Y’all, I’m really not sure what’s still around. This list is somewhat edited, but please still make sure to check on all the regular events before you make big plans – I may have missed something.
Events are listed by the day. Events that happen every week appear first, one time stuff after that. If you have anything you’d like people to know about, comment here or message me and I’ll add it in. If you’d like further info about any of the events, look it up! I usually don’t have any extra to add.
Large Scale, Ongoing, and Multi-Day Events

Local Running, Walking, and Biking Info: https://troubleafoot.blogspot.com/
Guided Paddling Outings all around the area: https://www.facebook.com/hsmithoutdoors
Tallahassee Film Society Showings: https://www.tallahasseefilms.com/tickets/
Book Clubs for all tastes: https://www.facebook.com/midtownreadeevents
Live Theater:

• Making Light Productions: https://www.makinglightproductions.org/
  
• Theatre Tallahassee: https://theatretallahassee.org/
  
• Mickee Faust Club: https://www.mickeefaust.com/
  
• Monticello Opera House: https://www.monticellooperahouse.org/
  
• FSU School of Theatre: https://theatre.fsu.edu/productions/
  
• Young Actors Theatre: https://www.youngactorstheatre.com/
  
• Quincy Music Theatre: https://quincymusictheatre.com/
  
• Tallahassee Hispanic Theater: https://tallahasseehispanictheater.wordpress.com/
  

OutdooFarmer’s Markets:

• Lake Ella Grower's Market: Wednesday and Saturday, 11am-2pm. You can always find organic vendors, and foragers: The Holistic Cannabis Community, Artzi Farms, Hickory Nut Gifts, and others. Including Pita Queen! Farmer's Market Nutrition Program Coupons gladly accepted!
  
• Tallahassee Downtown Market: Saturdays, 10am-2pm, Park Ave Parks. Vendors display their arts and fine crafts, jewelry, handmade soap, pottery, Fresh from Florida produce, hand-raised beef and pork, fresh baked bread, jams and jellies, and honey. Live music from different local musicians every Saturday.
  
• Frenchtown Heritage Market: 524 N MLK Jr Blvd. Third Saturday of the month 10am to 2pm. Come grow community and support your local farmers and makers, while you get your groceries for the week! Don’t forget! We match SNAP/EBT, so you DOUBLE your money to go towards locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables! If the guy with the pineapple is there, get it. This is currently only happening on the third Saturday of the month for the next few months while road work is completed.
  
• Tallahassee Farmers Market: 2904 Kerry Forest Pkwy, Saturdays, 8am to Noon. Come see us at Tallahassee's longest-running farmers market! We are a year-round market, featuring local farms and vendors that provide the best seasonal produce, meats, baked goods, and more. We welcome you and your whole family (leashed pets included) to come out and meet your local farmers! Ample parking is available between our lot and the shopping center lot next door (by Red Elephant). Come early for the best selection.
  

THURSDAY, 5/16

• The Hub at Feather Oaks: Bingo. 6pm
  
• Dreamland BBQ: Weekly Open Blues Jam. If you'd like to sing, please bring your own mic. 6pm
  
• Honest Living Vape: Chess-Master Thursdays . Beginners and experts, join us every Thursday from 6-9 for Chess-Master Thursdays. All ages. Bring your board or play ours! Tournaments coming soon! 6pm
  
• Lake Tribe: Trivia. 7pm
  
• Takko Market Square: Bingo Night. 7pm
  
• The Getaway Grille and Bar: Karaoke with Jared Walker. 7pm
  
• Amicus Brewing: Trivia. 7pm
  
• Smitty's Taphouse: Trivia Lab Thursdays. Teams of 6 or fewer players can compete for $30 / $20 / $10 Prizes + The Golden MacGuffin prize table! New format! Interactive smartphone answering for your comfort and safety! 6 Fun Rounds - 42 Total Questions. 7:30pm
  
• Studio D: Bachata Fever. We always have a bachata workshop at 8 pm before Bachata Fever. We dance afterwards to the sounds of DJ Bacharod. The class is at 8 pm and Bachata Fever will start at 930 pm. Many times people are learning in class and may feel uncomfortable social dancing while they are still learning moves. We have a welcoming environment so stay and have fun and dance with everyone. That is how we learn. 8pm/Class $5/Bachata Fever $5.
  
• The Sound Bar: Comedy Night. 8pm
  
• Finnegans Wake: Open Mic. 8:30pm
  
• Brass Tap in Midtown: Karaoke with DJ Rah. 9pm
  
• 926: Karaoke. 9pm
  
• Bird’s: Karaoke with Nathan. 9pm
  

• Fire Bettys: Slasher Bash. This week we'll be showing: "Zombeavers". Prepare for an evening of horrific hilarity with comedy narration and devilish drinking games!🍻 Hosted by local comedians. 8pm/21+
  
• Blue Tavern: Seep's Gumbo Nation ft. Shanice Richards. 8pm
  

FRIDAY, 5/17

• Blue Tavern: Happy Hour with Steve Malono. 5pm
  
• Lake Tribe Brewing: Flannel Fridays with Live Music. 6pm
  
• Hobbit West: Friday Night Dart Tournament. Anyone can Enter! Sign ups at 7:30, Darts fly at 8:00/$10 entry fee
  
• Ouzts Too: Karaoke with DJ Nathan. Best karaoke DJ in town. 8pm
  
• Just One More: Karaoke with DJ Rah. 9pm-11pm/21+
  
• 926: The Hot Friday Night Party and Drag Show. 9pm/$5/18+
  

• The Hub at Feather Oaks: Rachel Hillman. 5:30pm
  
• Lake Tribe: Ben Wentworth. 5:30pm
  
• Amicus Brewing: The Tanglers. 6pm
  
• The Getaway Grille and Bar: One Year Anniversary Celebration Featuring Queen of Hearts Band. 6pm
  
• Southwood Golf Club: The Rhythm Remedy. 6:30pm
  
• Goodwood: The Big Bash Havana Nights presented by Brent Hartsfield. The Big Bash is Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend's signature fundraising gala of the year and directly supports the agency's youth mentoring programs. Guests will enjoy Cuban Cuisine, champagne mojitos, cigars, flights, classic cars, photo opportunities, silent auction vacation packages, LIVE music and dancing, and an exciting LIVE salsa dance performance from 12 community volunteers! The event is a tremendous networking opportunity for Tallahassee's top business professionals, local community leaders and philanthropists to come together to enjoy an evening to celebrate the achievements of Big Brothers Big Sisters. 7pm
  
• Blue Tavern: Wil Fulkerson Jazz Night. 8pm
  
• House of Music: Belly Dancing: Journey From The Nile To The Tigris. Habibi, join us on a groovy carpet ride across ancient deserts: Disco Iskandar embarks on a voyage of belly dance, folklore, cinema, and history in a theatrical dance production, JOURNEY FROM THE NILE TO THE TIGRIS. Highlighting the prominence of belly dance in films of the Middle East from the 1940s through the 1970s, we present a live showcase exhibiting dances from Egypt, Turkey, Iraq, and beyond. It goes so much deeper than you think. Hookahs! Swords! Rhinestones, literally everywhere! This cross section of entertainment and education is the culmination of years of obsessive learning, two national tours, and travels to Egypt & Lebanon. JOURNEY FROM THE NILE TO THE TIGRIS is a trip unlike any other-- where the Middle East meets Vegas. This show’s cast is Gabi Corazon, Gia Bee, Liz Azi, Olya Clark, Vania Ojeda, director Veronica Lynn, and special guest star Omaris! 8pm/$15/21+
  
• The Sound Bar: The Old Schoolers. 8pm
  
• Vino Beano: Your Scumbag Neighbors. 8pm
  
• The Bark: Medians, No Yeah, Sleep John B, and Cloud Storage. 8pm
  

SATURDAY, 5/18

• Brinkley Glen Park: Invasive Plant Removal. Join Master Gardener Volunteers at this weekly invasive plant removal event. This is a great way to learn to ID our invasive plant species and how to remove them. We recommend wearing long pants and sleeves, closed-toed shoes, gloves, a hat and mosquito spray. Bring gardening tools such as hand clippers, loppers, trowels, etc. if you have them. We are removing coral ardisia bushes and berries, nandina, tung trees, Tradescantia flumenensis, cat's claw vine, winged yam, Japanese climbing fern, skunkvine and more. Directions: The best way to get there is to take Meridian Rd to Waverly Rd, go to the next intersection and turn left onto Abbotsford Way, then turn left at the next road called Woodside Dr. At the stop sign turn left onto Lothian. Lothian ends in a cul-de-sac and there is a sign that says Brinkley Glen Park. 8:30am-11:30am
  
• Gamescape: Saturday Gaming. Gamescape has relocated from Railroad Square to the Huntington Oaks Plaza (Suite 302, next to the Library) at N Monroe St and Fred George Rd. Open gaming tables are available. Noon-6pm
  
• Duke’s and Dottie’s: Line Dancing Plus Lessons. 7pm/21+
  
• Bird’s Oyster Shack: Laughterday Night Fever. * Join us every Saturday at Bird's Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack for a free comedy show!* 8:30pm
  
• 926: Latin Night. Dance to the irresistible beats of Zeus and prepare to be dazzled by a spectacular drag show at midnight. It's more than a party, it's an experience. 9:30pm/$10 21+, $15 under 21
  

• Crawfordville: Big Bend Biodiversity Tour. See why our area is so ecologically incredible! Get up close and personal with creatures and plants galore. Join expert guide and outdoor educator, Ryan Means for this limited opportunity to tour the Apalachicola Lowlands Preserve. The day-long trip stops at points along the way to the privately-owned preserve nestled deep in the Apalachicola National Forest near Sumatra, FL. Explore the longleaf pine ecosystem, pitcher plant bogs, ephemeral wetlands, and blackwater streams - home to some threatened and endangered species. Learn what makes the Florida Panhandle one of the five richest biodiversity hotspots in North America. Perfect tour for photographers, outdoor enthusiasts and ecologists. $75 tour fee includes round-trip transportation (from 46 Kinsey Rd, Crawfordville, FL) , complimentary beverages, and supports efforts to preserve the incredible biodiversity of the Southeastern Coastal Plain. Spaces limited. Register here: https://coastalplains.networkforgood.com/events/71083-big-bend-biodiversity-tour for full details. 8am
  
