35. Elsa
Chapter Thirty-Five
Elsa
I sped through the late evening dusk, grateful for the long summer evenings of Alaska. The fields of fireweed were ablaze as I drove past them.
The report was from some motorists who’d noticed a gray whale stranded near the mudflats.
It sounded like we were lucky as far as location went.
It was just north of where it would have been nearly impossible and unsafe for us to try to get out there and help.
The mudflats were just what they sounded like and tricky to deal with because you could get stuck in the mud.
There were signs all along them warning people from walking out.
Fortunately, this whale was stranded in a sandy stretch of the shoreline.
I parked along the side of the road and hurried out, buckets in hand, cell phone tucked into my pocket.
Dealing with stranded whales was fairly straightforward.
If they were going to survive, you needed to keep them wet until the tide came in and try to help them get upright if needed.
My boss was out of town, and I knew I would need help if the tide didn’t come in soon.
Fortunately, the whale was upright and clear of any boulders.
While I was on my own, I draped wet sheets on the whale and focused on pouring water over it, careful to stay clear of the blowhole.
When I got the call from the wildlife hotline, they confirmed they would notify the closest state troopers to assist, so I was counting on help arriving soon.
Although the troopers covered large geographical areas in Alaska, so I had no idea when they might arrive.
“Honey, we are going to get you and your baby reunited. You’re going to make it,” I told her encouragingly. Maybe she didn’t understand my words, but I hoped she understood my intent. I could feel her distress. Her calf was lingering in the deeper water in the inlet along with the rest of her pod.
Darkness began to fall, and I was starting to despair that help wasn’t coming. I’d expected the troopers to arrive by now. The reception was spotty, but I fished my phone out of my pocket between pouring buckets of water on the whale.
Knowing I needed more people, I texted Haven.
Me: I’m off the side of the highway in Turnagain Arm, just north of the mudflats. There’s a whale stranded. The tide isn’t going to be in for a few more hours, and we need help and we need lights.
I tapped send before adding another text.
Me: I love you. I’m sorry I got upset.