new grail logs

Grail Log Volume One

Okay, Brothers Griff,

I must give a full report of my search thus far - for several reasons. First, to provide an accurate account of my actions so I can be corrected if you guys know what I am doing is wrong. Two, so if I am unsuccessful, Bruno can relieve me of my duties and continue the search when he arrives in Pearl Harbor in a few weeks! And three, because I know you clowns want to know what I found (which unfortunately, is not much).

I have been searching for "King Kamehameha's Bathtub." Several days ago, I found an article depicting an area on Oahu known as "The Bathtub." I was, of course, rather excited, seeing how I have not been able to find another reference to anything close to this since I've been searching. I gathered my tools (you know what I mean) and proceeded with my roommate Adam (he had a car) to the North Shore and a place known as Clissold's Beach (near Pounder's Beach). It was awesome! We had to walk several miles on the strand, and then the tide rolled in and forced us back to the road. The rain started pouring down (freezing) and yet we still trudged on. Finally, we arrived at "The Bathtub." It's like a jetty formation that provides protection from the current and tide and makes it safe for little kids to swim. The jetty is very old.

But when we got there, there were hundreds of trees and the place was commercialized and obviously not a true historical or significant site of any kind. I have learned that "The Bathtb" is not the location of the treasure.

Fear Not! I am undaunted by this setback and, in fact, I believe we are progressing toward the ultimate achievement of recovering the treasure. I spoke this morning to an old Hawaiian woman. I asked her if she knew of a place known as "KKB." She said, in an old woman way, "Yes, yes, I have heard of that. I think my grandfather took me there to play when I was a little girl. Let me think... where was it? I can't remember... Give me a minute... " And she could not remember. But, this is hope beyond hope, stalwarts! We will overcome!

I'm serious, bros! We will succeed in this endeavor! If you have anything to add to the search, reply to all so we can keep everyone in the loop.

Love You, Holmses,

Rufus (we named the dog Rufus) Jones

At this point, Kandi wrote me a nasty-gram, enclosed, along with my response, for your reading pleasure:

Thomas! Hey hey!!!! I want a grail log! I am jealous! Here's the deal brother of mine. I am the ONLY person you know who knows the location of King Kamehehe's bathtub. If you want the goods, I suppose a trade can be arranged. The info for the grail logs. Take it or leave it! ha ha let me know!

Kandi

My response:

Dear Kandi,

I am a chauvanistic pig. I have slapped my own hand, and slapped my own face, and sat with my head hanging low, in deep respect and with a terribly contrite heart, recognizing my sad and sorry mistake of leaving my wonderful sister (who is apparently the keeper of the true treasure map) out of the loop. Please forgive an old crusty sea dog who sometimes forgets his place. Below you will find the first edition of the Griffin Grail Log (I'm not sure, but it might should be retitled Schooley Grail Log - I'll have to give it some thought). You are now officially a part of the He-Man Woman Haters' Club and will certainly be included in all forthcoming newsletters, episodes, and volumes, and will be invited to play yourself in the miniseries.

Please email me back with your info, O Keeper of the Map. I eagerly await your response (and truthfully, I don't have much more time until I get back underway).

Love, Your Bro,

Thomas

Postscipt: I seriously do apologize for not including you. I thought of you (and Jeremy) after I already sent it out. I've just been emailing the other guys recently. If you have JD's email, send it, too. I have it at home, but forgot to bring it underway. Thanks. Also, sens me your cell number. I'll give you a call to talk this over.

And now for the latest chapter:

Grail Log Volume Two

Okay, Brothers Griff (This means you, too, Kandi),

I have been to King Kamehameha's Bathtub.

That's right. I have seen it. I have swam in it. I have basked in the tub and said, "Calgon, take me away..." I have the pictures to prove it.

Kandi, it's just like you said, only more so. King Kamehameha's Bathtub is a blowhole. It's known now as the Halona Blow Hole. It is a hole in the rock that opens to an underground cave. When the waves push into the underground area, it sprays like a seawater geyser. It's rather astounding. A few years ago, a young man from the mainland thought he would be cool and let the spray hit his chest. There are signs all around warning of danger, and everyone kept calling to him to get away from the blowhole, but he just smiled and went right up to the hole. He straddled it and put his chest down over the hole. When the wash came, it lifted him about five feet in the air. Then, the water rushed down back through the hole... and took him with it. They found his body two days later. What a tragedy.

