Add new pictures about me and my friends in ARGENTINA.... THis year have 20 years old our 1st Promotion of Volunteer IM THE LEGENDARY 392 team...

The Masterchief ROYAL NAVY is a member of HMS ENDURANCE

THE CPIM BATISTA, Today are retired BUT HE was a respectable SOLDIER FOR MY MODEST OPINION.

Enjoy ... Somebody can help me to buy a special article...?

El articulo en cuestion va debajo del neoprend

THE ARTICLE is under of Neoprene ¿LYCRA?

SEÑOR PERIODISTA, querido amigo

Pebble IslandEvacuation By Santiago L. Aversa, Esq., LL.M.     Co-Editor, http://www.helis.com/cgi-bin/nph-go.cgi?target=main&dest=http:// www.fuerzasnavales.com First Published in Fuerzas Navales Magazine #1 (spanish version). Donated to the Helicopter History Site by the author

In late May 1982 during the Falklands/Malvinas War, the Argentine Naval Command decided to evacuate the pilots deployed to NAS (Naval Air Station) Calderón -Pebble Island, Malvinas-, since the station was not operative from May 15th, due to a British SAS attack. In order to accomplish this hair-rising mission, the 2nd. Naval Helicopter Sqn. (EAH2) was chosen.

This unit was at the time deployed near Viedma (Argentina), carrying out ASW (anti submarine warfare) tasks. The squadron's flight line was made up by Sikorsky S-61D.4 "Sea King" helicopters (the export variant of USN's SH-3D's), dubbbed locally "SH-3". This helicopters were far from ideal for the rescue mission; their only strong point was their endurance. But they had no electronic countermeasures (ECM), no reliable navigation system (their inertial systems were not very trustable in the opinion of pilots and crew), had no A-A weapons. To top this, their maximum speed was barely in the 135 Knots range.

In spite of all, these were the only aircraft available for the rescue mission. In order to give them more endurance, all ASW equipment was removed, using up the available space and weight to install fuel bladders, which would transfer JP-1 to the main tanks due to a manually-operated pump.

Other field improvements were the addition of a VLF-Omega NAV system, as well as NVG's (night vision goggles) for the pilots. Of course, the SH-3's had, at that time, no NVG-compatible instruments, so they were to be used cautiously.

On May 31st., 1982, two SH-3 helicopters (serials 2-H-234 and 2-H-233) arrived to Río Grande NAS. At the base, one of the helos was given a field-expedient cammo scheme, while the urgency of the rescue prevented the other aircraft from being repainted. The NVG's were tried too, without much success. On June 1st, 1400L they took off for NAS Calderón. In the first 120 NM of the trip, they had a Coast Guard SA 330 Puma as NAV support.

Arround 1725L they landed at NAS Calderón, in the midst of worsening meterological conditions that, however, gave them some measure of visual cover against the British Task Force combat air patrols of Sea Harriers and anti aircraft missiles of their ships.

Once safely landed, the crews soon start to refuel the helos. However, the hitherto trustable VLF-Omega started to go dead.

Nevertheless, at 1835L they took off, aiming for Rio Grande NAS. The flight leader even had to gain altitude, since his NVG's were not working properly, while his wingmen was able to continue flying low. Those were not the only difficulties, since both helos were flying some 600 pounds above their design weight, the JP-1 taken at Calderón was contaminated, and there also was the omnipresent danger of frost.

In any event, the two helos were slowly approaching Rio Grande NAS, and around 2200L they landed.

Argentine Navy Crews

Uno de los recuerdos…

Más cálidos presentes, cuando recorro lo que hoy es el MUAN, es la mañana del 79 que me tocó subirme al 3 A  302. Una de las pocas aeronaves, veteranas de la casa Mc DONNELL DOUGLAS. El Benemérito A4 Q. Utilizado por muchos años en la Argentina por la AVIACIÖN NAVAL.

Para propios y extraños, debo recordar que los he visto volar, más de una vez. Sospecho que debe haber una comunidad global de aviadores que han volado este noble jet.

Ellos saben, hay mucha historia sin contar. LA mía es que deseaba manejar uno. En esa mañana de diciembre del 79.

Cada tanto repaso, la foto de los AVIADORES NAVALES de la 3 era de CAZA y ATAQUE. En la Base Aeronaval Almirante HERMES QUIJADA, de la ciudad de RIO GRANDE tomada para la posteridad en abril/mayo de 1982.

Cada tanto repaso los 4 minutos y fracción del famoso video de VAN HALEN titulado DREAMS donde aparecen impecablemente los A4 de los BLUE ANGELS.

SE muy bien quienes son, y quienes son los VAN HALEN.

DIOS hizo al mundo y los holandeses hicieron HOLANDA. Yo creo que esta escuadrilla que muestra el video… DIOS les dio la misión de pilotear A4. ( AL igual que a nuestros 12 muchachos de LA BASE AERONAVAL COMANDANTE ESPORA)

Volviendo a los BLUE ANGELS. De hecho debe guardar DIOS en un lugar especial a esos dos, que cayeron en un SHOW en NIAGARA Falls

Hace pocos días me crucé, con uno de los pilotos de la 3 era escuadrilla en una sucursal del STANDARD BANK.

