April 15th:

Looking forward to their two-week wilderness camping & backpacking adventure, Josh had been prepping for a couple of weeks. He had made a packing list, ensuring they would have everything they needed, right down to the Tim Tams.

His phone rang with Nikki's unique ring, " Hey Luv!"

"Hi Babe, We've had to tend to a mayday on our way in pushing back our arrival a day. I'm sorry."

"It's the Navy, not your fault."

"How's the packing going?"

"Got the Tim Tams."

Nikki was laughing, "Guess we won't go hungry."

"I'll call the pilot and make sure the change of date won't be an issue."

They stayed on the phone for another 10 minutes, just chatting about their day and such.

"Josh, I've gotta go; watch is coming up."

"Okay, Luv, text me when you have time."

"I will; I love you, miss you. I'll try and skype tonight."

"Alright, I'll be watching for it. Love you too, Baby, see ya soon."

Josh checked his contacts for the pilot's number, gave him a ring and explained about the change in plans.

"No problem, as long as you don't mind leaving a little later. I have a short run first thing in the morning on Thursday. I can take you at 11 and get you there around 4."

"That'll work just fine."

"Good, be at the airport at 10:30; see ya then."

"Yup, we'll be there," Josh finished.

Getting back to packing, he has laid out his and Nikki's packs. Going down his list, he sets each item next to the pack that it will go in.

Clothes: 3 shirts ea. 3 socks and undies

1 set each convertible pants and a light sweatshirt.

2 pr. shorts ea.

Rain ponchos

Hiking shoes.

Hats

Gear: First Aid Kit

2 solar chargers and USB cords / tablets/ kindles/ phones/

a pack of cards and a Crossword book.

Backpackers tent & double lightweight backpackers blanket

Air mattress

4 survival blankets ( 2 each)

compass

2 solar charge headlamps and 4 solar lights

2 stick lighters

Rope & packers shovel

1 mess kit with extra utensils and cups.

Cooking set ( large spoon & fork) pot scrubber, cooking rack

Backpackers towels & washcloths, bar soap, bug spray, toiletries

Toilet paper and sanitiser

Water filtering bottles with extra filters.

Zip bags and candles

2 day packs

Snorkel gear

Food: 30 packages instant oatmeal

10 backpackers breakfast packs ( eggs, potatoes, peppers, onions)

Instant coffee

Soup mix, dry & Ramon noodles

15 Backpackers dinners

Salt and Pepper

Pop-Tarts and Energy bars, peanut butter crackers, Vegemite,

Crackers, Marshmallows, Tim Tams!

Dried fruit and raisins and nuts

Josh used one of the daypacks to carry their Kindles/tablets and crossword book, plus some snacks for the plane. He had been downloading music and movies to be listened to and watched without the internet. Chuckling to himself, this isn't your father's camping list. Satisfied that he hadn't forgotten anything, he ordered a pizza and settled in to watch a movie while he waited for Nikki's skype.

One more day...at least I have a dive excursion to take up the time. As much as he missed her when she was away, it always seemed a little harder when she was almost home.

Tuesday came and went, and finally, Hammersley was due to arrive in port at 1:30 pm. Wednesday afternoon. Josh was on the wharf waiting, watching as Hammersley slid into her berth.

Sally arrived with the kids, spotted Josh and went over to wait with him. Buffer's girlfriend, Melissa, joined them as well.

"So, Josh, what are you and Nikki up to this shore leave? How about dinner?" Sally asked him.

"Nikki is on an R & R holiday; we're leaving tomorrow for a remote campsite in East Timor, backpack camping for 2 weeks. Can we give you a call when we get back? Actually, can we ask a favour? Would you care for Lance while we're away?"

"Of course, bring him over later; we can order Chinese."

"Perfect, Sally, thanks. What time?"

"How's 6 sound?"

"Sounds good; we'll pick it up on the way. What do you like?"

Sally gave him her order as the crew started to exit the ship, and Swain walked over.

After hugs and kisses with the family, he turned to Josh, "Hey Mate. How's the dive excursion business going? Still liking it?"

"I am."

"Chris, Nikki and Josh are going away for 2 weeks, so we will be looking after Lancelot. They'll be bringing him by later along with Chinese."

" That's great!"

