Mayflower Adventure

“So, Juan, where do you want to go?” Even though they had promised Pedro’s dad, Juan and Pedro couldn’t resist one last trip in the time machine.

“My first choice would be the Mayflower, either in the ocean or when they landed.”

Lights flashed and the engine sputtered. Both boys looked at each other. Maybe his dad had been right; you can’t have a good thing last forever.

Touchdown. Splash. Ocean water. Juan and Pedro got into the lifeboat attached to the time machine. They opened the hatch and pushed off. As the waves pounded their boat, they searched on the horizon.

Dead ahead of them was a large boat. Could it be the Mayflower? Juan hardly dared to hope, but Peter hoped out loud.

“It’s the Mayflower! Wave your arms wildly! Splash loudly, maybe they will notice us!”

As it approached, they saw many sailors on the large wooden ship. One was repairing a torn sail; another was high up on the rigging, looking out to sea.

“It surely looks crowded,” said Pedro. “I heard the Mayflower had over a hundred passengers.”

“All I see are sailors,” said Juan. “Most of the passengers on the Mayflower stayed in the ‘’tween decks’ below. I can’t imagine being in such a dark, cramped space for such a long time. They sailed for 66 days! Plus, they had no fresh food to eat, just biscuits and fish stew. Maybe oatmeal.”

“Uggh,” said Pedro, as the large boat pulled alongside them. “Maybe we should have listened to my dad!” Both boys shivered. They were relieved that they were about to get rescued, but were horrified to remember that their time machine was no longer working. How were they going to get home?