Escape the Wild: A Post-Teen Adventure and Lessons in Survival
Teens and young adults often delve into thrilling adventures, some of which can turn into tests of sheer survival. Two such instances, one from a young boy's campout in Bogalusa, Louisiana, and another involving two teenagers hiding from the law, vividly illustrate the power of the human body and the instinct for survival.
Run for Your Life: A Campfire Adventure
In the clear, starlit nights of the late 1960s, Bogalusa, Louisiana, provided a perfect backdrop for a campout adventure. At the tender age of 10, I was among a group of six boys, building our campfire and pitching tents in an abandoned gravel pit, less than a quarter of a mile from our homes. Despite the close proximity, the thicket of trees made it seem like we were in a remote and wild territory. Among us was my cousin, Charly, acting as our lookout, armed with a precious flashlight, a lifeline in the pitch-black night.
Charly's watchful eyes caught something moving in the shadows, and he whispered, 'They's a coming.'
The air filled with a sense of foreboding as we saw the glowing eyes of several wild animals, most likely wild boars, slowly closing in on us. My 12-year-old brother declared, 'We gotta get out of here,' and we all scrambled to pack everything up as quickly as possible. The urgency of the situation was palpable, and the sound of rushing feet echoed through the sand pit, propelling us at breakneck speed back to the safety of our household. The critical realization dawned on me: every second count, and the slowest runner would face an undeniably dangerous fate. With each step, I pushed harder, hoping to be swifter than the swiftest among us.
Once we reached the safety of our house, the safety of the front door was compromised by a stubborn lock, but the back door remained unlocked, a door to safety and a sanctuary from the thronging boars outside. I found myself racing to slam the door, eager to close it before the intruders breached it, only to be met with resistance. I knew with every ounce of my being that there was a wild boar attempting to enter the house, and the suspense was akin to the clashing of might against might. The sound of my endangered friends' desperate voices echoed through the twilight, 'It’s me Gary! Let me in!'
That moment, I felt victorious, having outpaced the other boys, and I was glad that I was not the slowest to cross the finish line.
Adventure and Escape: A Night of Runaway Teens
The other story of adventure and escape takes place in the urban environment of a city park. Known for its picturesque riverbank and the gentle waters perfect for tubing, this park became a hub for teenagers to gather and celebrate, sharing the thrill of youthful rebellion. However, when the law came knocking, the experience turned into a wild chase.
One night, we were partying in this idyllic haven, blissfully unaware of the sheriff's presence. The deputy, known for his approachable demeanor, was quickly out of sight as we scattered, fleeing in fear like cockroaches. My best friend and I, hiding in some bushes, hoped for a moment of respite from the law.
However, a flashlight beam illuminated the darkness, and Mr. Deputy called out, with a hint of humor, 'Well, looky here. I found myself a couple possums.' We emerged, and with the rest of our friends, we dumped all our beers in a show of defiance. However, to everyone's surprise, the sheriff was understanding and lenient, choosing not to involve our parents, giving us a second chance at freedom.
Ironically, being caught in the dead of night in an urban park with wild boars or a sheriff on the prowl demonstrated not only the thrill of adventure but also the deep-seated need for survival and the power of human ingenuity.
These tales serve as a reminder that no matter where life takes us, a test of our survival instincts can come at any moment. Whether it's the wild animals in the forest or the law in the city, the ability to act swiftly and decisively can mean the difference between life and death.
Keywords: wild animals, survival instinct, teenagers adventure