Palmreach: the island plan
One island in Archipelago. A promising waterfall, a suspiciously peaceful village, and a jerboa that has already claimed the best view.
PALMREACH — A SURVIVOR’S VERY OPTIMISTIC ISLAND PLAN
I have made a map. This feels like excellent progress for someone who spent yesterday negotiating with rocks.
For the record: Palmreach is an island in Archipelago. Not the whole world. If this turns out to be paradise, there are other islands to investigate. If it eats me, please send the search party to the correct one.
FIRST STOP: THE WATERFALL
Found a pool so clear I could see the stones on the bottom. A waterfall feeds it from the cliffs, and a little stream carries the water towards the sea. Naturally, I have marked it “possible camp”. My survival instincts have marked it “something large probably drinks here”.
There may be room for a rope bridge across the cove. I have written “check rope” in the margin, rather than my usual approach of checking it halfway across.
A VILLAGE, A DOCK, AND ABSOLUTELY NO ESTATE AGENT
The sheltered shore would make a fine fishing village: thatched roofs, boats pulled onto the sand, and a dock pointing out into turquoise water. Somewhere to arrive, get your bearings, and announce that this expedition is going splendidly before the jungle proves otherwise.
I can already picture the view from the dock. I cannot yet picture who will repair it after I park a raft sideways. Probably me.
THE STRAIGHT BIT IN THE JUNGLE
I have pencilled a runway through the island’s centre. A wonderfully practical idea, provided I eventually acquire something that flies and remember to remove the trees first.
Further inland: thick jungle, weathered stone and the outline of an ancient temple. An excellent place to discover history, treasure, or a compelling reason to run back to the beach.
LOCAL LANDOWNERS
A small jerboa has taken possession of a sunlit rock overlooking the sea. It pays no rent, contributes nothing to the expedition, and has somehow chosen a better campsite than I have. I respect its methods.
That quieter stretch of coast deserves a place in the plan too. Not every discovery needs teeth. Although I remain prepared to be corrected.
EVENING REPORT
Today’s sketches give Palmreach a direction: worn coastal rocks, clear pools, little paths between landmarks, and a village that makes you want to step off the raft and explore.
Tomorrow we begin turning the nice ideas into awkwardly placed terrain. Supplies required: patience, rope, and a deeply unreasonable amount of tea.
Final note: do not let the jerboa draw the route. It only marks snacks.
Gallery
