A WOODLAND ADVENTURE

“Do we have to take them with us?” grumbled Pipi Georgia as she watched Grandma Jax remove two high vis vests from the hall cupboard.

 “Yes Pipi Georgia we do,” replied Grandma Jax, before folding the vests and placing them by the front door.

  “But we’ll be riding in the woods, not on a road,” mumbled Pipi Georgia.

“It’s riding anywhere Pipi Georgia so stop moaning, try thinking of this as an adventure,” suggested Grandma Jax as she picked up the picnic bag and hurried Pipi Georgia towards the car.

Within half an hour they arrived at their destination. Grandma Jax carefully drove into the car park and parked near the brightly coloured cycle centre, which also offered refreshments and public toilets. Together they walked over to the notice board where Grandma Jax quickly skimmed over the notices before pointing to a blue track marked on the map,

“This looks like a bit of us Pipi Georgia, a 10 mile /16k circular route with gentle hills.”

Pipi Georgia moved her finger along the words and nodded with a grin, “Yep, that should be easy peasy for us Grandma Jax.”

 “Absolutely,” chuckled Grandma Jax, “the track has a picnic area where we can stop to eat and it’s a natural woodland, so we should see lots of birds and flowers along the way.”

 “Birds, flowers and food … sounding better all the time,” laughed Pipi Georgia as she grabbed Grandma Jax’s arm and dragged her back to the car, where they quickly removed their bikes from the rack, donned their helmets and vests before adding their back packs. 

Pipi Georgia’s short legs had to peddle very fast as she cautiously followed behind Grandma Jax up the small hills and deeper into the woods. Even with her helmet on Pipi Georgia could hear the birds singing loudly and wondered if this woodland could be enchanted like the woodlands she’d read about in books.

After cycling for what seemed an age Pipi Georgia’s short legs began to tire. “How much further Grandma Jax?” she called.

“Not far now Pipi Georgia,” replied Grandma Jax, “the picnic area should be just up ahead.”

As the trees in front began to clear they reached a bend in the track which led to the picnic area, where hundreds of bluebells displayed a woodland floor awash with colours of the ocean. Pipi Georgia dropped her bike to the ground, and ran over to the amazing display of bluebells.

“Excuse me … can you help me?”

The question came out of nowhere. Surprised Pipi Georgia stopped in her tracks. There on the edge of the bluebells stood a lady dressed very strangely for a walk in the woods.

“Wh… where did you come from?” Pipi Georgia stammered.

“I’m not sure,” came the reply.

That’s weird  thought Pipi Georgia as she stared at the lady, “Grandma Jax,” she called, “I think you’re needed.” 

“She’s wearing a painting shirt over a dress and slippers,” whispered Pipi Georgia as Grandma Jax joined her. 

The lady was indeed wearing a baggy, paint splattered, orange shirt over a knee length blue dress. Beneath her dress her legs were and dirty with pieces of broken branches and leaves clinging to the once stylish purple, fluffy slippers which were now matted and covered in dirt.

“Please help me, I need to get home to my husband,” pleaded the lady as Grandma Jax placed a comforting arm around her shoulder.

Pipi Georgia stared at the lady. The bright red hair, plaited and coiled on top of her head, reminded Pipi Georgia of someone she’d seen recently, but where oh where had it been?

Grandma Jax gently led the strangely dressed lady over to the picnic table and sat her down on the bench.  As she turned to pour the stranger a small mug of tea she whispered to Pipi Georgia, “It’s rude to stare.”

“I know,” muttered Pipi Georgia, “but I’ve seen her somewhere, and it’s bugging me that I can’t remember where.”

“That’s as maybe, but it’s still rude to stare Pipi Georgia,” warned Grandma Jax quietly.

“Do you live round here?” asked Pipi Georgia.

“I’m not sure where here is,” replied the lady, taking the mug of tea from Grandma Jax’s out stretched hand.