• Dreamland BBQ: Rock Type One to None. Let's rock to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes! The Unicorn Wranglers are back on Saturday, May 18th at Dreamland BBQ in Tallahassee, Florida for the 2024 "Rock One to None" show. This show is benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) and will feature musical guests Midnight Caravan, Fallen Timber, and the Unicorn Wranglers. The show starts at 4 pm and runs until 7 pm at Dreamland BBQ in Music Alley, and is open to all ages. While the show is free, we encourage all rockers attending to donate to the cause. You can contribute at the show by visiting our donation station or by heading over to our online Unicorn Wranglers team page. Together, as one big mosh pit, we can help cure Type 1 Diabetes. 3pm
  
• The Hub at Feather Oaks: Ethan Kyllonen. 4pm
  
• Amicus Brewing: Beza Alford and Rev. Dr. Sheldon Steen. 5pm
  
• Lake Tribe: Flamingo Party. 6pm
  
• The Getaway Grille and Bar: Billy Rigsby Band. 6pm
  
• Vino Beano: Brett & "Dangerous" Dave. 6pm
  
• Salty Dawg: Hot Mess. 6:30pm
  
• La Tiendita: Rhys Bennett & the Gringos as Vontade. Join us for an energetic evening filled with the vibrant sounds of Latin music, Brazilian beats, and jazz rhythms. Our local band, Rhys Bennett & the Gringos, will transform into the versatile ensemble Vontade, treating you to a delightful mix of rancheras, bossa nova, and more! Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a newcomer to the dance floor, you're in for a fantastic time at one of Tallahassee's hidden gems. Immerse yourself in a night of cultural fusion and musical celebration that is sure to create lasting memories! 6:30pm
  
• The Sound Bar: Tillman & Taff. 7pm
  
• Island Wings: Midnight Caravan. 7pm
  
• The Bark: Saturnalia, Brass Wizard, Van Season, and Psycho Tropical. 8pm
  
• Fire Bettys: 80's Video Dance Party. 8pm
  
• Just One More: One Eyed JAK. 9pm
  

SUNDAY, 5/19

• Bicycle House: Sunday Ride. Ride at 10:30 AM from Bicycle House. We will ride the Cascades trail to the St Marks trail and down to Wakulla station and return, about 31 miles. Ride speed is 12 to 14 mph, with periodic regroups. Vernon Bailey is the ride leader. Vernon is a new CCC member who’s been biking for 50 years enjoys riding with small groups and weekend touring. 10am
  
• E Peck Greene Park (Behind the LeRoy Collins Library): Food Not Bombs Free Mealshare. We offer free vegetarian/vegan food, water, coffee, personal care & hygiene products, bus passes, and clothing when we have some available to those in need. Contact foodnotbombstally@gmail.com to find out about getting involved. Noon-2pm
  
• LeRoy Collins Library: Tallahassee Go Club Meetings. Come play the captivating ancient game of Go, also known as Baduk, with some friendly games and discussions. Beginners welcome. Visit https://www.tallahasseegoclub.com for more information. 1pm
  
• Gamescape: Pokémon League. Come learn, play, and trade with the Pokémon Trading Card Game and the Pokémon video games! We LOVE seeing new players, so come learn how to play! We play both the Trading Card Game and the Video Game casually and competitively. The store offers lots of different seating arrangements to meet our group's needs, as well as food, drinks, and Pokémon products for purchase. We are also hold regular, officially sanctioned tournaments for Pokémon Trading Card Game and Video Game Competitions! 2-4pm
  
• The Plant: Open Jam. All instruments, all players welcome. 4pm-9pm
  
• Pedro’s: Mariachi Clasico. 6pm
  
• Fermentation Lounge: Open Mic Night Hosted by Conor Churchill. 7pm
  

• Ology Powermill: Marauders Market. Noon
  
• The Hub at Feather Oaks: The Barber Bros. 1pm-4pm
  
• Goodwood: Ice Cream Social. Get ready for a spectacular day of family fun at Goodwood Museum & Gardens! Treat your taste buds to a family fun day of FREE ice cream, FREE crafts for the kids, FREE activities, and more, all on the beautiful Goodwood grounds. Family-friendly musical entertainment will be provided by The Safari Man, who will have everyone tapping their feet and dancing along to his whimsical tunes. 1pm
  
• Common Ground Books: Contemporary Queer Poetry Book Club: Time is a Mother. This month, we’ll be reading “Time is a Mother” by Ocean Vuong. “In this deeply intimate second poetry collection, Ocean Vuong searches for life among the aftershocks of his mother's death, embodying the paradox of sitting within grief while being determined to survive beyond it. Vivid, brave and propulsive, Vuong's poems contend with personal loss, the meaning of family, and the value of joy in a perennially fractured American spirit. The author of the critically acclaimed poetry collection Night Sky with Exit Wounds, winner of the 2016 Whiting Award, the 2017 T. S. Eliot Prize and a 2019 MacArthur fellow, Vuong writes directly to our humanity without losing sight of the current moment. Bold and prescient, and a testament to tenderness in the face of violence, Time is a Mother is a return and a forging-forth all at once.” 6pm
  

MONDAY, 5/20

• Just One More: Bingo. 5pm-6:30pm
  
• The Getaway Grille and Bar: Margarita Monday, Open-Mic Night hosted by The Saltwater Cowboy. 5:30pm-8pm
  
• American Legion Hall: Cha Cha - Weekly Lessons. 6:15pm/$5
  
• Hangar 38: Bingo. 6:45pm
  
• Vino Beano: Tipsy Trivia. 7pm
  

TUESDAY, 5/21

• Blue Tavern: Happy Hour. 5pm
  
• The Getaway Grille: Tuesday Night Bikes and Trikes. 6pm
  
• Crafty Crab: BOOMIN' Karaoke. 7pm
  
• Gamescape: Hobby Night. Slay the grey together! Join your fellow gamers and turn your pile of grey miniatures into a battle ready army. Need some painting tips? Feel free to ask at hobby night. You can bring any miniature for any game to paint. 7pm
  
• Ology Midtown: Jazz Jam Sessions. 7pm
  
• Island Wings: Trivia. 7pm
  
• Brass Tap in Midtown: Trivia. 1st Tuesday of the month is General Knowledge with rotating themes the rest of the month. 7pm
  
• House of Music: Tuesday Trivia & Karaoke. 7pm
  
• American Legion Hall: Tallahassee Swing Band Tuesday Night Dance. 7:30pm
  
• Fire Bettys: Comedy Night. 8pm
  
• Poor Pauls: Trivia. 8pm/21+
  
• Blue Tavern: Bluesday Tuesday with Bill Ricci. Every Tuesday is Blues Day @ the Blue Tavern and Blues Meets Girl is a Tallahassee favorite. This perfect, intimate venue provides just what you need for both a mid-week break and authentic blues music experience. 8pm/$5
  
• 4th Quarter: Professor Jim's Tuesday Night Trivia. Popular for a reason! 8pm
  
• Argonaut Coffee: Trivia Tuesday. 8pm
  
• The Sound Bar: Karaoke. 8pm
  
• Fire Betty’s: Open Mic Comedy Night. 8pm/21+
  
• 926: Tacos and Trivia. 9pm
  

• Tallahassee Junior Museum: Basic Blacksmith Skills Program. Light your curiosity at our upcoming Basic Blacksmith Skills Program! Join our resident blacksmith, Michael Murphy, as he shares his history of being a Smitty. Participants will be able to keep the fire going, sling a hammer, and throw knives during this two hour lecture program. This is an outdoor event. Must preregister online at tallahasseemuseum.org/events. This program is free for members and regular admission price for non-members. 10am

WEDNESDAY, 5/22

• Sugar and Spice Tally: Game Night. Join us every Wednesday Night for community game night. Bring your own or use ours! Let me know if you need to reserve space for a large group. Free to attend! 5pm
  
• Goodwood: Wonderful Wednesday. 6pm/$5
  
• Level 8 Rooftop Lounge: Trivia. 6pm
  
• La Florida Coffee & Wine: Trivia Night. 6pm
  
• The Great Games Library: Open Game Night. 6pm/free
  
• American Legion Hall: Sue Boyd Country Western and More Dance Class. Session 2 - Beginner 6:30 to 7:45 pm What: East Coast Swing and Waltz. Cost: $8.00 per person. Wear comfortable shoes you can turn in. 7:45 to 8:15 - Practice dance with paid admission. 8:15 to 9:30: Intermediate - 2 Step and WCS. $8.00 per person or $13.00 for both classes. Vaccines are required. Face masks are optional. Changing partners is optional. 6:30pm
  
• Perry Lynn’s Smokehouse in Quincy: Wed Night Open Mic w/ Steven Ritter and Friends. 6:30pm
  
• Hangar 38: Trivia. 6:45pm
  
• Proof: Trivia. 7pm
  
• Vino Beano: Wine Bingo. 7pm
  
• Fermentation Lounge: Trivia. 7pm
  
• Blue Tavern: Wednesday Open Mic with Doc Russell. The open mic night that has run continuously for almost 20 years, once housed at the Warehouse, lives on at the Blue Tavern. Doc Russell continues as the host with the most. Sign up starts at 7:45pm/free to attend
  
• House of Music: Bar Bingo! Free to Play & Late Night Karaoke. 7pm
  
• Fire Betty’s: Karaoke! 8pm/21+/free
  
• Dukes and Dotties: College Night and Line Dancing Lessons. 8pm
  
• Finnegans Wake: Trivia. 8pm
  
• The Sound Bar: Open Mic Night. 8pm
  
• The Bark: Karaoke with DJ Nathan. Best karaoke DJ in town. 9pm
  
• Peppers: Karaoke. 9pm
  
• 926: Dragged Out Wednesday. 10pm
  

1. Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci (1503-1506) Known for her enigmatic smile, the Mona Lisa is one of the most famous and recognized portraits in the world, housed in the Louvre Museum, Paris​ (Biography Online)​​ (Art in Context)​.
2. Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh (1889) This iconic painting, depicting a swirling night sky over a tranquil town, showcases Van Gogh's unique style and emotional depth, and it is displayed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City​ (Artistro)​.
3. The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dalí (1931) Famous for its melting clocks, this surrealist masterpiece explores the fluidity of time and reality and is exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art, New York City​ (Artistro)​.
4. The Sistine Chapel Ceiling by Michelangelo (1508-1512) Michelangelo’s epic frescoes in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, including the iconic Creation of Adam, are considered some of the greatest achievements in Western art​ (Biography Online)​.
5. Guernica by Pablo Picasso (1937) This powerful black-and-white mural captures the horrors of the Spanish Civil War and is on display at the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid​ (Art in Context)​.
6. The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijn (1642) Known for its dramatic use of light and shadow, this large group portrait of a city militia is one of Rembrandt’s most famous works, housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam​ (Artistro)​​ (Biography Online)​.
7. The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli (c. 1484-1486) Celebrating the goddess Venus emerging from the sea, this Renaissance masterpiece is held in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence​ (Artistro)​.
8. The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch (c. 1500-1505) This triptych, filled with fantastical and surreal imagery, is one of the most intricate and mysterious paintings from the Northern Renaissance, housed in the Prado Museum in Madrid​ (Time Out Worldwide)​.
9. The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck (1434) This detailed and symbolic double portrait is a masterpiece of early oil painting, exhibited in the National Gallery, London​ (Time Out Worldwide)​.
10. Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix (1830) Depicting the July Revolution in France, this dynamic and patriotic painting is displayed in the Louvre Museum, Paris​ (Artistro)​.