To the West of the blowhole is a small cove that reaches far into the cliff. It is shaped like an oval, and looks in fact, just like a bathtub. The blowhole is the drain. It was amazing. I only wish you all could have been there with me.

Now for the tough part. There was some vegetation - shrubs, bushes, meandering vines. But no trees. Certainly no towering tree that we have all longed to see at this historic moment. The "Tree at the Bathtub." No such luck. Across the highway are a couple of old trees. They are not majestic or pretty at all. I think one of them is dead. But they may be rather old. There are some tiny trees throughout the rocks of the tub area as well. These could be the remains of what were once larger trees. But nothing discernable. I inspected the entire area thoroughly. So we are at square one.

The only method I can see that could help us proceed is the obvious metal detector. I'm looking into getting one for next weekend. I will be unable to continue until then. I intend to get one and then see what can be found. If I am unsuccessful, I'll pass it on to you, Greg, for further attempts.

Chins up, stalwarts! We shall not be defeated by a big chunk of rock! We will not be cast down by a missing tree! The Grail will be found! The quest will be achieved! Don't forget who we are! And how far we have come! Onward!

And that's how it stands, brothers. Give me the high sign...

Volume III

Hello, Sports Fans,

I hope you all had a great weekend. I know I did. Fun in the sun in beautiful Oahu. Temps were perfect with a cool breeze to knock the edge off. My dome is a bit burned, but that's the price you pay for enjoying the outdoors for two days.

Speaking of which, let's recap. Thanks to our card-carrying-member and sister extraordinaire, Brother Kandi, we have uncovered the location of the treasure. And as I mentioned before, I wish you could see it. The Halona Blowhole, as the drain for King Kamehameha's Bathtub is now known, spouts water at high tide like a seawater geyser. It's quite a sight to see. Picture the panorama, if you will - and as you pan to the right, you see the bathtub proper, a small cove with a cliff and a moderate sandy beach. It's breathtaking, and known as Eternity Beach. It's the location of the famous beach scene in From Here to Eternity with Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr. Hence, the name.

I had the opportunity to continue the search during my stay, particularly on Sunday. I procured a high-resolution, deep-indicating metal detector. In fact, the one I used is designed for underwater detection, has an extremely high capability, and can detect objects as deep as three to six feet. I began my search in the morning, at about 0900. The area of interest is more than two acres, so this is no small job. On both sides of the observation point (where the Blowhole can be seen from above), there are potential sites. Additionally, across the highway, stand two trees that may have seemed more a part of the Bathtub sixty years ago. It took me roughly eight hours to complete a scan of an area equal to about one acre. It was on the Eternity Beach side. And for my efforts, I was richly rewarded with a metal button, three barettes, more rusty nails than you could use to build a motor-whale boat, twinkie foil, and $2.83 - cold, hard cash! That's right - I'm a winner! But archeology is both a science and an art. It takes patience, a cool head, and persistence. I have none of these, but will continue onward!

I still have two days left to research and detect. I'm looking for old pictures of our locale. LeeAndra suggested I view From Here to Eternity. It's a great idea. It may show the location of an old tree that has since been removed. If anyone has any other ideas that could help, please reply to all and let's talk it out.

One of our members, Brother Dave, mentioned that he would like to hear more about our Founder and the origins of this organization. Here is an excerpt from his request letter:

"...I have always had one question about the old World War II [gun]. Why, oh why, would our grandfather bury a pistol around the time of war? I have always wondered this. You are a military man. Do you have any reasoning behind this? Was it something he just wanted to keep as a souvenir and they wouldn't let him have it? Could it be that he knew that it would one day be a legacy in his descending family to come that it may pull them together in the efforts to one day find this piece of history? Creating an artifact to one day be found by us? Or at least creating a journey to see what he meant to his family? I'm sure none of this actually had gone through his head, but it sure makes one ponder his intensions. Perhaps that is the wonder and curiosity of this journey. To find a great artifact that ties us to history by making ourselves relevant in the events through history. That may be what it means to me. And possibly being related to the freedom fighters in an era that helped to make this country FREE, makes this find, or at least the quest, so enticing. Anyways, bro, thanks for allowing us to be a part of this. I am honored to be a part of what is our family history. Do you tell stories of our Grampa being there at Pearl Harbor? About his rocks and potatoes stories during the battle? About him being the prize fighter in his company, or platoon or whatever name they use for it? Do you think Grampa knew Bullethead?? I'll bet he was Bullethead's mentor. You know, the original bullethead!!! hahahahaha! Hey, maybe in your next grail report you can mention what you might think Grampa's intentions of burying [the gun] might be. Or at least ponder the questions that we all might have in what his thinking was in why he may have buried it in the first place. And perhaps mention a little bit of Grampa in the report ..."