Suddenly Pipi Georgia let out a scream, “I know who you are, I saw you on the news. You’re that lady … the one who disappeared from her house.”

The lady nodded her head, while keeping both hands tightly wrapped around the mug as she sipped the sweet, warm tea.  

“Abducted that’s what they said Grandma Jax, remember I had to ask you what it meant.” Pipi Georgia’s cheeks were flushed with excitement as she gabbled on, “It’s the hair colour, I saw it on the news.”

 “Oh yes my hair… it’s what most people remember,” sighed the lady before suddenly bursting into tears. “It was terrifying,” she sobbed, “two men broke into our house and grabbed me while I was painting. They pulled a pillow case over my head, bundled me into the back of a car and drove for ages before stopping to change vehicles.”

Pipi Georgia sat very still, her excitement growing, “then what happened?” she encouraged.

“They dragged me out of the car,” continued the lady, “shoved me into the back of a camper van and told me to lie down and keep quiet if I knew what was good for me.”

 Pipi Georgia was now almost beside herself with excitement,” oh my goodness,” she gasped, “so how did you escape?”

“They stopped for the night. I waited until the men were asleep, then I crept out and legged it.”

 “Well it’s a good thing you found us,” declared Grandma Jax,” but I’m afraid mobile reception isn’t good out here. We’ll have to go back to the Cycle Centre to call for help.”

“Miriam !” shrieked Pipi Georgia, her large blue eyes sparkling with excitement, “your name’s Miriam … something … something.”

 The lady smiled, “Yes, Miriam Spenser Jones. My husband is Rufus Spenser Jones the stage actor.”

“Rufus Spenser Jones the stage actor,” echoed Grandma Jax. “Good heavens I remember him from when I was his Cub Scout leader. I taught him how to tie knots, do good deeds and go on adventures.”

“Like in the Jungle Book?”, giggled Pipi Georgia 

Listening to the pair chatting and laughing Miriam Spenser Jones smiled to herself and slowly began to relax. 

Suddenly her body tensed as something in the distance caught her eye. Half way down the hill, above the trees on the far side of the picnic area a bright light was flashing.

Pipi Georgia, her attention caught by Miriam’s sudden movement jumped to her feet to see what Miriam was staring at.  In the

distance she saw the sun reflecting off the side mirror of a white camper van as it moved slowly down towards the forest.

Miriam Spenser Jones shuddered,” Oh no,” she cried, “that’s the van, it’s them.”

Pipi Georgia turned to face Grandma Jax, “You must be Akela again Grandma Jax,” she urged, “I’ll be a cub scout and together we can do a good deed.”

“You’re right Pipi Georgia,” Grandma Jax already in action mode, was up on her feet, “we can do this – our good deed will be to get Miriam home safely.”

Miriam Spenser Jones looked on in amazement, stunned by the speed and sight of the elderly, silver haired lady wearing oversized blue glasses, dangling earrings and lycra cycling clothes as she frantically scooped up the tea flask and mugs throwing them into her back pack.

 “You’ll have to dump the orange shirt Miriam and here’s a spare pair of cycle pants, tuck your dress into them …”

Miriam Spenser Jones caught the cycle pants as they flew through the air.

“… and take my high vis vest, you’ll blend in better wearing that. Oh and my helmet, it’ll cover your red hair. Catch ….” Grandma Jax threw her blue helmet at the younger woman.

“What about you? “asked Miriam Spenser Jones as she caught the helmet.

“They won’t be looking for an old lady so no problem,” answered Grandma Jax with a chuckle, “I’ll wear my All Black’s cap, come on Pippi Georgia you’re with me

Pipi Georgia quickly handed over the orange shirt which Grandma Jax stuffed inside the backpack. “Good thing you’re small for your age Pipi Georgia, you’ll have to sit on the cross bar. Now which way to go?”

