My arms burned as I frantically paddled, looking for any break on the shoreline where I could dock. My canoe rocked as I frantically paddled. Left, right, left, right, left, right, left…

I took a quick glance behind me. Three sets of eyes peeked at me from just above the water, getting bigger and bigger as they started to catch up to me. I had to focus.

I knew crocodiles were aggressive, but this felt extreme. If I realized they were going to chase me, I wouldn’t have gotten so close. I had to take notes on them somehow and I couldn’t see anything from a safe distance.

I felt like I’d been paddling for hours. My exhausted muscles were threatening to give out. I had two options: push on or fight them. I tried to paddle faster as I contemplated my choices.

Then my decision was made for me.