In Limbo (3 page)

              “There it is,” Sam smiled at us.  “Meet Coon River.  Doesn't look like much, but just a little ways downriver it widens nicely.  A little creek, Rockhouse Creek, joins what's really Coon Creek and the whole thing becomes officially Coon River.”

                                      Chapter 3

              We walked over to the water's edge.  I had to give it to Sam.  He had done a great job finding this starting point for us.  The ground sloped gently into the water, and there was a small, sandy spot which, with a little imagination, one could call a beach.  For us it was perfect.  We could load the canoes and push off without potentially breaking our backs or legs in the process.  The water was crystal clear.  When I stuck my foot in, I was amazed at how warm it felt.

             
Yes, I thought, this is the way I like it.  A broiling hot day and a clear, gravel-bottom river with pee-warm water and just enough current to keep us moving forward but not enough to turn into work. 

              Sam was still telling us about his river   “You know, the Department of Natural Resources did a study last year to determine how clean the state's river water is, and they declared this water potable.  After all, it has no industry anywhere nearby, and there is really no pollution.  I'm not so sure I want to drink it, but I thought you'd like to know. 

              “This could be a very interesting trip, guys.  A little ways down river is a spot where last
year they found a bald eagle nest.  Pretty exciting!  And a little further downstream, this river borders Camp Crowder and the civilian world.  Most people think Crowder is a defunct military base, but they use this place for training and research.  The military seems to feel that it is so isolated that the personnel have nothing to do but work.  Rumor in the neighborhood has it that they are doing some testing here, top-secret stuff.  Well, I doubt we'll see anything from the river, but just in case you see some little green men running around with guns: No, it's not Halloween.

             
“As we go down the river, watch the banks.  This area is so unpopulated that many animals are not afraid of humans.  These waters are also home to an assortment of turtles and lots of little fish.  You'll see.  Watch out for snakes.  This is one of the few areas of the state where cottonmouths live and they can be very unhealthy to us humans.”

              I looked at Sandy, she had a look in her eyes that would kill any snake at fifty yards.  Marty still had her headphones on, oblivious to us.  That left me as the only female paying any attention.  I looked at Tom.  He had sparkles in his eyes and was sporting a big smile.  Tom loves this adventure stuff.  Me, I'm not so sure.  I enjoy the outdoors, but when it gets dark outside I really prefer a nice air-conditioned motel room where I can go to the bathroom and don't have to worry if I am dropping my drawers on some wildlife!  Still, I go on these outings and I usually enjoy them.  Knowing that we only have to spend one night really does help.

             
We finished loading the canoes, and the guys took off to stash Ralph's truck at the designated takeout point under some shade trees.  While we waited for their return, I reminded everyone to put sunscreen on. I am a firm believer in the stuff.  As a nurse, I have seen a couple of patients with skin cancer.  It is pretty shocking to see a person your own age and know that they will be dead in a year or two.  I believe in sunscreen and I believe in sunglasses to protect the eyes and I believe in hats.  Tom usually laughs at me.  He thinks he's too macho to put on the “smelly stuff.” 

             
Sandy plopped down beside me, equally ignoring Marty and her neon pink headphones and oversized sunglasses.  “Check out little Miss Priss?”  She nodded toward Marty.  Miss Priss, huh?  Nice idea.

              “Well, Sandy,” I carefully chose my words “to each her own, you know.  I came out here
to unwind.  It's been one hell of a week and I don't care what Marty's up to.”  Sandy hugged me. 

              “I knew I could count on you, kid,” she said.  “Me, I'm fried!  Just fried!  The fuckin'  natives have been restless and we have a couple of new trainees that are idiots!  I could just strangle them!  But I can't.  After all, I am a professional.”  She made a face.  