No pude evitar la emoción, recordé aquella vez que de visita, en el 83 me crucé con el hoy retirado 2 do jefe de aquella escuadrilla. Y líder de sección.

No pude evitar la emoción de recordar aquel quinto aniversario, en la plaza. Ser testigo de la charla de éste oficial, junto con otro oficial veterano de la Fuerza Aérea Argentina.

Juro que también, pensé cuando lo crucé en el banco, “ Si los viera el señor CLINT EASTWOOD”  Hacia pocos días había visto su SPACE COWBOYS.

Sospecho que no por “nada” , existió esa escena de escaramuza aeronaval, en FIREFOX. (EL DEBE HABER VISTO LOS VIDEOS, del CANAL SAN CARLOS).

Confirmar eso sería como, creer que él también lee estas líneas. (Algo en mi corazón me dice que si)

Si lees  mi buen español, esto es un tributo a la persona que diseño el modelo. Hasta el último piloto que vuela A4. Por supuesto si me piden nombres, puedo dar algunos, nombres de paisanos míos que recuerdo muy bien.

El Señor FILIPPI, El Señor Dellepiani, El señor Castro Fox, El señor Marcos Carballo.

EL señor OWEN CRIPPA… EL señor RINKE … Nombres ilustres que AMAN VOLAR

No debo olvidar también al Señor Zubizarreta, quién salvó su nave A4, pero el “Martin Baker” lo mató. Es de memoriosos, recordar aquí que el querido VASCO, fue número 1 en su promoción en la Escuela NAVAL Militar.

Y al aviador militar MARCOS, quién falleció a bordo de su MIRAGE III un primero de mayo de 2007.

Abril de 2008

this is my first tale... WRITEN BY ME Marcos Waldemar Windman and Translated By MR BRUCE MARSHALL

