We drove to the logging road that lead to Bill’s parent’s property. We
arrived around midnight. There was a cable across the entrance and Sarah
asked “Will we be able to get in?”
“Sure, they keep it locked to try to keep kids out of here. It mostly
works. I have a key, would you unlock the fence and I’ll drive
through?”
“Sure, do you want me to relock it after you’re through?”
I considered the risk of losing the key but then, looking at Sarah
realized the possibilities of that situation, I said “Yes, please.”
I watched her walk into the headlights to unlock the gate. I liked the
way her butt swiveled but was really interested when she had to bend
over to unlock the lock. “Hmmm, I’m going to have to be careful.” I
thought to myself. It might be a struggle to stay a ‘gentleman’ on this
outing.
She pulled the cable aside and I drove through. She relocked the gate
and came back to the Jeep.
“Brrr, it’s getting cold out there! Where will we stop?”
“Just up the road a bit. In my last experience with this road there
were some nasty holes that I want to avoid. The night time creates
shadows that hide hazards making it risky to drive all the way in. I’ll
just pull in far enough so that we won’t be disturbed by any cars on the
main road.”
“Ok. Will we need our sleeping bags?”
“Well, it’s up to you. For me I’m just going to put the seat back and
unroll my bag over me. I think you’ll get to cold if you don’t cover
with your bag. Not first class accommodations but they’ll do for this
evening.”
“Sounds ok to me.” – Boy, what a pleasure to travel with I thought to
myself.
I pulled down the road about 100 yards and stopped the Jeep. I turned
around to get my bag when I realized we had another difficulty to deal
with.
“Sarah?”
“Yes, Brad?” she was reaching for her bag as well.
“Well, it just occurred to me that I only have the one tent. It’s a two
man – I mean, two person tent that’s big enough for the two of us but
you might want some more privacy. I do have a bivvy sack if you want to
use that.”
“Hmmm, oh yeah. I didn’t even think of that. What’s a bivvy sack?”
“Well it’s used for backpacking and provides protection from the
elements but it is just a narrow tube that your bag and pad fit into.
It is sort of a hassle to climb in and out of but I survived a sleet
storm in it. It’s made of Gore-Tex so it breathes well and has
fiberglass poles that keep the tube stretched and away from your bag.
You can’t curl up in it – you can only sleep stretched out and you need
to remove your clothes before you climb in. It does have a screen over
your head so you can look up at the stars even if it’s buggy or you can
pull a flap over if it’s raining. Not luxury but it works.”
“OK, beggers can’t be choosers. I’m sure it will be fine for the
weekend. There will be more room anyway since I’m smaller than you and
I don’t have a pad.”
“Well, I do have a pad you can use. I was going to loan it to Bill but
*he* won’t be needing it this trip.” I then told her about Bill’s
canceling at the last minute as we got ready to sleep.
“Sounds like we both have a reliability problem with our friends.” Sarah
said sympathetically. “But look on the bright side. We wouldn’t be
having this adventure toegther if our friends were reliable!” she said
with that wonderful laugh of hers.
“OH Yeah!” I thought to myself. “Maybe I need to give Bill a kiss when
I see him again.” I suggested.
“Well, what you do with your boyfriends is entirely up to you” Sarah
said with a chuckle “but maybe you should wait to see how this weekend
turns out before you make such a positive assessment. I might really
ruin this trip for you.”
“Not very likely!” I thought to myself and simply closed with “We’ll
see. Goodnight Sarah.”
“Goodnight hero.”
“God I love her calling me that!” I thought as I drifted off to the most
wonderful dreams.
I woke early in the morning and as I looked over to Sarah, who was still
sleeping, I realized part of my dreams were real. She really looked
beautiful in the morning light. She had that wholesome beauty that
doesn’t come from a jar. She had the most peaceful look on her face. I
needed to take my morning pee but I didn’t want to wake her – mostly for
selfish reasons as I was enjoying looking at her so much.
I was lost in my thoughts when I heard Sarah say “Good Morning Brad.”