Part 1

The official story is that I hit my head. According to the lawyer I wasn't lucid enough to be a reliable witness, and honestly, I'm starting to believe that might be the truth. It's certainly easier to accept that everything was all just some nightmare.
But if my mind wasn't playing tricks on me, and those fuck-heads didn’t have anything to do with my friend’s disappearance, then there truly is no explanation for what happened.
My therapist and parents both agree. The best way to preserve my sanity is to chalk it all up to my imagination. But I see understanding in their eyes when I recount the events. They want to believe me, I know it. That alone is enough to fuel my doubt.
—
School had begun that September with mourning. I only knew the guy who passed away by face and name. It had happened a month after his graduation, and two months before his first year at Cornell.
During the intercom-ordered moment of silence, I looked out through the classroom. Some were bored, some cried. Many shifted in their seats and were glancing around, like myself, counting every second till the awkwardness would end.
It ended sooner than we thought when a kid with sports goggles a size too big bouncing on his face slammed the door open, obliviously clarifying his attendance.
I'm embarrassed to say that this kid, Aiden, was the only friend I had made in high school until this point. I have a hard time introducing myself to others, but being friends with a prepubescent outcast wasn't making that any easier.
After middle school, my family moved to the small village we live in now. It was a brainless choice because my Mom had found better work, my Dad wanted to be closer to his aging parents, and I desperately wanted out of my old school.
Aiden was the first kid to introduce himself when I transferred last year. I realized he was the token 'weird kid' way too late to make it into any social circles. I know it sounds like I'm a shit friend, but that's the way our relationship turned out. Sure, we told our parents and teachers we were friends, but in reality, it was more a tolerance than friendship.
After all, we didn't have anyone else.
For once, I was thankful for Aiden's lack of awareness. It gave me something to focus on instead of the depressing silence strangling the room.
After realizing his mistake, he whispered an apology, sat down, and pulled out an insect encyclopedia from his book bag. What a nerd.
I distracted myself by reading the book from over his shoulder, and before I knew it, lights were turned back on and class began in earnest.
—
I was able to learn what had happened by eavesdropping on hallway gossip between my classes.
Eight kids, six seniors and two juniors, had found a cave in a region of forest known as Skeleton Park. With that discovery, they decided to add spelunking to their pre-graduation bucket list.
Skeleton Park is the setting of countless local ghost stories, which made it a hot spot for rebellious teen antics. Kids would do everything there: party, drink, smoke, fuck, and everything in between. They even crawled around in caves apparently.
When I first moved, I was a skeptic with no intent of exploring the woods. But one creepy phenomenon always unnerved me. For some reason, animals completely avoided the area.
I initially dismissed this as fiction, like all the other folk tales, until I started walking my dog, Paddy, along the town's bike trail.
The trail runs parallel to the remains of a stone wall outlining Skeleton Park. The first couple of times I walked along it, I didn't notice anything peculiar. But after my Dad first told me about the rumors, I became aware that the area was unnaturally silent. No birds chirped in the trees, no flies buzzing, and no rustling from rodents or any other animals.
Even more surreal, on several occasions I saw deer stop at the wall and walk along it instead of passing through the area. It was like there was an invisible border they refused to cross.
With this context, I'm sure you can understand the reaction of the locals when eight kids entered, and only seven escaped two days later, traumatized and bruised.
Honestly, I was surprised to not have heard about the event over the summer, closer to when it happened. Even more strange though, was how unwilling Aiden was to talk about the incident.
He was the kind of kid who had a strong opinion about everything. On top of that, he was constantly bringing up horror movies, or Creepypastas he had found online. But when I asked his opinion on this summer's events during recess, he only shrugged. Despite the nonchalant response, the look on his face told me that it bothered him. So I didn’t press, and let the subject go.
At the time I'd guessed that he might've had some connection to the kid that went missing. In a way, he did.
—
After an exhausting day of attempts from teachers to console their students with speeches, candy, and exceptional lenience, I was ready to go home.
I expected to find Aidan at the usual spot by the bike racks, where we met each day to walk home. Instead, there was an audience next to the bikes, forming a ring around two disheveled figures.
The flying fists and shouting could only mean one thing, so I kept my distance. Then I heard Aidan yell center, “Fucker!’ and saw a glimpse of his face spitting from a bloody mouth onto the other fighter.
Even though his back was to me, I could tell Aidan’s opponent was easily 5 inches, and 60 pounds heavier than my friend.
Teachers didn’t arrive to break up the fight before the two were on the ground, Aidan mounted with arms up, desperately trying to block blows.
A whistle was blown, and people began running away as my math teacher desperately tried to pry the football player off of Aidan.
He fought back the grown man and was finally pulled away when two more adults rushed to help. The boy was screaming at Aiden with carnal rage.
"You're a fucking liar! How dare you, I'm going to fucking kill you if I ever see you again!"
Aidan was still screaming too, but backed away willingly.
"I'm telling the truth dumbass! You were trespassing! You should be lucky we didn't press charges!"
Aiden looked bad but waved the teachers off whenever they asked if he was OK. Blood poured from his forehead, mouth, and nose. He had at least one black eye.
The other guy, I learned from the crowd, was one of the two juniors who had gone to the cave. He didn't have as many cuts or bruises but was supporting his weight on one leg and his friend's shoulder. Multiple teachers forced him into a chair while they waited for a nurse to arrive.
While the crowd control was distracted, Aiden sneaked over to me and whispered that we needed to get out of there. A couple of minutes later, the two of us were walking home like nothing had ever happened.
It took me a while before I dared to ask Aiden for the full story. He didn't even let me finish my question, which let me know he was more or less his usual self.
"My family inherited the property everyone calls Skeleton Park. It's not haunted, it's not toxic, it's not the home of a satanic sex cult; it's just a piece of forest that's been in my family for a couple of generations."
He spat a dribble of red onto the sidewalk, and I realized I'd never seen Aiden get violent before. We had our share of bullying this past year, but he would always shrug it off and laugh. He wouldn't even try to fight back. We would just get pushed around a bit, and he'd make a quip afterward about the guys' weight or smell.
"Every summer, my dad and I drive around the perimeter putting up trespassing signs, and every year they get ripped down. We get police calls once a month during the summer that somebody came limping out of there with a broken arm or leg, and they have the balls to demand we do something about it. It's not our fault nobody follows the law around here. It's the fucking woods, and it's our private property. What the hell are we even supposed to do?"
To be honest, I hadn't even considered Skeleton Park could've been private property. Though I believed everything Aiden said, I had never seen any signs along the border wall. Embarrassed from being one of those trespassers, I looked away and stayed silent as Aiden continued.
"The area is just too big. There are too many places to enter, and there's no way to block it all off. Though it's not like that'll stop anybody. I feel bad that somebody died, but I'm also a little bit thankful. Maybe now, people will think twice before messing around out there."
We walked in silence until reaching the junction where we would have to part ways. I was tired and wanted to head home, but I also was worried that Aiden would be jumped by some of the seniors if he was alone. It had happened before, and his earlier brawl could've been seen as a declaration of war.
Instead of voicing these concerns, however, I asked if he wanted to play video games at his house. He was surprised by the request but agreed.
I was on edge with every passing car, and every blind turn, but thankfully we weren’t attacked. After a couple more minutes of walking, we made it to Aiden’s house. His Dad was outside watering the garden. He turned, noticing our approach in the corner of his eye, but his planned greeting died in his mouth when he saw the dried blood coating Aiden’s face.
"Holy Shit! what did you do this time?" he exclaimed, running over to inspect his son’s injuries. "Oh, hey Brian," he added, smiling briefly at me before returning to his analysis.
Mr. Eriks was cool for a dad. Aiden never had a bad thing to say about him, and the way he handled everything that happened in the following months would only increase my admiration for him. He'd raised Aiden by himself, and I would've considered him a second friend if he wasn't 40 years older than me.
After determining the damage wasn't all that bad: a cut on Aidan's forehead and lip producing most of the blood, the three of us went inside.
Aiden went upstairs to take a shower, and his dad privately thanked me for walking him home. It didn’t take long for me to cave, and ask Mr. Eriks about the park.
"Yeah, we do own it," he answered while preparing snacks for Aiden and me. " My wife, Aiden's mom, inherited it before she passed away, and then it was signed over to me. To be honest, I don't know too much about it, and she didn't either. We just used it to go camping there sometimes, back before Aiden was born. Now we go together because it reminds us of her."
"Did you ever run into people up there, when you're camping?"
"Yeah, though not in the fall and winter when we usually go. I have the police's local number on speed dial for when it happens. Usually, it's just teens though. Kids tend to run away as soon as they see an adult with a flashlight. Paranormal or not, they know they're not supposed to be there- You staying with us for dinner Brian?"
At this point, I was too curious about the truth of Skeleton Park to leave, so I nodded and said I just needed to check with my parents.
After a phone call with my mom, some pizza rolls, and a couple of rounds of Fortnite, the afternoon stress had mostly faded away.
Me and Aidan were sitting in his room, scrolling Netflix for a slasher film to watch, when I finally asked what I'd been dying to know the entire afternoon.
"So, why was that guy saying you're a liar?"
Aiden chuckled at the question.
"He refused to believe my family owned the property his friend died on."
"Why did you even say anything? You know that just makes them want to beat you up more, right?"
"I'm tired of everybody using our land like a public park, I'm tired of picking up condoms left by people I go to school with, and I'm tired of keeping quiet about it. I tried explaining it to people in middle school. Our first project in fifth grade was a presentation about something important to us, I did mine about the park. Nobody believed me, and it got me socially exiled for the next four years. "
I ignored the urge to explain that there was probably more to his social exile than a get-to-know-you presentation from four years ago.
"That's fair I guess," I said instead. "You're dad says you go camping there."
"Yeah, on three-day weekends, and sometimes longer on breaks. Mostly in the fall and winter when there are less trespassers."
"You don't find it creepy camping there? Even without the trespassers?"
"You mean because of the silence?" Aiden smiled and looked over at me. "Yeah, the rumor about the animals is true as far as I can tell. Sure. It's kind of weird, but in winter it's kind of beautiful too. After a blizzard, there's nothing to disturb the snow, and it's kinda like the whole forest has gone to sleep. With the snow and no animals, it can get so quiet that you hear your own heart beating."
He looked off past me with a feeling of nostalgia, but all I felt was chills.
"I can take you if you want," Aiden added. "I'll have to ask my dad, but I think it would be fun to have another person camp with us."
"I'll think about it," was my way of declining without saying no.
Aiden just shrugged. "Suit yourself. Offer still stands if you ever change your mind."
Much to my annoyance, we weren’t even able to finish the movie. My Mom called, saying she was outside to pick me up an hour into our viewing of The Blair Witch Project.
I went to bed wondering how anyone could feel safe camping in a place like that. After contemplating taking Aidan up on his offer, I concluded there could be nothing that would make me spend the night there. Ironically, it would be less than a week before I changed my mind.
—
Three days later, I was walking Paddy along our usual route when she stopped and looked up at something beyond the stone wall, into Skeleton Park. She stood like a statue, eyes wide and fixated on some invisible thing.
I tried tugging the leash, pulling out a treat, begging, and making all kinds of sounds, but she just stood there. Paddy was a six-year-old golden retriever who easily weighed as much as I did, so I couldn't do much more than wait for her to move.
Suddenly, she began barking wildly at the air.
I tried approaching, but she growled at me, a sound I had never heard from her before, and I was forced to back away.
Before I could even process what was happening. She leaped over the wall and ran at full speed into the woods. It all happened so quickly that I had no time to tighten my grip on the leash.
She sprinted straight into the woods, and I chased after her, but I didn't make it far without tripping on a root hidden among the leaves. My knee was split open by something as I fell, and it took all my strength, fighting past the shock, to get back up. After recovering, I looked in all directions, but couldn't see Paddy anymore. I could only hear the tossing of leaves and branches in the distance.
Then there was nothing. Not a single sound. I'm not sure why I didn't question the sudden silence back then. It wasn't the gradual fade into silence you would expect from something running away. It was as if somebody had just hit a mute button on everything but the wind through the trees.
I don't know, maybe I'm misremembering the details.
Patty's disappearance doesn't matter anyway. We never found her, and dogs don’t live for twenty years, so at this point, we never will.
After taking a moment to recover from the shock, I limped home crying and told my parents what had happened. My Dad called the police because it was the only thing we could think of, but all they did was apologize and recommend we put up posters.
They couldn't do anything even if they wanted to. After all, she ran onto private property.
After that, the last thing I could think to do was call Aiden. His dad promised they could search the park that night, and he also offered to take me for an extended search the following weekend in case they didn’t find anything.
Of course, they didn't find her, just half of a leash wrapped around a branch. At least, that's what my parents told me the Eriks had found, they never actually let me see it.
A day before the trip, the Forecast started predicting snow: Saturday night into Sunday, eight inches, wet.
I probably should've given up then. Instead, I told Aiden this would probably be my only chance to find Paddy, insisting she wouldn't survive in the snow. After making sure with his dad, we continued with the plan and headed out after school Friday night.
—
While it hurts keeping this story in, reliving the memories is almost as painful. So I'm going to take a break writing for now and continue in a day or two. If anyone has a scientific explanation for why animals were avoiding that area, or for my dog's behavior, please let me know.
Thanks for reading, B
Part 1

