Opening the Camp

Thanks to Lancerlott for his kind editing

*****

"Remind me again which knot we use for this?" Kate asked, frowning slightly at the rope in her hands. Jessica finished tying her end of the canvas tent to the wooden support and came around to Kate's side of the platform.

"Sheet bend", the younger woman said with a smile. "Want me to show you?" A strand of Jessica's bright red hair had come loose from her long braid and she absently tucked it behind her ear. She was a tall young woman - close to 5'9" - and her thick braid extended almost to her waist.

Kate didn't know her well, but since Jessica was more experienced at camping, she had been paired with Kate to open the Girl Guide camp for the spring. This was the first year Kate had volunteered to join the group of women for this May long weekend. Five of them had driven up Friday night and several others would be coming and going throughout the weekend. There was a lot to do to prepare the camp for the summer season - minor repairs, cleaning, checking the boats, clearing out the raccoons that had decided to take advantage of the isolated site over the winter and, of course, setting up the tents. With six different sites on the large campground and at least 10 canvas tents per site, it took a while. But, once erected, the tents remained all summer for groups of girls coming to camp for a weekend or a week. Though harder to set up, they were much more durable than the flimsier nylon tents.

"Sheet bend," Kate repeated. "Wait - I think I know that one." She slowly twisted the rope into the requisite loops, muttering to herself as she slipped it over the pole.

"Perfect!" Jessica told her, resting a hand on Kate's shoulder as she peered at her completed knot. "Only four more to go. I'll finish the other side." Kate paused to wipe the sweat off her forehead before moving to the next rope hanging loosely against the canvas. It had been unseasonably warm for the past two weeks and today was shaping up to be a scorcher. Both women were wearing long pants for leg protection while hiking through the brush and although part of the work was done in the shade, the tents were set up in clearings and it was a very sunny day.

"Frig, it's hot!" Jessica exclaimed. "I don't ever remember it ever being this warm on opening weekend." She pulled her t-shirt out of her technical pants, fanning it away from her flat stomach. Kate had a brief flash of creamy white skin and blue lace before Jessica tucked her shirt back into her pants. She watched as Jessica bent to grab her water bottle, the khaki fabric of her pants tight against her slim buttocks. Jessica took a quick swallow of water and splashed a bit on her face and neck, her pale grey t-shirt now wet from sweat and water. Kate realised she was staring, her mouth somewhat dry, and bent to take a swig from her own water bottle. Settle down, she told herself firmly - she's much too young for you.

"How many years have you been volunteering for this?" Kate asked her, pulling firmly on the rope and completing the next knot much more rapidly than the first.

"This is only my second year doing it as a leader but I've come a bunch of times when I was a Ranger and then a junior leader," she said. She was already finished her side and moved along to help Kate.

"You're what - 20? 21?" Kate asked, thinking back to how she used to spend her weekends when she was in her late teens and early 20's...and it wasn't doing this.

"I'm 22," Jessica told her. "I have one more year of my bachelor's degree in biochemistry and then I have to decide if I want to go for a master's or maybe medical school. I'm still not sure."

"Twenty-two!" Kate exclaimed. "I'm almost old enough to be your mother!" Although Kate's own hair was still a rich auburn and her face still fairly free of wrinkles, Jessica's inexhaustible energy made Kate feel far older.

"No way - how old ARE you?" Jessica asked curiously. "You can't be more than 31 or 32."

"I'm almost 39. Veritably ancient," Kate replied, shaking her head and wishing she were indeed still 32.

"I have plenty of friends in their 30's," Jessica told her. "And you're still so beautiful," she continued, looking away and turning a bright red. Before Kate could process the comment - or the blush - Jessica changed the subject, suggesting they continue to the next tent.

The two women chatted as they systematically moved through the site, completing the work checklist. They'd gotten an early start and it wasn't even ten yet. Kate was feeling pretty good about their progress but wondered if she'd survive the heat once it really warmed up for the day. Jessica must have been thinking along the same lines.

"What would you think if I volunteered us to inspect Sunset Island?" Jessica asked. "No one else had taken that job as of breakfast this morning and we could canoe over with lunch - it'd be cooler on the lake."

"I love that idea!" Kate responded enthusiastically. "We're almost done here, right?"