There were other times in the country of Croatia. The countryside was resplendent with green. The sun embraced all living creatures, work was a source of pride for all who lived there, and attending parties and gatherings left them happy enough to forget or ignore old sorrows and rivalries. There was a large lake there, where the silence of winter was giving way to the boisterous resurgence of spring. The croaking of the frogs, the chirping of the birds, the hiss of the wind that caressed the surface; it was a perfect symphony for natives and visitors. It was a magnificent place.Everything resembled a huge condominium. Colonies of frogs, toads, aquatic plants, colored fish, and millions of insects lived together there for generations. Surrounding this marvelous place was a large forest of wild spruce trees, the only witnesses to the peace of this blessed place. There lived the young Ulri Miclo with his family, and nowhere on the lake was there a being more content with life and its enchantments than he was His father, Yuri, a hard worker and family man, completed the family. And, of course, his mother Janna. Shy but elegant, a true mother in every sense of the word. Ruling the intentions of the colony was Don Nicolas Miclo, his grandfather. He was wiser and older than any other toad in the community. He was president of the Great Council. It was from its last meeting that he addressed all the animals in the swampy community.During the winter, the spruce trees lulled each inhabitant of the district to sleep. The springtime meant days of work, and happiness and boisterousness in the community. But this had been a winter that wasn’t the same as the others. And this is the beginning of our story. A huge disturbance jolted the region, and above all the house of the Miclo family. From his sound slumber, our little friend was startled awake from his winter hibernation. And he saw his mother at his side, and said, "Mom, is that you? What’s going on, Mom? I’m a little frightened."The sweet Janna answered, "I don’t know, son but I’m afraid nothing will ever be the same outside again.""Mom", he answered, "is there anything beyond the edge of the spruce tree forest?"His mother didn’t know how to answer. His father came into his son’s bedroom and with his hoarse winter voice told him, "Son, you are old enough to know what lies beyond the forest of spruce trees."Immediately mother, father, and son went into the living room of their humble little home and sat at the table. And his father told him, "What lies beyond the forest of spruce trees is a city.""A city?" asked little Ulri."Human civilization, son. A very long time ago, in this entire area there was a great kingdom. Everything was happiness, work, and well being. But the heir to the throne and his wife were killed as they were leaving a party.""And what happened after that?" answered the curious Ulri."There was no more happiness, work, and well-being.""But why, Dad? Why?""Because of hate, hypocrisy, and rancor. And that most negative of traits that man possesses, son. Greed. It is the worst that you can learn about humans. And greed, son, makes those more powerful want to crush those who are weaker. Yes, in our kingdom there are differences, but man is much more aware of them.""And what’s worse", said Mother Janna, "is that these differences exist in various forms, and they hurt everything else."His father continued, "These differences, son are dangerous to everything that inhabits this planet. We can live with our differences. Or better said, We can live in spite of our differences.""Man can not", his mother said finally.Papa Yuri added, "Little Ulri, human civilization is very complicated these days. But, little by little you’re going to learn more respect for it."And this is how our young friend, who was anxiously learning about every animal, learned something of humans. He searched, investigated, and took notes. But there was something different about all this, as the young toad’s parents guessed.In the lake, the springtime gave way to the renovation of all the species. The happiness of this resurgence contrasted with the sadness farther away from the edge of the spruce forest. The pain of war had broken the humans in two like an immense guillotine. And the city, where in earlier days lovers had once communed with the sky, had now become a meeting place of journalists and war correspondents. It was a meeting place of the merchants of horror. Traffickers in despair and misery. The city wasn’t the same. Where in an earlier time the dialogue of men concerned the Winter Games, in the ancient buildings, churches, and museums today the only conversation concerned firearms. The mortars and projectiles of automatic rifles. The city appeared not to be able to escape all this horror.It wasn’t this way in the swamp community, where the symbiosis was perfect. Ulri met new species and harvested new friends, young as he was. And this was how, one morning, he met a solitary crane who came from the south. The crane, on her migratory flight to the north, saw the eyes of a few grasshoppers in the reeds next to the lake and decided to stop there."Hello! Little one! What’s your name? My name is Ulri. Ulri Miclo." A little surprised at not recognizing the bird, he continued, "And you what are you, and who are you?""My name is Lena, and I’m a crane. I’m just passing through, heading for the city." "City? Did you say city?""Yes. Behind this line of spruce trees on the other bank and farther to the horizon there is a city. A very large city. My mother and father raised me there. We fly to the south, to spend the winter in warmer climates. I’ve heard that springtime is not the same for cranes if it isn’t spent on a red roof near a comfortable chimney", Lena answered Ulri."I don’t know anything about the city." And this was how they spent the days, and Ulri’s curiosity was growing. He made other friends who also felt the same curiosity for human civilization, away from the far bank and the large forest of spruce trees. One day, they all got together at Ulri’s invitation. There everyone knew each other. Olin, a mixed-breed mouse, chatty, with a special sense of humor. Stanislas, a rabbit, friend to everyone on the large lake. Then there was Vladimir, a beaver, lover of nautical activities and, of course, anything that might be an adventure beyond the opposite shore. And finally there was Dasha, a pigeon that had a great affection for the community, which had found her abandoned one day."Good friends", said Ulri, "this is Lena"."Friends, little Ulri has told me that you want to know something of where humans live. Yes, we all have something in common. A burning curiosity to know what is beyond the edge of the line of trees