August 2023

Captain’s Report

Fellow Explorers,

After receiving hints that in the old swampy and forest area of Lage Vuursche there might be remnants of the old Troupe 031, we started our “Wolfsdreuvik Expedition”.

We sent out our call for explorers and Sunrise, Tjili, Kai, ?, Gezellig, Tobias, Napoleon, Baby Skywise and Baby Napster reported in, supported by the trusty guard-dog Max. Ready for adventure we met up at the “Sportpark” train station where we started our journey toward the forest.

En route we encountered bridges to go over and under and a massive 3.5m tall egg decorated with countless stones depicting all kinds of animals and pirate ships. Tjili braved the fence for closer inspection and describing the far side of the egg, with Max’s handy leash the egg circumference was measured as 5 leash lengths plus one poo-bag-holder.

As a last discovery before the forest we encountered local paintwork of fire squirrels and woodpeckers. Building up our anticipation on what to expect next.

While the intermittent showers did not stop our sturdy explorers on their path, the dark clouds and expectation of heavier rainfall let us to seek shelter at a local inn. Here under the joys of drinks, food, games and laughter Sunrise spotted an odd looking bookcase, adorned or perhaps guarded by what seemed like otherworldly birds. Upon closer inspection (the birds didn’t rustle a feather as we approached) we discovered many ancient books about exploration, quite surely this must be a treasure trove of documentation by the Old troupe 031! A glorious find that told us much about the (also somewhat problematic) history of the explorers that have gone before us so long ago.

After saying our goodbyes to the innkeepers, we pressed onwards. Somewhere in the woods there was the Wolfsdreuvik, a place where wolves gather. Through paths up and down Sunrise navigates us well towards the tower on a hill, as we didn’t spot any wolves we took rest and contemplated what this old tower could have been to explorers of old.

Few hints could be discovered and as our spirits grew fonder of the beyond a person approached us, perhaps a groundskeeper. “This is private property!”, he informed us. Did we not see the signs? After asking about the quickest route to the public forest, we went on our way again.

A dragon’s stone was hiding in the woods and our navigator Sunrise had clues as where to find it. We arrived at a magical clearing with mathematically perfectly aligned trees. Which Kai discovered to be self-re-aligning in case a new tree would appear. Quite amazing indeed. On the corner of this magical clearing we discovered and old, green and weathered stone, engraved with ‘DRAKENSTEIJN’. we had found the dragon’s stone.

Next we where hoping to find an ancient gravemound that are often seen in these woods. After a thorough search of the area, we came out at a loss. We had some snacks and sanitary operations while Tjili told us of the wise women living in such mounds, dispelling wisdom and doing work in exchange for pancakes.

We moved on, looking for castle Drakenstijn, but as it’s still occupied by monarchs was completely out of view. Trotting though our feet were getting weary, we had discovered already so much, but still had one destination left before we parted out ways: Having some of those pancakes. To some of our surprise the pancakes here where big and layered with many different toppings. Some with cheese and ginger, or with raisins, apple and cinnamon, another even had lettuce, goat cheese and walnuts. We ate, drank and played more games until we where satisfied and ready for the journey home. We said our goodbyes at the train station, looking forward to any next adventures to come.

This is was the second adventure by Troupe 031.

Wishing you safe and adventurous explorations,

Tjili (Rin).