Trash Island

The rain came, but only lasted ten or fifteen minutes. It was warm and I let it wash over me as I laid on my back. I drifted off to sleep. When I woke up the rain had stopped and clouds were parting to let the sun reach the surface of the sea. I sat up and worked my way to the highest part of the roof; I was about 15’ above the sea. I looked in each direction, and the last direction I looked there was a strong ray of sunlight shining on a large object sticking out of the mass. I spent four or five minutes trying to strain my eyes to see more clearly; to figure out what it could be. I rubbed my eyes again, and then it dawned on me…it’s LAND! I realized…without even thinking…I needed to get there. Before launching the raft, I set a course and started out once again to reach an object in the distance. I guessed there was about six hours of daylight left. I would not stop to pick up stuff, just paddle and pull myself across the mass toward the land. Always looking for open water, I zigzagged my way toward the land. As I got closer, it appeared to be an island with two high points…one at each end. I had become exhausted, but must keep going. I could see I was getting closer, because I could make out more details on the land. I would count 100 strokes; then rest. Then 100 more…I was aware that blisters were developing on the palms of my hands.