that we can barely see from here, and also to find out why, since last winter, the sky hasn’t been the same, good friends, I promise to help in any way I can.""Why don’t we go visit Drushna, to see how she is, and see if she also wants to join in our enterprise", asked Dasha. "The otter Drushna?" asked Olin."I don’t believe that she’s in her house after a winter as cold as this one. Yes! I was told that she moved far from our area." Vladimir said near a large white spruce. "And what if we go to your grandfather’s house, Ulri? What do you all think?" Nobody voiced an objection.And this was how that very night the six friends went to Don Nicolas’ house. The important Nicolas, whom everyone in the area knew, lived on a small island, the result of the sediment left by the work of the relatives of Vladimir; the beavers. A mountain of logs made a terrace that kept Don Nicolas’ house from flooding. In fact, the house was next to a large fallen spruce tree and near it was a dam under construction. And Vladimir, with his immense humor, couldn’t refrain from greeting the other beavers with a joke "Hello, brothers, putting in some overtime?" "Hello, Vladimir!" answered Dimitri. "Hello, brother beaver", he replied, and the two wrapped themselves in an embrace. Vladimir continued speaking. "How’s everything going here?""There have been a few new births, and the apprentice school is going well. Now the otters gather roots for us and we gather needed logs and branches for their homes.""Oh, I forgot! Do you know anything about the white otter named Drushna?""Wasn’t she near the large white spruce tree?", said Dimitri"I don’t know, the truth is that she moved a long time ago and nobody has seen her since. But everyone says that she is near the white spruce. How is your shop coming along, friend Vladimir?""I have a few projects going, but nothing important. Now I’m with a few friends who want to learn more about humans and the city, that we can sometimes see beyond the trees."And soon they found themselves approaching Don Niclo’s house, which was reached by a drawbridge. On the other side Don Niclo awaited them, since upon seeing them he had lowered the bridge and come out of his house."Hello Grandfather", said Ulri."Hello, dear grandson. Come in, come in! You and your friends are welcome here. This is the largest room that I can offer you.""Grandfather, I’d like to introduce you to my friends. This is Dasha, the pigeon. Do you remember her?""Yes, Ulri. She’s the one who was too young to fly and she stayed with us.""This is Lena, a crane. She was passing by because she’s going to the city for the spring.""Hello, young lady. Welcome to our community.""Olin, a mixed-breed mouse.""Hello, young man.""Hello, Don Nico. It’s a pleasure to see you. I see that you are looking quite handsome!""Ah, youngster, when are you going to take these years away from me?""I believe you already know Vladimir, and last is Stanislaus; a proud rabbit, lover of excursions and adventures in the community.""Well, Ulri, what brings you here?"And everyone responded in unison, "Civilization!""Ah, youngsters the city humans they are difficult subjects nowadays. Even more so since everyone knows that since the last night of winter, the sky stopped being the same.""Yes", said Ulri, "it is covered with lightning and fire, and a strong odor. It was this odor that woke us up at home."Are the humans that different out there", asked Stanislas."Can’t you tell us that, Lena?", asked the grandfather. "Well, grandfather", said Lena, "I haven’t seen many. And my parents don’t remember them as different beings. But what I know is that those from the north side of the city are very different from those on the south side.""They say there was a time when they were able to live together", replied Stanislas, "but my grandfather’s grandfather said that there were still differences.""Yes", said Ulri continuing the thought, "there were other winters and other springs when the sky wasn’t the same as it is now. The one that I remember from last spring, full of stars in the night and enormous white clouds in the mornings.""Well, my children, I’m going to tell you a short story, although your curiosity is greater than your stature. A long time ago, a long, long time this was a territory of progress. Just as you cranes and pigeons migrate, human beings have crossed this territory for thousands of years, since antiquity. They looked for the best places to live, and in many cases, fighting has broken out for domination of the land. In the earliest times, there was an area of land that man called the "Fertile Crescent". And there were two tribes that were fighting over the conquest of these fertile lands, after the great rains. For years and years, the riches of this noble earth and the fruits sowed and harvested here went to the north first. It suddenly stopped, the riches were destroyed, and the land returned to the domination of the south. Man always fought. Sometimes I think that it is something in his genes. But the earth was always the thing that lost. Man always sought more and more from her. Here, now, exactly the same thing is happening. This territory has been a land of crossing, and those few fertile places have been looked upon with the same bellicose eyes that man has had since antiquity. This land has always been hostile, but there were wise men that could pacify these places with their immeasurable good will. Will and dialogue, over all.""Grandfather, can we go beyond the trees that we can see from here?""Yes, you can go, but remember that your lives will never be the same once you see what man calls ‘civilization’ ".And this was how the six friends said goodbye after the last words of Don Nicolas. "Go, and learn, because your curiosity is in your heart. And may good sense be with you.""Goodbye, Grandfather", they all said, and they returned that same night to the Miclo’s home. And there they surrendered their souls to a sweet sleep.The next morning arrived in a spectacular way. The sky was blue, and soft breezes caressed the youngest trees and perfumed the air in the Miclo’s home. The six youngsters found themselves in a clearing in the woods. There they reflected on the stories and comments that Ulri’s grandfather had made."How confused man must be", said Stanislas."Yes", said Dasha, "he says more than he does. He proclaims his morality to the four winds. And he doesn’t remember that he is just another element of creation."With a nod, Lena added, "My other friends said the same thing. It’s certain that in other places the coexistance between humans is ideal, but they never think of us.""Why?" asked Olin."Because they have contaminated everything with their factories and large industrial