I was startled and noticed her looking back at me with those luscious
big eyes of hers. “Good morning Sarah. Ready to begin our adventure?”
“Yeah, as soon as I empty my bladder.”
“Ok, boys on the left, girls on the right.” and I climbed out of the
car to relieve myself and to quickly hide my embarrassment for having
been caught looking at her.
Before I got back in the Jeep I stretched a bit and then rolled up my
sleeping bag and stowed it in the back. Sarah came back to the Jeep and
sort of shoved her bag into the back. “You might as well roll it up
Sarah. We’ll need it stowed when we canoe to the campsite.”
“Oh, ok. I just didn’t want to hold you up.”
“Thanks. Not a problem. It looks like such a beautiful day I see
absolutely no reason to rush. I’ll just stretch and enjoy the scenery.”
The scenery I enjoyed mostly, however, was watching Sarah. At one point
she looked up and had noticed my attention and she smiled. “Calm down,
Bradley!” I said to myself using the name only my mother uses.
“Ok, I’m all set. Ready to go?” Sarah asked with enthusiasm.
“Yes, but before we go in I just wanted to double check with you to make
sure you really want to do this. You hardly know me and, although I
promise to be a gentleman, I will understand if, in the light of the
day, you may have had second thoughts.”
“Brad, you’re a dear. I really don’t know a guy like you. Yes, it was
so pleasant just sleeping out in the woods in the Jeep I am really
looking forward to camping! Absolutely I want to do this! And I DO
appreciate you being a gentleman!” she said with a wink.
“All right! Let’s go!” we climbed in the Jeep and started down the
logging ‘road’. “Ok, if we just have a light breakfast? I have some
apples, gorp, and some other junk in that canvas bag. Help yourself.
If you could hand me an apple I’d appreciate it. When we get to camp
we’ll set up camp and then see if we can catch some lunch.”
“Sounds great. Here’s your apple. I haven’t fished in years and I
don’t have a fishing license.”
“You’ll do ok, these lakes are stocked with trout by the state so
they’re pretty easy to catch. I’m generally a stickler for paying for
what I take so usually insist on my fellow campers having licenses but
in this case I’ll have to make an exception. Hmmm, since Bill
begrudingly got a license but won’t be using it I guess the state got
their money’s worth. Sounds like a good rationalization to me – what do
you think?”
“Well, as you say, it is a stretch but it works for me as well. I’m not
sure the ranger or policeman or who ever the enforcement officer is will
agree with your logic however.” Sarah suggested.
“It would be truely amazing to see a ranger at this spot. I think we
can take that risk. I promise to visit you in jail, however, if you get
caught!” I winked.
“Oh, you!” Sarah slapped my arm jokingly. “I would expect my hero to
break me out of the clink!”
“Never fear, my dear. I promise I’ll break you out IF you get thrown
in. Good enough?”
“Good enough for me, hero.”
At the beginning of the road the trail was pretty clear but as we
progressed there was more and more debris collected on the road. At one
point we came upon a tree that fell across the road. Sarah was
concerned and asked “Do we need to cut this up or something?”
“No, it’s only about 8 inches in diameter. We’ll be able to crawl over
it. This will give me a chance to show you how to do it in case you
need to drive us out.”
“Me? Why would I need to drive?” Sarah was perplexed.
“Well, if I had an accident and couldn’t drive you will need to drive us
out or just yourself to get help.”
“Oh yeah. I guess I understand why you wanted me to come along.” Sarah
said understanding the serious side of this trip.
“Well, yes, there was that but it wasn’t the only reason.” I said with a
smile. Sarah smiled back and said “Thanks. So what do I need to know?”
“This Jeep has high clearance and has rugged tires so climbing over
stones or logs will be easy if we put it in low low gear. The Jeep is
always 4 wheel drive but it’s easier if we use low gearing so we can do
it slowly and safely. We could just go straight on to the log but that
invites disaster if we slip off the other side. The Jeep would drop and
the transmission could get damaged if it fell on the tree. So we want
to go over at an angle so only one tire climbs the log at a time. This
way we always have three tires on solid ground. Less chance for slip.”
