Notes from a Small Island

[Canoerebel]

Hey, Adar, glad to meet another mountain biker. Bradford Kay, once a regular Forumite, was another - he did some really long-distance stuff.

The Blow Torch is my shortest but steepest regular route. It's brutal, but as long as I can make it without stopping, I know I'm alive. Some of my other route nicknames include Chainsaw, Weed Whacker, Snow Loop, Mountain Goat and Hurtin' Gator.

My wife has been to Israel three times. My daughter has been twice. My oldest son has been once. I would love to go, but my job is to stay here and keep things together while they're on the road. They all love your country very, very much. I do too, although I've never been there.

If I could go, my first choice would be Mount Carmel, where Elijah threw shade at the prophets of Baal. Second choice would be En Gedi.

Part of the Peace Dividend in finishing my game with John III is that I've spent a tremendous amount of time outdoors - hiking, running, taking pictures, and writing. I'd have posted more, as I did in my other AAR, but I know that only a few folks enjoy the tangential explorations into the Georgia outdoors.

[anarchyintheuk]

Favorite OT story (and somewhat topical because it's on the way to Mt. Carmel) . . . Elisha sicking she bears on children outside of Bethel who had mocked him for being bald. Elisha's she bears 42, Children of Bethel 0.

[Canoerebel]

Yeah, I love that story too, anarchy. Those unruly teenagers yell, "Baldy! Baldy!" and get their comeuppance.

[T Rav]

Plenty of folks like the off tangent stuff. Trails and Georgia lore are some of my favorites from your AAR with John III.

T Rav

[Canoerebel]

In late March and April, I spent three days hiking on Pigeon Mountain, south of Chickamauga battlefield. Those outings led to a series of poems, including this one.

I seldom write poetry, sometimes going three to five years without a single effort. But occasionally an inspiration strikes.

My experience is that 80% of the population doesn't like poetry. Of the 20% that does, 3/4ths are women and 1/4th are men. So I feel good when stones aren't thrown.

The Forum is mostly gentlemen interested in four things: women, beer, sports, and AE. Some of you guys may like poetry. Others tolerate it. Nearly all of you are gracious enough to wish to be encouraging. But this is probably not the audience for poems about Georgia and flowers and other esoterica (not to be confused with erotica, which might draw a wider audience)

[SierraJuliet]

Let me throw my hat in the ring as one who appreciates your tangents. There is so much more to what each of us is than just AE and I certainly like catching a glimpse of topics that interest you and make you who your are. Keep throwing in you travel jewels as I like seeing parts of the world I may never get the chance to visit.

[Canoerebel]

Here's one more, this one written after an early-April hike. When I heard a pileated woodpecker, I was thinking about the Cherokee Indians who once resided in the valley below.

Erik disappeared today; no posts; no turn; no word. That's unusual. Since I'm expecting a boot to drop with every turn, the sudden slow-down is tough.

[T Rav]

Back to lurking; my usual haunt. But just because I don't add much, doesn't mean I don't gain much.

Thanks,
T Rav

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Here's one more, this one written after an early-April hike. When I heard a pileated woodpecker, I was thinking about the Cherokee Indians who once resided in the valley below.

Erik disappeared today; no posts; no turn; no word. That's unusual. Since I'm expecting a boot to drop with every turn, the sudden slow-down is tough.

Nice! I like the way you paid homage to the Cherokee and the bird in the same lines. That's great application of imagination and appreciation of history!

[CaptBeefheart]

It's better than Vogon poetry, I'll give it that. Seriously, that's some good writing. I pen the occasional press release as part of my job, but would have trouble coming up with something that creative.

These tangents serve two purposes: 1) to educate us city folk; and 2) to psych out your opponent into thinking you have a major op underway.

Cheers,
CC

[jwolf]

As for Erik, the evidence seems good that a lot happened in the last turn. Maybe it went poorly for the Japanese and he has a dilemma in how to regroup. Or maybe it was more mixed, some good and some bad, but with so much happening he needs time to plan the next round, as you will once the turn comes to you.

[Canoerebel]

I was up last night until nearly three a.m., working on another poem. I couldn't rest well until I got something down on paper. Then I rested. I think I've written about eight since late March. I have one more in mind.

While I was up, Erik was stirring. We exchanged a few "what the heck? it's early!" emails. Then he sent the 9/11/44 turn. Once again, preternaturally quiet. His forces are in the same locations, poised to strike but not striking; and seemingly not really probing hard. I'll post a graphic in a bit.

[Canoerebel]

9/11/44

NoPac: The tension is incredible. Shikuka survived the opening assault by the smallest of margins, and a concerted enemy assault would likely finish things up. That Erik hasn't attacked in ten days is a testament either to the damage his guys absorbed or to his patience in cobbling together the next assault.

[BBfanboy]

Does that top dialogue box mean to say "replenish mines"?

[Squamry]

I was wondering if the delay to Erik restarting the attacks could be due to lack of support troops on Hokkaido? If he was not expecting an attack in NoPac there may not be as much air support as he would like and after the losses of the first few days it may be taking some time to get the LBA back up to muster.

[Canoerebel]

Yes.

My sub-laid mines don't seem to be accomplishing anything, but I feel better with them in place. Eventually I might get lucky.

[Canoerebel]

ORIGINAL: Squamry
I was wondering if the delay to Erik restarting the attacks could be due to lack of support troops on Hokkaido? If he was not expecting an attack in NoPac there may not be as much air support as he would like and after the losses of the first few days it may be taking some time to get the LBA back up to muster.

He's been attending to his defenses for months with great intensity. I'm sure he has everything in place and to his liking, inculding support troops.

[MakeeLearn]

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Here's one more, this one written after an early-April hike. When I heard a pileated woodpecker, I was thinking about the Cherokee Indians who once resided in the valley below.

Erik disappeared today; no posts; no turn; no word. That's unusual. Since I'm expecting a boot to drop with every turn, the sudden slow-down is tough.

Background...

The woodpecker was a symbol of war for South Eastern Indians. So was the Turkey. Woodpeckers were used in motifs and in spirit for warfare. Feathers, woodpecker shaped warclubs, sounds, etc.

The woodpecker spirit would be called upon for inspiration. They were also seen as omens in their presence and actions.


Sometimes after a Woodpecker is seen, later a second one will appear, following along after the first.

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Here's one more, this one written after an early-April hike. When I heard a pileated woodpecker, I was thinking about the Cherokee Indians who once resided in the valley below.

Erik disappeared today; no posts; no turn; no word. That's unusual. Since I'm expecting a boot to drop with every turn, the sudden slow-down is tough.

That was a thoroughly readable poem, Canoe. Thank you for sharing it with us.

One for you, inspired by memories of Grotius:

Waxing poetic
But for me-makee bang bang!
Bang bang bang bang bang!

On a related note, what's up with the placid turns of late? C'mon, man! If I wanted a music recital and a tea party, I'd a gone to the freakin' symphony.

[Canoerebel]

I know what you mean, but these turns aren't placid for me! I'm holding my breath, waiting for Erik to unleash the whirlwind even as I try to pull everything together for the Allied counteroffensive that should take place by the end of the month. The pressure keeps building and the lid will come off.