The River

Chapter 2

"Dina will you please hurry up!" Natasha called for the umpteenth time, "I can see people already grouping up outside, we're going to be late!"

"I'm coming" came the muffled reply from the bathroom, "Just give me a sec".

"Come on Hazel, are you ready, have you got your water bottle and things?"

"Yes I have everything here," Hazel smiled pointing to her tiny rucksack, "I've added extra repellent and that little packet of biscuits from the breakfast buffet"

"We don't need food remember, we were told to travel light and only take water and repellent, they have everything else!"

"I'm sure no-one's going to be upset because I'm taking one small packet of biscuits! Will you calm down, we'll be fine!"

"We will if Dina get's a move on, at this rate we will be the last ones!"

Just then Dina came rushing out, "sorry, sorry, come on let's go" and with that she ran to the door with Hazel and Natasha close on her heels.

They took the flight of steps down the two floors and reached the group of people waiting outside just as the guides turned up.

There were approximately fifteen people plus five guides. The guides had large bags whilst the rest of us had a combination of small rucksacks or just a water bottles.

"Right, gather round please" called out the tallest guide waving for us to gather around him. He was quite a bit taller than the other four and had longish straight black hair, he introduced himself as Hargit, the lead guide for the tour. "Now as we have already explained" he started in his booming voice, "You must all keep up and keep together.  We are taking a very safe route, we will cut through a small section of the rainforest towards the main river, travel parallel with the river where we will find our main camp, this will take us about two days.  The camp has all the necessary comforts, there is a kitchen, large tents, even toilets and showers. Don't expect luxury but also not too much hardship," he smiled and we all smiled back gratefully.

"Now tonight we will be camping out in the forest, we have all the tents, food and everything we'll need. Have you all brought your water bottles?"

We all chorused our 'yesses'

"Good, we have brought extra bottles of water with us and there is a supply of bottles at both the makeshift camp for tonight and the main camp, but remember that you must all stay hydrated. We also are carrying first aid equipment so if you do get any bites or scratches let us know . Right, that's about it. Any questions?" He looked around the group, no one had anything to ask or say so he quickly continued.

"Let's be off, and remember, stay together!"

We all started to follow the guides who quickly separated with two guides taking the lead, two behind and one joined the group itself.

There was a general feeling of anticipation and excitement as we finally headed towards the forest.