"We'll see ya later then, Josh," Sally says, and the Blakes head toward the car park.

Swain gives a wave and calls out, "Later, Mate."

Nikki and Kate were in their cabin, packing their seabags. Nikki was telling Kate about her and Josh's upcoming backpack camping trip.

"I wanted you to know where we'll be, you know, in case of an emergency or such," Nikki told her.

"Okay, but there won't be any emergencies. You and Josh have a great time. Call me when you get back. How long are you going?"

"We leave tomorrow morning and will be gone for two weeks."

Ready to leave the ship, they hugged goodbye.

Nikki was just about the last one to leave the ship. Swain and Sally had left 10 minutes ago, and Buffer and Melissa had just left, leaving Josh alone while he waited for her. Then he saw her, wearing the sun jumper that he likes.

"Josh!" rushing down the gangway and into his arms.

Kate was watching from the flybridge, never tiring of seeing them together and so happy. How much Josh has changed, settled, she thought.

"Luv, I asked Sally if they would care for Lancelot while we're gone; I said we would bring him over later with some Chinese. That okay?"

" Baby, of course, that's fine. I just about forgot about poor Lance with all of the excitement of the trip. Two weeks, just you and me, no distractions. Can't wait!"

" Yeah, me too. The packs are all set to go. I hope it's okay; I packed for you too."

"Josh, I don't care; you'll be the one having to look at me," she said, grinning. " I'm sure everything will be fine."

Getting out of the car when they reached their townhouse, Josh grabbed her seabag from the boot and followed Nikki into the house. Dropping her bag in the laundry, he stalked her down in the kitchen as she was starting a brew. Walking up behind her, he wraps his arms around her, then moving her hair aside, begins to kiss and nibble at her neck, whispering love notes in her ear' knowing that this is one of her favourite things.

After a minute, Nikki turns into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck, giving him a proper kiss which evolved into a full makeout session and a migration to the bedroom. The brew was utterly forgotten.

Later, Lancelot tucked safely on the floor of the car, they made their way over to Sally and Swain's by way of "Jenny's Chinese Kitchen".

"Unca, Josh! Aunty Nikki!" shouted Chloe when they walked through the Blake's front door.

"Hey, Guys!" Swain called out. "Drop that stuff in the kitchen, will ya? Sall's changing little Swain. She'll be right out."

A few minutes later, Sally joined them in the kitchen with little Chris, handing him off to Josh.

"Hey there, little Mate!" as he started the baby bounce.

"Sally, let me give you a hand," Nikki offered.

"Could you take care of the table while I get the food out? Hey guys...grab your beers and sit; the food is going on the table." Sally said.

Josh sat little Chris in his high chair while Sally got Chloe settled on her booster seat. Once everyone was settled, the food was passed around the table.

"So, where are you guys going camping?" Swain asked.

" East Timor, wilderness camps. I hired a charter, and we fly out tomorrow morning," Josh replied.

"Nikki, however did Josh talk you into this trip?" Sally asked.

"He didn't have to. I love camping, and I've never been remote camping before, but he has. I'm looking forward to the adventure and the solitude after the close quarters of the ship."

Sally remarks, "Ahhgg, not for me. Give me a soft bed, a shower and a toilet."

Nikki and Josh laughed. The conversation continued as they enjoyed dinner and the company.

Once supper was cleared away, they took their dessert to the back patio. Around 7:30, Sally and Swain excused themselves to put the kids to bed while Nikki and Josh sat comfortably sipping their drinks.

Returning fifteen minutes later, the two couples continued chatting about the upcoming trip.

"Wow, it's 9:00; I think that we best be going. Lancelot is still in the car; I'll go get him. Where do you want him?" Josh asked.

"There's a table in Chris' study."

"All you should have to do is feed him. His water and filter were just changed." Josh explains.

"Great!" Sally replied.

Josh came back in carrying Lance, and Sally showed him where to put his tank.

"Sally, thanks for taking care of Lance for us," Nikki says.

"No worries. Chloe is looking forward to taking care of him. We just might end up getting her a fish," Sally chuckles.

Goodbyes, hugs, and backslaps and Josh and Nikki were on their way home.

April 17th:

Josh was awake at 7:30, leaning on his elbow. He was admiring Nikki as she slept. After 5 minutes or so, he leaned forward and kissed her awake.