Another concerned member, Brother Greg, recently gave his thoughts on the reports:

"...I love the Grail Logs, they have been great. Andi really liked them too. I hope you are having a good time even if you haven't found it yet. I keep trying to remember what Grampa said about it, but I mostly remember his stories of throwing rocks and potatoes at the air craft and taking some of them out. I remember how he was always joking and laughing, and teasing Gramma. I remember Kandi sticking his hair up like a cone above his head. I remember working with him at LynMar Tool. I remember running with him on the beach, I think I could keep up with him now, hehe. I remember Denny's. This is what the Grail is all about. As much as I want to see the thing, to hold it, to admire the history that goes along with it, it's the reminder of TLS, which he always told us stood for Tough Little Shit, hehe. I hope you find it... But even just the good memories of them makes the trip worth while..."

Brother Kandi also gives her thoughts:

"...Wow, I cannot believe that you have been to the bathtub. I know that was the whole point, but how awesome. I wish I was there too. I'm glad you found it (and resisted the pull of the blowhole) My friend told me that he knows a couple of locals that have ridden the blowhole. I thought I would leave out that info earlier. You have been out to sea for a while. Who knows what kind of crazy things you might try. haha When Dr. Mansfield told me about it, I almost pictured our crazy grandfather giving it a try. He always was a troublemaker..."

As you can see, our brothers are working out their own personal searches for The Grail. Stand by for Volume Four. I intend to include just a bit of what may have happened in December 1941.

With Much Love (and a refined sense of patience),

Your Quest Recorder

Thomas

The Griffin-Schooley Chronicle, Volume Four

In December 1941, a young Army Private was stationed at Scofield Barracks, Pearl Harbor, when the Imperial Japanese attacked. He was there throwing rocks and potatoes at the Zeroes as they made their strafing and bombing runs (he was on KP duty, which was something that happened a lot to this young Private - in fact, he was busted down at least four times in his short career). After the dust settled, the Army recognized that security was rather easy going and perhaps they should tighten the screws a bit (just like after 9/11 in this generation). First, they ordered all Army personnel to report to the Armory for new sidearm issue. Well, our hero already had a .45 ( model 1911) that was still squeaky clean. He'd only been in the service for a few months when this episode occurred. But report he did. And as already stated, he was a bit of a scammer, so he somehow got away with not turning in his original weapon. After the issue, he ended up with two guns. He decided to take his brand-new pistol, immerse it in preserving oil, wrap it in oilskin, and bury it for retrieval at a later date (when the heat was off of him). Of course, shortly thereafter, he was shipped out and had many fine adventures in the South Pacific including being wounded severely by a Japanese bayonet to the shoulder, and after recovering, catching a severe case of malaria such that he was taken stateside for recovery at an Army Hospital in Utah (where he first set his eyes on our Grandma). That's right, I'm talking about our Grandpa and my namesake, Thomas Lumley Schooley.

He told this story many years ago and gave some indications of where the gun lay buried. He related how he buried it under the one and only tree at King Kamehameha's Bathtub, a structure that would never go away or be forgotten. The rest of the story has been chronicled in the first three volumes of The Griffin-Schooley Chronicle (formerly The Grail Report).

The truth is, no one knows why he buried the pistol. And now that a number of years have gone by since he passed away, it's hard to get all the facts straight. One reason for this documentation is to bring to light facts that may be known by the members as individuals, but not known by the collective. We have seen this work in the example of Brother Kandi sending us the true location of the Bathtub. There may be other facts out there gathering dust, waiting to be rediscovered by the True Brotherhood of the Peacemaker.

My ship is underway and will be for some time. When I next return to Pearl Harbor, I'll have a couple of days to finish my excavation. Brother Greg has informed us that when he arrives in Oahu, he may not be granted liberty to carry on the search. So this may be the last time (at least in the near future) that one of us has the chance to work on this project. If you know anything, or think you might know something, please put on your thinking caps and put it out on the table. Time is getting away from us.

