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Cold Water Blog
I aided and abetted the "Lord of the Flies" Crab Catcher Tribe!
Date: 4/11/2005 11:52:24 AM ( 19 y ) ... viewed 1716 times More on the yesterday's fun. When I finally hauled out to shore from the cold water swim, I met up with 4 little boys who ranged in age from 7-10. Prime mischief ages. They were hoisting big rocks and catching the little crabs that ran out from under them-and putting the crabs in a large bucket. They tell me all about it it as I am walking back to my towel-or should I say as I shivered my way back to my towel! They knew a trooper when they saw one. They brought me to their large bucket and pointed out the big one! (The Big One) He was good sized for shore crabs - an inch and a half in diameter-he was "blowing" bubbles, a sign of upset and territorial upset. I explain to the boys that the crabs are territorial and that 20 in a bucket may start a territorial war.
Yes, they know, the Big One has already killed and eaten one of the smaller ones. (Lord of the Flies, part 2?) I squatted down and asked for clarification-"Did he kill the smaller one and Eat it-Or just kill it?" No, he ate it, they were pretty sure-tantilizing cannabalism! I notice that the boys have lost interest in the crabs momentarily and fascinated by the neckline of my bathing suit. I laugh and stand up...
Now they follow and begin to get to the heart of the matter, they want me to help them lift a tremendously large stone covered with barnicles. They see me as a "larger" beast of burden and not as a sex symbol after all! Or perhaps a beast of burden sex symbol! Beastie!
I concede to walk over to the large rock and help them with their lust for the capture of crabs. I identify, I was catching crabs on this beach when I was their age. Nice to know somethings don't change. I look at the barnicles and know I will end up with some cuts if I help. The oldest of the boys begins to push the rock, perhaps to show me he can really be of help (not like the little boys) so I squat down and dig my hands under the sand, hoping to avoid barnacle cuts, and begin to lift- The older boy and I succeed in moving the rock but not upturning it.
Now the smaller boys begin to move around and get noisy and pretend to help-the older boy and I roll our eyes and get back to work- It is a scene directly from Lord of the Flies-except for me "The Bastie". I try and tell the boys it is too heavy for me-they are not buying it. Another try and they all help-amid much screeching and voluable conversation, we surround the rock and all lift. Suddenly, my neckline is of interest again, but only fleetingly- I upend the rock and they all run in joyful circles-Crabs spill out onto the beach.
The older boy and I shake hands and laugh. We sit down on a rock together watching the little ones. The litte boys are insane and loud chasing the disoriented crabs, The Chase and Capture. The boys show me the crabs again, and I try again to give them an oceanography lecture about the territoriality of crabs. They ignore me and assure me they will let them go before they leave. It is clear my usefulness is over and I take off to my towel.
I really love to spend time in the company of kids, they are so forthright in their fun. They file by with their parents about a 1/2 hour later, and say Goodbye to me. GoodBye my little Heathens-Good Luck-I hope life smiles on you all!
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