Let's pause for a moment and ponder what we have going on..... We have what we believe to be the Lost Colonist's boat. There are skeletons as would be expected. They are partially buried in the mud. But there is one skeleton that appears to be from a much later time. It has remnants of clothing that would not have available in that time frame. For instance, it seems to have worn a polyester shirt and sneakers. It is mostly on top of the mud. Does Deputy Crow know something about it? There is a full blown hurricane on the horizon. If we stay here, we will surely die. Now what?
Didnt you wanna end the Roanoke story? I am fine if it continues as it is an island steeped in mystery and intrigue. A hurricane is not something you want to be be in. We need to seek shelter now. Shirley we may be joined in our upcoming adventure by one of Miss Philomena's fellow nuns....
"Agreed we tie up loose ends here first Shirley. That skeleton with modern clothes is a mystery. Forensics are needed I guess." "Don't know where Deputy Crow is Shirley. Even Sheriff Watts doesn't know! Watts also has no idea, as yet, about that newer skeleton. Always lots of missing people apparently." "In the meantime, let's seek shelter from that hurricane. Watts, on the radio, said it's huge and to take cover asap. Look how fast it's closing in on the laptop's weather channel. It's a monster! I'm turning us down stream to that last narrow creek. I see the cops are fleeing or bunkering down too. God save us all. Craig, check the radio please. Shirley, keep your eyes keenly peeled! Here's the binoculars." "Wasn't there a sheltered creek about a mile downstream? We should head there I reckon and tie up tight the boat, and eat gator burgers with fried onions, letteuce, tomatoes and sauce. Tartare sauce I reckon. Sorry, just nervous." "Craig, sister Bridget is a tough but good soul. She bosses me. Maybe she was a missionary but she doesn't speak much. Her eyes do her talking. She scares me more than Senior Sister Philomena, truly. She has the Will, Intelligence and Strength of an Angel." "Crirkey, that black cloud is spitting out some bright lightning and loud thunder! How's the radio CraIg? I'm fighting a strong upstream current."
We made it to the creek and sat out the storm. But bad news. A tree has blown down across the creek. There may be enough room for us around it on the far side. It would be a narrow path, though. There are a lot of rocks. Do we want to chance it or wait for someone to come move the tree?
I suggest we find an alternate route as that looks far too shallow and rocky for our wooden-hulled boat. Just looked at the map and there is another waterway, a tributary of the Roanoke River that heads into the middle of the island. I found a photo of it at the local library....
There is only one way out, Craig. It's back the way we came. The creek ends a little way up. I wish we had Bruce. He could move that tree in a New York minute. We either have to wait for help to move the tree or go around the edge of it. You're right, though, it is shallow and rocky. It will be risky to try to navigate around it.
I just phoned Sister Philomena about our situation. The Orphanage has taken a fair bit of damage so she can only spare Sister Bridget to save us. She'll load up the small boat with 2 chain saws, axes, saws, ropes, tackle, pulleys, phone ... I know what to do with the gear when she arrives but it will be hard work for sure. Let's clear some of the lighter debris while we're waiting.
I'm going to be away for the weekend. I'll be back Sunday or Monday. While I'm away, you boys cut both of those trees into firewood and take it to Sister Philomena. It will be dry enough to burn well by next fall. I can just picture her and the kids sitting in front of the fireplace next Christmas singing Christmas carols. It will make a nice campfire, too.
I think we could take most of it Craig. It is a heavy load. Do you hear that outboard motor getting louder? Look, it's Sister Bridget holding her repeating shotgun, and a chainsaw. "Take this n go and get the rest" she panted, "haven't slept for ages, gotta rest, talk later." Shirley was cooking and minding the radio for news. Helping Bridget onto a bunk, she fell asleep before her head hit the pillow. Meanwhile, Terence and Craig started sorting out the supplies, tools and job. Then the chainsaws started.
You are not telling me that Sister Bridget is a 'gun shot' too like Shirley. I guess a female missionary has to be a touch more than demure to survive in some of these harsh, uncivilized places where they carry out the Lord's work.......
Too right Craig, She's a tough Nun alright, You don't mess with her. Her heart is pure n tough I reckon though, I think, she certainly loves her dogs too, like me.. I am biased I admit. She carefully brought all the gear we need to free us , and then to go south East to help all the survivours and needy from the big Matilda hurricane. Many need help, and there's looters... Deputy Crow is under siege on Roanoke Island she says. Shefiff Watts has even offered us temporary depuptieships! Many need rescued. We have a God given mission I reckon.Time to act.
We were spared Terence while hundreds were not. I am hearing that most of Roanoke town was wiped out. I am sure Shirley will agree to count us in to help in the clean up. Playing deputy sheriff sounds like fun.. gimme that badge.......
Sure Craig, Shirley's been on the phone, radio, computer and BnW printer and these bits of paper are our temparory 3rd class deputy papers. I've done this before, $15/h with a min of 10h/day. Even one for Sister Bridget when she eventually wakes up. Shirley also said news is that the bridges to Roanoke Island are all down badly, causeways washed away, ...and they need boats like ours to help. Expenses too! Many hurt, cold and hungry tho. We have a mission to rescue the survivors. Reckon we'll finish the tree tomorrow real early, and head off to Jamesville and the Orphage. Senior Sister Philomena is organising the kids to off load the wood and reload supplies for the survivors.. tents, food, blankets, medicines real quick. Sister Bridget is a nurse too. Apparently Special Deputy Crow is wounded too after a gun fight with some looters! Alligator burger?
We do as some important people on the island befriended us when we needed it. I expect us having one of the few seaworthy boats in the county is a godsend.Thank you Sister Phil. First bring on the alligator burgers