“Ok, makes sense so far.” Sarah was very attentive.
“If we go over rocks the main thing is to try to keep the rocks under
the tires, not in the center of the vehicle. A tall rock could catch on
the undercarriage and poke a hole in something. Finally, keep your
thumbs on the outside of the steering wheel.” I showed her what I meant.
“If the Jeep slips and the wheel turns sharply it could break your
thumbs if you have them inside the steering wheel.”
“Wow! I didn’t realize how risky this was. I thought you just put it
in low gear and go. Let’s just hope we don’t need me to drive ok?”
“Well, that’s ok with me but I will feel more comfortable if I know that
you can get out of here safely. I’ll keep the gate key in the console
tray here so we can’t lose it camping. Ready to climb your first log?”
“Sure! Let’s do it.” and then as an afterthought “Hero.” Sarah teased.
Teasing or not I sure liked her calling me that. With a wave of
pleasure running over me I put it in low gear and lined up at an angle
to the log. I slowly crept over it and Sarah had a look of surprise on
her face.
“Boy, I expected something more dramatic than that. We hardly lifted
up! Why?”
“Well, when you go slowly there’s no bouncing and the Jeep can do what
it does best. The suspension simply allows the front axle to shift at
an angle and the tire goes deep into the wheelwell rather than the whole
vehicle getting thrown all over. I could make the next one more
thrilling if you’d like?”
“Um, no, that’s ok. Let’s save the adventure for the camping.” Indeed!
I thought to myself.
The rest of the way was pretty inconsequential. About two miles down
the road we saw the lake on the right.
“Is this the lake we’re camping on?”
“Yes, I don’t know if the lake has a name. It’s an ok size but there
are so many around here I don’t know if they are all named. We are
going to stop about the midway point in the lake and then canoe to our
camp spot. The stop is just a little bit further.”
“It’s really pretty. It’s such a nice day! Everything is gorgeous!”
Sarah looked like a kid looking all around at the new sights.
We arrived at the end of the trail about a half mile later. I stopped
the Jeep and got out. Sarah got out and said “You are right. This is
such a pretty spot. If they do put in a cabin I hope they keep it as
pristine as this.”
We walked to the water’s edge and looked over the view. I’ve been here
before but somehow, today, with Sarah here, it seemed to take on a new
dimension. Maybe I was being foolish or maybe it was the pleasure of
having someone else who truely enjoyed the experience as much as me but
in either case I felt very contented.
Sarah turned and saw me looking at her. She smiled and said “Ok, boss,
what do we do now?”
That shook me out of my reverie – ‘boss’, that’s a good one! I didn’t
feel like I was in charge!
“Well, first, let’s get the canoe off the top of the Jeep. We’ll put it
partly into the water and then fill it with our gear.”
We quickly got the canoe down, loaded all our gear, and were ready to
shove off.
“You take the front, Sarah. I’ll steer from the rear.”
“I should warn you that I’ve never ridden in one of these things. Is it
safe?”
“You’ll be ok. Just don’t stand up or lean over. With all the gear in
it it’s actually quite stable. When it’s just the two of us it will be
a lot tippier but, if you heed my advice, you’ll be fine. There is no
wind today so it’s ideal canoing weather. Nice and cool and crystal
clear water. You climb in the front while I hold it steady.”
I watched with pleasure as Sarah gingerly worked her way to the front
bending over trying to stay low and ‘not stand up’. I enjoyed the view.
I’ll have to think how I can tailor my advice to this advantage more
often. Sarah reached the front and sat down and said “Ok, now what?”