establishments.""Yes", answered Vladimir, "my brother beavers don’t know what to do when a slight rain of who knows what burns the trees two days from here. And what will become of them if this same rain falls in the city?" But in the city, there is no acid rain. Only the missiles of intolerance, between one and another. The rain that no one wants, that which consumes everything, which destroys everything. The stores whose shop windows used to be filled with candies and toys for the joy of children aren’t there any more. In the bars, where there used to be happy gatherings, today there is only pain and anguish. The desolation and abandonment runs through every schoolyard. The bell isn't there any more, nor any of the children. The buildings of city hall, formerly revered for their antiquity and architectural lineage, today stand vacant. And the few that remain standing are used for an improvised field hospital or as warehouses for provisions and supplies.The agony of this city of past Winter Games was so great this spring that few pets remained there. And the birds that used to adorn the roofs and balconies had left in spite of the spring, to safer areas more to the north. To the east, at the lake, life was different. Everything was serenity and calm. This afternoon, Lena, Olin, Vladimir, Ulri, Dasha, and Stanislas sat on an old wharf watching the most beautiful sunset they had seen in a long time."Friends", said Ulri, "let’s look at the possibility of fulfilling our deepest desire. I ask for a vote."Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes."In five days we will gather the provisions for the trip. We will need two days of travel to reach the far shore, right, Vladimir?""Yes, Ulri", said the beaver. And Vladimir added, "We’ll build a boat and gather all the supplies for the crossing."With the endeavor defined, and all being in agreement, they sought and secured the assistance of all the other animals of the community. Everyone put their best efforts into the preparation of the boat and the supplies it would carry. The apprentice school, under the orders of Dimitri, found on the south coast two immense pine trees that the fury of a storm had destroyed. "Nature knows what she is doing, and if she put them there, there must be a reason." said Dimitri.The squirrels gathered hazelnuts and Stanislas’ cousins brought wild fruits. The Miclo family and the rest of the community of toads gathered edible green leaves. The bees brought all the honey of winter. In the end, everyone was working with and helping the explorers.The big day arrived. The morning arrived after a light fog lifted, the result of the humid environment. The croaking of the toads and the buzzing of the spiders did not wait for the first thread of sunlight that penetrated the swampy mirror. By mid-morning, the entire community was lined up along a beautiful avenue, adorned for the occasion with some lovely colored rocks and pansies in bloom. To seal the festive air of the community, a band played awaiting the arrival of our young friends. And there they were, walking all together, like a large family. "Well, Vladimir, where are you taking us?" "Ah, children, it’s a surprise!"And the retinue headed toward the end of the avenue. They ended their march in a special place, the fruit of the imagination of Dimitri and the work of the apprentice school."What is this?" said Olin."Friend", Olin said to Vladimir, "there were times when my grandfather told my father: ‘The greatest endeavors start from great places’, remember that. And here it is."There were two logs along an enormous slope that were submerged in the waters of the lake. Above, and held by strong pulleys was the boat. Everything was boisterous and happy. In the upper cabin were Dimitri, Ulri, Vladimir, and Nicolas. Everyone became quiet upon hearing the band, and Don Nicolas spoke."As a part of this community, being part of the Great Council, presiding over it by the will of you all and by the express invitation of my grandson Ulri, we are gathered here to name their boat. From today on, and by the will of the Creator, this boat will be known as the Spirit of the Explorers."As a final act, he cut the line that activated the pulley and slowly the Spirit of the Explorers slid down the rollers to the water of the lake, before the pageantry of the whole community, and the triumphal agreement of the band. On board were Dasha, Olin, Lena, and Stanislas. A frightened Stanislas said, "We’re under way.""Yes", said Lena, "you can open your eyes."Shortly Vladimir, Ulri, Dimitri, and Nicolas came aboard. Vladimir, who could not conceal his pride at the magnificence of his completed work, spoke. "What do you think, friends?""It’s not too bad", they responded."I assure you that it’s unsinkable.""Oh", responded Lena, "don’t be so smug, Vladimir. Remember the Titanic."But like all lovers of nautical things, Vladimir continued to be fascinated by the work of his fellow beavers. And he walked observing every detail, every joint. And he shouted annoyingly, "The ship is under way!"And everyone responded, "Vladimir!" It was one more joke. That’s how the first day of the Spirit of the Explorers ended, with laughter and jokes. On the next day, the morning found everyone on board, in a modest room with a sign on the door that said, "Captain’s Quarters".Lena spoke. "We are here to name Ulri as our Captain. The first officer will be Vladimir, and in charge of the binnacle will be Stanislas. And Dasha and I will do reconnaissance when the weather doesn’t allow us to see the course we’ve chosen."And this was the culmination of the preparations for the sailing of the Spirit of the Explorers. Everyone went to sleep in their quarters. Except Lena and Dasha who stayed chatting on deck, looking at the stars. "The truth be known, Lena, this is a beautiful place to live.""Yes, Dasha, that’s true. And I don’t want to leave it, either. But I need to see some relatives in the city and if I can help you get there, I will feel very good about it. The crew has been very good to me. There is nothing more pleasant than to talk to them."The day arrived. The longed for day of the sailing of the Spirit of the Explorers. The sun invited everyone to regroup at an early hour. In a silent cortege, the community followed behind the four friends en route to the pier where Dasha and Lena were waiting. There, Olin, Vladimir, Ulri, and Stanislas said goodbye. Olin, embraced by his mother and father, said, "Dear family, be calm, because this expedition will turn out all right." Olin’s mother couldn’t stop holding him. And giving him kisses on his nose."Enough, woman", said Olin’s father. "He is a young man. He will return. Don’t cry any more. He will take care of himself."Dimitri’s