On my way

I need to get away. The relief from stress and boredom. Just to relax and experience something new. To leave behind this monotonous situation. The desire for an adventure, a change of scenery. I NEED A VACATION! Lara worked a 9 to 5 job everyday even on weekends. It was time for a long overdue vacation. She browsed through brochures and came upon Belize. A beautiful place in the Caribbean. You could visit the Mayan ruins take a walk through the rain forest. Hike through nature, taking in the waterfall and just admiring the views. The Great Blue Hole is a diving spot. It was formed as a limestone cave system that collapsed and is now submerged. Giant stalactites and columns can be found inside the blue hole. It is most beautiful and amazing. Lara found her vacation spot for 2 weeks. The flight from Montana to Belize would be approximately 5 hrs. Leaving in 3 days accommodations included, yahoo!! Dancing around her room. I'm so excited, she sang. I need to pack for a tropical climate, I need comfortable shoes and my passport. 3 days seemed like a month. Finally, the day came to board the plane for Belize. So far, the flight has been perfect a little turbulence every now and then but not too bad. Flying for 4 1/2 hours so far. A thunderstorm is off in the horizon rumbling louder and louder lightning strikes as I look out the window. Rain starts to pour down. Turbulence is making this flight very bumpy and with violent jolts, I hear over the loudspeaker to put on our seat belts this is going to be a rough ride. It is so unsettling. The pilot and his crew try to find smoother air by changing altitude, but to no avail. The pilots is losing control of the airplane. Severe structural damage has occurred on the aircrafts wing and one of the engines. The pilot prioritizes, communicating with air traffic control declaring an emergency may day, may day he sends over the radio. Then instructing the passengers on emergency procedures and to brace for impact. The plane suddenly nose dives through the air. Passenger's screaming and crying experiencing head impacts whip lash and other injuries. The plane crashes into the rain forest. It does not go up in flames and didn't blow up, luckily, they can salvage any food, drinks and emergency supplies The wreckage is swallowed by the vegetation all around. Survivors are stranded and face a dangerous and challenging environment. Many passengers did not make it. Only 75 passengers survived including Lara. The survivors had broken bones and gashes on their bodies. The plane and bodies were scattered throughout the rain forest. The crash caused the trees in the area to be crushed and uprooted huge areas in the rainforest were damaged.

It will be very difficult making a rescue. Some of the survivors took care of the injured passengers as well as they could. The rain forest can be very hot and humid, dehydration hypothermia or heatstroke can occur. They need to make shelter close to the plane. They begin to clear brush farther from the plane.

They clear an area where they can start a fire and make some thick smoke so it will be visible from the canopy above. Lara helped with the fire and began to smother it. Thick smoke bellowed high into the air above the canopy hoping someone would see it. Lara was in pain but doing the best she can to help out. Lara found a mirror while scavenging through some debris from the airplane that was scattered from a suitcase. She used the mirror as a reflective device to signal rescuers. Lara had previous training as an environmentalist and a survivalist. She knew what to do in situations as this. Frightened and not knowing if they will be saved, she is trying to stay calm as she needs to make practical decisions. Staying near the plane and not roaming off too far would be a best decision to make. She did not want to get lost. Rain starts to pour down. The shelters they made are holding up. Soon the rain subsides, and it is hot and humid again. Starting to get dark Lara finds a flashlight in the emergency kit. One of the passengers start a fire from papers and clothing he finds in a suitcase. Nighttime comes and so can wild animals. Hoping the fire keeps them away. The sounds of monkeys fill the night air. Loud birds squawking. The rainforest is alive with all types of noises. No sleep for the weary. Morning comes. Lara starts a fire to hopefully attract rescuers. Day 3 after the plane crash not knowing if they will be rescued It is a very frightening feeling. Actually, terrifying to be lost and not knowing if you are going to die. We cannot lose hope. We have to find courage in this situation and remain calm. Lara spoke to the passengers as calmly as she could. She tried to raise their spirits by telling them the plane had ripped through the canopy and left a huge gaping hole so the rescuers will be able to find us easily. I know someone will be looking for us. She continues to smother the fire to make thick smoke. Hoping it will be seen. They are running low on supplies and soon will have to rely on mother nature to get water and food. Laras training will come in handy. Some of the passengers that where not hurt badly helped to look for berries and fruits. The sudden sound of helicopters could be heard in the distance. Lara commenced with the smothering of the fire. The loudspeaker on the helicopters said we have found you. Stay where you are. You will be rescued soon. Everyone rejoiced. The passengers were taken to the hospital to get their wounds mended. Some were allowed to go home others had to spend the night . When Lara got home, she layed on her bed and said it's good to be home. It wasn't my time yet. My heart goes out to everyone on that flight. I think I'll stay closer to home next time.