“Think I know Grandma Jax,” suggested Pipi Georgia as she screwed her eyes tightly shut trying to picture the map on the notice board. “I saw a yellow track on the board, it’s around here somewhere. Yes, over there,” she pointed, “there it is, there’s the yellow track”,

Grandma Jax gave a quick salute, “Well spotted Pipi Georgia you’re right, it must lead back to the Cycle Centre. Hop on, let’s get moving.”

Pipi Georgia grinned and gave a cheeky return salute before clambering up onto the cross bar of Grandma Jax’s bike and wriggling her bottom into position, before turning slightly to get a better grip on the handle bars.

The bike wobbled. Grandma Jax slowly brought the bike under control and off they set.

Miriam Spenser Jones realising she had no other choice but the small pink bike in front of her, climbed on and set off after Grandma Jax and Pipi Georgia towards the yellow track.

On they cycled, confidence growing, until suddenly Pipi Georgia picked up the sound of an approaching vehicle. “Stop!” she screamed at the top of her voice. “I can hear a vehicle and it’s coming closer, quick Miriam get off the track … hide.” 

Miriam Spenser Jones dragged the bike behind her as she scrambled off the track and hid behind a tree.

Pipi Georgia and Grandma Jax watched in silence as a vehicle slowly drove into view, before moving aside to let the white camper van pass. To their horror instead of passing the van stopped and two men in the front seats peered out at them.

“You seen a lady wearing an orange painting shirt?” asked the bigger man in the passenger seat. His voice was a low growl and with his unshaven face and dark, greasy hair he looked very frightening.

“No sorry we haven’t,” answered Grandma Jax politely.

“Why’s she wearing an orange painting shirt in the woods?” asked Pipi Georgia cheekily.

The bigger man glared at Pipi Georgia then replied, “It’s me sister, she often wanders off, gets easily confused you see.” 

“You two sharing that bike?” interrupted the driver.

Grandma Jax held her breath and nodded in reply.

The two men stared at her, “Crazy old bat”, sniggered the passenger, before the driver grunted and edged the van forward, taking care to stick to the centre of the track. Grandma Jax waited until the van was well out of sight before giving Miriam Spencer Jones the all clear.

“What if they come back this way?” whispered Pipi Georgia

“We have no choice Pipi Georgia, this is the quickest way to get help.”

“Sun glasses!” shouted Pipi Georgia suddenly, “they’re in your back pack. If Miriam wore your sun glasses and my beanie covered her red hair under the helmet, she’d look different wouldn’t she?”

“Of course … I’d forgotten they were there, good thinking,” returned Grandma Jax

The house slippers could be a bit of a giveaway though,” suggested Pipi Georgia looking down at Miriam Spenser Jones’ feet.

“She can wear my trainers, I’ll just wear my socks,” replied Grandma Jax as she pulled off her trainers and passed them over.

Exchange completed Pipi Georgia stuffed the slippers into the back pack and within a few minutes the trio were off again. The earlier encounter with the camper van had frightened them into a higher sense of urgency, encouraging them to peddle faster as they headed towards the end of the track.

“Can’t be far now,” called Pipi Georgia whose bottom was beginning to ache.

Suddenly they saw it, the white camper van now travelling slowly back towards them.  “Quick get in front of us Miriam,” ordered Grandma Jax, “keep cycling as fast as you can, don’t look back and whatever you do don’t stop.”

The van passed, travelled a short distance then stopped. Pipi Georgia glanced back over her shoulder. The van driver was trying to do a U turn manoeuvring the van backwards and forwards again and again, until finally it faced them and came after the cyclists. Pipi Georgia looked ahead and was relieved to see Miriam Spenser Jones making good progress, still cycling as fast as she could.

The camper van crept up behind them and the driver honked the horn as he veered to the left in an effort to pass. Grandma Jax steered her bike to the left. The van swung to the right, Grandma Jax swerved to the right.

A loud voice yelled from the van, “Move over you stupid old bat, let us pass.”

Grandma Jax continued at a steady pace, focussing only on the track ahead; if they could hold the camper van back a little longer Miriam should reach safety. 