Jessica glanced through the checklist and nodded. "Let's head back to the main lodge and hope no-one's had the same idea first!"

They hiked down the dirt path to the sturdy wooden building near the waterfront. Most of the volunteers had slept in the bunk beds inside last night and the two older women who worked the kitchen had already started preparing lunch for the rest of the volunteers. Kate refilled their water bottles while Jessica filled a knapsack with supplies for their picnic lunch. There was a slight breeze down by the boathouse and Kate was glad Jessica had made this suggestion. She'd never been to Sunset Island. It was a few kilometres from the main camp and a popular destination for older girls to practice their boating skills.

Kate stopped to untie her braid, which had become loose during the morning.

"Sometimes I wish my hair wasn't so curly!" she cursed, her fingers caught in a tangle.

"I'd love to have curly hair," Jessica responded. "Mine is so fine I end up having to wear it tied up most of the time. Here - I'll re-braid it for you," she offered, moving behind Kate.

"Thanks," Kate said, as the girl expertly separated and braided her hair. It only extended to her upper back, so the process was rather quick. Even so, Kate was very conscious of Jessica's fingers gently stroking her scalp, her warm breath on her neck, and possibly the brush of her small breasts against Kate's back. But perhaps she was imagining that, Kate thought. Despite the heat, Kate felt her nipples harden and tried to focus her thoughts on something other than how strong Jessica's hands were and how they might feel on other parts of her body.

"All done," Jessica said, somewhat breathlessly and brushed her hands lightly over Kate's shoulders. Kate turned to smile at her and was surprised to see that Jessica was again blushing. Jessica opened her mouth, as if to say something, but bit her lip and looked away. But then she suddenly reached out and grasped Kate in a quick hug.

"I'm having a great day with you," Jessica said impulsively. "Let's get going."

Kate caught her breath, surprised at the sudden show of affection...and at her own physical response to it. She found herself wishing it had lasted just a bit longer.

As they donned their life jackets and prepped the canoe, Jessica explained that the island was named for its westerly position in relation to the main camp. Hopefully, the small campsite on the island had fared well over the winter and they wouldn't have much clean up to do. If major repairs were needed, they would have to report back to the property committee.

Jessica grabbed an emergency kit and tossed it into the canoe. She directed Kate to take the front position, as the younger woman was the more experienced boater. They used the oars to push off the dock and headed away from the main camp. The sun was strong and Kate was glad for her hat and sunglasses. The lake was quiet with only the sounds of birds and their oars dipping into the clear surface. Kate wasn't used to boating and her shoulder muscles were just starting to protest when Jessica pointed out the small stretch of beach ahead. They landed and Kate jumped out to hold the canoe steady for Jessica. They pulled it farther out of the water and immediately took off their sweaty life jackets.

"It's so beautiful here!" Kate said, looking around and stretching. "But holy crap, I'm hot!" Jessica was looking at her speculatively, fanning herself with her hat.

"Why don't we have a quick swim before we have lunch," she suggested. "I could stand to wash off some of this sweat."

Kate was tempted. "I didn't bring a bathing suit, though," she said. "Do you think anyone is likely to come by and see us?"

Jessica shook her head. "I don't have a suit either but we're completely isolated here. No one else will boat out to the island since we volunteered for the job and no one else uses the lake." She paused and caught Kate's eye. "We're completely alone."

Kate found she was reading all sorts of things into Jessica's comment but firmly warned herself to turn off her imagination and take it at face value. Just because she was incredibly horny and found Jessica completely attractive didn't mean that the younger woman would have any reciprocal feelings. Jessica hadn't mentioned a boyfriend in any of their conversations that day but that didn't mean she liked women. Or that she was attracted to Kate. Or would want to do anything. Kate belatedly realized that Jessica was waiting for a response from her.

"Let's do it," Kate agreed. She pulled off her t-shirt and reached around to unclasp her bra, watching Jessica out of the corner of her eye. Jessica had already kicked off her shoes and was sliding her pants over her hips. Her blue lace panties followed, as did her t-shirt and bra. Kate was slower in shedding her own pants, mesmerized by the expanse of toned white skin, interrupted only by a faint smattering of pale freckles and a darker red patch of pubic hair.

