Stranded on Water

It was the summer of 2016, when “Damn, Daniel'' and the Mannequin challenge were just as prominent as wearing masks are today. Every year, my family and I pack our bags and flee to a camping site in a different state, for a week. This one, in particular, was in Pennsylvania. Susquehanna River to be exact.

If you know nothing about real camping, let me tell you. This was not the type of camp that parents send their kids to when they need a break during the summer, it was the real deal. I’m talking woods, tents, dirt, air beds, mosquitoes, gas stoves, and the worst… no service. My family sees it as bonding time, but I see it as torture, and I’m sure you can see why.

Luckily for me, my cousin Allyson always comes along. Do you know that one cousin who you immediately cling to during big family occasions? Yup! that’s her. She’s my best friend who also happens to be a relative.

After arriving and setting up all the tents, Allyson and I skimmed through the campsite pamphlet. We saw a zip lining activity, but everyone else wanted to go paddle boating. So, we sucked it up and followed along. Later that day, ten of us walked 20 minutes to Susquehanna River and split into five groups of two. Although Allyson and I had no idea how to row, of course, we paired up together. Which you will soon know, was a very bad idea.

The moment we got into the boat, was the moment I knew it was going south. For the first five minutes, the boat continuously rocked back and forth causing us to struggle. When I pushed the water one way, Allyson pushed it another. While focusing on what we were doing, we lost track of where we were going. When we looked up, disbelief hijacked our faces. At the same time, we looked left...then right, and sat in silence while staring at each other. No one was in sight and we were indeed lost.

You’d think a child’s first instinct would be to cry, yet the only sound I managed to let out was laughter. This situation was straight out of a movie. Like Bird Box, without the blindfold part. I swiftly took out my phone and started to “vlog.” Who wouldn’t want to document this? Pfft, I wanted to be famous. I excitedly babbled to the lifeless camera, while Allyson still sat speechlessly. Her face was bright red. I could almost see the words “don’t panic” written all over it.

Soon after, we heard a faint call “Allyson! Jahnia!!” come from our parents. Allyson immediately burst into tears at the sound of her father’s voice. “Geez, how did I get stuck with the baby?” I said to myself while trying to calm her down. I repeatedly screamed “we’re over here,” although I was sad my day of fictitious fame was soon to be over. A little less than three minutes later, a small motorboat came around the bend of the river to “save” us.

When we got back to land, our family greeted us as if we’ve been lost for years. I looked like I was getting ready to walk the red carpet, while Allyson had tear-stained cheeks that resembled someone who just failed an important exam. From that day forward, Allyson and I always got first pick for activities. So, if you’re tired of never getting your way, maybe being stranded on water can help. :)