Bailey and the Santa Fe Secret Read Online Free PDF Page B

the edge of Bailey’s mind.
    “Let us get some water bottles first,” Bailey said. “I don’t know much about hiking, but I know you should always take plenty of water.”
    The girls grabbed water bottles from the fridge and handed one to Elan, who put on the wide-brimmed hat he’d been holding. They tucked their cell phones in their pockets and were ready to go.
    “Here,” Elan said, handing them each a fanny pack. “We usually wear these when we hike so we don’t have to carry water bottles. I also put a little bag of trail mix in each one in case we get hungry.”
    “Thanks.” Bailey strapped hers on and slipped her water bottle into the mesh side pouch.
    Bailey’s mom was reading the newspaper in the kitchen. “Mom, we’re going to hike with Elan to the Puye Cliff dwellings,” Bailey said. “He says they’re not far.”
    “Okay, be home for supper.”
    “We will. We have our phones if you need us.” Bailey patted the pocket holding her phone.
    “Have fun!” Mrs. Chang called.
    The screen door slammed behind them as they started out. Every time she went outside, Bailey marveled that her cousin’s house was so far in the middle of nowhere. A few other homes spotted the barren landscape, but Bailey noticed there weren’t any stores like she was so used to in Peoria, Illinois.
    Elan led the way through the dry terrain. “We have to walk this direction awhile, then you’ll see the cliff dwellings.” A lizard sunning itself on a rock scurried to safety under a creosote bush.
    “Is this a desert?” Bailey asked.
    “Not really. But it’s typical of the southwest with its dry, hard dirt and gravel and tall, dry grass. Lots of scrubby bushes and big rocks, too. We have some cacti like prickly pear, but not the tall saguaros with arms you see in some deserts. Southern New Mexico has part of the Chihuahuan Desert in it, but Santa Fe’s in the northern part of the state.”
    “We won’t run across any snakes, will we?” Elizabeth asked.
    “Probably not.” Elan kept walking. “But you never can tell.”
    Bailey saw Beth’s wide hazel green eyes scanning the desert for any sign of movement.
    “If a rattlesnake was around, we’d know before we got too close,” Elan said. “That’s what the rattler is for—to warn people and tell them to get away.”
    Bailey saw the worry in Elizabeth’s eyes. “Don’t worry, Beth. Elan grew up out here. He’ll take good care of us.”
    Elizabeth nodded but kept scanning the area.
    “Are we near the cliff dwellings yet?” Bailey asked.
    “A little farther,” Elan said. “Up around those big rocks, then a little bit past that.”
    Bailey stopped and sipped her water. The sun was beating down without mercy. Only scraggly bushes and tall desert plants grew here with an occasional desert willow tree, which didn’t provide much shade.
    “We should have put on sunscreen,” Elizabeth said. “I’ll be burnt to a crisp.”
    Elan said, “Here. Why don’t you wear my hat? At least that will shade your face.” He whipped off his hat and tossed it to Elizabeth.
    Beth looked at the floppy hat and laughed. “This will be a new look for me.” She shoved it on and struck a pose. “How do I look?”
    Bailey laughed. “Like a cross between a fashion model and a desert rat.”
    “I think you look great!” Elan said. “At least you won’t look like a lobster when we get back.”
    “Not my face anyway.” Elizabeth held her arms out and inspected them as they walked. “My arms, maybe. We’ll have to try to take cover under some of the trees or tall rock formations.”
    “What time is it?” Elan asked.
    Bailey checked her cell phone. “Three thirty-five.”
    “At least we’re not in the most damaging rays. They’re usually the worst between ten and two o’clock.”
    “Good point,” Elizabeth said. “But then again I’ve heard the hottest part of the day is usually around five or six o’clock, just before the sun goes down.”
    “Hopefully we