Caledonian Plate Tectonics and a Mystery Uncovered

(Cue the deep rumbling noise and the dramatic soundtrack.)

Having just arrived home from a week's holiday in the snow-covered higher elevations, I found myself once more in Caledon among friends and neighbors. I spent only a little time at home in Loch Avie upon my arrival...really just long enough to sleep a few hours in my own bed, begin the unpacking and laundry, and to skim through the post that was awaiting me in my office in Taigh Ròis. I was anxious to be out inspecting my property, which appears to be in the early stages of the Spring thaw (although one never knows about the weather this time of year), and to be calling upon friends.

I had just begun my rounds in Loch Avie when a call came in via my secure Tesla Wireless Transmission Device that several Caledonian explorers had not been heard from and were presumed lost. There were cries for rescue parties even as the memorial service was beginning. MI5 was, of course, engaged immediately to join the search and rescue and I managed to get a message off to Lady Kate and the Royal Society geologists so that they might assist as well. Many further events related to this are relayed in the journal of Hotspur O'Toole (including a picture of me along with a few others in front of the Selenite specimen). Thankfully the party were alive and well! After some celebration and at least one Red Map of the sim, I returned home to ride through the Loch.

In preparation for the Edison Grand Ball and Masquerade, which takes place in Loch Avie this Friday, I began making prim space and choosing some simple, yet elegant, decór. As I was reviewing plans with Mr. Syxx Craig, I had a call from Sir Telemachus wishing me a welcome home. He informed me that he was chatting with Torvold, Viderian, and Hotspur, and trying out some of the new weapons from his smithy. I wondered aloud whether I might crash the male bonding and say hello to everyone, as well as get a peek at the new Spear of Darkness, and any of the other new choices for sale there.

Happily, I was able to join them and witness the use of the new weapons as well as get a little practice with my bow. We also posed for a few pictures. This was really perfect timing for me as I have been trying to update my profile picks for the last few days. The Loch Avie Academy of Arms now has quite the picture on display there. :-)



Sometime later, I returned to the Loch and resumed my patrol and inspection. Having reached the most southern end of the rail line, I stood there for a moment gazing over into Lovelace and into the stretch of clean, cool water between us.





It was then that I saw it.....something large and metal submerged below the surface of the water. It did not appear to be a submarine - a least not from the surface. I scrambled back into Taigh Ròis to put on my dive gear and headed into the cold winter water. Thank God for dry suits.





I could hardly believe my eyes. It was a very old rail car and engine! How is this possible? I know of no wrecks occuring off the end of the rail line here in my home. And it appears to be of sufficiently advanced decay leading me to believe that it has been here for some time - possibly covered under silt or dirt until now.

Based on my readings of Mr. James Hall, the American geologist and paleontologist, I wonder if his Geosyncline Theory might begin to explain this. The crust movement that occured when Lovelace appeared off the southern coast of Loch Avie may have exposed the old train. I, however, am not the geology expert in the Royal Society. I determined to send a dispatch to Professor Krogstad immediately, so that he might come examine the wreckage and give us a clue to it's origin, how it came to rest in the waters here, and how it became exposed.



So now I sit in the comfort of the distillery, listening to the bubbling and crackling of the stills and the fires, sipping a little hot tea, and writing my note to Adso.

My oh my - what a first day back from holiday. And you know? I'm just silly enough to enjoy it.
Sláinte!