Back from Vacation

As the person that types up all my scribblings (HeWhoTypes) was going on vacation at the start of this month, I thought it would be good for me to get away too.

After the prayer vigil at the church (see last entry), I made my way home and packed with some excitement. I already had a destination in mind, and also had an idea for a holiday home. I made my way to Winterfell and spent several days taking the tour that I had promised myself. I was able to visit with AJ and met his wife Alice for the first time, and also spent some time with the Order's benefactor, a thoroughly nice person.

On one of my excursions, I stood with AJ admiring some of the Wild Fleet at dock in Eventide. AJ informed me that Admiral Beaumont had told him that the fleet was currently under strength due to losses following the recent battle for the Isle of Skye in Winterfell, but that it was hoped a building program would commence very soon. As I gazed at the ships, my attention was drawn skyward to a rather extraordinary airship, with an extremely unique design. I was quite overcome by the sight, and am ashamed to say that I did not take a picture.... fortunately AJ proved to be more resourceful than I, and has very kindly supplied me with the following picture for you to enjoy.

HeWhoTypes got very emotional when he saw this picture, and I am sure I heard him mutter a prayer to 'The Great Bird of the Galaxy'.

A fairly large piece of land became available while I was in Winterfell, and jumping into my steam tug, I sailed north to see it. I have to admit, I was VERY tempted to make a purchase, but thought the better of it, as it would be much too large for what I had in mind for a holiday home. My plan for the holiday home was to buy a caravan, or Vardo, and find a pleasant small parcel on which to place it. I had some merchants in mind to visit, and just before I left to start my 'shop', a dear friend from New Toulouse contacted me. Miss Giselle, I am sure, will not mind me mentioning the fact that her maternal ancestors are gypsies. How fortuitous! I explained my plans and she was delighted to join me in the 'shop', and I was much relieved to have her with me to advise me. We met at the first merchant's store, and although the design of their caravan was good, it wasn't what I had in mind. The second merchant's offering was very similar to the first... but the third merchant had over 10 different designs in stock! I was delighted to see that they had exactly what I had in mind, and I made my purchase. The next stage was to find the parcel on which to place it.

The following day, having studied some maps very kindly made available by Janus at the Motherhouse, I made my way south into Caledon. I had decided that a woodland environment would be most suitable, and so was aiming for the region Caledon Tanglewood. It is a nice trip by boat from Winterfell, but there are a couple of points where the land seems to jut out a little too far for comfort, but fortunately I made it without incident and moored at a nice inlet in Kittiwickshire. I found a very nice parcel in Kittiwickshire right on the border with Tanglewood, and made a note of it. Should I not be able to find any other plot, I would have that one. I then rode my bicycle into Tanglewood, and enjoyed the shade of the trees. Unfortunately, there were no available parcels to be found... certainly not of the size I was seeking anyway. And so I carried on a little further east into Stormhold. Although the trees had started to thin out here, it was still absolutely perfect, and making my way towards the centre I came across a beautiful watermill next to a river (naturally), and also in the shadow of the mountain range that stretches across several of Caledon's northern regions. The owner of the Watermill was selling two parcels of the very size I required, and it was easy to make the choice between them as one had one of its sides running along the riverside. It was perfect.. I would be able to moor the tug there as well as placing the caravan. I contacted the owner, and the necessary arrangements were made. Absolutely ideal for a holiday home.

The weather stayed beautiful and I had a most relaxing time indeed! I would enjoy visiting this place, and intend to make full use of it. But sadly, all vacations come to an end... and I had to be back in NT for the voting of the shotgun house competition, I look forward to seeing the entries.

Building Frenzy

It has been a very busy week. As well as my duties in the Order, which have involved furnishing chapterhouses on the Mainland and meeting with the Order's main benefactor, I was delighted to be able to attend the first Tea Party with Miz Gabi to be held since I moved in to New Toulouse. It was nice to be able to meet with other residents too.

At the Tea Party, Miz Gabi announced a building contest in order to enlarge the pool of Shotgun style houses available for residents. The terms are most generous, with a substantial payment being made for actually building a house for the contest, and then a prize pool being available for those voted into first, second and third places. Miz Gabi was hoping for at least three entries, and considered the possibility of opening the contest to other Steamland region residents should the response prove to be lacking. As it turned out, the residents of NT rose to the challenge, and Miz Gabi had to close the applications when it reached seventeen as there would be no more land available for the construction work.

