by Marian Stack
It was called The Gauntlet, however some expert rafters called it The Widow Maker, as no one to date had ever survived.
With terror etched across Blair’s face she screamed out to Turtle. “I don’t want to die like this.”
“Hold on.” Was all that Turtle could think to say, as she attempted to steer the front of the raft into another oncoming push of water.
With both arms pulling against the strength of the rushing river, Turtle strained to keep the raft from smashing into the canyon’s walls.
She screamed out, “Blair I need you to look for a landing spot that we can put the raft on. We need to get off the water. The gauntlet is coming soon.”
“WHAT? I can’t hear you.” Blair screamed back.
The sound of everything around them was deafening.
“We have to get off the river… big problems ahead.” Turtle pulled on the oar again to avoid a log that made Blair fall to the side, almost falling into the river.
“What the fuck?” Blair screamed as she secured her own safety.
“We have to get off the river. Look for some land or rocky beach area.” Turtle screamed out as her fears were beginning to control her emotions. She could feel the raft being pushed and pulled by the strong current that would take them on the path towards the gauntlet and if that happened she knew she would not have the strength to stop it.
Turtle was doing everything she could to keep the raft from heading towards the gauntlet and then suddenly she saw the problem. There was no longer a split in the river. The mountain had collapsed onto the river closing off any possibility of escape. They had no choice but to run the gauntlet, or hit the wall of mountain. Turtle made the only decision possible. She pulled with all her strength and grabbed into the raging river that sent them into certain death. As they hit the speed of the gauntlet the raft seem to elevate above the water as if floating in space. Odd feelings of weightlessness seem to control all objects and humans. And then as abruptly as everything stopped, then everything began again, but now with one hundred times the intensity. The raft crashed back onto the water with such force that both women flew into the air and then fell back into the raft like rag dolls. Turtle scrambled to find her seat and her centre of balance. A lesson she had learned by her father’s teaching.
Blair had turned to look at her guide with crying fearful tears streaming down her face and a look that screamed pure terror had been etched across her face.
“This is it Miss Foster. Just hold onto something, and I will get us out of this. I promise. We are not going to die here. I promise you.” Turtle removed her eyes from the water for just a few seconds to reassure her charge. She on the other hand knew their chances of surviving this was close to zero. However, she was never one to give up. And this challenge was no exception. She had faith in her abilities and faith in her father. Then with a pull of the right oar she breathed out a small rolling cry of help. “Daddy, please help me get us out of this.”
Turtle knew that before all this destruction the gauntlet went on for miles, but now she knew nothing. She had no clue what was around the next bend. All she could do was hope and pray that they could survive and not get too badly hurt.
As the seconds passed the raft was pushed, pulled, lifted and jostled around the river like a toy. Turtle did everything she could to keep the raft from capsizing. River water was filling the bottom of the boat faster than Blair could bail it out.
Unnoticed by the two women trying everything possible to say afloat, six of the eight claps holding the heavy woven nylon mesh liner that lay over the camping gear, had broken free all at the same time. Suddenly the weight balance became a larger concern than Turtle could control. Camping items and bags of gear began to move, float and shift. With each lift of the raft, gear flew overboard or flung towards Turtle’s back hitting her with enormous force.
And then it happened. Turtle was hit in the back of the head with something that caused her upper torso to fling forward with such force that she lost her grip on both oars. And in doing so, the raft began to spin around and around with such speed that the few unsecured items began shooting out of the raft.
As the raft continued to bounce off hidden submerged boulders and catapulting logs with unrelenting force that it didn’t take long for the human occupants to be pitched about like rag dolls. And then without warning the front of the raft flew into the air, hurling everything upwards as the raft was lifted by the sheer force of the motion which tossed Blair right into Turtle’s body. Both women fell overboard and into the water holding onto each other without awareness. They both hit the water and submerged instantly. Their bodies began to roll over and over again as the rivers tossed them around without a care. Turtle felt Blair’s body leave hers but could do nothing to stop the escape. Both women were left alone completely submerged in the chaotic moving water.
Turtle’s body found the surface first. She took in a huge gulp of air and water as her face broke the surface. She knew her first task was to attempt to locate her guest. She momentarily was able to spin her body around taking in a panoramic yet chaotic view from the level of the rolling water, and then suddenly was pulled back under the water as she was hit by a submerged log. She was rolled over and over again as she attempted to break the surface again.
Finally, able to get some kind of control in the chaos, she was able to locate the pull cord on her floatation vest and pulled with all her might. The collapsed cylinders immediately filled with air sending her directly to the surface. Choking out water and feeling objects hitting her lower extremities, she attempted to locate her guest again as she also continued to look for a rescue spot for her to get out of the rushing current, if only for a few moments. Intentionally spinning her body in a circle she found a possible secure spot. Using every remaining bit of strength she manoeuvred her body to the rock that also secured a partial living tree. As she reached for the bobbing tree limb she heard an ear piercing scream. For whatever reason Blair was behind her in the water and approaching her like a runaway freight train. Turtle screamed out to Blair to reach out for her hand. With only inches to spare the two hands join allowing Turtle to pull Blair into her body, all the while screaming at her to reach for the tree limb. Latching on, Blair held onto the limb with every fibre of her being.
