Forest Adventures

Lost in the Forest

Forest Adventures Posted In: ,

“I can’t believe the day is finally here!” I exclaimed to my mother as I got dressed early one Saturday morning. Today our scout troupe was going on a hike into the forest. I was very excited as I had never been on a hike before.
When we arrived by the Nelson Forest, our troupe leader, Ms. Donna, led us to the start of the trail, assembled us in two lines and counted us to make sure that everyone was present. We then started off into the dense forest. Ms. Donna warned us to stay on the path so that we would not get lost. As we walked, we saw many lizards and butterflies and heard the birds in the trees. It was very cool in the forest as the tall trees blocked out the blazing sun. I was enchanted by the different colours and shapes of butterflies that flittered from flower to flower sucking its sweet nectar. Out of the corner of my eye, I glimpsed a large blue and white one. It was almost as big as my hand. I had never seen a butterfly like this before. I wanted to get a better look at it so I followed it as it went from one flower to the next. I was so intent on getting a better look at the butterfly that I did not realize that I had left the pathway, and the scout troupe.
After following the butterfly for a few minutes, it landed and stayed there for some time and I got a good look at it. However, when I looked around, my ecstasy turned to sadness and fright as I found myself all alone. “Alana? Michelle? Ms. Donna?” I screamed their names at the top of my lungs hoping they would hear me but there was no reply. My heart was racing in my chest and tears came tumbling down my face as I realized that I was lost and alone. I tried to retrace my steps in order to find the trail again but everywhere looked the same. After walking until I felt I could walk no more, I fell to the ground in tears. Was I going to have to stay in the forest forever? Would I ever be found?
Suddenly out of nowhere I heard someone’s voice on a megaphone. “Jariah!” Jariah!” The sound echoed through the forest. I started to shout “I am here!” The voice sounded closer and closer and I continued to reply. Soon Ms. Donna and the rest of the troupe burst through the bushes and into the clearing where I was. I raced to meet them. I was so relieved that they had found me. Ms. Donna scolded me for not following her instructions to stay on the pathway but she too was relieved to have found me.
We continued with the hike and this time I did not stray from the path. Besides getting lost, we had a very enjoyable day.

Aarti Gosine is the Managing Director of JAV Publishing House and has also written three children’s books, The Magic Cave, More Adventures in the Magic Cave and the Jaeden Ring. This trilogy is ideal for children in the 7-10 age group. Aarti also writes short stories for The Northerly, a community based supplement and is the Managing Editor for Trinidad Weddings Wed-zine magazine.

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