by Bob Brooks
“Yes, it is warm! I dipped my foot in,” said Finn.
“It is incredibly beautiful, isn’t it,” said Bartholomew. “This alone makes our trip worthwhile.”
All continued to gaze at something they’d never seen before and probably wouldn’t again.
Finally, Bartholomew said, “I’m sorry, but we must be going. This is something we will never forget, but we have to take the puzzle pieces back to everyone in Ballymore.”
“Can we take some of these rocks back with us to show everybody?” asked Birch.
“No. This is a spectacular example of the universe at its most magnificent. We should not alter the perfection,” answered Bartholomew.
Reluctantly, everyone climbed the stone steps and returned to the cave entrance. They packed up their belongings and left the cave much as they had found it. As they walked from the cave, everyone looked back. Once again, it cloaked its magnificent secrets in darkness.
The first part of their journey home was downhill. It was a nice day for the hike to the second campground. The cave remained on everyone’s mind and there was much discussion. Finn finally changed the subject.
“Do you think the bear will bother us again?” he asked Bartholomew.
“I don’t believe so. However, if he does, we have two very good weapons to protect us,” answered the owl. Of course, he was referring to Wilde and Wilder.
“No need to worry.”
After a while they reached a point where berry bushes lined their path. Wilder got an idea for a game. He was near the front of the line and began throwing berries backward over his head. The game was to see who could catch one in their mouth. Most missed. Then, someone began throwing berries back at Wilder. That was fun until two berries plunked Bartholomew right between the ears. He stopped and turned around.
He had a fake scowl on his face. The animals put a sheepish grin on theirs. Satisfied, the owl resumed the hike. No more berries were thrown.
Around midday, they approached a creek they would have to cross.
Bartholomew said, “This is a good place to stop for lunch.”
It was another pretty location with birch trees and berry bushes everywhere. They had lunch and rested for an hour.
After lunch they began crossing the creek. Unfortunately, the rocks in the creek were covered with moss and slippery. Robbie fell and cried out in pain. The weasels immediately lifted him from the creek and lay him on the grass. Bartholomew examined his leg.
“Your leg does not appear broken, but your paw is badly sprained,” he said.
Swelling had already begun.
“You won’t be able to walk, and you are too heavy to carry all of the way back. I think we should get the ambulance to pick you up and take you to Dr. Brigit’s.”
“I’m sorry, sir,” said Robbie as he winced.
Bartholomew put his wing around him and said, “No, no. It’s all right. Accidents happen. This is not your fault. Let’s just get you better.”
“Yes, sir,” answered Robbie.
Bartholomew called Branna over and said, “Please go to the swans, and tell them what has happened. Ask them to bring the medium ambulance here. Before you lead them back, go to Dr. Brigit, and let her know that Robbie will be flown in within the hour.”
The swan ambulance was a specially fitted stretcher for air transport of patients. It had harnesses front and back for the swans. It was also equipped with belts to keep the patient safe. There were three different sizes from which to choose, depending upon the patient.
“Yes, sir. I’ll leave now.”
Branna had instantly switched to her professional mode. She flew directly to the swans’ cottage on the island. It was only a one-half hour flight. Both swans were home. She told them of the situation, and they went into action immediately. The ambulances were kept in the spare room. The swans carried the medium one outside and hooked up to it. The three birds took off and landed next to Dr. Brigit’s cottage. Branna informed Dr. Brigit about Robbie and asked her to let Robbie’s family know of the accident.
Then, Branna led the swans to the group. Everyone at the creek had been watching the sky and easily spotted the ambulance coming. It was not something you saw everyday.
The swans chose a landing path that was parallel to the creek and landed within ten feet of Robbie. Bartholomew welcomed them and again, explained the situation. The weasels loaded Robbie onto the ambulance, and the swans made sure he was secure. Bartholomew gave Stoddard the cloth containing the puzzle pieces and note. He asked him to keep it safe until his return. Only ten minutes later, the swans were back in the air with their patient.
They were at Dr. Brigit’s in less than one-half hour. Robbie’s family was already there, and they carried Robbie inside. Dr. Brigit did a quick examination and confirmed a sprained paw. She wrapped a cold water bandage around it and gave him some herbs to minimize the pain and swelling. She advised him not to walk on it for one week and predicted a 100% recovery.
The swans then placed Robbie back on the ambulance and flew him to his cottage. They waited for his family who had to use the slow raft. There was no special service for them.
Back in The Hills, the remaining eleven adventurers resumed their hike homeward. There were no more falls or thrown berries or storms or bears. They emerged from the woods at Bartholomew’s treehouse late on the sixth day of their trek. The group was happy but tired and eager to return to their own homes.
The following day, they assembled again to present their “treasure” to the residents and tell of their adventure. Everyone wanted to see and touch the wooden puzzle pieces. Of course, the luminous cave was the most popular subject. It had been a fantastic trip. They didn’t see any fire breathing dragons, but what they did see and experience was almost as good.