Having taken a stroll around the building area, I have seen some of the work in progress, where the builders have elected to build their submission in situ, but others are preferring to build at altitude and will place the building on ground level once completed.

According to the NT calendar, the building phase is to continue for another week until the 10th September, which will then be followed by the voting period for five days to the 15th September. The winner shall be announced at 12pm on 16th September. Hopefully, as many residents as possible will be able to view the submissions in the voting period and cast their one vote for their favourite. Good luck to all!

Sister Cathy has announced her intention to hold a prayer vigil in the chapel tonight and tomorrow for those about to be affected by Hurricane Lee, I shall make my way there and offer my prayers and support too.

Outward Bound - Wally Tour part 2

The next stop of the journey was to Antiquity Dublin Harbor. There has been some tectonic shifting in this area recently, with a few regions being lost, but the majority have survived, and even new ones have appeared.

I arrived in this region as it is the most south-westerly of the continent. A very 'salty' air to the place, I had a wonderful walk northwards into Antiquity Irish Coast. Beautifully luscious in its greenery, and decorated with charming cottages, it was a pleasure to take a stroll along the rutted track. I made my way down to the coastline and looked to sail through Antiquity Battle Dock, skirting Antiquity Oceania and into Antiquity Texas which houses the residence of the Prime Minister. A point that I feel I should make, as I wish I had considered it before setting off: water travel arrangement. Having been a mostly mainland explorer up to now, I had never felt the need for any kind of boat. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts to obtain something 'on the fly', I 'made do' with an old landing craft, which just about limped to Texas. Having resolved to rectify the situation at the earliest possible moment, I am pleased to say that I am now the proud owner of an old steam powered fishing boat. I'll not be caught out next time.

From Texas I crossed the bridge east into Antiquity Britannica, and from there caught my next transport to Magi Island. I have to admit, the name leapt out at me when studying the map, and being a nice little 'l' of three regions I thought it might have something of interest.

Magi Island itself is mainly set for commerce. It has a quaint fishing town look to it and some of the buildings would not be out of place in certain parts of New Toulouse. Unfortunately, I was unable to produce my landing craft for the journey south through Magi Island Sea and into Magi Port Town which was to be the jump point to the next stop. Undeterred, and by use of the arcane arts (available free to all), I was able to fly the route. The Port Town seemed to be made up of small residences, very plain and unassuming in nature.

I had been looking forward to my next stop-over, which would be in Sylvhara Elen. This was part of a large collection of regions, and the name of this one and those adjoining just screamed 'Elvish' to me. I was correct. As time was pressing on, I decided that it would probably do the area more justice if I had time to expore all the regions and converse with some of its inhabitants. A return to be planned later.

Studying my map, I could see that there were lands to the south, which although not adjoining the Elvish lands, they did abut them. These had names mentioning dragons and faeries, and I just had to have a peek, and so selected one of the most southern regions, called Faery Dust. Green and 'woody' as was to be expected, but little sign of any small folk. Perhaps a major expedition would prove to be more fruitful at a later date.

Now onto the last leg of the journey before arriving on the continent of the Realm of the Roses.

The deep green of Midsomer Meadows and its companion, Midsomer Isle just grabbed my attention as I studied the map when preparing for this trip. I have never seen a land with such a dark green.. I wonder what it would look like peppered with snow? Meadows had a large store area called Belle Amie, and some very nice secluded spots which would be ideal for couples wishing to talk quietly or dance in beautiful surroundings. Indeed, Midsomer seems to be geared towards this purpose with gazebos, balconies and even cottages available for use or residency. A charming walk from one region into the next and my target was in sight.... the south western tip of the Realm of the Roses, Caledon Cymru.

My journey would now be most simple, and although I could walk a great deal of it, I decided to avail myself of the CAT public transport system. Walking from Cymru into Caledon Greystoke, and then Caledon Oxbridge Village where I was able to catch the airship Sumie K with only an 8 minute wait.

I was tempted to light my pipe to while away the minutes, but thought better of it as I didn't know how these ships were powered and didn't want to risk any sort of combustion. I took one of the route planners offered, and thought to take the route into Caledon Southend, where I would then be able to walk to Caledon Ahavah which I understood to have a new synogogue which I was most keen to visit. Sumie K arrived on time and I climbed aboard.

