Hammocks
People have been using hammocks for many years. The first people to create these swinging beds were the Taino, people native to the Caribbean and to Central and South America. The Taino made the hammocks A____. The word "hammock" comes from the Spanish word hamaca. Hammocks were likely named after the bark from the hamack tree B____. European explorers came in search of the New World many years after the Taino had begun making hammocks. The explorers were impressed with the unique beds. Christopher Columbus spotted hammocks in the Caribbean in 1492. They made such an impact on him C____. Columbus admired how the hanging beds kept sleepers safe from the soggy ground and pesky forest animals. These portable beds were also easily moved. They were small enough when folded D____. Columbus tested a hammock and found it to be comfortable and cool. By the middle of the 16th century, more sailors became interested in hammocks.
Today hammocks are not just for relaxing. They are now part of a thrillseeking sport known as extreme hammocking. In extreme hammocking, athletes may string a hammock between large rocks or tall trees. Some athletes hang the hammocks from the bottom of a bridge. Athletes climb to their destination E____. Wherever the location, hammockers enjoy the challenges the climb brings. Andy Lewis, an extreme-hammocking expert from Utah, said, "The experience speaks for itself. The joy is in the journey, rather than the destination."