“Take the paddle so you’ll have it when we get out in the water. When
we’re paddling try to just push on one side at a time. You can switch
occasionally but try to keep a relatively constant pace. When you dip
your paddle and pull, do it gently. You don’t need a lot of force once
we’re moving. Especially with a calm day like today. Finally, try to
keep the paddle low to the water when you finish the pull. Don’t lift
the paddle out and over the canoe, you’ll get our gear wet. If you
twist the paddle as you lift it out so the paddle blade is parallel to
the water’s surface then twist it back as you put the blade back in the
water you’ll have the best effect. I’ll show you once we’re out. All
set?”
“Yes, I think so. Just don’t throw me in if I do something wrong.”
“Ow! What kind of ‘hero’ do you think I am? This water is so cold we
wouldn’t last 10 minutes if we fell in it so please don’t do anything
wrong.”
“Yuck, more danger! I’m glad I’ve got you along.”
“I’m glad I’ve got you along too Sarah.” I said in all sincerity.
I saw Sarah look back with a curious look and then a smile.
I climbed in and pushed off. As the canoe rocked a little bit I saw
Sarah stiffen. “Just relax Sarah. Keep your back loose. Flex with the
rocking and we’ll be fine. You ok?”
“Yeah, I guess so. I guess that warning about the water temperature got
me a little panicky. I’ll be ok once I get the rhythm.”
“Ok, watch me paddle a bit. I’m going to change sides to steer so you
don’t need to do that but just watch the paddle motion. Ok?”
“Yes. Thanks.” she sounded truely grateful.
I showed her the motion and she saw it right away and tried it. After
just a few strokes she was perfect and we were moving quickly out into
open water.
“Wow Sarah. You must be one hell of a dancer! You picked up the rhythm
incredibly fast!” I was amazed. I also enjoyed watching how her hips
swayed with the rocking motion of the canoe and how her jeans were
pulled tightly around her butt with her sitting down in front of me like
that.
“I am a great dancer Brad. You’ll have to come see me dance some time.”
“I’m looking forward to it!” thinking that this was too easy. It was so
easy to slip into this relationship I was starting to be concerned. Was
I being naive or too easy?
I quickly forgot about this as a problem as we got into open water and I
turned to head south toward the river that fed the lake.
We paddled casually and enjoyed the scenery. We watched some ducks as
they nonchalantly watched us paddle by. I saw the river opening and
headed toward it. I thought the best campsite was about 200 yards up
the river. There was a small water fall just beyond that so we would
have had to portage to go beyond that point. I liked that spot, it has
a pleasant sound from the falls and a nice open camping area and the
fishing was good just below the falls. We headed into the river and
could now feel a bit of resistance as there was a noticeable current.
Not too strong but strong enough to notice. It seemed like the water
volume was greater than I expected so there was probably a lot of snow
melting at the higher elevations. Man this water will be cold! Better
to preserve any fish we catch I thought.
We had gone just a bit farther when Sarah said “I think I hear a water
fall. We’re not going to go over the edge are we?”
I laughed and said “Not unless this is an Escher painting! We’re
heading upriver. It is a falls you hear but its dumping water to this
level. We’ll be all right. We’re going to camp just before the falls.”
“What a dummy! I should have known that! You must think I’m one of
those dumb theatrical types.”
“I don’t think that at all Sarah. I am enjoying your company and right
now I am especially enjoying your propulsion!” I said with a laugh.
“Oh you!” and Sarah smacked her paddle down to give me a bit of a
splash.
“Careful. I wouldn’t want to fall into this water. It’s going to be
almost freezing temperature.”
“Thanks for reminding me. Brrr, I guess we won’t be taking a bath on
this trip.”
“I guess not.” I said with my mind TOTALLY boggled with the thought of
taking a bath with Sarah!
We could really hear the falls now as we came around a bend and we saw
the opening on the left.
“Is that where we’re going to camp?” Sarah asked excitedly.
“Yup, you like it?”
“I love it! What a great spot. Boy am I glad I came on this trip
instead of staying in stuffy old Lake George! Thanks for bringing me.”
“You are most welcome Sarah. Thank you for coming. I am glad you came
as well. I always enjoy this place but I’m glad I could share it with
you.”