             
“Professionalism my ass!  I just wanna fuckin' puke.  I'm glad we're out here where I can let my hair hang down, scream, holler, cuss and use all the profanity I want!  And one more thing, darlin', if you hear any strange noises from our canoe or our tent, don't worry!  I'm just gonna fuck Ralph's brains out and unless you wanna join in, better leave us be!”  With that, she leaned back until her head rested against an old piece of wood and closed her eyes. 

             
“You know,” she said kinda low, “this early morning sun against my belly makes me horny!  Where the hell are the guys?”

              I couldn't help myself.  I burst out laughing.  Sandy can be impossible at times and is always unpredictable.  The laughter caught Marty's attention.  She lowered her headphones. 

              “What's so funny?”

              “Sandy's feeling horny.”

             
There was a moment of silence, then she said, “Well good for her, just don't expect me to solve that problem.”  And on went the headphones.  Sandy and I just looked at each other and cracked up again.  There's just always such a sense of freedom when we first get started on one of our trips.  And then, when we get to the end, it's such a relief to be back in civilization.  Back in the world of air conditioning, running water and clean, dry clothes.  I had to agree with Sandy that the freedom from everyday responsibilities, combined with the smells and vibrant colors of
early morning, was a pretty erotic sensation.  I may not express it as bluntly as Sandy does, but I had some plans for the night as well.

              Finally the guys were back and we climbed into the canoes and pushed off.  It's always such a rush when we first start.  Slowly backing away from the shore, Tom always acts as if it's a major undertaking and I must admit I feed into it.  I love it when he says, “Easy now, darlin', we have plenty of time.”  He says the same thing every time
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Chapter 4

             
Once out on the water, I can't help but relax; and this time was no different.  The water was crystal clear.  I could see all the way to the bottom and marveled at the abundance of colorful little fish zooming back and forth.  There is something rather seductive about the paddle strokes and we soon found our rhythm. 

              From the water, the shoreline looked as if it belonged to another time.  I could easily imagine being an early settler, going down to the river to fetch water.  The thought of doing laundry at the river's edge briefly entered my mind, but only briefly.  There is just no way I'll give up my washing machine or dryer! 

             
Once we passed the spot where Rockhouse Creek joined Coon Creek, the current picked up some and I carefully turned around, opened the big orange cooler and got a soda out.  Ahh,  the cool bubbly liquid tickled my throat.  And with a deep I sigh I leaned back against the cooler.  The front of the canoe was wide enough to sit comfortably.  Our big camping cooler fit nicely right behind the front seat and that allowed me to hang my legs over the sides and lean back.  I like that!  The sun felt hot on my skin.  I closed my eyes and focused on inhaling deeply, the scents of nature and sound of the bugs and birds became almost overwhelming. 

              “Hey babe,” I called out, “this is what I needed, a total get away.  And you!”   Up ahead I could see Sam and Marty, she had put on a wide-brimmed, yellow hat and for a moment I was delighted that she seemed to have listened to my skin cancer speeches.  She even had  oversized sunglasses on, but I couldn't help but wonder why she even bothered to go on these trips with the rest of us, when she so effectively shut us out.  And I wondered what Sam's life with her would have to be like.  Did she wear those damned headphones when they made love?

             
I couldn't turn around to look for Ralph and Sandy.  The last time I tried something like
that I almost flipped the canoe, and Tom didn't let me forget it for a long, long time.

              I really didn't have to turn around.  I could hear Sandy. I couldn't understand what she was saying, but I could hear her all right.  You see, Sandy gets loud when she relaxes.  One time when we were floating, she convinced Ralph to let her sit in an inner tube and be towed behind the canoe.  All went well, until the rope came loose just as we went into some shoals.  Sandy, with her butt stuck in the inner tube, got dragged across some gravel.  She wasn't hurt, but her bathing suit had some holes it didn't need, and we never heard the end of it.  Needless to say, Sandy doesn't stick her rear end into inner tubes anymore. 

             
I didn't know what today's commotion was all about and I really didn't care.  I was relaxing, my feet in the warm water, sipping a cold soda and working on a little suntan.  Yes, life was good.  Somewhere along the way I must have dozed off, the gentle rocking on a hot day does this to me. 

