Chapter 12: Elephant Mountain

 

The downward draft from the spinning blades sent shock waves through the tall grass, below. On a small clearing the pilot slowly set the helicopter down.

Judy handed Sutton his pack. The loud noise from the engine and whirling blades made talking impossible. But that was OK. They had already said everything. Judy simply held up three fingers to remind Sutton when she would be back. Blake had already exited the open door. Just as Sutton was about to follow, Judy pulled him back. For a moment she looked at him, letting him know that she cared deeply for his safe return. Sutton reached out and squeezed her hand. Letting go, he took a couple of big steps and within moments was out of view. The helicopter lifted into the clear sky, the whole affair taking less than a minute. You don’t want to leave a helicopter sitting on the ground in unfamiliar terrain for very long. Everyone knows this.

 

Just Above The Clearing photo by:  Chris Kahue

 

 

 

As soon as Sutton caught up with Blake he took the lead. That was only natural. After a few more yards of running they were at the edge of the jungle, the tall grass finally returning to its normal appearance. Looking down from his lookout a lone monkey sat contemplating the sudden appearance of the two men, wondering what they could possibly want.

 

photo by: Whaldener Endo Wikipedia