Natasha announced the following on her email news letter:
“Hello friends,
On Saturday 8th June, I'll be playing live with Lara Somogyi on harp for a one-off intimate show at St Johns Church in Kingston in conjunction with Banquet Records. We'll be performing adaptations of the album, and afterwards I'll be signing some records.”
This has now sold out, but I got two tickets which I now can’t use as I’m double booked. Happy to sell these on for the face value of £18 each. As with all Banquet Records gigs, entry is by QR code which is emailed before the gig, so I can forward them to the buyes.

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***My Impersonators (DO NOT TRADE WITH): Right-Trick-5848, righttick_5848 Note the misspellings, note the dash "-" instead of the underscore "_", always verify it is me in PMs
Amazon DE Germany, FR France, ES Spain @ 60%
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Fintwit influencer Zack Morris appeared to potentially have insider knowledge about the return of famed investor “Roaring Kitty.”
Morris tweeted an image last week that was strikingly similar to one posted by Roaring Kitty, whose real name is Keith Patrick Gill, four days later. This coincidence has led to speculation that Morris was aware of the scheme ahead of time.
Gill’s reappearance on social media has reignited the meme stock frenzy. His post on social media platform X marked his first activity since June 2021, and it triggered a massive rally in classic meme stocks like GameStop and AMC.
GameStop, which closed at $17.46 per share on Friday, skyrocketed to nearly $50 by Tuesday. Similarly, AMC more than doubled from $2.91 to over $6 per share in the same period.
Jay Ritter, a finance scholar at the University of Florida, noted that meme stock investors often counter short selling. This strategy, where investors sell borrowed shares hoping to buy them back at lower prices, is disrupted by coordinated buying that drives prices up.
Ritter explained, “This is kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy, where you got coordinated buying going on without any explicit agreement to be a member of the club.”
However, the rally in meme stocks saw a sharp reversal on Wednesday morning. GameStop dropped by 30% and AMC by 22%, indicating that the initial excitement might be waning.
Dan Egan from Betterment predicted that this rally would be shorter-lived than the previous one in early 2021, when GameStop’s shares surged over 1,000%.
“There might be a large body of meme stockholders who bought during the last rally looking to get out,” Egan said. “People with a losing stock will be motivated to sell as soon as they’re back to even, which will put some downward pressure on the price as it hits higher price points.”
Morris has been active on X again less than a month after the criminal case against him and his group was dismissed without prejudice. The court had denied the government’s request to pause the dismissal, stating the government’s arguments were unconvincing.
Morris (legally Edward Constantinescu) was accused of fraudulently earning around $100 million through a stock-manipulation scheme. He is defending the case alongside his Atlas Trading group members: Perry Matlock, Thomas Cooperman, Gary Deel, Mitchell Hennessey, Stefan Hrvatin, and John Rybarcyzk. Daniel Knight is also a co-defendant for aiding the scheme via his podcast with Hennessey.
This legal development coincides with Morris’s return to social media after 15 months, where his first post was a retweet of a parody video featuring Donald Trump and Elon Musk as Power Rangers.
https://thedeepdive.ca/did-zack-morris-know-about-roaring-kittys-return/

My mind keeps going back to the symbolism of the Two of Pentacles card, which came up in a tarot reading I did for myself the other day. I had asked the cards how to get through the next nine days, with the two-year anniversary of a trauma hanging over me - the trauma being that someone I had loved and trusted for years broke my trust and turned out to be just a compulsive womanizer, a pathological liar, a sick and emotionally abusive covert narcissist.
The way I see the cards working is that they can’t tell a person anything the person doesn’t already know - but our subconscious and unconscious minds know a lot that doesn’t rise to the level of our surface consciousness. The imagery and symbolism of the tarot cards gives the mind a puzzle of trying to interpret how a given set of cards drawn and placed into a meaningful pattern relates to the question they ask. So it prompts a meditation that can help bring the knowledge of one’s intuition and instincts and subconscious up to the forefront of consciousness. It’s a very powerful tool even if you don’t believe in serendipity and grace, but in my experience, there’s a lot of serendipity and grace at work too behind the seeming randomness of the cards.
Anyway, the Two of Pentacles is someone trying to juggle and balance things and dance against the background of a roiling sea. And the suit of Pentacles is about practical life matters, money, career, domestic concerns, and so on. So yesterday, I was thinking what that meant for me was that I needed to spend the time focusing on practical things to distract myself from ruminating and worrying, by juggling all my efforts towards various goals like being productive at work, managing my finances, getting exercise, spending time with friends, and taking care of errands and tasks at home. The problem with trying to use distractions to escape from trauma is that, at the end of the day, you lie down in bed, and then everything you tried to run away from by keeping busy during the day swirls up in your thoughts, and the pain comes crashing in on you.
So that happened last night. It was a bad night. I went around and around and around in the same circles in my head. Why would someone treat me that way? Did I just misunderstand him? Did I judge him too harshly? Was it all my fault? What could and should I have done differently? Is there something I still could do to fix things, to change things, to make things better, to heal, to find closure? What was going on in his head, who was he really, what happened to him to make him this way? The endless circle of questions, and going through my crazy-quilt patchwork of memories where some things have faded and some things have stood out and grown larger, seams have ripped and torn, and nothing adds up into a coherent story that I can make sense of.
I finally thought: Why can’t I just settle on the narrative that makes the most sense and then put it behind me and move on? What happened was that someone I trusted turned out to be a dysfunctional dud of a person. Clive was a messed-up jerk. As for Oonagh, I thought she was a friend too, but really I didn’t know her very well, and she turned out to be just another flaky, immature scene person. And John was probably only so nice to me because he was hoping we could date, and when he finally understood that it was Clive I had been in love with and that I was shattered by the breakup, John lost interest in me. So that was what happened. It sucked, it was horrible, it triggered my PTSD symptoms that had been in remission for 20 years before that. But I do have a narrative about it that makes sense, and what I need to do is just write it all off as a loss, write all three of them off as former friends who just turned out not to be good friends to me. I still have a lot of friends and resources and joy and blessings, and I need to focus on the happy possibilities ahead of me instead of the grief and hurt that I suffered through for the past two years.
So then, with those thoughts, I calmed down, and I finally fell asleep, after all the crying and loud sobbing and shaking. Mornings and evenings are always some of the worst times for rumination, but it was just really a bad night.
So now I think this is what the Two of Pentacles was foretelling for me: emotionally, I am sailing on stormy seas for the next two weeks. I will have ups and downs, I will be struggling to keep on an even keel, to keep from floundering or capsizing. On a practical level, I have lots to keep me busy, though everything is really pretty great. But it’s a precarious time, and I have to be very strong and brave and focused and mindful to get through it safely.