Kate dragged her eyes back to Jessica's face only to see the girl's gaze apparently likewise drifting. Kate swore she saw the girl's eyes widen at the site of her bare pussy and she was certain Jessica looked at her mature breasts longer than might have been polite given the circumstances. Kate was aware that her breasts were not as high and firm as they had once been but she had long ago stopped being self-conscious of her body. She wondered what Jessica thought of it though.

Jessica glanced quickly at Kate's face then away. Kate thought she saw a blush colour her cheeks but it was hard to tell in the heat of the sun.

"Come on," Jessica said, grabbing Kate's hand and pulling her towards the water. The beach was a mixture of sand and smooth stones and the water was clear and still. Kate gasped as her toes reached the edge of the lake. It was cold against her hot skin.

"Okay, I'm refreshed," Kate announced when the icy water had reached her ankles.

Jessica laughed. "Oh no! I'm not letting you get away with just that. You're coming in all the way," she told her. She slid her arm around Kate's waist. "We'll do it together."

Kate suddenly felt a wave of heat and it wasn't from the sunshine. Jessica's naked hip brushed against her own as she slowly led her deeper into the water. She almost didn't notice the cold until the water lapped against her bare pussy lips. She let out a small shriek and stopped. Jessica took a step farther and turned towards her. She looked down and laughed again. "Maybe it's because you don't have a fur coat down there," she teased.

Kate used this as an excuse to openly appraise the younger woman. She was truly magnificent. She was slim and well-muscled, with blue eyes and delicate features. Her breasts were about a size B, high on her chest with reddish areolas. And yes, her pubic hair was untrimmed and the colour one would expect from a natural redhead.

Kate found herself reaching unconsciously towards that red bush before she realised what she was doing and stopped. She awkwardly patted her own braid to cover the aborted gesture and said, "Yes well, if I had known you'd drag me into an icy lake, I wouldn't have gone for a waxing this week." Although, she admitted to herself, she was starting to get used to the frigid temperature.

Jessica grinned at her and walked backwards into the lake, falling back into the water when it reached her waist. Kate sighed and dove in. The shock caused her skin to tingle all over and her heart to pound but within moments, she had adjusted. She trod water, watching Jessica float on her back, her erect nipples easily visible above the water. The cold water lapping against the heat of Kate's pussy was tantalising and she allowed herself to think about what she'd really like to be doing with Jessica right now.

Jessica swam over to her, her long wet braid trailing behind her. "Ready to head in?" she asked.

"Yes," Kate responded, following her out of the lake and enjoying the sight of her young body emerging from the water. Jessica opened one of the bags in the canoe and spread out a blanket on the grass just up from the beach. She sprawled on it and said, "I didn't think to bring towels but we can air dry on this."

Jessica watched Kate as she walked over to the blanket and lay down next to her. The younger woman rolled onto her side and propped her head up on one hand.

"So, Kate," she began, "can I ask you something?"

"Of course," Kate replied instantly.

"You said you get waxed - I mean, your - " she waved vaguely towards Kate's lower region. "What's the - it's not like it's bathing suit season, so...why..." she stopped and tried again. "I saw that you took it ALL off..." she trailed off.

Kate rescued her. "You're wondering why I get all of it removed?"

"Yeah," said Jessica, relieved. "Doesn't it feel weird?"

Kate smiled. "No. It feels amazing. You feel everything more. It's all so much more sensitive. And sex is -" she paused, not sure how experienced Jessica was. Well, she was 22, Kate thought. "Sex is incredible," she finished.

Jessica's cheeks were a bit pink, Kate noticed.

"You said you had it waxed this week," Jessica began. "How long does it stay smooth?"

Kate considered. "The first few days are the best, but it stays pretty smooth for a week, then gradually starts to grow back." She thought for a moment. "I guess it would depend how fast your hair grows in general."

"So it's still really smooth now?" Jessica asked, looking down at Kate's fingers as she brushed them absent-mindedly against her mound. Jessica's eyes seemed riveted to the action of the fingers and Kate realized that wanted to tease the girl. She wondered if the younger woman was gay or even just curious. She felt a familiar pulse between her legs when she thought about exploring that curiosity.

Kate moved her fingers deliberately over her waxed skin and heard a resulting hitch in Jessica's breathing. Kate closed her eyes for a moment and swallowed. What was the phrase: in for a penny...?