              When I looked up again, we were just coming around a bend in the river and directly ahead were some cattle, big black and white Holsteins up to their bellies in the water.  Tom said something about some lukewarm milkshakes up ahead.  Yes, life really was good.

              The scenery had changed around us, and no longer were there just trees.  On the left side were steep, cream-colored bluffs studded with little cedar trees growing in impossible places. 

              Tom splashed some water on me to get my attention.  “ Look,” he said pointing up the bluff, “see the little dark areas?  Those are cave entrances.  Wanna play cave man?”  At the base of the cliffs sat chunks of limestone that had broken off.  I laughed at Tom's proposition.  “I don't think so, I'd rather be the cave woman.  You know, be in a cave with you and ravage your body.”  I winked at him.  In response Tom aimed the canoe straight for the bluff,  paddling furiously,
almost ramming one of the big chunks of limestone.  Fortunately, he regained his senses - just barely in time.

              On the right we were still looking at trees, but through the trees we could see fields.  And there were pastures and more big black and white cows.  I enjoyed watching the little turtles sitting on the dead logs.  They were sunning themselves, at least until we came by.  Then they would plop-plop-plop hop into the water and watch us with just their little heads showing.  A couple of times we were buzzed by big colorful dragonflies.  I don't like them up close.  I always imagine what it would feel like to be stung by one of them.  Tom laughs about it and keeps telling me that they won't sting, but I don't like them.  As we rounded another bend, we saw Sam up ahead on the left bank, holding on to some bushes.

             
“What's he up to?” I asked. 

              “I have no idea.  Knowing Sam, he probably has a surprise stashed away for us.  Probably something ecologically sound, of historical value and just barely edible.”  Tom chuckled.  I can recall times when Sam would have us tasting some wild growing things I would never have considered and certainly have not considered since.  He did get me started on drinking lemon-peppermint tea, though. Pretty tasty stuff, I must say.  Well, let’s see what he's up to, I thought.

             
It didn't take long and we pulled up alongside, holding on to some bushes.  Sam was smiling broadly.

              “You guys ready for a little lunch?” 

              Oh boy, I thought, lunch time already?  And Sam all smiles?  What has he set up for us this time?  I hadn't noticed time passing, but couldn't ignore the empty feeling in the pit of my
stomach any longer.  Lunch, no matter what, sounded wonderful.  

              “Hey Sam,” I yelled.  “Are you going to cook or did you arrange for takeout from fauna and flora?”

             
Sam laughed.  “Neither, I just found the spot.”

              I looked over at Marty and was amazed.  For the first time today, she actually looked at us - acknowledged that we were there.  Who knows, I thought, maybe she'll socialize just a little bit .

             
Sam showed us a little sandy spot between the bushes where we could beach the canoes and get out.

             
“There is this cave here,” Sam went on, “But let's wait for Ralph and Sandy.  I know you guys will love it.  I found it by accident when I came out here with my cousin late last fall.  Once the leaves are gone you can see the entrance quite well.”

              Ralph and Sandy arrived.  “Hiiiiii guuyys,” screamed Sandy, “life is great!”

              I looked at Ralph, but he just rolled his eyes; he knows Sandy.  We beached the canoes and Sam guided us through the narrow strip of brush to the cliff's base.  A narrow opening appeared before us.

             
I looked at Tom.  His blue eyes sparkled, yes, my husband was having a great time.  Me, I could have settled for sandwiches or the like and stayed on the water.

              The entrance to the cave was high and quite narrow, but we squeezed in.  Sam, always
prepared, had brought along a flashlight.  Its beam revealed a huge room.  It didn't reach the ceiling or back wall, but it showed us the remains of a campfire, complete with empty beer cans and dark-colored wrappers.

              Sam shook his head.

