'Forth now, and fear no darkness!'

A little glimmer of the seasons changing

Nowhere is this more evident to me than when they are going through Moria, and Gandalf pauses a long time at a fork in the road trying to decide which way to go. Sensing the growing anxiety among the fellowship as Gandalf keeps lingering there, Aragorn says: “Do not be afraid! Gandalf has led us here against our fears, but he will lead us out again, at whatever cost to himself. He is surer of finding the way home in a blind night than the cats of Queen Beruthiel.”

Okay, buddy, let’s break that down:

1. Beruthiel is a long-dead queen of Gondor, hated for her cruelty and for her Cat Spy Network. Her husband eventually exiled her AND THE CATS out to sea. Her name was struck from The Book of Kings, but her legend lived on! How could it not.

2. Aside from Aragorn himself, only Gandalf (who is not listening) and Boromir will understand this reference. And I can’t help but feel it’s going to make Boromir immediately suspicious. Why is Aragorn referencing this deep cut of Gondorian history?

3. EVERY OTHER member of the fellowship had to be standing there like, “…Cats?”

im going to stare at it

im going to grin like an idiot

i dont care if you think its bad or not

i love it

Bad News about HMS Surprise

“I am writing to share that the Museum has recently made a difficult long-term decision regarding the vessel’s future.

After extensive professional evaluation and careful consideration by the Board and staff leadership, the Museum has determined that keeping HMS Surprise in our fleet is not financially viable. The cost required to bring the ship up to the standard our visitors, crew, and community deserve is no longer feasible nor responsible.

Earlier this year, the Museum brought in a professional marine surveyor to carefully inspect our historic fleet and the resources required to properly steward them. The cost to sufficiently restore HMS Surprise is estimated to exceed $25,000,000. The Museum simply does not have the resources for this, and it would significantly limit our ability to care for the rest of the collection and advance our educational mission.

Therefore, the decision has been made to permanently close HMS Surprise to the public on August 1, 2027. We will be announcing this to our museum community and the public in the coming month.

Please know that this decision was not made lightly. For more than 20 years, the Museum has devoted considerable resources to maintain HMS Surprise as a vital part of the Museum’s historic vessel collection. She has played an extraordinary role in bringing maritime history to life, inspiring countless visitors, students, and supporters over the years. Before she is closed to the public, the Museum will be appropriately honoring and celebrating her over the next year.

I do want to be clear that this decision is final, and the Museum will not be launching a fundraising campaign to reverse it. The Museum staff is exploring options for her next chapter, including but not limited to potential entertainment industry opportunities, among other solutions. We will share updates when available.

We deeply appreciate the recent support you have shown HMS Surprise. However, I understand that this information may change how you wish to direct your donation. The funds can be redirected to another vessel, our education programs, or to the Museum’s general operating fund. I also understand that you may choose to have your donation refunded and am happy to assist with that as well. My office number is below if you need to reach me via phone.

Thank you again for your support and interest in our work.

Sincerely,

Kate

Kate O’Neill

Director of Development & Membership

Maritime Museum of San Diego”