Instead of taking the route indicated on the leaflet, Sumie K's new route took us into Caledon Steam SkyCity and then through: Caledon; Caledon II; Caledon Tamrannoch; Caledon on Sea; and finally to the end of the line at Caledon Cay. This is a wonderful terminal, linking four CAT routes, and is wonderfully centrally situated. Looking at the various routes, I found that my next CAT would be Dorothy Ruth which would take me to Caledon Cape Wrath. With some 20 minutes before its arrival, I decided to make use of the time with a quick look at my Order's Caledon Chapterhouse which is situated in Caledon Cay. Currently preparing for renovation, I found the building easily enough and delighted in looking at some of the maps that were contained there. It was easy to get distracted... I'm terrible when presented with old documents, and as a result I had to make a dash for the CAT platform as I saw that Dorothy Ruth was docked when I was walking up the road. I had to dodge the tram, and fortunately my leap carried me up far enough and into the safety of the carriage before Dorothy Ruth disembarked.

Our route took us out of Caledon Cay and through: Caledon Rothesay; Caledon Mayfair; Caledon Penzance; Caledon Strathspey, Caledon Brigadoon (I didn't spy the village unfortunately); and finally into Caledon Cape Wrath where I departed and bid Dorothy Ruth a fond farewell for a safe journey travelled. I'm a bit strange like that.... I always thank the public transport vehicles themselves.

I decided to stretch my legs a little before the final stage of my journey. I knew that there was a hospital in Cape Wrath, and as a friend is considering some surgery, decided to check out the facilities. The hospital comes under the control of the RCAF, but even though it is primarily intended for the pilots and service people of that organisation, I was hoping that it also opened its door to the general public. Unfortunately I was unable to find anyone that could help me with my enquiry, and with time pressing on, I decided to make my way to the Winterfell Embassy on the north coast.

I made use of the bench and finally had the pleasure of a smoke with my pipe. It's strange, I am rarely seen about NT without my pipe, but being abroad I found that I hadn't missed it too much at all. That being said... it was WONDERFUL.

The Embassy also contains a boat house which accomodates the famous Winterfell ferry. Although I would not be exploring Winterfell on this visit, I would be able to say that I had used the ferry, but next time I will make full use of it. We (the ferry and I) sailed out of Cape Wrath and into the eternal twilight of the realm of the northern rose, Winterfell, and in particular her Absinthe town. We stopped at the bank where I saw a charming elf about her business. I smiled at her but I don't think she noticed me sitting in the ferry.... she certainly seemed to have an aura about her... an aura that stated 'I might be small, but DON'T mess with me'. The ferry then made its way across the river into the town of Winterfell Laudanum, where I climbed out and thanked her. A walk through the town and into the leafy surroundings of Nepenthe Lane saw me arrive at my final destination, the Motherhouse of my Order.

I was greeted by my fellow Councillor, AJ Raffles, and having a little while before the council meeting was due to commence, he supplied me with refreshment and we caught up each other with our latest news. As we are a particular type in the Order, being devoted to observation and study of our chosen field, he knew that I would want to see the library. And my, but I was not disappointed.

The meeting went smoothly, it was wonderful to see my old friends again. But a promise had been made to new friends in NT, and I would be having to get back to join the party. But with this journey now having been made, I would be able to return direct to the Motherhouse next time, and explore the delights of the gem that is Winterfell.

Outward Bound - Wally Tour part 1

Having been quite lazy for a couple of days following the massive clean-up that was required in the wake of Hurricane Bernadette, I was determined to make some sort of excursion at the coming weekend. I had planned to go along to Captain Alecto's Mystery Tour, but this was unfortunately postponed to a later date... I do hope all is well for the Captain. I had also received an invitation from Armand to a roof-top party to be held Saturday afternoon, which would take me quite nicely to my 'nap' time. I would, however, have to make plans for Saturday morning.