Imagine a land where the sun kisses the golden sands, creating a shimmering tapestry of dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. This is Jaisalmer, Rajasthan's crown jewel, where the Thar Desert invites you to embark on an adventure that promises thrill, romance, and cultural richness. With Shree Laxmi Taxi, your Jaisalmer Tour Package transforms into an unforgettable journey, offering a range of desert safari experiences tailored for youngsters seeking adventure, couples craving intimacy, and families desiring bonding moments. Here's a glimpse into what awaits you on this enchanting expedition.

~Thrilling Adventures for the Young and Fearless~

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Begin your Jaisalmer Tour PackageJaisalmer Tour Package with the quintessential desert experience: a camel safari. Picture yourself atop a gentle camel, swaying rhythmically as you traverse the undulating dunes. This isn't just a ride; it's a voyage through time, taking you past ancient villages and nomadic settlements. Shree Laxmi Taxi ensures you get the best guides, who share tales of the desert's history and its resilient inhabitants. The vast expanse of the Thar Desert unfurls before you, offering a serene yet exhilarating escape from the ordinary.

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For those who thrive on excitement, dune bashing is the ultimate thrill. Strap into a powerful 4x4 with Shree Laxmi Taxi's experienced drivers, and prepare for a heart-pounding ride across the shifting sands. The sensation of scaling steep dunes and plunging down their slopes is akin to a desert roller coaster, delivering an adrenaline rush that’s second to none. It's an adventure that perfectly blends the raw beauty of the desert with high-octane excitement**.**

💖 Quad Biking: Freedom on Four Wheels

If you prefer to be in control, quad biking offers the perfect blend of adventure and independence. Mounted on these robust four-wheelers, you can carve your path through the desert. The thrill of speeding over the dunes, feeling the wind in your face and the sand beneath your wheels, is unparalleled. Shree Laxmi Taxi provides top-notch bikes and safety gear, ensuring a safe yet exhilarating experience that lets you explore the desert on your terms.

~Family Fun and Bonding~

💖 Jeep Safari: Explore Together

A jeep safari offers a family-friendly way to explore the Thar Desert. With spacious, comfortable seating and guided tours by Shree Laxmi Taxi's expert drivers, your family can enjoy the thrill of navigating dunes while learning about the desert's unique ecosystem. Visit local villages, spot wildlife, and take in the panoramic views – it's an adventure that brings the family together in the spirit of exploration.

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Immerse your family in the rich cultural heritage of Jaisalmer with traditional music and dance performances. Shree Laxmi Taxi ensures that these performances are part of your desert safari experience, offering a vibrant showcase of Rajasthani culture. Children will be mesmerized by the colorful costumes and lively dances, while adults can appreciate the depth of the region's artistic traditions.

💖Jaisalmer tour package Stargazing: A Cosmic Adventure

End your day of adventure with a cosmic journey into the night sky. The Thar Desert, with its clear, unpolluted skies, offers a perfect stargazing opportunity. Shree Laxmi Taxi provides telescopes for an up-close view of the stars and planets, making it an educational and awe-inspiring activity for all ages. Gather around the campfire, share stories, and marvel at the universe – it's a perfect way to bond as a family.

Practical Tips for Your Jaisalmer Tour Package

When planning your Jaisalmer Tour Package with Shree Laxmi Taxi, consider these tips to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience:

1. Dress for the Desert: Wear light, breathable clothing during the day and pack a warm jacket for the cool desert nights.
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3. Sun Protection: Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the desert sun.
4. Capture Memories: Bring a camera or smartphone to document the stunning landscapes and memorable moments.
5. Respect Local Culture: Show respect for local customs and traditions when visiting villages or interacting with locals.

A Jaisalmer Tours Package with Shree Laxmi Taxi is more than just a trip; it's an adventure that caters to the young, the romantic, and the family-oriented. The Thar Desert, with its endless dunes and rich cultural heritage, offers a backdrop for experiences that you'll treasure for a lifetime. So, get ready to explore, discover, and create unforgettable memories in the golden sands of Jaisalmer.

