Chapter 2 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..." <