If you had the misfortune to walk by the entrance to our little alcove community on a Sunday afternoon, you would not find much peace there, nor safety for that matter. Most weekends, mainly during the summer, the center of our square is inhabited by screaming urchins of various make and mold. The objects of their excitement are three large elm trees that can be found in a small greenish area at the center of our square. Each Sunday those trees vanished and in their place appear three tall sailing ships: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. Under the able command of Captain Sebastian, the honorable Captain Roddy and Admiral Steve, new lands are explored and added to the imaginary map of the urchin world, an exact copy of which can be found on one of the walls of Meyer's bookstore. 

Last Sunday, a rather good example of these improvised adventures took place of which I will give you a brief account. Right after lunch anchors were raised, sails unfurled and goodbyes shouted to the various adults who had walked in by accident wondering what in the world was going on. Most recent voyages had steered the launch of urchins westwards towards America, where strange creatures are said to exist. Roddy on this occasion signaled the admiral's ship to adjust course. The Pinta had just spotted two blue whales on the far starboard and advised the other ships to avoid the large obstacles. Meyers and Welder shook their heads as they strolled across the square past the jousting kids. "Shall we ready the harpoons sir?" yelled first ensign Mike. "No time ensign, we have to make sail, no time to loose!", came the reply from Admiral Steve. Communication on board was established using either flags or when dark by cannon fire. Flags were mostly handkerchiefs and cannon fire, well needless to say Miss Grub frequently screamed from accidentally stabbing herself with her needles after one or two improvised explosions. "What's our heading?" shouted Sebastian. "Due east sir and not a cloud in the sky!" In the very top of the largest elm was tiny Roger, the lookout. Roger refused any other job and he performed his duties admirably. This time however Roger failed to miss the dark rim of clouds that were rapidly making their way towards the three innocently bobbing ships. By the time poor Roger had spotted the pending danger, the inclement weather had soaked much of the gun powder, rendering the cannons useless. All three crews had barely enough time to lower their sails and get below deck. Roger, who did not want to abandon his post shouted: "Go below captain, someone will need to keep an eye out!" "Roger come down immediately!" shouted Olivia (the ship's token wench). After a great many protests Roger came down. With great difficulty did the ships keep contact using light signals and the occasional flag waving. Only a skeleton crew remained above decks to keep the ships from colliding into each other. Neither the captains nor the admiral left their posts and instead remained steadfast and so guided their ships through high waves and crashing thunder.

This outburst of mother nature lasted three urchin days and after each and every one of the children had been thoroughly bashed around did relief come. No sooner had the 'all clear' been signaled or Roger crept into the crows nest again. No one knew how far off course they were and readings of the stars gave different locations by all three captains. Sebastian had no doubt they were close to the Bahamas. Admiral Steve placed them roughly at Cuba and captain Roddy thought he could see New York. "Land ho! Dead ahead! Looks like islands sir!", shouted Roger, cleverly deciding that he would not mind visiting the Bahamas. Very slowly, very carefully and with great precision the three ships glided away from the leeward side of the islands. At once the urchin crews noticed that the waters here were of such a clear blue color that London's regular drinking water appeared like black coffee in comparison. Through the shallow coral waters many curious sea creatures could be seen. Small turtles buzzed around and chased seahorses into the red coral. An octopus slowly wondered what large animal had disturbed its sleep but shot away in a puff of ink upon seeing the keel of the Santa Maria. "Lower anchors", came the command of the admiral, "Prepare to land!" All three ships lowered their expedition boats and sent a crew towards the island they had now named Urchonia. Curious eyes followed the brave sailors as they made their way along the beach. Roger with his telescope relayed all of the sights downwards towards the pensive crew. "They went into the jungle. I can't see them anymore!", shouted Roger. "I wonder what they will find there", said Olivia, "I hear they have dragons here".

Urchin hours went by without any sign of the explorers and the crews started to make plans in case their shipmates did not return. Weapons were made ready and a search party was hastily organized. As three rescue crews entered the last set of small launch boats, the missing explorers were spotted at the far end of the beach holding what appeared to be a fierce yellow monster. All aboard were mesmerized by the sight in the distance. In between the approaching seamen, tugging on multiple ropes was a rather large animal walking on four legs and making a loud noise. Welder's golden retriever did not enjoy being roped by several urchins and be dragged across the square. The set of antlers stuck on its head did not help the dog's mood. When the urchins had almost returned safely to the confines of their ships, disaster struck. The yellow haired monster broke free of its shackles and was now dragging admiral Steve in the direction of Welder's front door. "Let go admiral!", shouted Sebastian. "There might be more!", cried Roddy. With so much sound advice and dirty from having been dragged halfway across the square admiral Steve sounded the retreat. Sails were raised, anchors lifted and a course was set towards further adventures.