As far back as I can remember, I had always been passionate about the great outdoors. My love for the wilderness began when I joined the scouts, exploring the diverse landscapes of Southern California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. I was never a huge fan of the dry, barren landscapes, but camping provided a much-needed escape from the monotony of Orange County suburbia.
The first time I visited the Pacific Northwest, I was enchanted. The scenery was breathtaking—majestic mountains, lush fields, and meandering rivers. It was clear that anyone who praised the desert's beauty had never laid eyes on the Cascades. Seeing grass and wildflowers growing without irrigation was practically a revelation.
When I was old enough, I moved to Washington state, immersing myself in nature every weekend. My adventures took me hiking through dense forests, camping by serene lakes, and occasionally taking mushrooms under peaceful waterfalls.
I joined several online forums dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts. One community that particularly fascinated me was the Northwest Tomb Raiders. This group of history buffs and thrill-seekers was dedicated to uncovering artifacts, whether Native American relics or treasures hidden in modern ruins. Many members were collectors, fencing their finds to museums and archaeologists, which made it a rather profitable side gig, should you be lucky enough.
In the fall of 2009, an intriguing post appeared on the forum. A user named Lokk claimed to have discovered a cache of artifacts with Scandinavian origins. He couldn't carry everything back due to the treacherous terrain and his age, so he shared the coordinates, hoping someone else could retrieve the items. I scrolled down to see a few posts of people planning to loot it in the Spring, when the paths have reopened. One user, Patagooner, planned on going as early as possible.
Excited by the prospect, I gathered my two friends, Carl and Noah, for the expedition. They weren't as enthusiastic about camping as I was, but after I told them how much a single arrowhead goes for on the black market, they were on board. It was the start of winter now, which had its advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, the rangers would have a harder time spotting us. On the downside, the harsh conditions posed a serious challenge for two inexperienced hikers.
I must’ve blown about four grand at REI on gear for them, justifying it with the knowledge of how much more I would make with two extra packs. That is of course assuming there really were as many artifacts as Lokk had said, and Patagooner hadn’t beaten me there.
The journey began like any other. We met in the pre-dawn darkness and went over our supplies, ensuring we had everything we needed. By mid-morning, we were on our way, my pickup truck winding up the mountain paths. The roads of Olympic National Park were the epitome of the raw, untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
They snake through ancient forests, where towering Douglas firs and Western hemlocks create a verdant canopy overhead. Mist clings to the trees, giving the landscape an ethereal quality. Occasionally, the forest would open up to reveal breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks and deep, shadowy valleys.
As we climbed higher, the landscape grew increasingly desolate. The dense forest thinned out, replaced by rugged terrain and jagged rock formations. The air grew colder, and the first flurries of snow began to fall, dusting the ground in a thin, white layer. The road became narrower and more treacherous, winding precariously along the edge of steep cliffs.
Finally, a road closure blockade signaled the end of our journey in the truck. We unloaded three dirt bikes—one mine, two rentals—and continued up the trail. The bikes roared to life, carrying us several more miles into the wilderness. The trail twisted and turned, cutting through dense underbrush and over fallen logs. The snow began to fall more heavily, blanketing the forest floor and muffling the sound of our engines. The world around us grew quieter, more isolated.
Eventually, the snow became too deep to traverse by bike. We dismounted and prepared to continue on foot. The silence of the forest was profound, broken only by the occasional rustle of branches in the wind. I checked my modern GPS, its screen displaying the coordinates and a relief map of our destination.
The cold air bit into our cheeks as we trudged through the snow-laden forest. The silence was almost oppressive, broken only by the crunch of our footsteps and the occasional call of distant wildlife. The GPS indicated we were close to our destination, but the dense underbrush and uneven terrain made progress slow.
Suddenly, Carl's excited whisper cut through the stillness. "Hey, look at that!"
He pointed to a small, furry creature ambling through the trees. It took a moment to realize what it was—a bear cub, innocently exploring its surroundings.
My heart sank. "Carl, get back," I hissed, my voice low but urgent. "Where there's a cub, there's a..."
Before I could finish, a massive shape exploded from the trees. The mother bear, easily three times the size of the cub, charged at Carl with a ferocity. She was a blur of dark fur and powerful muscles, her roar echoing through the forest.
"Run!" I yelled, but it was too late. The bear was upon Carl, swiping at him with her massive paws. He screamed as he fell to the ground, the bear towering over him. Desperation and adrenaline surged through me. I grabbed the nearest heavy branch and swung it at the bear, hoping to distract her.
Noah joined in, shouting and waving his arms. We had to be careful; one wrong move and she would turn on us. The bear snarled, turning her attention away from Carl for just a moment. It was enough for him to scramble backwards, clutching his bleeding arm.
"We have to get him out of here," I shouted to Noah, who nodded, fear etched on his face. The bear, still enraged, seemed torn between attacking us and protecting her cub.
Using the brief respite, we hauled Carl to his feet. His face was white, and he was clearly in shock. Blood soaked his sleeve, dripping onto the snow. "There's a ranger station about two miles from here," I said, my voice shaking. "We need to get him there. Now."
We half-carried, half-dragged Carl through the forest, every shadow and sound heightening our paranoia.
Finally, after what felt like forever, the small, wooden structure of the ranger station came into view. We had been avoiding the rangers to keep our expedition secret, but now it was our only hope.
Pounding on the door, I prayed for a quick response. The door creaked open, and a weathered face appeared. "What happened?" the ranger demanded, taking in the sight of Carl's bloodied form.
"Bear attack," I gasped. "We need help."
The ranger's expression shifted from suspicion to urgency. "Get him inside. We've got a first aid kit and a radio."
As we eased Carl onto a makeshift bed, the ranger inspected his wounds. "You're lucky," he said after a moment. "The cuts are deep, but they missed any major arteries. He'll need stitches, but we can handle that here. No need for an airlift."
The ranger's face darkened as he turned to me. "What the hell are you boys doing out here?”
I hesitated, "We... we were just exploring."
The ranger's eyes narrowed, his anger palpable. "Exploring? In a restricted area? In the middle of winter? Are you out of your minds?"
He worked quickly and efficiently, cleaning and stitching Carl's wounds. Carl winced but stayed silent, his eyes closed in pain.
"Do you have any idea how dangerous it is out here?" the ranger continued, his voice rising. "The storm, the wildlife... This area is off-limits for a reason! You should have known better." he said, pushing a finger into my chest.
"We'll stay here for the night," he continued, "The storm's getting worse, and it's too dangerous to move him now. We'll reassess in the morning. And count yourself lucky I don't arrest your asses."
Night fell quickly, the storm outside growing more ferocious with each passing minute. The howling wind battered the small ranger station, and the walls creaked under the pressure. We huddled in the main room, the tension thick in the air.
The ranger looked at us sternly. "I need to check the perimeter and make sure everything is secure. There are things out there you don’t want to encounter, especially in this storm."
"Things? What do you mean?" Noah asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The ranger's expression hardened. "Just stay put. No matter what you see or hear, do not leave this cabin. Understood?"
We nodded, the seriousness in his tone leaving no room for argument. "We'll stay put," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt.
The ranger grabbed his coat and shotgun. "I'll be back in an hour. Do not leave this cabin." With that, he opened the door and stepped into the raging storm, disappearing into the darkness.
As soon as the door closed, I turned to Noah. "We need to go. Now."
Noah's eyes widened. "Are you crazy? He said to stay put."
"If we wait until morning, we'll be escorted out of here and lose our chance. This might be our only opportunity to find those artifacts."
Noah hesitated with uncertainty "But... what about Carl?"
"He'll be fine here. The ranger can take care of him. We have to do this now."
Reluctantly, Noah nodded. "Alright. Let's take what we can and go."
We quickly looted extra gear from the cabin. I checked the GPS one last time before we slipped out into the storm, the cold wind battering us.
The snow fell heavily, obscuring our vision as we slogged through the forest. The ranger was nowhere in sight as we made our way towards the our destination, each step filled with trepidatious excitement.
The storm began to die down as we approached the coordinates. We stepped into a clearing where the undisturbed snow lay like a pristine white blanket. In the center stood an ancient, weathered stone altar, encircled by intricate wooden carvings, delicate metalwork, and beautifully crafted statues. The sight was breathtaking, a treasure trove, a veritable museum of paganism.
Noah and I exchanged glances, our eyes wide with amazement. "Do you see this?" I whispered, barely able to contain my excitement.
"We're going to be rich," Noah replied, his voice trembling with awe. "These must be worth a fortune!"
We approached cautiously, as if the vision before us might disappear. The craftsmanship was stunning. I reached out to touch a carved wooden idol, marveling at the detail. "This is incredible," I said, my voice barely audible.
We began to load our packs with as many artifacts as we could carry, each one more exquisite than the last. It was beyond our wildest dreams. We were so engrossed in our task that we didn't notice the small figure watching us from the ridge.
It wasn't until I turned to leave that I saw her. A young girl, maybe eight years old, stood there, her blue eyes wide with curiosity. She was dressed in simple, rustic clothing, her blonde straight hair blowing gently in the wind. For a moment, we just stared at each other.
"Noah," I whispered urgently, nudging him. "Look."
He turned, his eyes following my gaze. "What the...?" he muttered, his voice trailing off.
The girl took a tentative step forward, her eyes fixed on the items in our hands. There was no fear in her gaze, only a quiet intensity that made my skin crawl.
"Who are you?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
She tilted her head slightly. "My name is Sigyn."
"What are you doing out here, Sigyn?" Noah asked, his voice shaky.
"I live here,"
"You live here?" I echoed, incredulous. "Is there anyone else around?"
"Yes," she whispered.
"Where?" Noah demanded, looking around nervously.
"Everywhere," she said with a giggle.
The way she said it, so matter-of-factly, bothered me deeply. Noah and I exchanged a look, both of us trying to figure out what to do next.
"We can't take her back to the ranger," Noah started, "We'll lose everything."
I nodded, my mind racing. "Sigyn," I said slowly, "we need to know who else is here. Can you help us?"
She looked at me with her piercing blue eyes, then said, "I'm sorry."
"For what?" Noah asked.
"For what's going to happen to you," she replied, her voice tinged with sadness.
"You need to tell us what's going on," Noah said, grabbing her arm roughly. "Why are you out here alone?"
She looked up at him, unperturbed. "I am not alone," she said softly.
Before we could press her further, a loud, guttural mooing sound echoed through the clearing. We turned towards the direction the girl had come from, and there, emerging from the shadows, was the silhouette of an elk. As it approached, my stomach dropped. Its body was a grotesque amalgamation of life and decay. Its skull was fully exposed, the eye sockets dark and empty. Large patches of its ribs were visible, the flesh around them rotted away.
The elk's movements were slow and deliberate, its head swaying as if in a trance. It walked directly towards us, its hollow eyes fixed on Sigyn. The closer it got, the more the stench of death filled the air—a nauseating mix of decay and earth. I fought the urge to retch.
Sigyn stood up, her expression calm. The monster sniffed her gently, its nostrils flaring. Without a word, she climbed onto its back, mounting it like a horse. It was a surreal and horrifying scene ripped straight from a nightmare.
As she settled onto the elk, she looked back at us, "A thief in the night shall reap what he sows," she said, her voice carrying an otherworldly echo. "Beware the price of stolen dreams."
With that, the beast turned and began to walk away, Sigyn riding it into the shadows of the forest. We stood there, frozen in place. The realization that we were in far over our heads began to sink in. This started to feel like a trap.
We need to get out of here," My voice trembling. "Now."
We turned to leave, our packs heavy with the pilfered goods. But as we took our first steps, the forest around us seemed to come alive. Shadows moved among the trees, and whispers floated on the wind. I quickened my pace, glancing nervously over my shoulder.
"Did you hear that?" Noah asked sharply,
"Just keep moving," I commanded.
A figure emerged from the shadows, blocking our path. It was a man, tall and gaunt, his eyes burning with an intense light. "Where do you think you're going?" he asked, his voice cold and menacing.
"We're leaving," I stammered. "We didn't mean any harm."
The man smirked, and with a swift motion, he raised his hand. More figures appeared, closing in on us from all sides. We were surrounded.
"Run!" I shouted, shoving Noah forward.
We sprinted through the forest, branches whipping at our faces and legs. The figures pursued us, their footsteps silent and relentless.
Noah stumbled and fell, his pack spilling open. Statues scattered across the ground, glinting in the moonlight. "Help!" he cried, scrambling to gather the items.
"Leave them!" I shouted, pulling him to his feet. "We have to keep moving!"
But it was too late, their hands seizing us. I struggled, kicking and thrashing, but their grips were too strong. They forced us to the ground, binding our hands with rough, coarse ropes.
"Please," I begged, "Don't hurt us."
The man who had first appeared stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "A thief in the night," he mocked.
They dragged us through the forest, the trees closing in around us like a cage. We were at their mercy.
In the distance, I could see the elk standing at the edge of the clearing, Sigyn still astride its back. Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of pity. But then they turned away, disappearing into the shadows once more.
We were dragged into the heart of the forest, our struggles futile against the unyielding grip of our captors. As we broke through the treeline, a massive bonfire came into view, its flames licking the night sky. Shadows danced around the clearing, cast by the flickering light. A woman stood at the forefront, her presence commanding.
Her eyes were milk white, devoid of pupils, and her long, flowing white hair cascaded down her back. She was completely naked, her skin pale and marked with intricate symbols. Atop her head, she wore an elk skull, its antlers extending like eerie, skeletal fingers. She beat a drum emblazoned with more of the same cryptic symbols, each thud resonating deep within my chest.
Around the fire, about two dozen people stood, all drinking from crude, horned cups. Their faces were solemn, eyes fixed on the woman as she led them in a haunting chant. The atmosphere was thick with a mix of reverence and intoxication.
We were forced to our knees before the woman, who paused her drumming to look down at us. Her gaze was haunting, as if she could see into the very depths of our souls.
"Who are you?" Noah demanded, his voice trembling.
The woman ignored him, raising her arms to the sky. The chanting grew louder, the rhythm of the drum faster and more frenzied. The air around us seemed to vibrate with energy, the flames of the bonfire growing higher and more intense.
I glanced at Noah, fear mirrored in his eyes. The woman began to speak, her voice low and melodic, but filled with power, in a language I couldn't understand. Suddenly, she stopped, lowering her arms. The chanting ceased, and an silence fell over the clearing. She looked directly at me, her white eyes unblinking.
En tjuv i natten skördar vad han sår, akta dig för drömmar som du stjäl och får.
Hans skratt bevakar lundens gömda stig, där skuggor sveper över skogens liv.
För varje stulet andetag och svek, måste en tjuv möta sitt smärtsamma ödelek.
Tricksterns vilja, vår ande här, så i hans nåd, våra liv bär.
I was terrified and confused. She started again, softer, in a way I could understand.
A thief in the night shall reap what he sows, beware the price of stolen dreams.
His laughter guards our hidden groves, where shadows cloak the forest's seams.
For every stolen breath and lie, a thief must meet his painful end.
The tricksters will, our spirits tie, so in his grace, our lives suspend.
The crowd surged forward, grabbing Noah first. He screamed, his terror echoing through the trees as they pulled him towards a makeshift altar beside the bonfire. The woman chanted louder, her voice rising in a hypnotic rhythm as they began their gruesome work.
They stripped him of his shirt and bound his arms to a wooden frame. I tried to move, to help him, but the grip on my shoulders tightened, pinning me to the ground.
The woman approached Noah, holding a knife with a blade that gleamed in the firelight. She started to slice into his back, her movements deliberate and unhurried. Noah's screams pierced the night as she methodically carved the shape of wings into his flesh.
Blood poured from the wounds, soaking the ground beneath him. The crowd's chant grew louder, almost drowning out his cries. I watched in horror as the woman reached into the incisions, breaking the ribs and pulling them outward, creating a parody of wings.
Noah's agony was unbearable to witness. His screams turned to whimpers, his body convulsing in pain. The woman didn't stop until the work was complete, his lungs exposed and hanging grotesquely from his back.
They lifted Noah's broken body and placed him over the fire. The smell of burning flesh filled the air, making me gag. His life ebbed away as the flames consumed him, the once vibrant light in his eyes fading to nothing.
The woman turned to me, her expression devoid of mercy. "You will meet the same fate," she said, "He demands it."
The smell of burning flesh and the sight of his broken body over the fire was seared into my mind. Despair settled over me as I closed my eyes.
A deafening blast shattered the night. My eyes flew open to see the shaman stumbling backward, a gaping wound in her chest. She collapsed to the ground, her white eyes staring lifelessly into the void.
The villagers turned in shock as another shot rang out, this time hitting one of the men holding me. I twisted free from their grasp and saw the park ranger standing at the edge of the clearing, a pump-action shotgun in his hands. He fired again, the sound echoing through the forest, before one of them tackled him to the ground.
"Run!" he shouted, his voice raw and desperate. "Get the hell out of here!"
I didn't need to be told twice. I sprinted into the darkness, the chaos of the clearing fading behind me. Branches whipped at my face, and the snow underfoot made every step a struggle. I could hear the sounds of fighting and gunshots, but I forced myself to keep moving.
The cold air burned in my lungs, but adrenaline pushed me forward. I didn't stop until I reached the station, my legs threatening to give out from under me. I burst through the door and slammed it behind me.
Inside, Carl lay where we had left him, his face pale and twisted in pain. I stumbled to the radio, my hands trembling as I fumbled with the controls.
"Mayday, mayday!" I yelled into the microphone. "This is an emergency! We need help! Please, someone, come quickly!"
Static filled the room, punctuated by my ragged breaths. I repeated the call, my voice growing more frantic with each passing second. Finally, a voice crackled through the speaker. "This is Ranger Station Bravo. What's your location? Over."
I could barely form the words. "Olympic National Park! The ranger station near mount Christie! We're under attack! Please, send help!"
"Copy that. Help is on the way. Stay put and stay safe. Over."
I collapsed to the floor, my body trembling with exhaustion and fear. Carl moaned softly, his eyes fluttering open. "What… What happened? Where's Noah?”
Tears streamed down my face and I found myself choked up. “He’s gone, man. Help is coming.”
The minutes stretched into an eternity as we waited. The wind howled around the station, and every creak and groan of the structure set my nerves on edge. I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched, that the forest itself was closing in on us.
The radio crackled again, this time with a different voice. "Helicopter en route, ETA fifteen minutes. Prepare for extraction."
I glanced at Carl, his eyes filled with confusion. "Hang on. We're getting out of here."
As the minutes ticked by, I couldn't help but think about the ranger. He had saved my life, but he hadn't made it back. My mind conjured up images of what might have happened to him, the cultists overwhelming him in the darkness. A sense of guilt gnawed at me, knowing he had sacrificed himself for us.
The sound of rotors cut through the night, growing louder as the helicopter approached. I ran to the window and saw its searchlight piercing the treetops, scanning for the station.
I helped Carl to his feet, supporting his weight as we made our way to the hatch. The helicopter hovered above, lowering a rescue basket. The wind from the rotors whipped the snow into a frenzy, but I didn't care. Salvation was finally here.
We secured Carl in the basket first, and I watched as he was hoisted up, disappearing into the safety of the helicopter. My turn was next. I realized that I was now alone and exposed. Fear coursing through me as I scanned around the edge of the forest, expecting to be grabbed and taken seconds before my rescue. But the moment never came. As I gripped the rope, I took one last look at the forest below. The flames of the bonfire still flickered in the distance.
I was lifted into the air, the ground falling away beneath me. The helicopter's crew pulled me inside, and I collapsed onto the floor still holding onto my pack, my body finally giving in to exhaustion. The doors closed, and the helicopter banked away, leaving the horrors of the park behind.
Weeks had passed since the harrowing events, but the memories clung to me like the bitter cold. I had returned to civilization, seeking solace in the familiar chaos of the city. I found a wealthy collector through a network of contacts. The artifacts fetched a price tenfold the cost of gear. The money was substantial, but as I held the cash, it felt like a hollow victory.
Noah's absence weighed heavily on me. His disappearance was chalked up as a missing persons case, and despite my best efforts to explain what had happened, no one believed me. The authorities conducted a search of the area, but they found no trace of the cult, the artifacts, or the clearing. It was as if the forest had swallowed up all the evidence.
I returned to the site where we had parked the truck. The dirt bikes were gone, stolen by opportunistic thieves, but the truck remained. I drove back in silence, the road winding through the dense forest. For a moment, I thought I saw the girl watching me from atop a ridge until I realized it was just paranoia. I stepped on the gas a little harder.
Back home, I checked the Tomb Raiders forum again. The post that had led us into the forest was gone, deleted without a trace. I messaged the mods, but apparently, they don’t keep records to maintain confidentiality. I wrote about our experience, detailing every terrifying moment, but the responses were skeptical at best. Most dismissed it as a work of fiction or a desperate cry for attention.
Time passed, and I tried to return to a semblance of normalcy. Yet, the wilderness called to me stronger than ever. It was my sanctuary, the only place where I could find peace amidst the turmoil. I spent more and more time outdoors than ever before, but now it always felt like I was just running from something.
Determined to prove what had happened, I returned to the forest with a camera and recording equipment. This time, I documented every step, capturing footage of the trees, the snow, and the eerie silence that hung in the air. I retraced our path, hoping to find the clearing again. But each night, as I reviewed the footage, something strange would happen. The files would be corrupted or entire segments missing.
I pressed on. I found the site where Noah had fallen, the ground still bearing faint traces of what had happened. I set up the camera and began to speak, recounting the events in detail. As I spoke, a cold wind swept through the clearing, and the camera's screen flickered. I finished my account and turned to check the recording, only to find the file corrupted once again, the footage replaced by static and a faint, mocking laughter.
I returned home, defeated and exhausted. My attempts to share what I had experienced were met with disbelief and ridicule. The files I managed to save were corrupted beyond recognition. It was as if the forest itself was conspiring against me.
Almost exactly one year later, as I browsed the forums, a new post caught my eye. It was cryptic, eerily similar to the one that had led us into the nightmare. It spoke of another trove of artifacts, hidden deep within the wilderness, waiting to be claimed.
The post was signed with a new name: Skygge. Different handle, same style. Another trap. They had taken so much from me, left scars that would never heal. I opened my drawer, my fingers brushing over the cold metal of my weapons. This was the moment I had been waiting for. This time, I'll be ready.
The forest’s secrets won't remain hidden forever.

