Hauʻoli Lā Hānau, Matthew!

*Read this thread in a hushed voice.*

And now, we observe the Golden-haired Matthew. A rare sighting for such an exotic and shy species. It is very few people who have seen one of these with their own eyes. The Matthew was not discovered until after 1982, when a zoologist by the name of Eye of the Tiger came across one sitting in a field, singing the song, "Survivor". Gifted with a beautiful voice, the Matthew has been known to sing only this song. Experts cannot explain why but now consider it to be its birth song.

Notice how the Matthew's face is full of grace. A wondrous thing to behold! Ironically enough, all sightings of this shy animal have been on a Tuesday, and experts wonder if this is the only day it comes out of its habitat to forage for food. As of yet, the Matthew's habitat is unknown. However, several sightings have shown its diet to consist of berries, insects, and smaller animals than itself.

Other sightings have been seen by Josh Holloway (1969), who saw the animal in a jungle on a (not so) deserted island, and Chris Cornell (1964), who wrote a song about his experience, he was so moved by the beauty of the Matthew.

See how the Matthew moves gracefully through the thicket. It has heard our camera crew and appears now to be retreating to its habitat. Perhaps we shall see one again but for now are pleased to have been lucky enough for one sighting.

On now to the endangered Cory...

Reasons I dislike Three Pond Barrens

Certain enthusiasts have begrudgingly remarked upon my apparently unusual distaste for the once-preferred swimming spot and sorry hiking locale known as "Three Pond Barrens" and also referred to as 3PB. I wish to lay out here a brief essay to detail my specific reasonings once and for all.

My hope is to find a convert or two, or, barring that, to at least have my feelings better understood by huddlers in general.

Reasons:

1) There is no view.

This is to say that it overlooks a pond of no particularly distinct character. The same is true, I believe, of the hike. It offers no view of spectacular cliffs, rugged shores or impressive mountaintops.

2) Proximity to superior destinations, many known by barely a soul and quite sans-skeets.

The critic of reason #1 would do well to consult a map of St. John's and environs to see myriad bays and ponds that are under-utilized and under-appreciated (i.e., Beachy Cove, Flatrock, Logy Bay, Pouch Cove, Broad Cove, most of the southern shore). 3PB has a fine proximity to town which is all well and good (I believe it to be its only saving grace) but even a brief jaunt up the Southside Hills reveal superior views and ponds, and many of the nearby bays are but 10 minutes drive further out. Well worth it, in my opinion.

3) Proximity to encroaching development.

Airport Heights and Kelsey drive are now the nearest neighbours of 3PB. Dislike. Sure, we shall crane our ears there tonight and see if we cannot hear the hum of the road.

4) Pond is windy and unremarkable.

As opposed to locales like Flatrock (which is warm, and pleasant, when not skeet-filled), the water at 3PB is not especially calm or warm. There is a myriad of more isolated and more interesting ponds just as near the city. It is merely that we must take several minutes to explore them.

To conclude, please note that I have not disliked our trips to 3PB in general, for obviously, the company was good, even when we went camping with a few randoms that time. I merely prefer to form our company in a more spectacular locale, say Beachy Cove, Flatrock, or any of the wonderful bays and beaches, and even ponds, that lie just a few short minutes further than the lazy man's love of 3PB. Curious to hear whether defenders here have fine reasons to continue defending the locale, beyond a difference of aesthetics.

No ill will is meant by the remarks above, but hopefully a dialogue will be fruitful, maybe even leading to a more remarkable consensus location to form a camping and hiking company.

Sincerely,

INvisible SHield

I'm a whot?...

Who's checking HP6 Tonight?

生日快樂 [生日快乐] (shēngrì kuàilè), Nina!

Once Upon A Time, there was a teacher who lived in Texas. She was very fair of face as she had been born on a Monday and she was very sweet and kind too. Her students loved her as much as her family and friends and they decided to throw her a surprise party! They invited all her family and friends but also some special guests, namely: Tom Cruise (1962) and Montel Williams (1956). They played the song, "Every Breath You Take," by The Police over and over again as it was the number #1 song when she was born. These students had a beautiful birthday cake made and decorated the school gym with balloons, streamers, and confetti. Finally, they made a present pile so big it rivaled the Great Wall of China! They surprised this wonderful teacher and then partied all night long (and she didn't have to chaperone!) It was the best birthday party and she lived Happily Ever After.

Wouldn't that be the party to end all parties, Nina!? Hope you have a fabulous birthday as well as a restful one after your exciting (and sometimes stressful) trip. We all wish we could be there to help you celebrate it!