mother said goodbye to Vladimir. "Thank you for coming, ma’am.""Vladimir, take good care of yourself.""Yes, ma’am. I will bring you some lovely colored rocks for your burrow."Stanislas was seen off by a large number of friends and relatives. To his surprise, he saw an old friend. "Hello, Per", said Stanislas, "What a lovely surprise.""Where have you been?""Well, Stanislas, there are a few new dens, and some excellent reeds two days from this great vessel."And last, our young captain Ulri. The sweet Janna couldn’t stop crying and keep herself from making last minute suggestions. "Take care of yourself", said Papa Yuri. And may your eagerness for the truth never fail you. Take care, and return.""Yes", added Janna between sobs, "remember that there is nothing like the those who love you, and nothing like the land that you love.""I will return, Mother. I will return."And the last to say goodbye was his grandfather, Nico. They hugged in silence. And between the pride and the emotion, his grandfather spoke the final words. "Take care, young man, and remember that you are not alone, and you must always be mindful of the limits of your friends. And know when to call it quits." They returned to their embrace. Ulri climbed aboard, and with shouts and hurrahs the boarding plank was raised and the wind and the current started moving the Spirit of the Explorers to its ultimate destination.As evening fell on this first day, they all gathered on the poop deck. Stanislas took notes of the meeting. As first officer, he gave the ship’s course."Ah, What? What are we doing in a pasture? Are we lost?" said Stanislas somewhat innocently."No, Stanislas, don’t worry. Vladimir will give us our course and the route to follow", said Ulri.Extending an immense map, Vladimir spoke. "We head for the large burned pine tree two day’s voyage from here.""What is that", asked Dasha.Olin answered. "Many years ago there was a huge storm and a lightning bolt fell there. The gray ash of the bark can be seen from the air and from the other bank. It is a large, solitary pine. By evening, we will approach the white spruce. There we will see if Drushna lives there and if she is home. This is by the express request of a relative of hers, since nobody has heard anything from her for quite some time. From there to the city is one more day’s travel."The voyage continued uneventfully for the explorers. Happiness and respect was the dominant factor between the six friends aboard the Spirit of the Explorers. They exchanged work routines, rested, played, and sang. The jokes and the songs brought a spontaneous smile to each of their faces. Drifting, always drifting. Olin walked a path between barrels of water. He didn’t see the soap that Stanislas had left on the deck, and wound up on the floor, soaked, and laughing at himself "The sea was calm The sea was calm "sang Vladimir, stepping down from the bowsprit and examining a small crack."Volare, oh, oh "sang the little Dasha, a few meters away examining the horizon, and searching for the large burned pine tree. And imagine his surprise, for as he peered through a light white mist, he found it. A solitary and immense burned pine tree. Almost split in two, with its blackened insides that gave way to a smoky gray on the bark. "There it is!" said Dasha. He flew over the site and immediately returned to his friends. The six explorers gathered on deck to hear the news brought back by Dasha."Friends, we have arrived at the first checkpoint. We will gather wild fruits, strawberries, a few bulbs, lichens, and mushrooms. But be careful not to pick them from ground level. Only those that grow near the tops of the trees."And that was how that afternoon, thanks to the skill of Vladimir, they arrived at the second checkpoint. The six debarked, and to their happiness, found Drushna."Drushna, our otter friend", said Vladimir. "How is it going in your new home. We have all missed you.""Hello, Vladimir Come in, come in. I haven’t built a whole lot here, but I imagine you are going to spend the night, right?""Allow me to introduce my friends.""Hello", said everyone."Hello", said Drushna."This is Olin.""Glad to meet you.""In charge of our binnacle is Stanislas.""A pleasure to meet you, ma’am.""Our friend the crane, Lena.""It’s a pleasure, Mrs. Otter.""And this is Ulri.""Hello, little one", said Drushna."Shhh, shhh, he is our captain.""Hello, little captain."Ulri spoke up. "Madam Otter, we are on an expedition to the city.""Oh, youngsters, it is complicated, but not impossible. The situation is very difficult for everyone. There are many animals frightened by the war that live there. Those that have escaped have relocated near here, but I doubt that they will return. I’m afraid, dear Lena, that you won’t like what I’m going to say. All the wading birds have flown north."Lena, on hearing this news, started to cry. "Let’s go, Lena", they offered her encouragingly, "hope is the last thing you should lose.""But, can it be true, if everyone was alive last spring? Sniff, sniff, sniff."Lena was calmed by the support offered by her friends. Everyone went to sleep. At the break of dawn, they set off again, after planning out the second part of their journey. Ulri was seated on a double tackle that Vladimir used to weigh the anchor, and said to his friends, "We will go in pairs. Lena and Olin to the north of the city, while Dasha and I go south. We will stay two days and return here. If there is the slightest sense that something might go wrong we will return to where we anchored."The journey of the Spirit of the Explorers continued with the start of the second part of the voyage. That very afternoon they dropped anchor behind some rocks. The friends said goodbye to one another, after some last words from the little captain. "Friends, up until now I’ve had the privilege of leading a very united group. I’ve taken note of the cordiality and respect that has always been present between us. This has given us the strength we’ve needed to face what is to come. I pray that the Great Creator will bring us together here inside of two days. Stanislas and Vladimir will remain on board."Wrapped in an orgy of hugging that only true friends can feel and deliver, the six explorers said goodbye to each other. Dasha and Ulri went to the south, and Lena and Olin took a course to the north. Since the route was a bit long, Dasha and Ulri started talking about their lives. "And Dasha", Ulri began, "What do you remember about humans from your life in the city?""Well, Ulri, I was very small, but I remember that our home was on the upper part of the porch of a Muslim home. My parents told me good things about life in the city as I was learning to fly. As I approached full flight, the autumn