Flash Fiction Prompts: Late 20th Century Masterpieces in Miniature

1. Neon bled through the rain-streaked window, illuminating a lone diner booth and a whispered secret. (Raymond Chandler)
2. The rusted swing creaked in the abandoned playground, echoing with a child's forgotten laughter. (Toni Morrison)
3. Dust motes danced in the forgotten attic, each holding a memory long turned to cobwebs. (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
4. The faded postcard from a sun-drenched beach mocked the city's smog-choked horizon. (John Updike)
5. The worn leather armchair sighed beneath her weight, secrets clinging to its worn fabric. (Margaret Atwood)
6. The cracked mirror reflected a stranger, searching for the face they used to know. (Sylvia Plath)
7. The ticking clock mocked the silence, each second heavier than the last. (Samuel Beckett)
8. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows, dancing with unspoken fears. (Flannery O'Connor)
9. The lone phone booth stood isolated, a beacon in the empty street, waiting for a desperate call. (Hunter S. Thompson)
10. The train rattled through the night, carrying stories untold and futures unknown. (Jack Kerouac)

Remember, these are just prompts to spark your imagination. Go forth, explore, and write your own masterpiece!

Travel is often about more than just seeing new places; it's about the connections we make and the friendships that can last a lifetime. When you travel slowly and immerse yourself in local cultures, you find a deeper, more meaningful experience. Sindhudurg, a serene district along Maharashtra’s Konkan coast, is a place where travelers can truly feel at home, thanks to its warm-hearted people, rich traditions, and inviting homestays. Here, you’ll not only explore historical sites like Sawantwadi Palace but also forge connections that turn strangers into lifelong friends.
Staying at a homestay in Sindhudurg offers more than just a place to sleep. It’s an opportunity to live with local families, share meals, and participate in their daily lives. This kind of accommodation provides a unique, personal touch that hotels and resorts simply cannot match. Your hosts, often eager to share their culture and traditions, welcome you into their homes with open arms, creating an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality.
In a homestay, you quickly become part of the family. You might find yourself helping with the cooking, learning to prepare traditional Malvani dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. These shared experiences, such as cooking and eating together, break down barriers and create a sense of belonging. As you swap stories and laughter over a home-cooked meal, you realize that these moments are building blocks for lifelong friendships.
One of the highlights of any visit to Sindhudurg is a trip to the magnificent Sawantwadi Palace. This historic palace, nestled in the heart of Sawantwadi town, is a treasure trove of cultural heritage. The palace is not just an architectural marvel but also a living museum of the region’s royal history and craftsmanship. By visiting Sawantwadi Palace with your homestay hosts, you gain a deeper understanding of its significance. They share personal anecdotes and historical tidbits that you wouldn’t find in any guidebook, making the experience far more enriching.
As you wander through the palace’s grand halls and lush gardens, you feel a connection to the past and to the people who have maintained these traditions. The intricate wooden toys and Ganjifa playing cards crafted by local artisans reflect the town’s rich cultural heritage. Purchasing these handcrafted items not only supports local artisans but also creates a tangible link to your journey, a souvenir imbued with the stories and friendships formed during your stay.
Beyond the palace, Sindhudurg’s natural beauty provides a stunning backdrop for further adventures. Exploring the region’s pristine beaches, verdant forests, and tranquil backwaters, often guided by your homestay hosts, deepens your connection to the land and its people. These shared experiences in nature, from hiking and bird watching to simply enjoying a sunset by the sea, strengthen the bonds formed during your stay.
In Sindhudurg, the friendships you create extend beyond your immediate hosts. The close-knit community welcomes visitors as one of their own. Participating in local festivals, attending community gatherings, or simply engaging in everyday village activities allows you to connect with a wider circle of people. These interactions often lead to heartfelt conversations and mutual respect, further cementing your sense of belonging.
Leaving Sindhudurg, you take with you more than just memories of beautiful landscapes and historical sites. You carry the warmth of the people, the shared laughter, and the sense of having found a home away from home. The friendships you’ve made, grounded in genuine hospitality and shared experiences, continue to flourish long after you’ve returned home.
In conclusion, travel in Sindhudurg is about creating lasting friendships and finding a home in the heart of a different culture. Whether it’s through the intimate experience of a homestay in Sindhudurg or the historical charm of Sawantwadi Palace, each moment is an opportunity to connect and grow. This kind of travel enriches your soul, leaving you with friendships and a sense of belonging that truly last a lifetime. So, embark on this journey with an open heart, ready to find your home away from home.