Turtle had to yell over the deafening noise from the rushing water. “I’m going to pull your vest cord and your floatation vest should fill with air.” The vest immediately filled and became buoyant.
Blair’s locked-in fear pushed her emotions to their breaking point forcing her to continue her uncontrollable screaming.
Turtle was fully aware that the screaming was from sheer fright. And rightfully so, but she also needed to know if her guest was hurt. “Blair, I know that you are scared but please stop screaming and tell me if you are hurt anywhere. Blair, please stop screaming. For God’s sake stop screaming.” Turtle screamed back at her.
Suddenly Blair stopped screaming and looked at Turtle as if she suddenly realized that she was no longer drowning or moving, or alone. “What the fuck?” She screamed into Turtle’s face.
Turtle began to laugh, releasing an enormous amount of tension. “I did say we were in a bit of a pickle.”
“Really…” Blair stated with zero emotion.
“Well now that I have your complete attention, are you hurt anywhere?” Turtle’s voice was filled with caring.
“No. No, I don’t think so…not really. I know that I have some bruising but nothing is broken.” Blair stated with complete disbelief in her voice.
“Well let’s try to keep it that way. We still have to get out of here but thanks to our vests and wet suits we should be able to float out of here.” Outwardly, Turtle voiced complete strength and positivity, but inwardly she remained fearful for their survival. At least before, they had the raft to use as a buffer between them and the all the debris, but now anything could hit them and break something or kill either of them in an instant.
“Hold on tig
ht for a few more minutes to catch your breath and then we will have to let go. Okay?” Turtle stared directly into Blair’s eyes to reassure her that she was listening and was coherent. There was a very strong possibility that Blair might go into shock.
Moments passed then Turtle looked into Blair’s eyes again and stated, “Are you ready?”
“Hell no, but we have to get out of this situation so let’s get going.” Blair stated with fearful strength.
Turtle sharply looked at her guest again with new vision. Her opinion about this woman was rapidly changing.
“I’m going to let go first. Then you must let go immediately after me. We have to try to stay close. I know this may seem impossible but when we find a landing spot we will have to try to hit it together. Also, try to let the vest and the wet suit keep you afloat. Just try to run with the water. Do not fight it. We are both still alive and not seriously hurt, so that in itself is a miracle. We can do this!” Turtle hesitated at first, not wanting to release her charge because she was unsure if she had expressed the need for her guest to understand the dangers but then looking into her guest eyes the expression staring back confirmed the understanding and then with strength in her fear she released her grip without waiting for an answer. Seconds passed then Blair let out one of her primordial screams and released her grip.
The river seemed to enjoy the role it was playing, as both women were pushed and pulled and jostled around like clothing in a washing machine. It became very clear that this river seemed to enjoy this brutal game and had no intentions of letting either women leave alive, however Turtle had a different plan. She was not going to let this river win. She was not going to die here and neither was her guest. She fought to keep her head above the surface when the crashing waves would submerge her body over and over again. Then suddenly out of the top of the river where her eyes met the land she saw the small barren piece of river landing. She spun her body around and saw Blair’s head surface. She screamed at her and pointed her arm towards the land. Remarkably Blair looked towards the pointing and spotted the land and shifted her body towards the edge. Suddenly Turtle’s legs hit the bottom of the river. As her body bounced off the bottom and as she was tossed by the strong current, she somehow managed to dig her feet into the soft loose rocks enabling her to stop all forward motion. She had landed.
Suddenly Blair slammed into her body as she too hit the river’s bottom.
Both women lay deathly still, anticipating the next catastrophic problem to surface. But nothing happened. It was as if the river had enough fun with them and spit them out. With determined strength and the will to survive, each woman turned on their stomach and proceeded to crawl further up the shallow embankment until all parts were out of the raging water. Instantly Blair reached for Turtles’ exposed hand and squeezed tight, then from her heart she boldly stated, “Miss Dove, thank you for saving my life.”
Tears swelled up in Turtle’s eyes as she turned her head to respond. “I’m so sorry this has happened to you.”
“Well you did offer an exciting adventure.” Blair offered up a surprisingly beautiful smile.
“Yes…yes we did.” Turtle responded with a sarcastic grin. “Now I think we need a few moments to rest.” Turtle hand slightly moved to release Blair’s grip, however Blair held firm.
Understanding the need for survival and human contact, Turtle allowed herself to remain being held.
Now completely spent with exhaustion both women passed out.
Turtle suddenly snapped out of her unconscious sleep first, and in doing so she remained physically still and mentally began a head to foot physical inventory. She was hurting everywhere but much to her surprise nothing seemed to be broken. Her mind went to her spiritual side as she spoke aloud, “Thank-you daddy for getting us out of that mess.”
