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Some people dream of sightseeing in Italy. Others fantasise about taking a cruise or lying on a tranquil beach in the hot sun, but not me. No; when I take a holiday, I want it to be something to remember. That's why I chose to go on an extreme storm chasing tour!
As I arrived at the meeting point for my storm chasing adventure, I was like a dog with two tails. I simply couldn't wait to get up close and personal with my first storm! My tour guide, Roger Hill, shook my hand emphatically upon entering the room. Middle-aged and dressed in run-of-the-mill clothing, Roger didn't conform to the daredevil image that I'd imagined.
However, his ordinary demeanour hid the fact that he had encountered over 400 tornadoes and had lived to tell the tale!After a brief orientation during which Roger explained what we would be doing throughout our weeklong tour, we jumped into the chase van and took off on our first adventure. Together with three other 'tourists', we headed across the Great Plains towards Kansas. I had hoped to see some spectacular scenery en route, but was disappointed by the flat, empty landscape that seemed to stretch on forever. Now and again we would pass some grazing animals or a peculiar rock formation, but in general, it was entirely desolate.
After six hours, we finally arrived at our destination. We were just in time. The clouds had started to curl into dark, ominous columns that towered overhead. In the distance we could see a heavy mist approaching. I pulled out my video camera and started filming. The cloud was simply astounding.It was like a huge explosion in the sky, mushroom-shaped and swirling madly as it gathered strength. A wave of excitement washed over me as the storm was finally upon us.
Suddenly, there was a loud bang. At first I thought a rock had hit the van. Then I realised what had happened: golf up hailstones had been unleashed from the sky! They pounded down on the roof threatening to break it, but since the van was reinforced we knew that we were safe. Then the lightning started. It illuminated the blackened clouds, striking the ground nearby with a deafening boom. At this point, my camera ran out of batteries. I reached for the backup, but to my frustration I had forgotten to pack it. I just hope my memory of the events will remain vivid.
Although our second day was almost completely uneventful, the remainder of the week was spent observing a variety of cloud formations, dust tornadoes and spectacular lightning displays. The most memorable of these was witnessed on our fourth day, when we stumbled upon an intense lightning storm at sunset. It lit up the sky in stunning red and orange hues that were simply incredible. But nothing compared to our final day.
A severe thunderstorm warning had been issued in Nebraska, so we set off eagerly first thing in the morning.When we arrived at our chosen viewpoint, the clouds had begun to swirl, forming the shape of a cone. They lowered slowly downwards and, before we knew it, grew into a large tornado! We gasped in awe as the twister surged across the landscape, pulling debris from the ground. Its terrifying roar reminded us of its capacity for destruction. After only 10 minutes, it was all over. But witnessing first-hand the intense beauty and power of Mother Nature was an experience that will last a lifetime!
For the writer, the most important aspect of going on holiday is
- seeing spectacular things.
- having an unforgettable time.
- enjoying the weather.
- fulfilling his dreams.
The writer uses the phrase 'like a dog with two tails' to illustrate that he felt
- content.
- peculiar.
- excited.
- nervous.
What had surprised the writer about Roger Hill?
- He didn't seem adventurous.
- He looked old for his age.
- He was unusually friendly.
- His clothing was old-fashioned.
What was the writer's attitude towards the long journey?
- He felt worried.
- He found it very relaxing.
- He was filled with suspense.
- He grew disheartened.
What 'lit up the sky in stunning red and orange hues'?
- A dust tornado.
- A cloud formation.
- A lightning storm.
- A sunset.
How does the writer reflect upon his experience?
- It was too short-lived.
- Nature's power terrified him.
- He will remember it forever.
- He would like to relive it.