"Josh? What time is it?"

"Just past 7:30. I was thinking we could get breaky on the way, save cleaning the kitchen."

Yawning and stretching, "Sounds good. Join me in the shower?" she asked with a glint.

"Ahh, jeez, twist my arm," Josh says, laughing.

It's around 8:20, and they are ready to load their packs into the car.

"Do you think that we have everything?"

Josh shrugged, "I hope so; I went over everything twice."

They went to one of their favourite breakfast places, ordering a big breakfast as it would be a long day.

Arriving at the private airfield at 10:20, Josh parked the car in the lot used by passengers and overnight parking.

Taking their packs, they went inside and up to the reception counter.

"May I help you?"

"Yeah, Josh Holiday and Nikki Caetano, checking in. We have an 11 am flight to East Timor with Dave Mathews."

"May I see your passports?"

"Of course," He and Nikki get out their passports and present them to her.

"Dave just got in around 15 minutes ago. He'll be grabbing something to eat, and then he'll prep the plane. You can leave your packs here near the door then have a seat in the lounge. There are drinks and snacks in the little fridge. Help yourselves. He'll be with you shortly."

Making themselves comfortable, Nikki gets out her kindle and Josh his crossword book.

At 11:10, a tall fit man with greying hair walked into the lounge and over to them as he extended his hand. "You must be Nikki and Josh. I'm Dave Mathews, your pilot."

"Pleased," they both said as they shook hands.

"If you'll follow me out to the tarmac, I'll get you settled and then do my final walk around."

Dave's plane was a pretty blue and white Beechcraft Baron 58. Dave helped them to stow their gear in the cargo area in the back of the cabin.

"Dave, would you take a picture of us with the plane?" Nikki asked. "Our photo-journal of the trip."

"Absolutely!"

That done, Dave showed them into the cabin, "grab a seat, just like SWA, pick anyone," Dave says with a chuckle. Get comfy, buckle up, we'll be in the air shortly."

They chose the aft forward-facing seats and waited for Dave. Nikki looked around somewhat in awe at the fully reclining leather captains seats, carpeting, wood panelling accents and drop-down tables. "Josh! My God, how much did this charter cost?"

"No worries, Luv. Just enjoy it."

Five minutes later, Dave boarded the plane and faced them.

"Just a few things, I just got an updated weather report, and we're good to go. It should be clear flying. There was to be another couple for the hop to Weipa, but they're a no show, so you have me all to yourselves. First, this is a Beechcraft Baron 58 aircraft. It's rated for 6 passengers plus the pilot. We'll be flying at 2134 m (7000 ft). She can fly up to 370 kph ( 230mph) and has an 80 gal fuel tank that gives it a 1500 nm range. We will be landing in Weipa for a refuel before we go out over the Timor Sea. It'll take us 1 ½ hrs to Weipa, 45 mins on the ground, then 4 ½ hrs to East Timor.

Under your seats are life vests as we will be flying exclusively over the water after we leave Weipa. The plane has a blanket and pillow for each passenger. Sorry, no toilet, so I advise you to take advantage once we land in Weipa.

There's an Esky in the back with some sandwiches and fizzes. No alcohol; I don't allow it on my plane. I flew a group one time, and a couple of them got trashed and became a real problem. There's no co-pilot, so you can see where that leaves me. So, no booze. Any questions?"

Josh speaks up, "I would say that you've covered everything, Sir."

"Huh? Sir? Are you military?"

"Yeah, Navy, retired. ( easier to explain). Sorry, 'Sir' is a hard habit to break."

Dave Laughed, "Okay, we get clearance, and we're off." He called flight control for permission to taxi and takeoff.

" May I get a picture of you in the pilot's seat?" Nikki asked, grinning.

" Photo-journal? Sure." Dave sat in his seat and put his headphones on, then Nikki went forward and took his picture. Then she and Josh took a selfie with Dave and then one of themselves while in their seats.

Josh took Nikki's hand as they accelerated down the runway. He leaned over, kissing her temple, "here we go!" Nikki laughed at his excitement.

Once they were in the air and cruising towards Weipa, Josh took out his Kindle while Nikki put in her headphones, listened to music and read. After about 40 minutes, Nikki's eyes started to close; she tipped her seat back and went to sleep. Josh ended up doing the same.