Sarah stopped her paddling and turned and looked at me for a few
seconds. She then turned and started paddling in earnest.
“What do I need to do as we land?” Sarah asked.
“I’ll tell you when to stop paddling and then you just put your paddle
out to catch shore and then sit tight while I swing us around and I’ll
get out first and then hold the canoe to let you out.”
“Ok. Sounds good.”
As we approached the shore I said “Ok, you can stop now.” and I guided
us in the rest of the way. Sarah put her paddle out and held on to the
shore while I swung the tail of the canoe into shore. “Ok you can let go
now. I’ve got the shore.” I moved the tail to the shore and pushed the
paddle down to lift the canoe onto shore. I held on to the canoe and
stepped out and then pulled the canoe further on to the shore. “Ok, you
can get out. Just be careful. Hold on to the gunnels as you step out.”
“The what? What are the gunnels?”
“Oh sorry. The side rails of the canoe.”
Sarah carefully lifted herself off the seat – I love that butt! and
turned and worked her way back keeping very low and inching both hands
on the gunnels. As she got to the rear she worked her hands up my arms
and practically fell into them as she got out. Yeah – I’m going to have
to learn how to take advantage of my instructions to Sarah as I held her
to steady her.
Sarah smiled at me and said “My hero! You got us here safely!” I liked
being her hero.
We both pulled the canoe further on to shore and unloaded.
“What do you want me to do Brad?” Sarah was ready for work.
“Well, since I know how I’ve got everything organized to set up camp and
the tent is pretty much a one man – I mean ‘person’ job.” I smiled at
Sarah and she shook her head with a smile. “How about if you look
around and gather some firewood. We won’t need it yet but it’s always
good to gather a supply while we have good light and time. Sound ok?”
“Sure does! How large do you want?”
“Anything you’re able to haul would be good. Some small sticks for
kindling but 3 to 4 inches thick would be ideal.”
She took off and I set up the tent in the usual spot. The camp already
had a fire ring so we would use that. I had to string up a line for the
food storage and another for the garbage duffle. I was glad I brought
the portable potty this trip. Sometimes I won’t bring it but with mixed
company I’m glad we have some degree of comfort. I moved it to the edge
of the camp area next to a bush so there is some privacy. The bush
hadn’t really leafed out yet but the spot did offer at least some degree
of seclusion.
I was just setting up the bivvy sack when Sarah came back lugging an arm
load of wood. “Wow! Let me help you with that” as I took the load from
her arms. I accidently brushed against her chest as I grabbed them but
both of us pretended nothing happened. “I have some more at the edge of
the woods. This is all I could carry at once. I’ll go get another
load.”
I placed the load I had next to the fire ring and followed Sarah to the
woods. Boy, is this girl a hard worker! She had a large pile of very
good quality wood. Next to the pile was, what appeared to be the top
section of a tree that must have lost its top in an ice storm. The
diameter of the base was six inches in diameter. Sarah saw me looking
at it and said “That thing is heavy. I don’t know if it’s too green but
it looked like a good hunk of wood so I dragged it down here. Do you
think it will be all right?”
“Gosh Sarah! You’ve done a lot of work. This is a great pile! Yeah, I
think this section of wood was dead before it got knocked off the tree
so it should be ready to burn. We’ll have to cut it up but I think I
have the tools for that. Let’s move all this wood to the center of camp
and then we’ll take a break.”
We moved all the wood and I went to the water to fill up the water bags
so we had some water near the camp. As I got back to the camp I said,
“You can use this water to wash up a bit. It’s cold but if you just use
a little water it won’t be too bad. I have some antiseptic hand cleaner
so we can at least keep our hands from spreading any germs.”
“Is this water safe to drink? I could use a drink after that lugging.”
Sarah said.
“Well, it might be but I have a water filter that will take out anything
that might be hazardous. Give me a minute to filter some for you.”
I should have done that when we first arrived I chided myself but
quickly got enough filtered water for Sarah to drink.
