Two Turtle Gatherings, One Busy Pond: August 18 Recap
Bloop! Bloop!
Tuesday, August 18, was a busy day around the Pond. We held two virtual Turtle gatheringsโone at 3:00 PM Eastern Time and another at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.
The two meetings had different participants and conversations, but both demonstrated what makes our growing Turtle community special: friendship, laughter, stories, traditions and a willingness to follow the conversation wherever it happens to wander.
THE 3 PM EASTERN GATHERING
Our 3 PM Eastern Time and brought a round of stories, fellowship and future plans.
THE DUTCH PONDERS ARE GROWING
Chiel-Jan reported that the Dutch Ponders now have 15 registered members.
The group has been gathering, initiating new Turtles and carrying the tradition forward. Members are also interested in obtaining more Turtle hats, shirts and specialty glasses for upcoming ceremonies and events.
Their initiation tradition includes having new members drink from a special turtle glass. Different-sized glasses may be employed depending upon the occasionโand perhaps upon how ambitious the new Turtle happens to be.
Dave will work with Chiel-Jan to arrange additional Turtle hats and other supplies.
REMEMBERING DEPARTED BROTHERS
The conversation also included memories of Brothers who are no longer physically present beside the Pond.
Members shared stories about past gatherings, enduring friendships and the tradition of enjoying a final drink in someoneโs memory. One story involved placing whisky on a departed Brotherโs graveโa simple gesture that kept the friendship and shared tradition alive.
A tribute is being prepared for the Turtle Memorial Forum.
Every Turtle eventually leaves an empty place beside the Pond, but the stories we share ensure they are never forgotten.
WHISKY, CIGARS AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Wulf-Henrik shared stories about his impressive collection of whisky, premium spirits, cigars and pipes.
Some of his rare bottles are carefully sealed and preserved until the proper occasion presents itself. The conversation naturally turned to which occasions are special enough to justify opening a rare bottle.
The general conclusion was that good whisky should be saved for meaningful momentsโbut not saved so long that no one ever gets to enjoy it.
TRAVEL, TRADITION AND FELLOWSHIP
Wulf-Henrik and Chiel-Jan also discussed an upcoming visit to England, complete with formal clothing, cigars, whisky and, if everything goes according to plan, a few Turtle items.
The conversation included cycling adventures, local customs, Formula 1 racing and differences in historic Masonic practices.
As usually happens at a Turtle gathering, one story led to another until it became difficult to remember where the original conversation began.
THE 8 PM EASTERN GATHERING
Our 8 PM gathering included updates about Marathon, some wonderful Turtle stories and another highly competitive virtual turtle race.
MARATHON PLANS ARE TAKING SHAPE
Much of the conversation centered on our first in-person Turtle gathering, coming to Marathon, Florida, October 8โ12.
Pam and Tony plan to take Amtrak to Miami before continuing south. Other Turtles are considering driving or flying into Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Several hotel rooms have already been reserved, and interest continues to grow.
One especially exciting development came from Logan Petterini, who works at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon. Logan contacted us and offered to help guide our group during its visit.
What could be more appropriate than a group of Turtles visiting a hospital devoted to helping actual turtles?
If you are interested in joining us, read the complete gathering announcement:
Turtles Are Heading to the Florida KeysโJoin Us in Marathon!
A TURTLE TRADITION PASSED THROUGH GENERATIONS
Ronald shared one of the most memorable stories of the afternoon.
His mother made him a Turtle in 1975, beginning a connection to the Order that remained important throughout her life.
At her funeral, someone asked the traditional question:
โAre you a Turtle?โ
Approximately 250 people answered:
โYou bet your sweet ass I am!โ
It was a wonderful example of how Turtle traditions spread through families, friendships and entire communities.
Ronald also showed us his Turtle bracelets and generously offered to send one to interested Turtles.
MEETING A PURPLE TURTLE
Chamon McCray introduced us to another interesting Turtle tradition.
Chamon explained that members of both the Ancient and Honorable Order of Turtles and the Smoke Phi Smoke fraternity may be known as โPurple Turtles.โ
That led to a fascinating conversation about the different organizations, their traditions and the friendships that grow around them.
We hope to learn more from Chamon about the history of the Purple Turtles and his association with Smoke Phi Smoke.
HEMPIE RIDDLES JOIN THE FUN
The Turtle riddles have inspired a new educational project.
Dave created a set of Turtle-style cards featuring riddles about industrial hemp. The questions cover hemp fiber, seeds, hurd, sustainability and other surprising characteristics of the plant.
Chamon enjoyed the questions and plans to share some of them at future gatherings. A set of the cards will soon be heading his way.
Perhaps a few Hempies will eventually find their way into the Pond.
AND THE WINNER ISโฆ
No virtual gathering would be complete without a little friendly competition.
Participants selected racing turtles from several species, including painted turtles, red-eared sliders and box turtles.
Chamonโs turtle crossed the finish line first, earning him a Turtle Club T-shirt.
Race officials found no evidence of illegal shell enhancement, although the replay remains under review.
THIS WEEKโS TURTLE RIDDLE
Now it is your turn to join the fun.
Here is this weekโs classic Turtle riddle:
I have a stiff shaft.
My tip penetrates.
I come with a quiver.
What am I?
Rememberโa Turtle is pure-minded and never vulgar.
Think you know the perfectly innocent answer?
Leave your answer in the comments below.
Please make your guess before reading everyone elseโs answers. We want to know where your mind went without any outside assistance.
JOIN OUR NEXT GATHERING
The Turtle Club gathers virtually on the third Tuesday of every month.
Our next regular gathering will be Tuesday, September 15.
Watch your email and the Turtle Club website for meeting times and connection information. Whether you have been a Turtle for fifty years or joined the Pond yesterday, you are welcome.
Until then, keep your shell polished, your stories ready and your mind as pure as circumstances allow.
Bloop! Bloop!
