Bubble Map and Sample Paragraph about Me

If you would like to create your bubble map using the Thinking map software check out Ms. Roehl's blog at http://www.english10msroehl.blogspot.com for detailed directions. Or if you prefer the old-fashioned method of pen and paper that will be sufficient for this first assignment.

Most honeymoons involve a healthy dose of rest and relaxation. However, my husband and I, being adventurous backcountry campers decided to ride the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry throughout the inner-passage of Alaska for a month, stopping to camp, hike and kayak at various towns along the way. No posh cruise ships for us. At one of our ferry-stops, we ventured into Glacier National Park, found park rangers to drop us in the backcountry with kayaks, tents, raingear, and enough supplies for a week. The boat would be back for us in 7 days. The rest was up to us. On the third day of our adventure, Erik and I pitched our tent at the mouth of a salmon-fed stream. Erik went off to pump some fresh water and I graciously offered to stay back in the tent and read. After I realized that Erik had been gone for what seemed like an hour, I poked my head out of the tent. There were glaciers in front of me, ice floes to my right, and as I swiveled my head around to the left, a massive grizzly bear ambling his way to the mouth of the stream where Erik had gone to retrieve our water. He looked hungry and I was convinced Erik was the main course. I tried to recall the videos I had watched at the ranger station. "Make lots of noise.” “Don't startle the bear.” “Don't turn your back to the bear.” “Assume a non-threatening posture.” “Play dead if the bear attacks." So I disregarded all of this advice, and hopped into my kayak to see if I could find the gnarled body of my beloved. As I paddled into the bay, my mind was racing. At first I was frightened. Then I moved to the frenzied stage. Finally, I was just plain angry that he had gone and gotten himself killed so early into the marriage. As I paddled further into the bay, I spotted in the distance, a small dot bobbing along the surface of the water. It was moving slowly toward me. To my shock, amazement, and relief I spotted Erik - perfectly in tact, with full water bottles and a look of wonder on his face. He had been floating through the bay in our kayak, looking at bald eagles and checking out the glaciers towering above our campsite. Insert a big sigh of relief here. As a follow-up, I am happy to report that despite 48 straight hours of rain while living in a tent, and one hypothetical bear attack, our marriage is still going strong. We are still camping, hiking, backpacking, and always looking for the next big adventure. (Bears not included.)