The matter was quite neatly taken out of my hands by the arrival of a letter towards the end of the week. A Council meeting for my Order had been scheduled for Saturday, which was to take place at the new Motherhouse in Winterfell. This was to be my first visit to Winterfell, as the acquisition of the property there had been dealt with by two fellow Councillors that live in the region. Although a tour of Winterfell had been promised by my colleagues, I would have to defer that to perhaps a stay-over at a more convenient time. I would hate to rush that sort of thing, as the explorer in me was itching to take in every square meter the region had to offer. I had an idea....... I would use the time BEFORE the meeting to seek my entertainment.

I pulled some charts off the shelf and started to plan my route. Normally, one can use the travel service to make a non-stop, door to door trip, but I decided that I would study the map and make the journey in short 'hops', still taking the most direct route. According to my findings, the distance from my home in New Toulouse Jardin to the Motherhouse in one of the Winterfell regions, is 73,027m, or 45 and a half miles. Bearing in mind that a region is some 256m across, this would equate to something like 285 regions. Now a lot of that distance is purely water, but there are quite a few regions to be found. Dragging my finger across the map from NT, northeasterly to Winterfell, there were a couple of regions known to me, and some interesting clusters unknown too. I plotted my route and got quite excited at the prospect.... it seems that in the absence of Captain Alecto's Mystery Tour, I was going to make my own 'Wally Tour'.

I awoke early on Saturday, in fact it could still be classed as 'night time'. I often think my body clock is out of kilter with the rest of my neighbours, as I do seem to be awake at the strangest times... and conversely, can fall asleep dashed early too! As I was getting dressed, I heard my name being called in the street. I rushed out onto the balcony so as to stop the calling before it awoke the neighbours, and laughed as I saw two of the neighbours sitting astride their horses. Lady Gabrielle and Armand had just returned from a night's ride, and joining them in the street I admired their horses and joined in with their talk. After a little while, Armand left with a wave and the extraction of a promise from me that I would not forget to come to his party. Lady Gabrielle similarly bade me a good day, and said she would see me at the party.

Returning inside, I made sure my fires were doused, put on my hat and coat, picked up my valise, and started the first leg of the 'Wally Tour'....

... by walking from NT Jardin to NT Algiers station.

I lit my pipe and had a few puffs while I waited for transportation to my next stop, as I didn't think I would get to smoke it again until at my destination... unless there were some unforeseen delays.

Mont Saint Michel was my next stop. I really can't recommend this place highly enough. I have visited before, as a younger man making a pilgrimage of some of this world's religious sites.

The streets and walkways are beautifully narrow, and there are plenty of shops for those wishing to browse their goods.

The place really does deserve extensive exploration in its own right, rather than merely being a leg of a larger tour. I loved walking into darkened alcoves only to reappear on the other side in a blaze of light, which really does dazzle at first.

Making my way to my departure point, which took some back tracking I must say, my next port of call was to be South Charleston, a place to which I had never been before, but the name proved to be enticing, plus the fact that it was situated in a group of six regions, albeit two of the regions' names had the unimaginative repetition of two of the others, but with the added suffix of 'II'.

It boasts a pristine shopping area......

... and some large attractive homes, but seemed to lack any 'heart'. Perhaps I'm doing it a disservice, bearing in mind the time of day, but somehow, I think not.

Continued in part 2

Flash Flood

Sunday saw what was to be the final day of the storm. I can't say I'm sorry to see it go.. but it didn't leave without one final reminder of our fragility.

Early on in the day, the clouds had gone, and it was nice to see a clear sky once more. I debated whether I should move my furniture off the rafts as I was looking forward to restoring my home to order as I'd only been in it a few days when the storm struck. I decided that I should perhaps wait... and was most pleased that I did so when one of the levees broke, resulting in flash floods. The water level was actually higher with the flooding than it was at the worst point of the storm! At least I now know that the rafts work.

That's the top of the fireplace you can see under the raft.. gives you some idea of the depth of the water.

I made my way onto my balcony which overlooks La Limonade, and was amazed at how high the water was again.

I was glad that I had the foresight to stock up on provisions as I was now content to sit out the flood and not venture forth until it was all clear... the perect excuse for an afternoon of reading, and perhaps a nap.

Sitting in my study with the boards and windows open I heard someone calling. I went back onto the balcony and was being hailed by one of New Babbage's Marines. He asked if I wished to be transported to dry land, or if I needed further provisions. I assured him I was alright, thanked him for his and his companions' assistance, and bid him adieu. I was to hear later that there was a bit of a worry when they thought they had found a casualty of the flood, but I don't believe it proved to be a fatality afterall.