She then attempted to sit up. But when she noticed that the back of her head was very sore and painful she decided to remain still. The hit that took out the raft hit her hard. She reached for the back of her head and felt a large bump and what she believed was a laceration. She then reached over to her companion and placed her hand on her chest. Thankfully she was still breathing. She then took a look around to see just where they were and how they were going to get out of this predicament. “Quite the pickle, indeed,” she softly whispered. She then automatically reached for the two way radio that surprisingly enough was still encased in its pouch on the harness. She pulled the radio out from the pouch and watched as the water poured from it case. The radio had received a few blows and as a result the casing had a large crack right down the middle of the case. Turtle knew that no amount of ‘drying-out’ would repair the radio. She tossed the radio into the air and watched it hit the water and directly sink. She did however decide to keep the harness.
She then looked down at her very still guest and allowed her to remain in her unconscious sleep. Her breathing was steady and there were no visible signs of distress. She needed to think and the last thing she needed was for her very vocal guest to begin her screaming again.
Two hours passed before Blair’s body began to awaken.
As she remain in the laying position she looked up at Turtle and asked, “Are we dead?”
“No.” Turtle responded with a slight laugh. “But we will have to stay here until morning. Are you hurt?”
“What the fuck? Of course I’m hurt. Everything is hurting.” Blair screamed out. And then suddenly she realized they were both alive. “Turtle, I’m sorry. Yes everything is hurting but nothing seems to be broken and I don’t think I’m bleeding anywhere.” She softly expressed a little shame regarding her behaviour.
They were alive. And she was not alone. She realized this could have been a lot worse, as her mind went towards, she was not alone.
Turning towards her survivor she noticed that Turtle’s light brown hair was red with dried blood. “Holy shit, are you alright. Your head is pouring blood. What can I do to help?” She moved her body to kneel beside Turtle to examine her wound.
“Nothing for now, thanks.” Turtle reached for the back of her head with her hand. Gently touched the laceration and felt the open wound.
“Bullshit.” Blair screamed out as she saw the bright red blood on Turtles’ hand.
Turtle winced with pain as her headache was intensifying from the injury and Blair’s loud response was not helpful.
Noticing the wincing, Blair knew immediately that her screaming out of control behaviour had to stop.” Miss Dove, please forgive my past conduct. I have chosen you as my punching bag, releasing all my anxiety and frustration from my bullshit life. This person that you had been saddled with, is not the real me. Forgive me, please?”
Now with gentle movements Blair moved her body completely behind Turtles’ body, gently squatted down with knees bent and began her unofficial examination. Her second inspection required her to gently touched Turtle’s hair to look with more precision at the wound. Thankfully Blair was not a squeamish person and the sight of blood was not a trigger to begin another screaming session.
“Turtle this wound needs to be closed. I don’t imagine that you have a needle and thread in one of your vest pockets?” Blair offered a knowingly smile. Because of course she presumed she did.
Turtle reached and unzipped one of her vest pockets and pulled out a small sealed bag containing a few packets of peroxide along with a curved needle and some surgical thread.
Not wanting her head to be stitched she asked, “I also have a few butterfly bandages. Would they work better?”
Blair inspected the wound again and stated, “No, I don’t believe that style of bandage will hold, unless of course you have an electric razor so I can shave your head?”
Turtle pretended to franticly search, jokingly patting all her vest pockets. “Nope, no razor here must have left it at home.” Then suddenly she remembered the newest product that Susan had told her to carry. A medical adhesive that would glue wounds shut regardless of conditions.
Suddenly Tur
tle honestly began to franticly pat all her pockets again. “Wait just a minute, Susan gave me”…she found what she was seeking. “This stuff will glue the cut together.” Relief washed over her as she handed the pouch to her nurse in training, an open wound in conditions like these would open up all sorts of possibilities for infection.
With Blair remaining behind Turtles’ body she reached for the pouch then proceeded to read the instruction. She knew the size of the wound and wanted to make sure the glue would be enough. “Turtle, it states the wound must be disinfected and clean. Your wound is neither. What do you think? Should we try anyway?”
Blair had placed both of her hands on each of Turtle’s shoulders offering gentle reassurance. “How about if I put some peroxide on first, and then wait for it to dye, and then apply the glue to your head?” Blair squeezed both of Turtles’ shoulders. “Are you fine with this?” Blair leaned onto Turtles’ back with the top of her body, pressing her breasts onto the centre of her back and then moved her hands up and down Turtles’ arms offering steady reassurance and comfort.
“Yes. You seem to have a healers touch. What do you do for a living?” Turtle nonchalantly asked.
Blair offered a vague response. “Oh nothing really, I’m going to begin the treatment. Are you ready?
Immediately following the procedure of getting her wound glued, Turtle attempted to stand. She knew their location was completely exposed and wanted to gather any kind of semi-dry kindling that had washed up onto their small landing to start a fire, but as soon as she began to lift her body a rush of dizziness knocked her back on her ass.
“Just where do you think you are going.” Blair had grabbed for her arm. “We are in this together, my dear. What do you need? I can still move about with little soreness. What do you want?” Blair’s voiced screamed authority but thankfully not volume.
“We need to try to make a fire. It’s going to get cold and damp here tonight and we are in these wet suits that are not normally worn for this long. Our bodies will not be able to generate enough heat. I was just going to see if we could find some small twigs to start a fire.” Turtle softly stated, not wanting to worry her companion.