CHAPTER SIX
The Pond Creature
A giant, old willow overhung the pond near Dr. Brigit’s cottage on the northwest shore. It was known to the animals as the “Launching Tree”. Several years ago, the animals built a high wooden platform near the tree. A narrow ladder led to its upper level. The platform was used as a “launching pad” during the swimming season.
This is how it worked. A bluebird pulled one of the long, flexible branches of the tree over to the platform. An animal grabbed the branch and jumped off the platform. Then, they would be swung out over the pond. They would try to let go at just the right moment so that they could be “launched” as far as possible out into the pond. The animal launched the farthest, was the winner for the day. Everyone loved being propelled into the air and splashing down into the pond. For safety it was required that at least one duck be stationed near the landing zone. The area was also used for regular swimming.
The only animals who had not tried the launching pad were the bluebirds and Grenby. Bluebirds didn’t like to get wet and well, Grenby is Grenby. Bartholomew tried it once — sort of. After he let go of the branch and just before he crashed into the water, he flapped his wings and flew off. Those watching were disappointed as they had hoped to see a soaked owl. Oh well, he had to maintain his dignity, I suppose.
August was the perfect month for swimming. The weather was hot and the water was cool and refreshing. It was also the perfect month for picnics. The animals spread out colorful blankets and sat on the shore near the tree with their baskets. Even if they didn’t participate in the launchings, they enjoyed watching and rooting for their favorites.
Wednesday was a normal August day in Ballymore. At least, it began that way. The “Launching Tree” would be getting plenty of good use. Darma Duck was the life-guard, and Brie Bluebird would be pulling the branches. Typically, the life-guard was on duty from 9 bongs in the morning until 4 bongs in the afternoon.
There weren’t any official launching competitions scheduled, so it would be a free-style day. Colin, Conner, and Craig Chipmunk were there early, wearing their new swim trunks. Shane and Seely Squirrel soon arrived. Later, came Finn Frog and the whole Mole family.
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nbsp; The breezy August day was also good for sailing, and the weasels were learning how to sail the HMS Ballymore off of the south shore. The rumor was that they had big plans for Halloween night and that the boat was somehow involved. Sean Swan was teaching the class today. Wilde and Wilder were good students but still had a lot to learn. This morning the wind was making it a little difficult for them. The lesson was on tacking. That means making a turn into the wind. The wind was mostly from the south and the water choppy.
If you have ever sailed, you know that a boat can seem to have a mind of its own. It is constantly interacting with the air, the water, and the crew. When all goes well, the boat behaves in accordance with the crew’s wishes. Today was NOT one of those days.
For most of the lesson, Wilde was at the rudder and Wilder was positioning the sails. Wilder was standing near the front of the boat on the port (left) side when the wind unexpectedly shifted. The foresail swung from center to port.
Sean yelled, “Watch out!”
Wilder turned just in time to be solidly smacked by the moving sail. It picked him up off of the deck and deposited him in the water about ten feet from the boat. While he yelped and flailed around, Sean took control of the boat and swung around to pick him up.
Wilde couldn’t help but laugh. He said, “Next time, could you do a triple summersault before hitting the water instead of only a double.”
“Very funny!” said the soaked Wilder.
Sean said, “The lesson here is to never stand in the possible path of a sail. It might hit you and knock you overboard.”
Both looked at Wilder who was not happy.
“Wilder, how about if you take the rudder for a while,” suggested Sean.
He moved next to the rudder and sat down where Sean had just been.
Sean felt they were too close to shore and told Wilder to turn to port. Unfortunately, Wilder turned to starboard (right). The boat swung sharply right, shot up onto the shore, and ended up twenty feet in front of Rhonda Rabbit’s kitchen window. Wilde had been on the bow and was thrown over it. After a triple summersault he landed on the sand and slid to a stop, covered in wet sand.
Rhonda had been watching the sailing lesson, with amusement, from the window as she peeled some carrots. She hadn’t thought that the show would involve her. The carrots ended up all over the floor. She ran out of her cottage and stood in front of Wilde, with her paws on her hips.
Uninjured, he picked himself up and asked, “Uh, what’s for dinner?”
“You’ll BE dinner if you don’t get that boat out of here,” was her sharp response.
Wilder was thrilled with the turn of events. “Is that the triple summersault you meant?” he asked. “VERY well done, and the lesson here is: Don’t stand on the bow of a boat when it is about to beach itself.”
Did Wilder deliberately turn the wrong way? We’ll never know.
Sean climbed down off of the boat and apologized to Rhonda. She softened up and asked if the boat was okay. A quick inspection revealed no damage, but they were going to have to get the ducks to pull it back into the water. The ducks arrived in a couple of hours and removed the boat from Rhonda’s front yard. Sean and the weasels returned it to its cove. The sailing lesson was over.
But the day of swimming, launching, and picnicking continued. It was mid-afternoon before anyone knew it. So far, Finn had the longest launches. His success was a combination of skill and luck.
