Sorry, I think I must have mentally blocked this, one of those occassions when the experience is so traumatic your brain refuses to acknowledge it in order to protect your sanity.

We're on a mocked up paddle steamer on the missisipissipiisi in Memphis.  It's stinking hot and we have a couple of icy cold beers and two chairs in the shade, and the first cool breeze of the day soothes across the deck, all is well with the world.

Have you ever seen a rattle snake? or maybe a spider that may be poisonous? or maybe even a road traffic accident, you know that moment when time stands still? It's your brain working over time in order to assess the level of danger, and how to escape if necessary,  you are working at top speed and events seem to slooooooow down around you.

Beer mid way between table and lips, I gaze toward a distant vista and my sister, Janet, hoves into view.  About the size and weight of a nibbled wooden toothpick, she's wearing a top the colour of purple sprouting broccoli.  I go cold, sit stock still so as not to draw attention.....

This woman even seems to have my sisters habit of, when listening to someone, drawing her chin back, looking quizzical, as if not quite sure you're telling the truth, and then just to be sure asking,

"Do they our John? did they? what's that? are you sure?

"My god, are you OK?" says Kim.

I can't speak.....all I can do is nod in the apparition's direction.... I'm waiting for a tall thin bloke to follow her, mine sweeping drinks and tips from the bar tables....

"'Ere Jan they're all leaving money around, that's 'andy isn't it?"

"Is it Pete, do they? Why do you think that is?"

Kim just catches up with me as I prepare for a swallow dive over the side, sweat beads my brow, I'm breathing hard, the fight or flight reaction is pumping adrenaline around my system......

"It can't be, It can't be......can it?"

Just in case we make our way to the engine room and stay there until all the other passengers leave and night falls.