trapped me in the middle of the migration. And you know the rest, how I appeared at the beautiful lake.""And the humans?" asked Ulri."In this part of the city, they were very devout with their customs. Only a few got involved with the problems with those from the north. You could recognize them because most that I saw wore turbans.After a while, Lena, and Olin also, had worn out the stories of their lives. Olin asked her if the northern part of the city was beautiful."Yes, Olin, there were quite a few buildings. I lived with my parents over a penthouse that had a beautiful red roof. There was a type of small hill, which was a preferred place for a bohemian watercolor artist. In the days of push-cart vendors, my parents and I went down to a beautiful fountain that was in the center of a large square. The people were very united, and testimony to that were the push-carts. The children ate cookies and played with their colored balloons, and the city band and the choir from the Orthodox Church put all of this gaiety into musical time."On the other side of the woods, they spent their first night. With the first tenuous light of dawn the two explorers appraised the real state of the city. Astonished, Lena and Olin discovered several enormous buildings that were destroyed. There was garbage, and bullet holes around every window and doorframe that they could see."But where did everyone go?" asked Lena.The silence overwhelmed them. And then, remembering the words of Ulri’s grandfather, that their good instincts should guide them, the two friends called out to each other. "Lena!" "Ulri!"With a premonition of disaster, the beautiful young crane took flight carrying her small friend, moments before a mortar shell that would have killed them both exploded nearby. BOOM!"Thank you, Lena. I never wanted to be a bird before, but this is one time I would have been happy to have had a pair of wings."The two of them hid in the rafters of an underground cellar, to protect themselves from a ferocious firefight between two enemy factions in two beautiful buildings. All the noise was maddening to Olin, who said, "But these people don’t even realize that all this noise corrupts, and that it alone is enough to drive them mad."Lena drew him to her and said very slowly, almost whispering too softly to be heard, "Friend, think of the lake "And they stayed that way until everything had died down and the humans had left the area. On the other side of the city, Dasha and Ulri climbed down onto a dry limb that was floating on a small current of water in a canal that crossed the southern part. It frightened them to see the quantity of trucks, men, women, and soldiers. And the numbers of sick and wounded, some too weak to stand. And then the explosions and the rain of fire that seemed to come from the northern part of the city scared them.Dasha flew off in search of a secure haven and found a large warehouse. Even there, wounded were being cared for, and it was also serving as a command post for the international press. Out of concern for her friend Ulri, she returned and found him talking to a large wooly dog. "Oh, Dasha, I was worried about you.""I was worried about you, too. Who is our new friend?""Oh, excuse me. Dasha, this is Otto. Otto, this is my friend Dasha.""Hi, Otto. Why the long face?"With a distant gaze, but with the power of truth in his words, Otto commented, "They’ve taken the best that any city has. The children. They’ve ripped out the green, poisoned the air, destroyed the buildings, and, not content with that, they’ve taken the children. This is true chaos. Look, Ulri, look Dasha. And they immediately saw people approaching in three immense groups, on paths lined with red crosses, and two letters on a sky-blue background. "Have you ever seen anything sadder than that?""No, Ulri. And I agree with Otto. This city and these people only will have hope if they can rebuild the green spaces and bring back the happiness that it once had, with the children that today are gone."Otto added, "It wasn’t like this last year. Not even last spring. These same mothers, proud to be mothers, walked by with their children. Today tears are the permanent make-up on their faces. And grandmothers don’t carry caramels in their purses any more- today only gauze and bandages for some unfortunate soldier that has fallen wounded, and flowers, for some other that they never knew, and never will know. Friends, is there anything sadder than these good-byes?"They stopped in front of the entrance to a church. There, the artificial rain caused by water tanks ruptured by gunfire gave a needed balm for a pigeon and a toad.The second morning for Olin and Lena, on the north side of the city, showed fewer signs of hostility. "Hey, Olin, yesterday before the first explosion, I saw a large bell tower. Want to check it out?""Well, if you hold on tight to me and don’t let me fly like a bat!" And off they went. They flew to the bell tower, and from there they could see the most part of the north of the city."Lena, Lena! Isn’t that where you came from?""Yes! And there’s the place where I was born." It was a very old house on a small hill, half destroyed by some kind of shelling or other "Oh, Olin", said Lena, "I’m dying to know what it’s like inside that place. And if it’s still habitable. Let’s go over." With a little trepidation, Olin answered, "Won’t it be dangerous?" They heard a few isolated gunshots and some whizzing sounds coming from the south."OK, Olin, I’ll go. I promise to return." And Lena flew from the old bell tower toward the old hilltop home. She had the feeling that it was going hold a surprise for her. At least, the most pleasant surprise that a crane could expect. She lit with angelic grace on the doorframe of the old house and with her appeared a thread of sunlight. The happy pounding of her heart caused her to be silent. She returned, distracted, to the bell tower. And much to his surprise, she took Olin to her waist and flew. Olin said, "Remember, mouse, yes, bat, noooooo!"They arrived at a large window and saw a pair of cranes, with their newly born baby. Lena looked perplexed, and Olin spoke up. "Hello, family", and then turned around and looked at Lena, and he said to her, "Look, Lena, there is always room for hope.""This is one of the most beautiful family pictures that I’ve seen, but, do I know you? You’re not Eva, are you?""No, I’m Eva’s daughter. This is my husband Tito. We arrived a little early in the city. Tito found this place, and the war trapped us here. We stayed until Nina, our baby, was able to leave with us. My name is Irina."And so chit-chat ended this important day that proved to Lena that behind all the horror she had lived: there had been a place for a family