The rest of my day passed pleasantly enough. A supply of good books will always see me through periods of wait, and the odd nap is always welcome too. When I next looked out of my window, the flood had reduced to a much more manageable level. The day was beautiful, I would imagine that there would be plenty of folk who would enjoy being abroad once more, providing they didn't have too much of a clean up to undertake. I removed the boarding from my windows and doors with great delight, and set to cleaning up. Hennie had been a good companion to have in the house, so I have decided to leave her be. I removed her run and mopped up around the doors of the house.

It was enjoyable being outside again, and a few people were milling about the street. I heard one person say that having been away for the weekend they had only now returned to their property to find it heavily storm damaged, and looted to boot! There will always be those who are all too happy to help themselves at the cost of others.

I was most pleased to see Nana enjoying an evening stroll, and we spent a while catching up and swapping stories as we sat by the fire. She later left to complete her stroll before the daylight was to disappear completely.

Before climbing into bed, I walked out on the balcony once more... the sky was clear and the stars were beautiful, and all seemed tranquil in New Toulouse once more. I smiled as I thought back over a busy week, and am extremely glad that I came here. It is a nice place to visit, and an even nicer place in which to live.

Storm Day 1 & 2

The wind really has been howling down La Limonade, but I have to admit, curiosity has had the better of me on a couple of occasions over the two days of the storm so far. I ventured out late on Friday in order to see how the various regions were coping. I used my truck on this particular jaunt, being most careful as to where I went so as not to put any undue pressure on the already stretched emergency service/relief teams.

Driving in Jardin is not easy even without storm conditions, as the roads have a kerb at the intersections. I imagine this is designed as a sort of traffic calming measure ..... Lumps in the road to slow people down?.... It'll never catch on.

New Toulouse town and Bourbon were a pleasure to drive in, but as I crossed the bridge between them I could see that the water level had risen quite significantly. I crossed over into Algiers and drove through there but thought the better of going into the Bayou. Even though I had packed my gun, I didn't relish the thought of getting stuck and encountering zombies, or worse still jeopodising others who may have to come to my aid. On crossing back into town I stopped to view the river, which was looking VERY choppy indeed, and also to view the storm overhead.

I made my way home and made observations as to how high the water had risen, and at this time, by my calculation it was some 1.3m above its normal level. The next day would be time to put my earlier plan into action as I really didn't want any of my furniture to get ruined.

Saturday, I spent the morning raising the platforms I had made out of crates from the market. I had affixed barrels (also from the market) to each platform, and though I was hopeful that their initial clearance would be sufficient, I was confident that the barrels would assist the platforms in floating should the level rise higher.

After completing my preparations, I decided to check the water level once again.

It was now some 2.3m above normal. In my earlier conversation with Louis and Lestat, I had predicted that the level could possibly rise to 5m above normal...which would take it to the top of my wall. As I could forsee the level rising much higher, I decided to have one more foray into the storm. This time, the truck would be left in safety, and my bicycle 'avec des améliorations' would be most appropriate.

I didn't think it would be a good idea to linger, as the lightning was quite ferocious, but it certainly blew the cobwebs away and gave me enough exercise to make up for the prospect of a couple of days being housebound. After a quick circuit of New Toulouse town, and seeing the canals absolutely foaming with the torrent, I made for home, for a nice cup of tea and a couple of hours nap time.

As I napped, the water level increased. With a sort of perverse satisfaction, I noted that the level was just a little under my projected limit. If only I could have that much luck on the horses! With a great deal of GOOD satisfaction, I was very glad that Hennie was safe and sound in my bedroom, for her run was completely under water.

And at the risk of sounding unbearably smug... my furniture stayed dry, as did my curtains!

