us.

After a while, we stumbled upon a small clearing that offered a glimpse of the canyon in the distance. The fading light of the setting sun cast a golden glow on the rugged landscape, creating a breathtaking sight. Bailey and I stood there in awe, taking in the beauty before us.

As we watched, the colors of some of the canyon transformed from warm oranges and reds to deep purples and blues. The shadows danced across the cliffs, creating an ever-changing masterpiece that seemed to come alive before our eyes. It was a magical moment that we were grateful to witness.

Bailey nudged me, breaking me out of my trance. "We should head back," they whispered. "Mom and Dad will be worried."

Reluctantly, we turned away from the mesmerizing view and made our way back to the campsite. As we approached, we could see the flickering flames of the campfire and hear the laughter of our parents. The scent of Dad's burgers filled the air, making our stomachs growl with anticipation.

As we joined our parents around the campfire, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment. Even though we hadn't seen the Grand Canyon in its full glory yet, I knew that this experience was just as special.

The night air was cold and fog was beginning to form.

“Kinda eerie isn’t it,” Bailey asked me.

“This is a good time for a scary story.” Dad chimed in.

We all agreed as Dad started the story.

"Once upon a time," Dad began, a smile spreading across his face. "There was a brave man named Park Ranger Rick Marshall. He was a widower and the loving father of two adventurous children, Will and Holly."

Excitement filled the air as we leaned in closer, eager to hear the details of the story.

"One fateful day, the three of them embarked on a routine expedition on a raft, exploring a mysterious cave," Dad continued. "Little did they know that this adventure would take an unexpected turn."

Suddenly, I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer. “What happened?”

“All of a sudden, there was a huge earthquake.”

"Dad, how big was the earthquake?” I asked. “Was it like a 10.0 on the Richter scale or even bigger?"

Dad chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm not quite sure about the magnitude, but let's just say it was the greatest earthquake ever known."

As Dad continued his tale, he described how the earthquake struck while they were navigating through treacherous rapids. The force of nature caused their tiny raft to be flung down into the depths below.

Wide-eyed, Bailey gasped and asked, "Where did they end up?"

"To a place called the Land of the Lost," Dad replied with a mischievous grin.

Bailey's excitement quickly turned to disappointment. "Dad, that doesn't sound scary at all."

Dad chuckled again. "Well, I tried my best to make it thrilling. But don't worry, there's more to the story."

I glanced at Bailey and stifled a yawn. It had been a long day, and despite our anticipation for an exciting tale, fatigue was starting to catch up with me.

Mom noticed my tiredness, she smiled understandingly. "Alright, kiddos, I think it's time for bed. We can continue the story tomorrow."

Bailey and I nodded, knowing that there would be plenty of time to hear the rest of the thrilling adventure. As we settled down for the night, our imaginations were already running wild with the possibilities of what awaited us in the Land of the Lost.

We headed back to the camper, but it was really foggy out. “I can’t see anything in this fog!” I complained.

“Just get inside,” Mom said. “It will be gone in the morning.”

“I sure hope so, because it would be a lousy view of the Grand Canyon,” I joked.

Startled awake by an unfamiliar sound outside the camper, I glanced around the dimly lit space and noticed that my family was still fast asleep. Curiosity tugged at me, compelling me to investigate. I rose from my bed and approached the window, only to find the thick fog still obscuring my view. It was impossible to discern anything beyond its hazy veil.

Hopeful that the fog would dissipate by morning, I returned to my pillow, attempting to convince myself that it had all been a mere nightmare. However, sleep eluded me as I stared up at the ceiling, my mind plagued by unanswered questions.

Seeking solace in distraction, I reached for my phone to check the time. To my bewilderment, there was no clock displayed on its screen. Frustration welled up within me, and I lightly tapped the device in a futile attempt to rectify the issue. Realizing that it was futile and inconsequential in that moment, I resigned myself to sleep and resolved to address the matter come morning.

Just as drowsiness began to reclaim me, the enigmatic noise reverberated through the air once more. Startled and filled with a sense of urgency, I leapt from my bed and hurried over to my parents' sleeping forms. Desperate for answers, I urgently whispered, "Mom, Dad, there's a strange noise outside our camper."

My father's voice growled with irritation as he responded, "Riley, go back to bed! It's probably just an animal."

Reluctantly obeying his command, I turned to retreat to my bed when the unsettling sound echoed through the night once again. This time, both my mother and father roused from their slumber.

Wide-eyed with concern, my mother inquired with a tremor in her voice, "What kind of animal makes that noise?"

Dad's uncertainty was palpable as he replied, "I'm not sure, but I don't want to find out. Let's wait until morning to investigate." He glanced at his phone, only to discover an unexpected anomaly. "What the..." he trailed off, his expression mirroring his confusion.

Alarmed by his reaction, my mother pressed for an explanation. "What's wrong, honey?"

His voice tinged with disbelief, Dad replied, "There's no time displayed on this phone."

A mixture of shock and disbelief washed over my mother's face. "You're joking!" she exclaimed.

"My phone is the same," I chimed in, my worry mounting.

Bailey, stirred from their sleep, their voice filled with grogginess and curiosity. "What's going on?"

As we exchanged concerned glances, it became increasingly clear that something inexplicable and unsettling was unfolding around us. Determined to uncover the truth and ensure our safety, we braced ourselves for the challenges that lay ahead.