like that to take shelter, for she had had Nina months earlier. In the next moment the two were crying with happiness. Along with an emotional Olin. "Go and tell this story. Stay there where you belong. For with all the fighting that man has done against man, mother earth and the animals returned to give a new start, with the birth of Nina."Once again, hope was on the rise. With their time up, the two expeditions became one again. "Boy, you guys are late!" said Stanislas. "It’s already mid-afternoon, but you have to be back at the clearing in the woods by nightfall. It’s the only place where we can identify you."And, as with any encounter, they didn’t shy away from hugs and laughs between friends. Everything was like a party, far from the horror that they had just passed through and to which they were mute witnesses. Ulri had a short reunion with all, and gave thanks to the Great Creator for taking care of them."And, Ulri, what was your first thought?" asked Vladimir."Friends, I believe my grandfather was right. Our lives will never be the same after all we’ve seen. They don’t need anyone else to end such an unjust war for them. They only have to put a few of their emotions to one side, like hate, rancor, and greed. And find a reason. Will they be able to rebuild it all? I think so.""I agree completely", said Dasha. "This beautiful city will return to normal when the green spaces and the buildings are rebuilt, and, above all else, when the children return with their parents. They are the future of the city. They must return there. But the children must not pay for the damages done by their elders."And the elders", said Olin, "must work for it. Work to eliminate all this wickedness that you can even feel in the air that we breathe."Poor Stanislas heard it all; but since he had already lost track of half of the reflections, said, "Can you repeat all that again?" Everyone laughed, and continued the festivities on board, which ended with a prayer.""Vladimir, how is the ship?""Ship-shape, and ready to sail."The unenthusiastic dawn invited them to do just that. After first giving blessing every beaver who loved nautical activities like the young Vladimir. They first returned to Drushna’s house. She happily came out to welcome them."You can’t imagine how happy I am to see you!""It was difficult, but not impossible."They took a few provisions and continued on their way, but not before having a delicious lunch with the owner of the home. Everyone in the community had prepared the avenue with numerous colored rocks and a few white lilies in bloom, from the wharf to the hall of the Great Council, for the welcome reception of the explorers. That very afternoon, a small dot appeared on the horizon. And it grew and grew."Yes, it’s them", cried Mama Janna, "it’s the children!""They’re not children any more, mama", said Papa Yuri. "They are courageous young men."A great outcry rose up. A flock of swallows flew by in formation. And the community received their heroes with shouts and hurrahs."Mother! Father! What a reception! Thank you." The entire community surged toward the pier to hug Ulri, Olin, Lena, Dasha, Vladimir, and Stanislas."Son", said Yuri, "your grandfather is here.""Hello, young man. Welcome in the name of the entire swamp community.""Thank you, Grandfather.""You will all get together at the Great Council of the Lake, and they will ask you for your impressions of your trip. But I will stand aside, son, for I can see on your face and that of your friends that it has been a very informative experience.And so it was that in two days the great meeting was organized. The same meeting that was repeated every spring when all the work details were organized, along with the educational tasks, etc. But by the enthusiasm of the members of the Great Council, one could tell that this meeting would be different. Everyone came. The Hall of the Great Council, a type of natural amphitheater, came to order, presided over by Ulri’s grandfather.Natasha the swan, moderator of the session, spoke. "This session will come to order. All members of all species are present. The purpose of this meeting is to learn the results of the expedition of de Ulri, Olin, Dasha, Lena, Vladimir and Stanislas.""Thank you, dear Natasha. Young Ulri Miclo will speak."Ulri walked up to the podium. "Friends What drove us was our curiosity to learn about human beings, and the civilization that they have, beyond the forest of spruce trees. From other members of this community, we knew that there were places and times of a sane coexistence in spite of the differences between them. But it is not the same today. Friends We saw hate, rancor, pain, sadness, and desolation. Few wild animals remain there. And few humans living in dignified conditions. And above all, the children. Those who make all things possible were what we thought about most. Life for man is an immense struggle between flesh and spirit. When both sides of the scale are equal, there is peace and harmony in man. When this scale tips to one side, hatreds and discords are disgorged in terrible situations such as we have seen. But, friends, there is war there. But we have also been witnesses to a ray of hope, and we, the animals, will continue to set the example.""Well, those are the words of my grandson, Ulri. The Supreme Council will analyze this invaluable testimony. This whole expedition has certainly filled me with pride."Then Natasha spoke. "This session is closed, and everyone is invited to return tomorrow.""Hip, Hip, Hooray! Hip, Hip, Hooray! Hip, Hip, Hooray!"And it is told that this healthy custom continues each spring, and the spirit of the explorers is renewed. Everything settled by work, happiness, and well being. In spite of the differences of each species of the great swampy community. In the country of Croatia.------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------From Bahia Blanca - Argentina. My city and my country .-------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------Eternal Gratefully at Mr Bruce Marshal to translated this tale.My First Tale.Dedicated to the child around the world.My gratefully too... to the people that help me to write... the original version in spanish.An special recognition at MRS DIANA animadonna@cg.yu that live in Macedonia Yugoslavia .For your words lovely words.

Mi muy apreciada comunidad seal....

El penúltimo Blog, corresponde a un conjunto de anécdotas mias.

El último Blog, hago tributo a la sinceridad de este gran hombre, Coquito Rodrigues a quien pude conocer, alguna vez. Tal vez realice un nuevo cuento, para retratar y dimensionar A LAS AGUILAS AUSTRALES DEL BIM Nº 5 esc. UNIDAD de ELITE a la que alguna vez volví de PASEO en 1988

Un Mendocino de LEY, Coquito.