“Gosh, I guess that is cold! It feels like ice water! But it sure is
good. Thanks!”
“At your service, Miss …, say! I don’t even know you’re last name.
That’s pretty rude to invite you camping and not even know your name.”
“Oh yeah, I guess it is weird isn’t it. I am Sarah Baker. I am pleased
to meet you.” Sarah did a very graceful curtsey.
“My pleasure Miss Baker, I am honored to make your acquaintance.” I said
with a little bow.
Sarah giggled “Now I know you’re from another time. Sometime you’ll
have to tell me how you got here and if you would take me back with you
when you go.”
“Well, I’m not planning to go anywhere but fishing Miss Baker. If you
would like to join me let’s finish up these chores.”
“Is this the bivvy sack you told me about?” Sarah asked peering into the
tube I had set up on the ground.
“Yes, cozy isn’t it? Would you prefer I sleep in it?”
“Gosh no! I’m the freeloader here. The least I can do is take the
modest accommodations. Should I set up my sleeping bag in there?”
“No, I spread out the sleeping pad and it needs to self-inflate before
we put any weight on it. I put your bag in my tent to keep it clean.”
“Ok, thanks.”
We finished filtering the water and straightened everything out so we
could find things quickly if we needed to. I then gathered the fishing
gear.
“Fortunately I had brought an extra rod and reel for Bill to use so
we’re all set to catch some lunch, dinner, and if we’re really good –
breakfast.”
“You are an optimist. I’ll be lucky if I don’t hook myself or you.”
“You’ve already got me hooked” I thought to myself.
“Come on, let’s go. I’ll bring the fishing gear. You bring the water
and the snacks.”
We put everything in the canoe and Sarah carefully got in. The way she
bent over as she passed me I wanted to take a bite out of her butt but I
restrained myself. She sat in the bow again and I got in and pushed
off.
“Oh wow! I see what you mean about tippier when it’s not loaded. Are
we going to be ok?”
“Sure Sarah. Just remember – keep your hips flexible and don’t stand up
or lean.”
“Ok, I’ll take your word for it.”
We paddled out to the center of the river and then toward the falls.
“At least it’s a lot easier to move when it’s not loaded” Sarah
observed.
“You’ll get used to it. Why don’t you set up your fishing gear while I
move us to my favorite spot.”
As we approached the spot I told Sarah that she could start any time and
I started to fix my gear. I had barely gotten my line in the water when
I felt a motion and Sarah yelled “I got one!”.
“Ok, don’t try to pull it in too quickly. Let it work and tire and
slowly pull it toward you as it relaxes or swims toward you.”
Sarah was a natural! She worked the line perfectly and soon had the
fish near the side. I netted the fish. It was a nice 9 inch brown
trout!
“Boy I’m really going to enjoy this for lunch.” I said.
“Hey! Won’t you share a little with me since I caught it?” Sarah pouted.
“Well, maybe. You know the rule don’t you?”
“What rule?”
“All catch belongs to the ship’s captain!” I said with a chuckle.
“Oh so now you’re captain? Well, aye aye captain.” Sarah saluted. “Let
me have my line back so I can catch MY lunch this time.”
“I think I’ll catch your lunch.” I said with a wink.
“We’ll see Dr. Martin, we’ll see.” And she focused on getting into the
fishing competition.
“Well, in any case, Miss Baker, congratulations on catching the first
catch. You will be aptly rewarded on shore.”
“Reward huh? Ok, what kind of reward?” she looked at me with an
inquisitive smile.
“You’ll see. You just go back to catching my meals for me…”
“Aye aye captain.”
I went back to my line and soon I felt the slightest nudge and readied
to set the hook. The next nudge I reacted and set it home. The fish
took off! Oh this is a nice one. “I got one Sarah”
“Do you want me to do anything?” Sarah asked excitedly.
“No, I think I can land this. Thanks.” I slowly worked the fish in.
When I got it close I netted it. Looks like this beats Sarah’s fish as
I held it up it was at least 10 inches.
