Liz McDonald was 43 and was an environmental scientist. She had received a grant and permission to visit the Amazon rain forest to study the deterioration of the ecosystem because of man's increasing incursion into the jungle.
Liz was excited for the opportunity but also happy and proud that her daughter Julie was along for the trip. Julie had expressed an interest in following her mother's footsteps and planned to enroll in college after the trip was completed.
They were among a dozen other scientists and researchers. Their guides led them by boat up the Amazon and then by trail deep into the jungle. They were about a week into their journey and the information they were gathering had them all excited.
While there were dangers in the jungle, Liz had experience as an explorer and put caution ahead of all else. On this particular day, mother and daughter had ventured away from the base camp; others in their party were also exploring in groups of two and three.
Shortly before noon Liz and Julie noticed the light disappearing. Through the canopy of trees they could make out dark storm clouds. Soon thunder and lightning took over followed by a downpour. They took shelter under a rock out cropping but they still found themselves soaked. The rain, though, was warm and they smiled at each other over the inconvenience of wet clothing.
Once the storm passed and the surroundings lit up, Liz tried to regain her bearings. She checked her compass; unfortunately and unknown for mother and daughter, the rock shelter had been magnetized and the compass failed to give an accurate reading. Thinking she knew the way back to camp, Liz and her daughter began moving along a narrow path.
As they pushed their way through some overhanging vines and leaves, Liz and Julie reached a small clearing ... and were confronted by a half dozen native women.
Liz immediately recognized the tribe commonly known as Amazons. Their existence was considered a myth. However, all six of the women were at least 6 feet tall with physiques any physical trainer would envy. They carried spears and two of the women had small pigs that had been killed and were now slung over their shoulders. They wore animal skin coverings that were draped and held up by ties fashioned from vines or ropes fashioned from the environment.
The natives stared at the two white women. Liz had jet black hair and fair skin; her daughter was also fair skinned but her hair was more brunette. Both had their hair pulled up and tucked under their hats.
Liz tried to communicate.
"Hello ... we're exploring and learning about your land ... this is my daughter."
The natives continued to stare and offered no reply ... until the one in front, apparently the leader, lowered her spear and pointed it at Liz. Her eyes widened and her heart quickened at this threat.
"We mean no harm ... please ... don't hurt us."
"Mom, what's going on?"
"I don't know dear. We just need to stay calm."
The native with the spear took a step forward, the spear till aimed at the two visitors. Then she motioned the spear toward a path from the clearing. Liz and Julie didn't move. The native took another step closer; the spear was just inches from mother and daughter. Again, the motion was made toward the path.
"Mom, I think we need to do what they say," Julie said, her voice quivering.
+++
They walked - or marched - for over an hour. The leader was right behind Liz and Julie, her spear aimed at their backs, as they briskly moved over the narrow path. Liz and Julie were breathing hard; their back packs contained some research equipment and the added weight made the trek difficult even though both women worked out regularly and were in outstanding condition.
The leader noticed that both of their "guests" legs were lean, shapely and muscular. Both were attractive and quite petite in comparison to the native women. The leader allowed herself a slight smile as her mind contemplated the welcome she would receive for bringing back such unexpected prizes from the hunting expedition.
Finally, they reached a large clearing. Liz glanced up and noticed that the huge trees surrounding the clearing had leafy canopies that covered the area. Only dapples of sunlight made it through; the clearing was invisible from the air.
There were half a dozen huts around the clearing's perimeter and one that was larger. A number of lean-to tents also were scattered about the area.
Three women emerged from the larger hut. One was about 6-foot-4 and had the confident stride of a person who is in charge. Unlike the other women, her clothing was cloth-like plus she had colorful shells on a necklace around her neck and some feathers in her hair.
The leader of the tribe started conversing with the leader of the hunting party. Liz and Julie obviously had no clue what was being said although they instinctively knew it was about them.
Just then two more hunting parties returned, each with a half dozen members. Soon Liz and Julie were surrounded by the native women, all of whom were tall, muscular and buxom.
The leader said something, and mother and daughter were each approached by three natives. Two grabbed the straps of their backpacks and pulled them away despite the efforts of the two captives.
"Hey, don't, that's our stuff ... our research," Liz sputtered as the packs were pulled away and passed along until they disappeared outside the group.