"Okay, folks," Dave announced, " We're coming into Weipa." Nikki and Josh sat up and stretched.

"Smooth flight, Dave," Josh remarks.

"That's how we like them. We'll be on the ground for approximately 45 minutes. Take advantage of the toilets and stretch your legs a bit. I'll come and get you when we're ready."

"Perfect," Josh replies, taking Nikki's hand and walking toward the waiting lounge.

After using the facilities, they strolled around. There was a news shop where they each got a chocolate bar and some magazines, and Nikki spotted a book that she's been wanting to read. They sat, chatting and flipping through their mags. Thirty minutes later, Dave came to get them.

"Josh, Nikki, all set?"

"We are," Nikki replies.

They went out to the plane and got themselves comfortable then Dave climbed aboard.

" You know the drill… seatbelts on."

Dave got his clearance and taxied out to the runway, and they were off for the second leg of their trip.

Once they levelled off, "I could use a sandwich. Josh? Dave? Want one?" Nikki asks.

" Yeah, Babe, sounds good, with a coke, please."

"Dave, can I get you one?"

"That's very kind and would be great with a coke."

Nikki passed out the drinks and sandwiches, and they tucked in. Afterwards, she collected the cans and wrappers.

"There are small garbage bags in a cubby on the right side in the back," Dave told her.

"Thanks."

"No worries."

"So Josh, where did you serve?" Dave asked.

"I was last stationed in Cairns, HMAS Hammersley for the last 4 years. I had made Petty Officer just before I left."

"Did you have a specialty, or were you what the Army guys call a 'grunt'."

"Electronics Tech. They called me 'ET'."

"Nikki, Luv, what do you do?" Dave asked her.

"I'm a Lieutenant in the Navy. A navigator."

"Is that how you two met, serving on the same ship?"

" Yeah, we met when Nikki joined the Hammersley as our navigator. I was smitten," Josh answered, grinning and kissing her temple.

"I can see why," Dave said, grinning.

"And you, Nikki, how did he get you?"

" It was mutual; I was smitten too. Not sure if I believe in fate, but it sure feels like it."

Josh jumps in, "It was tough to get our relationship going and to stay going. Navy rules, no fraternization between shipmates. But we managed to stay under the radar, keep things professional on board. No one knew that we were in a relationship."

"Oi, I'm a guy, and I find your story romantic."

"What about you, Dave? Did you learn to fly in the service?" Nikki asks.

"I did—twenty years in the Air Force. I saved up enough to buy this beauty when I got out. I love doing charters."

"So, you're based out of Cairns?" Josh asks him.

"Yeah, live there with my wonderful wife of 35 years."

"Any kids?" inquired Nikki.

"Two girls, both married now. Joanie stayed close, but Jenni moved to Brisbane with her husband."

They continue to chat for the next half hour, telling stories about their adventures in the service.

They were a little over an hour into this leg of the flight when Dave got quiet. Then,

"Josh, Nikki! There's a pop-up squall, seat belts on! Our perfect flying weather is about to get nasty. I'm going to try and fly around it, but I'm not sure that there's enough time. It's going to be bumpy."

Josh and Nikki buckled securely, and Josh reached for Nikki's hand. The sky got black, and the visibility zero as rain lashed at the plane. "I'm going to try and drop below the cloud ceiling," Dave called out.

Dave began the descent when simultaneously a deafening crack with a brilliant flash; then sparks flying from the instrument panel.

Dave grabbed the radio to call a mayday, but the lightning had taken out all of the electronics.

Nikki and Josh try to hold it together, holding each other's hands, not letting go.

"I can see an island; I am going for a water landing as close to the shore as I can get. Life vests on! BRACE, BRACE, BRACE!"

They quickly grabbed their life vests then bent over, grabbing hands again and holding on with a death grip as the plane screamed and dropped."

"Josh, I love you," Nikki cried.

"I love you too, Baby."

There was horrific wrenching and crashing sounds and then… nothing.

Just a note: I got the list of items that Josh packed from reading a backpackers camping guide website. It's a lot of stuff, but it will be split between two backpacks.

Flight times are approximate as I had trouble getting that information on the Beechcraft Baron 58; the specs, however, are accurate.

Thanks for reading!