I'm eager to get back in port to finish the job at hand. Sometimes demonstrating patience can be a difficult thing, though. Like the time Grandpa stopped by the house on Oakhorne Drive on his way to LynMar. He came in and had a sandwich and was just hanging around with some of us. I took his hat and his glasses and put them on. Then I grabbed his cigarettes and put them in my front shirt pocket. I walked around saying, "Look! I'm Grandpa." He thought it was funny. Then, unbeknownst to him, I "loaded" one of his smokes with a cigarette popper. See, the whole cutsie "I'm Grandpa" bit was just a ruse to get the cigs. He stayed at the house for another half-hour or so smoking a couple, but to no avail. I was sorely disappointed, and wanted so badly to see the fruits of my labor. After some time, I forgot all about it. The phone rang a couple of hours later. It was Grandpa. "What did you do to my cigarettes?!" I guess after he got to the shop, he lit one up in front of Gene and a couple of the guys. Kaboom! They later said he almost punched Gene in the face from reacting to the blast. I only wish I could've been there.

If you have stories of your interaction with TLS, or just stories in general that you'd like to share with the Brotherhood, please submit them for publication. The Griffin-Schooley Chronicle is happy to be used and abused by any Griffins, former-Griffins, Schooleys, or associated persons. However, we reserve the right to tell the tales as the editor remembers them.

Have a great day, Brothers. Gimme the high sign...

Volume Five

Okay, My Brothers, Once Again... Gimme the High Sign...

I'm currently steaming home from beautiful Oahu. I've had an enchanted time, but all good things must come to an end (who said that, anyway? what a cynic!). My dome is burnt, but it's a good burn. Kinda like when you work out really hard, and then the next day, you're sore all over. The water in Hawaii is crystal clear, and the weather is great. Unless you're spending ten hours in the hot sun walking around the beach with a huge metal detector strapped to your back, looking like a dork from the future! That's right, my brothers... I am that guy.

For all my hard work, the only thing I found was a sunburn (and eventually, a MaiTai, but that was long after the day's search). But as each of you has intimated to me over the last few weeks, it's not all about finding the treasure. It's more about the search. And I am proud to say that I am only the first. I know that in time, more of the brotherhood will have the chance to work out their own search. As I mentioned, there is much ground to cover. You may remember that there are two sides to The Bathtub. Eternity Beach is to the right as you face the water. The Blowhole is left-of-center. And there is a second cove to the far left. My main focus was on the Eternity Beach side. It is simply what seemed the right spot to me. I made a few cursory passes near the trees on the other side of the highway, but all to no avail. Our Holy Grail remains hidden and the mystery is secure.

This has been such a fine adventure, and it has been my pleasure to serve as Your Recorder. My adventures continue, as I'm certain will yours. So, don't forget what you've learned here. I'm still putting it all together in this big head of mine. Remember Grandpa used to call it a "Fat Head!" or a few times, a "Square Head."

Once, at the house on Oakhorne, Grandpa was in the kitchen cooking a steak. Why I seem to always remember him at the stove is beyond me. Well, he finished cooking his meat and slapped it on a plate and sat down at the kitchen table. I was sitting there watching him. He grabbed the salt to spice it up just a touch. The cap fell right off the top and poured salt all over the steak. It was ruined. I remember he said nothing, but simply got up, grabbed his hat, and walked out of the house. I didn't see him for the rest of the day. Of course, I felt terrible, since a couple of hours before, me and Roger were talking about how funny it would be if somebody had salt go all over their food. We were playing around and unscrewed the top, and then forgot to put it back right. I never told him it was me, but I always felt bad about it. Of course, Grandpa never let anything get him down for long.

He was such a wise man - or was he a wise guy?! What's the difference, I say!

Brother Dave gives us this account:

"...I also believe that I had the privilege of showing Grampa his 1st great grandchild. I'm sorry to say that I was the only one that had this privilege. He would say, "I have always been a 'Great' Grampa!!!" he and gramma came out just after Christopher was born. They brought Christopher his 1st football. Then, we all had such a great time at the 50th anniversary. he gave me some advice that I've always carried with me from that day forward. I believe that was just after Chandra was born, and she was so tiny! The Blumells, if you recall, gave quarters to just about everyone. They set aside a motorhome for us to stay in, but at that time of year it was still very cold, and not quite the best setting for a newborn. We didn't want to stay, but didn't want to seem ungrateful, and Grampa just said, "Do what you want! You can't please everyone." It may not seem like much to you, but it opened my eyes to some realities of being an adult, and doing what's best for my family..."

