Kate and the Wyoming Fossil Fiasco Read Online Free

deceiving,” Mr. Phillips said. “You might be surprised what you find hiding under rocks or bushes.” His wiggled his eyebrows and the girls laughed.
    They got out of the car and Kate looked at her watch. “Looks like we’re right on time.”
    “And it looks like we have just enough time to get you girls settled in before going on the tour,” Mr. Phillips said. He looked at Kate’s dad. “Are you game?”
    “I’d love to go on the tour before we drive back,” Kate’s father said with a nod. “I’ve been working on a project with my robotics students back in Pennsylvania, and a trip to the quarry would help me think more creatively.”
    The girls made their way to the building with their dads behind them. They followed the signs that read C AMPERS S IGN I N H ERE . As they joined a long line of other campers, the boy in front of Kate turned to look at her.
    “You here for camp?” he asked, nudging up his glasses with his finger.
    “Yes.” She nodded. “I’m Kate and this is McKenzie.”
    “I’m Joel.” He gave them a nod, then raked his fingers through his dark, curly hair. “I come every summer. This is my favorite camp.”
    “You go to other camps, too?” she asked.
    “Sure.” He shrugged. “Math camp. Science camp. Band camp. But this is the best.”
    “Well this is our first time,” McKenzie explained. “And we have a lot to learn.”
    “I see.” His brow wrinkled. “Newcomers. Well, welcome. If you have any questions about fossils, ask me. I’m your guy.”
    “He’s your guy all right,” McKenzie whispered in Kate’s ear. “Sounds like you two have a lot in common.”
    “W—what?” Kate could hardly believe McKenzie would say such a thing!
    McKenzie winked then looked from one to the other. Kate’s stomach fluttered. How embarrassing! She hoped Joel hadn’t heard. Or Dexter! He would tease her nonstop if he thought she was interested in a boy!
    “You’re both very scientific,” McKenzie whispered. “And I’ll bet he would love your electronic gadgets.”
    Thankfully the line moved forward. Before long a young man with a nametag that read C ONNER greeted them.
    “Welcome, ladies! And you are …?”
    “I’m Kate Oliver and this is McKenzie Phillips,” Kate said. “We’re first-time campers.”
    “Welcome to the best fossil-tastic adventure ever!”
    Conner said. “You girls are in for a real treat. Want me to help you get checked in?”
    “Please,” McKenzie said.
    He gave them each a clipboard. “Just fill out these forms for me. You can turn them back in here at the desk when you’re done.”
    Kate nodded and took the paperwork, which she filled out lickety-split. McKenzie took a little longer. When they finished, they returned to the desk and Kate’s father paid her tuition. McKenzie’s father paid for hers as well.
    “What about the tour, Dad?” Dexter asked. “You promised we could go!”
    “There’s a tour starting in ten minutes,” Conner said. “I’ll be leading it.”
    “How long does it last?” McKenzie asked. “Do we have time to go with our dads before camp starts?”
    “Yes, it’s just a thirty-minute tour of the quarry, which is behind this building,” Conner said. “When you’re done, meet Megan at the bunkhouse, and she will get you settled in.” He pointed to a pretty young woman in her twenties with blond hair and a bright smile.
    She drew near. “Did someone call my name?”
    “I was just telling our new campers to meet you at the bunkhouse after the tour,” Conner said. “This is their first time at Stone’s Throw.”
    “Welcome.” Megan extended her hand and Kate shook it. “I’m Megan Jenkins.”
    “Megan’s father, Mr. Jenkins, owns the quarry,” Conner explained.
    “That’s right.” Megan nodded. “I grew up just a couple of miles from here. Spent my childhood digging for fossils with my dad.”
    Kate smiled at the pretty blond. “I’m Kate Oliver and this is my friend McKenzie.”
    “We’re glad