I settled down to write some letters and this journal, and after a little while a noise caused me to get up and peer out into the street through the gaps in my window boarding. I couldn't believe it, the water level had suddenly reduced. I went quickly downstairs, and sure enough, the pool that had been there previously was no longer to be seen. I was able to go back out into my back yard once more, and while I was there, Louis appeared and enquired after my well being. We compared notes on our storm preparations and their effectiveness, and as he looked at the platforms in my living room, with the furniture arrayed on top, he became quite concerned. He made me promise to contact him when it was time to take the furniture off the platforms, as he didn't think I should be doing it on my own. He's a very considerate young man. I remarked about the sudden drop in water level and he explained that he had heard what sounded like an explosion, and theorised that a levee may have broken. He then pointed out that our fortune could well be someone else's misfortune. I offered a quick prayer that all would be safe. Seeing me bend over with a twinge in my back, brought another admonition from Louis about not contacting him to move the furniture, and I explained that it was an old wound that just needed stretching now and then. He shooed me over to my rocking chair and got me up on the platform and into the chair with barely any effort as he hoisted me into place. He then started to make me a mug of coffee and I relaxed as he busied himself. Just as he was making himself comfortable in the chair opposite me, I could see movement just outside the front window. It was the young adventurer I had met earlier in the week. She was wondering how a carriage was situated where it was, and Louis went to let her in and explained that it had belonged to a friend of his and had been washed out from the garage. Louis then introduced her to me as a friend of his and (quite unbelievably!) Lestat's Mother; Lady Gabrielle. She must have been incredibly young when she had him as she appeared to be not much older than Louis and Lestat. I indicated that we should move to the table and it was nice to be able to sit there and chat. Even though the storm could be heard in the distance, for now, my home was like an oasis of calm; good company, with new friends.

We talked for quite some time, and then noticing my fatigue, Louis and Gabrielle both got up and wished me a good night. I smiled wearily and let them out of the front door where they made their way to Louis's home. A final call came from Louis beseeching me not to move the furniture without him, and they disappeared into the night.

I went upstairs and climbed on my bed, and as I drifted off, I hoped that tomorrow would see the end of the storm.

The Calm Before The Storm

My initial plans for the day consisted of a little exploration of the neighbourhood, especially the Garden Quarter where Nana and Miss Eili have their homes. As I sat eating my breakfast I heard someone pause outside the door, and as I turned to look, I saw a note appear being pushed underneath the door. I went to the door and picked up the note and a frown added to the already numerous creases on my brow as I read it. It seems that the storm is now definately due to hit New Toulouse from the west sometime tomorrow. Miz Gabi was contacting the authorities in New Babbage, to inform them of the situation and to request assistance from their navy. She was also requesting assistance from Winterfell, Steeltopia, Steelhead, Caledon and Seraph City. I drained my mug of coffee, all thoughts of exploration now put aside. I went into the yard and busied myself getting the bags and boards ready for the minimum of effort later when I would have to install them.

A delivery arrived of what must surely be the last of my furniture, and some boxes of documents that I was very much looking forward to reading. The documents are very old, and aren't the sort of thing that should be left around for any to view. I decided that I would fit closers to my doors, and also, locks. That saw me busy until lunchtime, and after eating my lunch I sat in my rocker and read..... and napped.

It was mid afternoon when I awoke, and going out into the street I noticed that some of the neighbours had already put up their boarding to protect the glass of their windows and doors. I returned to my yard and set to work, as I had an idea for something that might be able to keep my furniture dry.

It was getting late as I was settling sandbags at the foot of the front door, when two young gentlemen offered me assistance.

They introduced themselves as Lestat and Louis and they had rooms in the Conciergerie on the other side of the street adjacent to my property. I assured them that there was little left for me to do, and so we spoke of the coming storm and preparations that had to be made for it. I have to admit to allowing myself a little smile as they seemed to struggle with themselves (and each other, as I detected that they were communicating out of the range of my hearing so I couldn't hear what was being said) as to whether to ask me something. When you get to my age, you learn patience, so I am sure that I'll hear what was on their minds in the fullness of time, as the question wasn't forthcoming today.

The two gentlemen returned to their rooms and I completed the work to the front of the house.

I was hopeful that my windows and doors would remain intact from the onslaught of Bernadette's fury.

Returning to the yard, I made the last few adjustments to the door at the back of the house. I went over to Hennie's run and gently lifted her out. I put her into the house and then climbed in myself, as it was a tricky job to finish what had to be done from the inside.

Satisfied that all had been done that could be, I picked Hennie up and took her upstairs. I didn't want her to get distressed in any way, so thought it would be best if she remained upstairs where she shouldn't be subjected to any flooding whatsoever..... hopefully.

Now all we could do was, wait.... hope.... and pray.