Pipi Georgia clung tightly to the handle bars, “Remember Grandma Jax you were Akela and we’re both Seekers … we can do this,” she encouraged.

Grandma Jax, knowing the van couldn’t pass safely until the track widened into the car park entrance, carried on cycling slowly down the centre of the yellow track.

”Grandma Jax what’ll happen when we get there ?” whispered Pipi Georgia. 

“I’m going to slow down just before we reach the car park, you are going to jump off Pipi Georgia and run as fast as you can to the safety of the Cycle Centre and call the police.”

“But what about you Grandma Jax, what will you do?”

“I’ll be fine, but I’ll need you off the bike,” explained Grandma Jax.

The camper van was sticking close behind them as the car park entrance came into view, Grandma Jax stopped peddling, “Now Pipi Georgia,” she ordered “ jump off and run,”

Pipi Georgia leapt off the bike, paused for a moment, then ran as fast as she could towards the Cycle Centre.

Grandma Jax steadied the bike in the centre of the track, placed one foot on the ground and slowly raised her right hand in a stop sign.  

With no room either side to pass and no way forward the camper van came to an abrupt stop behind her. The passenger leaned out of the window. “ “Stupid old bat … get off the track” he yelled.

Grandma Jax smiled to herself as she climbed off the bike then turned to face the men. “I’m so sorry won’t be a moment, just need to blow my nose,” and with that she removed her back pack and burrowed deep inside for her hankie.

The two men looked on in disbelief, “she’s a nutter,” muttered the driver

“If ya don’t move ya bike, we’ll move it for ya,” demanded the passenger in his growly voice.

“Not a problem thank you, I’ve found it.” Grandma Jax removed a yellow handkerchief and began blowing her nose.

The two men in the camper van sat gobsmacked, then the passenger angrily opened the door to climb out.

In the Cycle Centre Pipi Georgia held her breath.

Suddenly the silence was broken by the sound of loud sirens and the screech of tyres as several police cars raced into the car park.

 Instantly the Cycle Centre door flew open and Pipi Georgia raced down the steps towards the track entrance, “Grandma Jax we did it,” she squealed as she cannoned into Grandma Jax

The driver of the camper van tried to reverse, but the van wheels caught on the edge of the track leaving them spinning, but going nowhere, and soon the vehicle was surrounded by police

Pipi Georgia clung tightly to Grandma Jax’s free arm as Grandma Jax wheeled her bike over to the Cycle Centre. “Guess what Grandma Jax”, she whispered,” they’ve got hokey pokey ice cream in the shop.”

Inside the shop they found Miriam Spenser Jones being comforted by a policewoman. She jumped up as they entered, “the camper van

was reported stolen and seen in this area earlier today so the police were already on their way,” she explained, “but without you two I don’t know what I’d have done. You saved me. How on earth can I repay you?”

“We don’t need repaying,” insisted Grandma Jax, “Pipi Georgia and I are Seekers, like Cub Scouts we try to help people.”

“… mmm but two double scoops of hokey pokey ice cream wouldn’t go amiss,” mumbled Pipi Georgia under her breathe.

 “What was that dear, did you say double scoops of ice cream?” asked the lady behind the counter.

Pipi Georgia grinned mischievously, “Well, we always have hokey pokey ice cream after our seeker adventures, don’t we Grandma Jax?” 

“Yes but…” began Grandma Jax, then stopped and shrugged her shoulders.

“Well that's it then,” declared Miriam Spenser Jones cheerfully as she retrieved her EFTPOS card from inside a hidden pocket in her dress, "double ice creams all round."

“Yay,” shouted Pipi Georgia as she rushed up to the counter.

“I told you cycling in the woods could lead to adventure,” joked Grandma Jax as she joined her at the counter.

“Yeah right !” groaned Pipi Georgia, before adding with a giggle, “and who knew cycle helmets and high vis vests could be used for disguises too, not just for safety... especially in a wood." 

                                         THE END.

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