              “What a shame that some people can't clean up after themselves.”  He looked disappointed, but not too much.  Today nothing could dampen Sam's spirit.  “Guys,” he said, “You ain't seen nothing yet.  There are several rooms to this thing.  I bet these assholes didn't
find the back area.  Come on.”

             
He started to turn, but Marty surprised us all.

              “Sam,” she said in her tiny, squeaky voice, “Sam, I really don't care much for exploring this stupid cave.  It's so boring.  I'd rather work on my tan.  Let me know when you get done in here, ok?”   

              Sam stared at her for a moment, a little disappointed, but he just swallowed.  

He led the way to the far end of the cave.  At the base of the wall was what looked like a dent.  Sam got down on his knees and told us to get down and follow him into the next room, then he proceeded to crawl through.

             
Sandy and I looked at each other.  She may be a bitch most of the time, but there are times when I can't help but agree with her.  With one cocked eyebrow, she looked at Ralph.

              “Does he have a lot of free time on his hands?”  She asked, pointing to Sam. “Any normal human being would have missed the opening to the cave.  He found it and he found this
hole.  If you guys want to crawl through some hole in the rocks, fine.  Me, I'm going to gather some wood and build a fire, and when you cavemen return, maybe we'll have coffee and hot dogs.  Just watch out for little crawly things that might mistake you for the local McDonalds and try to take some bites out of your hides.”

              She looked at me, and I quickly agreed with her.  No way would I crawl through a hole in the rocks not knowing what was ahead, below, and, for that matter, next to me.

              “Yup,” I said with false bravado, “we be cave women, gather wood, make fire, get meat for meal, skins for clothes.”

             
Sandy giggled and for once had nothing to add.

              Gathering wood for the fire wasn't an easy task.  On the narrow strip between the cliff and the river, we found only thin sticks.  It took us a while to gather enough for a decent fire.  Sandy even cleared away all the old beer cans and burned the odd dark green wrappers.  We had the old coffeepot on the fire and the water boiling when the “cavemen” returned.  In no time we had coffee and wieners roasting on long sticks.  Sandy can be bad, but then again she also can be very good.

             
I stepped out to get Marty, but she didn't hear me calling.  She had allowed the canoe to drift downstream a little ways, so I just tugged the rope it was tethered with.  But Marty just waved at me and so I let her be.  We had a lovely lunch, totally unhealthy I am sure!  Then we cleaned up, burned the trash and concealed any evidence of a campfire . When we resurfaced outside, I was surprised to realize that it was already well past two o'clock.  We had been here more than three hours.

             
Marty was sleeping so soundly we had to pull her canoe in.  I made a mental note to talk to her about sunscreen once we were back home again.  Of course she woke up while we were pulling her in and looked totally surprised.  Must have been a pretty good dream.

              We continued on downriver.  I inhaled deeply; after the cave the sweet scents of nature were almost overwhelming. 

             
“Hon, just take a deep breath. The air smells so sweet, almost too much.”

              I could hear Tom inhaling deeply.  “Yeah.  Incredible.  Either the air is real sweet or the air in the cave was real bad.”  He laughed. 

              The pale limestone bluffs continued on the left, looming and majestic, while on the right was dense forest.  Then we saw the burned out remains of some vehicle, the black carcass in stark contrast with the surrounding lush green vegetation.

              “What happened here?”  I whispered to Tom.

              “I don't know,” he whispered back, “Why are we whispering?”  With a couple of paddle strokes he brought us closer to Sam.

             
“Sam, what do you make of that?”  Sam did not seem bewildered.

              “Well, this bank belongs to Camp Crowder.  Remember, I told you guys we would be passing through this old military reservation?  Well, this must have been the result of some test they conducted.  It's old, it was here last year when I was down here.” 

             
I looked at Marty, her face was flushed looking.  No, on second thought her face was red, bright red. 

             
“Hey Marty did you put on sunscreen?”  I had to repeat myself three times.

              She looked at me and finally lifted those damned headphones. 

              “Did you put on sunscreen?”  I repeated.