A view from the side-lines: Poseidon’s Wrath

If anyone outside of scouts were to ask me, “Hey Mia, how was the regatta? Anything interesting happen?” I would reply that no, it was a totally normal and boring day… Well for me at least. Now, don’t get me wrong nothing truly terrible happened. No one died and all sandwiches remained non-soggy. HOWEVER, that doesn’t mean it was completely boring. It was different to view things from an outside perspective and, like the good Springbok Scout I was. I documented all things that stood out to me (bearings may or may not be included). I hope you enjoy.

There was a clear blue sky, the wind was similar to a breeze that would pass through the meadows on a hot summers day. The smell of melting ice-cream wafted through the air and children of all ages scampered around as if they were going to band together and fight some huge monster that would ravage their imaginary world. Everything was calm, peaceful even nothing could disrupt this meditative ti-

“YOUR BOAT WAS ALMOST ON TOP OF OURS”,

“ITS NOT OUR FAULT THAT YOUR’S DOESN’T KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO GIVE WAY!”

“Um guys, I think Boat 22 just capsized.”

“Rescue what are you doing! don’t just stand there! help them!”

“Honestly Mia, what is going on with them, the boat can sail with a little water in it- STOP BAILING JUST GO!!!”

Yep, a totally calm day. You see my dear readers, it had obviously had been a long quarantine and people were reaching the end of their rope (excuse the pun). To the scouts and scouters it almost seemed as if Poseidon was suddenly going to rise from the depths of the vlei and punish them for their sins. I however, was just chilling. Julie if you are reading this ,thank you for the ice cream. However, next time I would like to request some popcorn to enjoy the show. Speaking of said show, it went like this:

While he did not technically wreck his wrath over the scouters and sailors. Poseidon god of seas (and all water) definitely had influence in other ways. You see, it may have just been me. An old lady that had spent far too long inside, with her nose in a book and tea on the go. Maybe, I was just hallucinating the whole thing. I mean my doctor did say I had to drink more… (water just to clarify). But, no I don’t believe that could ever be true, because even my imagination couldn’t have made this out.

I was calmly relaxing on the green. Right next to the vlei (which smells worse than a scout after summer camp), next to one of the scouters and my friend, when the wind seemed to pick up in warning. The horn (signifying the crossing of the finish line) was blaring in the background, the clouds an ominous greyish black (all sequences in this blog may or may not be exaggerated for finesse) swirling in a vortex as scouts of 1stMuizenberg tunnel visioned onto Boat 22. “Man down!” Juniors screamed as they ran for cover. “Boat down!” scouters screamed as Boat 22 was bulldozed over. By a boat that will not be named. (for its troop will reign down hell fire on the writer of this blog). Boats crashed together, the sound worse than nails on a chalkboard, than guns blazing over a war field, to the scouters ears. These scouters dropped like flies, falling to their knees as boats scrapped against each other. Screaming to the sky; “WHY CAN’T THEY JUST UNDERSTAND THE RULES OF THE ROAD!” tears spattered down as a scout emerged looking like a drowned rat clutching his dying phone, he let out an agonising shout, “how will I ask my parents to buy Kontiki merchandise?!”

It was a truly terrible sight to behold. Something no child should ever have to witness. But this was just the beginning. The light shone through the clouds as if Poseidon had truly decided they had suffered enough. Giving scouts and parents alike a ray of hope before the chaos rained down again on the water. The rescue boat helping the innocent souls who seemed to have been swept under the chaos. Was a beacon of hope as it towed Boat 22 back to land. Only to be intercepted by the servant of chaos, known by many to be helper of Poseidon, Boat 21!

Many will know that the Blaauwberg scouts are not quite like the rest of us. Instead of suffering under the chaos, threatening to subdue even the strongest of people they thrive in it! Boat 21 cleaved a path through the rescue boat’s tow line refusing to back down. Those on and off the rescue boat stood in shock as it mercilessly rammed its way through, straining the rope like an over excited border collie. The boat was relentless, until the helmsman forced it back under control and took off again like a mighty stead (having been satisfied after its meal of chaos) leaving behind some frazzled crew.

Finally it was calm again, land lovers alike watched as a scarred Muizenberg scout shakily bailed out the water in the boat. Looking as if someone had stepped on their puppy. In the distance you could see a couple helmsman collapse onto the green for a well-deserved nap. Everything was quiet. Well, except for the two scouters talking about the opposing boat five meters apart as if the other could not hear them.

Yes that is where I will end off, a happy ending even if I do say so myself. For the concerned parents reading this. Don’t worry, this is a completely normal Regatta that has totally not been exaggerated for entertainment purposes. To those sailors who took part this regatta thank you so much for allowing me the inspiration to write this quick blog and yes, you all were amazing out there (especially to have been able to survive Poseidon’s wrath). To the scouters, I promise, you will one day recover. It may not seem like it now but disagreements will be forgotten and your boat will one day be repaired. Believe it or not, the scouts will one day learn (I know right) no matter how many capsizes it may take (my record is one every regatta) and docks they destroy (two on my part) it will all be worth it in the end. Now go grab yourselves a drink you definitely deserved it

Yours in Scouting

Part-time Springbok Scout

Somewhat of a writer

Blaauwberg and Muizenberg born chaos watcher

Mia Ehlers