The Mushroom Harvesters on the Silver Sea of Glooph

Arriving at the midpoint in my trek on the Ssikkis Trail, I came to the edge of the peninsula of Gufruf where, upon my great surprise, I found the inhabitants to be quite similar than those of the Coral Bay of Kellkakor! Well, inquiring into this, I discovered that I was not the only one who sought travel. Their ancestors, long ago, had ventured forth to seek a knowledge that would have been revealed to them in the stars. Finding their way here, they settled down in this strange part of the planet, never having lost many of their old traditions and myths that they had carried with them through the stars. Their skills in ship-making retained the same flair and flavor that had developed into a particular art before their ancestors picked up and departed their homes so long ago. However, building materials being different, they had to adapt to the native things they found handy in this new place. The ships, mostly smaller, were made of a different wood - as were the sails. They were also quite a bit smaller than most of the royal gliders which I saw on my journey to Kellkakor bay. And, here, they were used to harvest a peculiar kind of mushroom that grows within the waters of this sea. They were quite delighted to meet somebody who knew of their ancestors, still living the same seafaring lifestyle, and hosted me for several days as I regaled them with my travels - especially the story about Kellkakor Bay - going misty-eyed at the mention of each Kellkakorian name that passed my lips (they are quite an emotional and quiet bunch, I must say). Messengers were sent out right away to renew the broken ties. Then, they insisted on a peaceful voyage on their 'farms' along the coast. So, taking my camera, I traveled with a harvester for a few days, basking in the sun of the magical place. As their guest, I learned much about these strange mushrooms. For instance, they informed me that the mushrooms floated upon the calm sea, their stems growing far below them, until they finally reached the bottom and anchored themselves to the ground far, far below.

The Mushrooms, when touched, have a soft spongy texture not unlike soggy bark. They have many uses and are cared for and harvested by these locals, who eat them and make lamp oil from the sap, among many other things. The strange waters of the Silver Sea of Glooph contain many valuable minerals that the Mushrooms soak up on the outside layers and which may be scraped off in their purified forms, and sold to valuable alchemical and medicinal businesses. Thus, these people have also become, in a fashion, devoted to the study of medicine and health. Even the strangely saturated weathered rocks along the coast seem to be peaceful and contemplative.

- Traveling Uncle Nat. :)

08/07/00

P.S. This picture is dedicated to Rodney L'Ongnion, the director of the Bryce movies "Planetary Traveler" and "Infinity's Child". He died today of a heart attack, the day that I finished this picture. His work has inspired me to create and discover worlds of my own in 3D and has helped to popularize this incredible program and medium of work. I never met him, but I will always respect what he did to help my artwork become what it is. My best wishes and condolences go out to his family and friends - some of whom also inspired and helped me along the way to the artwork you now see. I hope that he has found other beautiful worlds to visit in a glider upon the silver sea.