"The prudent, steady man who wants a lasting place, immune from blasting winds and dangerous waves, should avoid high mountain peaks and the shore's shifting sands. For the mountain tops are lashed by terrifying gale-winds; and the loose sand of the beach will not bear his weight. Leave then the dangerous places of delight, and make your home safely on the low rocks. Though the wind trouble the sea with threats of destruction, you will live a serene life, happy for having built a strong house in the quiet valley, and laughing at the wrath of the elements."
Having contemplated these lines, spoken to Boethius by Philosophy, we took the low road to the park, the largest and smallest of our company traveling by automobile, the rest on their bicycles. A great racket and ball hoard accompanied those of us in the car. Upon reaching our destination, I appointed myself Sentinel of Vehicles and Guardian of the Waters, shooting baskets as I fulfilled these duties. Quinn was the first to return to the home base, having reported that the much anticipated tennis matches deteriorated rather quickly. He joined me in shooting baskets. I learned later, but cannot claim to have witnessed, that most of the others elected to spy on and stalk Groton's official campers, possibly taunting these latter with the obvious superiority of the small-batch, artisinal camp experience.
The day was very hot, and even after dipping into the liquid refreshment we brought along, it was universally decided to head back to the estate. We were lucky to escape with our lives.
Back at the house we took to the shade and ate lunch. Then we attempted a discussion of Jules Verne and his underwater fantasy. I let loose some words on Verne and H.G. Wells and the important themes of science fiction that these two writers bequeathed to posterity. For the most part these words were lost in the summer breeze.
Then we essayed plans and models of our Nautili. Juliana sculpted a lovely dolphinesque vessel. Adrian cut his finger with his pocket knife. Scarlett made some sort of Thing-Pig.
The rest is darkness.
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