Then, the weather changed quickly. The temperature dropped, the wind became stronger and started to swirl. An August thunderstorm was coming. Clouds rolled in from the southwest and many began to pack up their picnics.
Darma looked at the sky and decided that the launchings would have to end. She told Brie to stop pulling the branches over to the platform and told the disappointed swimmers they would have to leave for today. Everyone left the water, and soon most had left the shore and platform. Still standing on the platform were Finn, Colin, Conner and Craig. They watched as the storm closed in. The water now had whitecaps on it. The wind was blowing the branches of the weeping willow this way and that. When one branch was blown over the platform, Colin grabbed it.
“Hey,” he yelled. Let’s go for a ride, but don’t let go. The wind will blow us back to the platform. Craig thought that it was a great idea and grabbed on with Colin.
“Okay. When I say, ‘Jump!’, we jump,” yelled Colin.
“Jump!”
Both chipmunks jumped, and the wind swirled their branch and them around and around and up and down. Sometimes they almost hit the water. Whee! Whee! It was the best ride, sort of a combination between a roller coaster and a Ferris wheel.
Then, the rain came. It was still the best ride, but now they were getting wet. The wind was not bringing them back to the platform. Worse, Colin was losing his grip on the wet branch. He lost it, slid down the branch, hit Craig, and both chipmunks tumbled into the turbulent water. Splash! Splash!
They had to get back to shore! Both could swim, but neither had swum in this kind of weather. The waves kept pushing them down. Colin was a stronger swimmer and was better able to stay up, but he was making no progress towards the shore. Craig was in trouble. He couldn’t stay up and started yelling, “Help! Help me!”
Colin tried to grab him, but he was out of reach and being pushed farther away. “Help,” he continued to cry and then sank below the surface. As he was sinking, he was frantic but could still see. What he saw was a large, dark shape closing in rapidly. Almost upon him, it opened its gaping mouth. Terrified, he thought it was the end for him. He closed his eyes tightly, and everything went black.
Sam’s mouth closed gently around Craig’s small body and quickly raised him to the surface. Colin saw the giant snapping turtle come up with Craig in his mouth. For an instant he was afraid until he saw that the turtle was rescuing his brother.
It’s not easy to speak when you have a chipmunk in your mouth, but Sam was able to yell, “Grab my tail or climb on my back!”
Colin first grabbed Sam’s tail and then was able to crawl up onto his back. Sam swam through the waves, rain, and wind to shore. As the turtle carried Craig to shore, the chipmunk regained consciousness, but when he realized he was in a snapping turtle’s mouth, he passed out again. Colin bounced along but managed to hold on. Finally, Sam reached the shore near the platform.
Sam Rescuing The Chipmunks
He lay Craig gently on the grass. Colin fell onto the grass also, totally exhausted. Sam looked at Craig, but there was nothing else he could do.
When Finn and Conner saw that Craig and Colin were in trouble, they had rushed to Dr. Brigit’s cottage for help. Shortly after Sam reached the beach, Dr. Brigit ran down to them.
She bent over Craig’s body.
“He’s still alive!” she said.
Soon, Craig coughed and coughed again and again. He was breathing!
“I think he’s going to be fine,” said Dr. Brigit happily.
Craig opened his eyes and saw everyone staring at him.
“Where am I? What happened?” he asked weakly.
“The snapping turtle saved you and me too,” said Colin.
Craig sat up slowly and looked at Sam. Everyone looked at Sam.
Sam said, “I’m sorry. I carried them to the beach, but I didn’t know what else to do.”
Dr. Brigit said, “You saved their lives! You’re a hero! I’m Brigit Badger, and I’m very happy to meet you.”
“I’m Sam,” said the turtle, softly.
Bartholomew noticed the activity from his treehouse and flew down to investigate. The chipmunks’ parents had also rushed from home. Now, the rain had let up. Dr. Brigit told them that Craig was going to be fine. She suggested they take him home, give him a warm dinner, and then early to bed. The chipmunks thanked everyone and left as did Finn.
“Bartholomew, this is Sam. He just saved Craig and Colin from drowning,” said Dr. Brigit. “Sam, this is Bartholomew. He is our councillor and watches over us in Ballymore.”
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Bartholomew laughed and said, “Very nice to meet you Sam. I think Dr. Brigit exaggerated my introduction somewhat.”
“Very nice to meet you too, sir,” Sam responded.
“Oh, please call me Bartholomew,” said the owl. “So you rescued Colin and Craig. Well done! Well done!”
“Thank you,” answered Sam.
“I have not seen you before. Are you new here?” asked Bartholomew.
“No. I’ve been here five years,” answered Sam. “I go out mostly during the night.”
Bartholomew and Dr. Brigit looked at each other and then back at Sam.
“Five years! How can that be?” asked Bartholomew.
“It’s a long story,” said Sam sadly.
