Island’s Wrath

All right, this next adventure was a blast to write. Why? Because the brainstorming session involved three nieces and a nephew. And boy can kids come up with adventure ideas=) If this one seems a little crazier than normal, I say it’s because kids totally get the Alice in Wonderland type of adventure.

So welcome and I hope you enjoy.

Island’s Wrath

This was supposed to be a vacation, a calm fishing trip away from traffic, angry coworkers and an 8-5 job that somehow always comes home with you. Now you’re wondering if you should have gone camping instead.

The storm rolled in so fast, you’ve barely gotten your life vest on before the boat starts rocking heavily on the waves. Above your head, the boat’s rigging flaps with sharp snaps in the wind. The boat thrashes beneath your feet, thrown up and then down by waves that threaten to capsize your small vessel.

A particularly gigantic wave crashes over the boat, sending you flying into the seats and then up over the rail on the far side. At the last moment, you latch onto the side and pull yourself back on board.

The boat shudders in a way not caused by the waves. Fiberglass splinters and before long, the small boat’s listing to one side. You try to go below to see what’s happened but the quarters are already half full of water.

Turning to head for the life raft, a small yellow inflatable, the boat cants entirely on its side with you still on the ladder. You try to get out but things are flying and something smacks the back of your head.

***

Sand’s stuck to the side of your face. Lifting your head, you find yourself face down on a beach littered with the remains of the fishing boat.

You push to your feet and wobble a bit before getting your equilibrium. The back of your head pulses with pain from whatever hit you. The remains of the ship aren’t much but you pilfer through the bits anyway. Part of the sail’s still intact and some of the larger pieces of the spar and sides of the ship could be useful. Under a chunk of the rudder, you find a horribly weathered map. Along with these finds are the items still in your pockets: a water logged cell phone and a small swiss army knife.

Now that you know what’s left of your belongings, you decide to hike the beach up to a small cliff. It takes you a good hour and, by the time you reach the top, you’re drenched in sweat, and your tongue is sticking to the roof of your mouth.

From the cliff, you see miles of beach and greenery on the interior of the island. It’s too big to walk around in a day but you know it’s an island because of where the storm hit you.

Turning to look out to sea, you spot on the horizon a dot of land. Another island. And it’s in the right direction to get you home. But getting there could be a dangerous task. The area’s well known to fishermen though. So there’s also the chance you’ll be spotted if you stay put.

So do you…

A.Build a raft to get to the other island?

or

B.Stay and build a shelter?

Blessings,

Jennifer

(Please post a comment with your choice. One vote per post please but comment as much as you like=) This makes counting votes easier. Voting will end at 8pm Mountain Time Wednesday. I’ll post whichever option gets the most votes Thursday and we’ll see how the adventure continues!)