I agree, Brother Dave! You can't always please everyone. It just seems right coming from someone like TLS.

So, onward, Brothers! Onward, to the prize! Curly said it was just "one thing." For us, in this round, it has been the search for a treasure and a treasure of memories. All in our Brotherhood know that it is truly Jesus who is our Prize. As He has told us, "All things work for good according to those who love Him." And in another place, "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report... meditate on these things." I see our Grandpa as these things, and the search to remember him has served me well. It is good.

So, what comes next? What adventure takes the lead in the next chapter? This is just the beginning. Rise to the challenge, Brothers! Don't "lag!" And don't be "weak." (I blew my thumb and threw down a big W). And someone call Brother Jeremy. He won't respond to my emails.

With Much Love, a Burnt Fat-Head, and a Great Attitude,

Brother Thomas

Volume Six

Saint Patrick's Day 2008

USS DECATUR, Southern California Operations Area

Brothers, Seekers, Adventurers... Ya got your Victory Dance? I got it right heeeeere - yeah!

Underway once more, brothers. Out on the blue, in the Domain of Mighty Neptunus Rex! Cruising above Davy Jones' Locker (and no, Brother Dave, not Davy Jones from the Monkeys). I just finished a long five-hour watch as the Conn on the bridge (I know, Brother Greg - you're in port and starboard - so stop whining, Brother Tom!) In my stateroom, I kick my boots off, and dream about times long past. About late nights on Oakhorne Drive watching Predator, skating to Stop 'n' Go to play Super Don Quixote, buying Now 'n' Laters from Silver Skates, Under Cover concert in Coasta Mesa (Awesome!), Steve Ano telling me I dropped something or that he'd buy me a churro later, Idylwild Pines.

Not only do our memories give us hope, they deliver us to our future. The previous Volumes have all revolved around my quest (our quest) for a precious artifact that could mean the world to all of us. We found that although we have not achieved success by discovering the secret hiding place, we found treasure in the sharing of our thoughts and memories of not only TLS, but everything we have accomplished - whether together or individually - on Oakhorne Drive, the town with thirteen blocks by thirteen blocks, Craig, Paionia, SanDog, Texas, Singapore, Malta, or Gibraltar. The Quest is what really matters.

Brothers, what we have discovered is cliche, but it's true. It's not where you're going, it's the journey.

While I was in Pearl Harbor last month, I didn't have much time for seeking the Grail. I needed to let off a little steam, so instead I sought a Grail of a different sort...

...Picture if you will a beautiful sunset, slight rain in the distance which offsets the easy tropical breeze. A few close friends share the view of Diamond Head from sea, a catamaran cruise, quietly talking about their past and hoping together for their futures. Only one thing is lacking. Then, out of nowhere, our host calls to me. "To-mas! You want one, bra?" Before I can answer, he holds out toward me a sight to behold. It's tropical, but not effeminate, dainty yet packing a punch. Put simply, it is the perfect end to the day. Maita'i is the Tahitian word for good. I must say, Brothers, it was good. My quest was over and I sat and sipped and enjoyed the sunset.

Switching subjects (and a couple of days have passed): Tomorrow is Purim and Good Friday. I've been thinking and praying about both. If you're not familiar with Purim, it is the celebration of the Hebrew Deliverance given through Esther and Mordecai written of in the Book of Esther. It's a great story - I know you all know it - not because you've dusted off your Bibles but because you have the Veggie Tale! Don't deny it! Anyway, it seems to me a great comparison of the Deliverance of God's Chosen at two different times. The sacrifice of Jesus came later, but of course, was so much more important. Time and again, though, I see evidence that deliverance comes through sacrifice, whether by the bold and dangerous way that Esther approached her husband the king (the wife she replaced was punished for just such an act) or the Sacrifice of Our LORD and Savior Jesus that lasts for eternity. Our deliverance is something I give thanks for today and every day. I celebrate Purim, or the deliverance of those who follow Christ - the true Chosen Ones!

In the meantime, Brothers, I am about to start the celebration with a Victory Dance - and I got it right heeeeere - yeah! Join me if you will (at least in spirit). I love all of you with His love.

Gimme The High Sign,

To-mas