Walmart on Thursday topped quarterly revenue and earnings expectations, as the discounter made significant e-commerce gains, drove profits with newer businesses like advertising and won over more high-income shoppers.
The big-box retailer said it now expects to hit the high-end or slightly top its previous full-year guidance. Walmart had expected net sales growth of 3% to 4% and adjusted earnings per share of between $2.23 and $2.37.
In an interview with CNBC, Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey said one of the factors boosting Walmart’s grocery business is the widening gap between the price of cooking at home and buying food at restaurants.
Plus, he added, shoppers – especially with higher-incomes – appreciate the convenience that Walmart offers. For the first time, its delivery business surpassed its store pickup in terms of volume, Rainey said.
“We’ve got customers that are coming to us more frequently than they have before and newer customers that we haven’t traditionally had, and they’re coming into a Walmart whether it’s a virtual store online, or whether it’s one of our physical stores,” he said.
Here’s what the discounter reported for the three-month period that ended April 30 compared with what Wall Street expected, according to a survey of analysts by LSEG:
Earnings per share: 60 cents adjusted vs. 52 cents expected
Revenue: $161.51 billion vs. $159.50 billion
Walmart’s net income jumped to $5.10 billion, or 63 cents per share, compared with $1.67 billion, or 21 cents per share, in the year-ago period.
Revenue climbed 6% from $152.30 billion in the year-ago quarter. That increase includes a benefit of roughly 1% from an additional selling day in the period.
As the nation’s largest retailer and private employer, Walmart is often viewed as a bellwether for the U.S. economy. Yet it has generally fared better during an inflationary period than other retailers because it sells staples like groceries and has a value-oriented reputation. That trend continued in the quarter, as the company
Same-store sales for Walmart U.S. climbed by 3.8%, excluding fuel. The industry metric includes sales from stores and clubs open for at least a year. At Sam’s Club, same-store sales rose 4.4% year over year, excluding fuel.
E-commerce sales shot up by 22% year over year for Walmart U.S., fueled by store pickup and delivery of online orders, as well as the company’s growing third-party marketplace.
The company also grew high-margin businesses like advertising as it pushes to increase its earnings faster than its sales.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/16/walmart-wmt-q1-2025-earnings-.html

This is NOT a Return to the 2019 Trade War. National Security Trumps All
The White House announced new tariffs on Chinese imports ranging from steel and aluminum to batteries and solar panels. Most of these increases are significant and will go into effect this year. The announcement brought back memories of the 2019 Trade War because of the middle-of-the-night release.
Remember in 2019 when Trump would announce tariffs immediately after the market closed Friday, and China would respond early Sunday morning? Traders would spend all Sunday afternoon wondering if soybeans would open down 50 cents.
Yesterday, reporters and social media posts excitedly talked about soybeans and commodities as if this were a return to a Trump-like Trade War. Should we sell soybeans and lean hogs? Should we move to the sidelines on equities?
It is not. It is no longer just a trade war.
President Biden did this to score political points for the election. It lacks any coherent strategy and really does not matter because the government is now concerned with national security. National Security will trump partisan politics, soybeans, and everything else.
A lot has changed since 2019 for both countries.
The United States is now the world's largest oil producer and natural gas exporter. China has diversified its exposure to the United States for most agricultural products. China is buying gold. The USA is sanctioning Chinese companies it has not dared to target. Neither country is in the same position it was five years ago.
Only months ago, people talked of China canceling Ukraine's grain cargoes. Not only did this not happen, but Beijing is buying more grain than ever. Ukraine, Brazil, Russia, and Venezuela are all part of a broader strategy for China to remove any reliance on the United States for agricultural products.
Even the Biden administration seems to be getting more practical. They do not have a choice. USA manufacturing productivity is stagnant, government investments are experiencing endless cost overruns, and output is not keeping up.
China has the world’s excess manufacturing capacity and cheaper labor. Both candidates view any reliance on China as unacceptable. Let me summarize Secretary Yellen’s most recent Bloomberg interview, “China’s manufacturing subsidies are bad, our subsidies are virtuous because they support American jobs and businesses.”
Beijing will no longer accept this. This is inflationary for American consumers and deficit spending.
These actions may point to a new path for American agriculture. The question should not be, “Will soybeans be down 30 cents on this news?” The most important question is where the USA will sell its soybeans in 2025.
After the multi-year investment in new soybean processing capacity, this could be a great opportunity for USA biofuels. Rather than electric vehicles and questionable carbon accounting getting all the subsidies, higher biofuel blending could become a much broader solution.
Farmers must also consider the impact when planting commodities like cotton, soybeans, and lean hogs. The government may not be able to provide the same direct financial support to farmers as it did five years ago.
One thing will become clear, this is not the same Trade War as 5 years ago.

CONFIRMED

🛬Arrivals

• Bénie Traoré 🇨🇮 (21, CF, FC Nantes, End of loan)
• Ismaila Coulibaly 🇲🇱 (23, CM, AIK, End of loan)
• Femi Seriki 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (22, RB, Rotherham United, End of loan)

Total: £0.0M

🛫Departures

• James McAtee 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (21, CAM, Manchester City, End of loan)
• Ben Brereton-Diaz 🇨🇱 (25, CF, Villarreal, End of loan)
• Mason Holgate 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (27, RB, Everton, End of loan)
• Yasser Larouci 🇩🇿 (23, LB, Troyes, End of loan)
• George Baldock 🇬🇷 (31, RB, End of contract)
• Chris Basham 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (35, RB, End of contract)
• Wes Foderingham 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (33, RB, End of contract)
• Max Lowe 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (27, LB, End of contract)
• Oliver Norwood 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (31, CM, End of contract)

Total: £0.0M

RUMOURS

🛬Arrivals

Goalkeepers

• Viktor Johansson 🇸🇪 (25, GK, Rotherham United, 900k)
• Anthony Patterson 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (24, GK, Sunderland, 8M)

Defenders

• Luke Ayling 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (32, RB, Leeds United, free)

Midfielders

• Lewis O'Brien 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (25, CM, Nottingham Forest)
• Marc Leonard 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (22, CM, Brighton & Hove Albion, 300k)
• Lewis Latona 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (17, CM, Hamilton Academicals)

Forwards

• Sammie Szmodics 🇮🇪 (28, CF, Blackburn Rovers, 20M)
• John McAtee 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (24, CF, Luton Town)

🛫Departures

Goalkeepers

Defenders

• George Baldock 🇬🇷 (31, RB, Panathinaikos, Free)

Midfielders

• Oliver Arblaster 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (19, CM, West Ham United, Aston Villa)
• Vinícius Souza 🇧🇷 (24, CM, AC Milan)

Forwards

• Cameron Archer 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (23, CF, Aston Villa, 14M)
• Daniel Jebbison 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (20, CF, Ipswich Town, Free)
• Ollie McBurnie 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (27, CF, Antalyaspor, Free) ___

Previous Transfer Windows

• Winter 2024
• Summer 2023
• Winter 2023
• Summer 2022

Indulge in the Wild: Luxury Camping with Wild Highs in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh, with its breathtaking landscapes, snow-clad peaks, and serene rivers, has long been a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. But what if you could immerse yourself in this natural beauty without sacrificing comfort and luxury? Enter Wild Highs, your gateway to an unparalleled experience of Luxury camping in Himachal Pradesh. Here, we blend the rustic charm of the wilderness with the opulence of a high-end retreat, offering you the best of both worlds.

What is Luxury Camping?

Luxury camping, or "glamping," takes the traditional camping experience and infuses it with modern comforts and conveniences. Picture waking up in a spacious, well-furnished tent with a plush bed, enjoying gourmet meals under the open sky, and spending your evenings by a crackling campfire without compromising on amenities like hot showers and Wi-Fi. At Wild Highs, we ensure that your encounter with nature is both immersive and indulgent.

Why Choose Wild Highs for Luxury Camping?

1. Exquisite Locations

Our luxury campsites are strategically located in some of the most picturesque spots in Himachal Pradesh. Whether you choose the lush valleys of Kullu, the serene banks of the Parvati River, or the enchanting forests of Dharamshala, each site offers stunning vistas and a tranquil environment. These prime locations not only provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation but also serve as excellent bases for exploring the local attractions.

1. Opulent Accommodations

At Wild Highs, our accommodations redefine outdoor living. Our tents are more like luxurious suites, featuring king-sized beds with premium linens, en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, and private decks with breathtaking views. Thoughtfully designed interiors ensure that you experience the elegance of a boutique hotel while staying close to nature.

1. Gourmet Dining

Savor the flavors of Himachal Pradesh with our gourmet dining options. Our chefs prepare a variety of delicious meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy a hearty breakfast with mountain views, a picnic lunch by the river, and a candlelit dinner under a starlit sky. Special dietary requirements? Our team is ready to cater to your specific needs, ensuring every meal is a delight.

1. Personalized Experiences

We believe in crafting experiences that cater to your personal preferences. Whether it’s a private yoga session at sunrise, a guided trek through the mountains, a fishing expedition, or a cultural tour of nearby villages, Wild Highs offers a range of activities tailored to your interests. Our dedicated staff is always on hand to ensure that your stay is customized and memorable.

1. Sustainable Luxury

At Wild Highs, we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. Our campsites are designed to minimize environmental impact, utilizing eco-friendly materials and practices. We aim to create a balance where luxury meets sustainability, allowing you to enjoy nature without compromising its beauty.

Activities to Elevate Your Stay

Adventure and Exploration

For the adventurous at heart, Himachal Pradesh offers an array of activities. Try your hand at white-water rafting, paragliding, or mountain biking. Explore hidden trails on a guided trek, or embark on a jeep safari to discover the region’s diverse flora and fauna.

Wellness and Relaxation

Indulge in holistic wellness experiences with our curated wellness packages. Enjoy yoga and meditation sessions amidst serene landscapes, unwind with a massage using traditional Himalayan techniques, or soak in a natural hot spring.

Cultural Immersion

Delve into the rich culture of Himachal Pradesh. Visit local temples and monasteries, participate in traditional festivals, and learn about the region’s history and heritage from knowledgeable guides. Engage with local artisans and take home unique handicrafts as souvenirs.

What to Pack for Your Luxury Camping Trip

While we provide most of the essentials, here are a few items you might want to bring to enhance your stay:

• Comfortable clothing suitable for both warm days and cool nights
• Sturdy walking shoes for outdoor activities
• Personal toiletries and skincare products
• A good book or journal for reflective moments
• A camera to capture the stunning scenery

Conclusion

Luxury camping in Himachal Pradesh with Wild Highs offers a unique blend of adventure, comfort, and natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo retreat, our luxurious camps provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable experience. Reconnect with nature, indulge in luxury, and create lasting memories with Wild Highs. Your extraordinary adventure in the Himalayas awaits!