"Oh yes," she replied, chuckling and glancing sideways at Jessica. "You can feel it if you want." She wasn't sure how Jessica would respond but felt herself start to get wet at the possibilities.

Jessica bit her lip and reached out, replacing Kate's fingertips with her own. Kate swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry. She cautiously touched Jessica's red bush with gentle fingers. "Though your hair is very soft," she murmured. Kate's heart was pounding but she tried to keep her tone casual.

Apparently emboldened by the gesture, Jessica's touch became more confident and Kate allowed her legs to fall slightly open in invitation. One finger slipped between her pussy lips, just touching the tip of Kate's clit. Kate reached her other hand over to brush against Jessica's nipple. Jessica gasped. Her finger slid lower along Kate's slit, hesitantly stroking.

Watching for any negative response, Kate sat up, and rolled Jessica onto her back. The younger woman was watching her with wide eyes but didn't protest as Kate straddled her hips and leaned forward. Her lips hovering just above the other woman's, she said, "Anytime you want to, just ask me to stop." Jessica nodded once. Kate kissed her. The girl's lips were soft and tentative at first, but with a flick of Kate's tongue, she parted them slightly to let their tongues intertwine.

Jessica reached up to fondle Kate's breasts gently, though Kate's nipples were aching for more. She could feel the tickle of Jessica's pubic hair against her pussy but held herself back from grinding into the other woman. Her cunt felt heavy with arousal, the sun on her back adding to her overall feeling of heat. She slid her tongue down Jessica's body, pausing to suck at first one nipple, then the other. When she gently used her teeth, Jessica gasped and let out a small moan. She continued the track of her tongue down her stomach and as she approached the red bush of hair, she felt Jessica tense.

Kate looked up, "Is this okay? Do you want me to stop?" she asked, holding her breath for the answer.

"No," Jessica replied immediately. "Please - it's just...I've never...been with another woman before. Well - or with a man, for that matter. But I want to - please don't stop." She bit her lip, her cheeks very flushed. "It feels so good," she finished.

Kate smiled. "Then just relax and let me show you how good it can feel," she said, relieved that she wouldn't have to stop now.

She knelt on the blanket between Jessica's legs, pushing them slightly farther apart. Kate blew gently on her hair, parting it and revealing the pink flesh beneath. She could see that Jessica was already wet. Kate ran her tongue along the other woman's inner thigh, teasing up to her pussy, but not touching. Jessica smelled of sunscreen and arousal. Her clit was poking out from beneath the bush and Kate couldn't resist it any longer. Her tongue flicked out to connect with it. Jessica gasped. She opened her legs wider and Kate began light strokes first along one side of her clit, then the other. It was hard and slick, both with Kate's saliva and Jessica's arousal.

Kate gently inserted one finger into Jessica's pussy while her tongue concentrated on the other woman's clit. She slowly moved it in and out, adding a second finger to the tight hole. Jessica was so wet that they slid in easily. She was moaning softly, moving her hips in rhythm with the thrusts, her legs stretched wide, feet on either side of Kate's head. Kate's own hips were moving in sympathy, her arousal mounting with the tangy taste of Jessica's pussy. Kate wished she had a cock to fuck her as she looked up at Jessica - so delectable, stretched out on the blanket, eyes closed and mouth slightly open.

"Oh God!" Jessica cried out suddenly, clamping her legs tightly on Kate's head as she came. Kate slowed her movements until the iron grip of Jessica's thighs relaxed. Kate wasn't sure how her young lover would react now that she had orgasmed, but Jessica pulled her up to kiss her full on the mouth, tasting herself on Kate's tongue.

Jessica pulled away to look into Kate's eyes. "I had no idea it could feel that way - so different from when I touch myself."

Kate gently brushed her fingertips over the soft creamy skin, smiling at the small shiver it evoked. "Haven't you ever experimented with someone?" she asked.

"Not really," Jessica replied. "There was one guy last year. We went out a couple of times and made out back at his place, but..." She tentatively stroked one of Kate's breasts and leaned forward to kiss her. "He was just so - rough - and rushed. And his lips - his kisses were nothing like yours. When you touch me..."

Jessica ran her fingers lightly over the older woman's abdomen, shyly stopping at her pussy. "I want to try - please - could I try it on you?"

"I would love that," the older woman replied and immediately flipped onto her back.