Before Listening

Back to: How Not to Camp in Alaska

Chena Hot Springs Road, near Fairbanks, Alaska.

Have you ever gone on a trip where nothing goes as planned?

In this segment, James Menaker tells the story of a family trip… and why he now hates camping.

Before listening, think about these questions:

  1. What could go wrong on a camping trip?
  2. Why might one member of the family be happy to stay home?

Note that although James begins his story in the past tense (“I was bummed”), at about 1:29 he switches to the present tense (“So as we drive out…”). This is often done in informal storytelling for a more vivid style.