“Boy, I’m really going to enjoy that for lunch!” I heard Sarah say with
a giggle. I looked at her. Christ she was fun to fish with! I smiled
and mouthed “touche”.
The air had warmed up a bit and we both took off our jackets while we
fished. It was then that I noticed that Sarah might be small but she
surely wasn’t weak. She had very well defined muscles in her arms. As
she paddled to help keep our position in the river I couldn’t help but
admire her body. My first opinion was completely off base as it was now
quite clear that Sarah really had the most beautiful petite body and her
dancing must keep her in perfect form. I enjoyed her company with both
the conversation and the simple pleasure of watching her while we
fished.
I caught one more and Sarah caught two. I suggested we head in to
prepare these for lunch and dinner. Sarah asked “What about breakfast?”
“Oh, I was just kidding about that. We really want fresh caught trout
for breakfast.”
“Oh, that makes sense. So we’ll catch breakfast early tomorrow?”
“No, you’re such a good fisherman, er, person, I’ll sleep in while you
catch breakfast and wake me up when it’s ready.”
Sarah roared. She sure had a hearty laugh. “What! Hmmm, methinks you
may not be from another time after all – either that or you’re a fast
learner. Which is it?”
“I’m definitely a fast learner.” I said with a smile.
We had all the fish in my creel and we packed up the poles and headed
back to camp. As we paddled Sarah said “Brad, I really really want to
thank you for bringing me here. This is already a better weekend than I
can remember having. I really appreciate that you let me join you.
This is so beautiful here. Do you come here often?”
“Not often enough and it is my pleasure – really – that you came.
Frankly, I am glad that Bill bailed out and I found you.” I meant that
in more ways than one.
We paddled silently really just letting the current carry us back to
camp. As we approached the shore I figured I didn’t need to tell Sarah
the process but I should have told her to be careful when she put the
paddle to shore. As we approached I told Sarah she could stop paddling
and she put her paddle out but leaned out too far. I yelled “Sarah
don’t!”
Just as I shouted I felt the canoe tip sideways. Sarah overreacted and
moved quickly back in the other direction and we immediately flipped
over into the water. “OH CHRIST! IS THIS FUCKING COLD!” I thought as I
hit the water. I immediately peed my pants – thinking in passing that
the warmth of the pee felt good. Shit! We’ve got to get out of here.
I swan toward Sarah and pulled her onto the shore. She was gasping, I
don’t think from swallowing water but from the cold.
“Sarah! Let’s get up on shore. We’ve got to get these clothes off!” I
half carried her and she began to shiver violently. God! We’ve got to
move fast I thought. This shit will kill us in no time! I picked her
up and ran to the entrance of the tent. I put her down and started
stripping. Sarah sat down on the ground and curled up in a ball. She
had a blank look on her face as she shook. I shouted “S S Sarah! T T
Take off y y your c c clothes! It’s the only w w way to w w warm up!”
She responded like a little child pouting “N N N NO! T T T TOO C C C
COLD! TOO COLD!”.
I knew we couldn’t spend time debating this so I continued to strip off
my clothes. Once I was naked I grabbed Sarah. Shit she’s stopped
shaking! That’s not good. No time to be nice. I grabbed her and
lifted her up to undress her. She put up no resistance – her eyes were
blank. I grabbed her shirt and ripped the buttons open and pulled it
off of her. I unhooked her belt, unsnapped her jeans, and had to roll
them off of her to get them off they were so tight and hard to manage
while wet. I was starting to feel dizzy. “GOD PLEASE LET ME FINISH!”
I screamed silently.
I pulled off her sneakers, socks, and then her panties and bra. I rubbed
the last bit of water off of her and pulled her into the tent. I
plunked Sarah down for a second while I unzipped both bags. I put hers
on the bottom and then grabbed Sarah and lay us both down and pulled the
other bag over us. The last thing I remember was pulling her tightly
against me and saying “Please don’t die Sarah! I don’t want to lose
you…”