Archivist Note: What follows are the recovered journal entries and images from Uncle Bertie’s first morning on Tuntuket Island.
Archive Reference: BTS-TUN-JRN-003
Awakened early by the warming glow of sunrise, I packed my satchel, leaving non-essentials at base camp.
Now to have some breakfast, part ways (for now) with George and set off North along the coastline.
Sunrise still gleaming a warm golden hue.
Archivist Note: Along the margin of this journal page is what appears to be a checklist of items that were packed into Uncle Bertie’s satchel. Each written under the one before and crossed out as if a reminder the item had been packed.
Water – Food – Flask – Blanket – Dry Clothes – Cameras & Film – Notebook & Pen – Specimen Jars Pocket Knife – First Aid Kit – Torch – Flare – Fire Starting Kit – Cooking Pan & Cutlery
Archive Reference: BTS-TUN-JRN-004
Finally making it to the Lonely Tree I’ve stopped to grab some food and gather myself before I head in through the thicket.
The sand was difficult to traverse; deep loose sand made every step feel heavier.
Rewardingly, the coastline has presented me some marvelous examples of the island’s diverse flora; most delicate in appearance but hardy by nature.
Structures unlike any I have ever seen before; perhaps more similar to fungi in part, grasses so blue I have only ever seen on an expedition to the Ullrune Reach.
Archivist Note: Tucked into the journal alongside these entries where the following photos. I agree with Uncle Bertie, whilst the overall shape is somewhat familiar, the individual petal structures are rather unique for flora.
Archive Reference: BTS-TUN-PHO-004
Recovered photograph of Tuntuket flora
Archive Reference: BTS-TUN-PHO-005
Recovered photograph of Tuntuket flora
Archive Reference: BTS-TUN-PHO-006
Recovered photograph of Tuntuket flora
Small creatures I have never encountered; appearing as if some sort of crustacean hybrid.
An array of colour, and though alluring, nature can sometimes be deceiving.
Sometimes the creatures with the most beautiful colours can be the deadliest.
Archivist’s Note: Mostly illegible notes on this page suggest Uncle Bertie was attempting to document the appearance of these creatures and understand their behaviour. From the legible portions I was able to decipher, I recovered the following images, inside the cover of a separate field notebook. On the back marked: “Tuntuket Obscurities.”
Archive Reference: BTS-TUN-PHO-007
“Tuntuket Obscurities”
Archive Reference: BTS-TUN-PHO-008
“Tuntuket Obscurities”
As I sit to recover, I am taken aback at how magnificent even this singular tree is.
Standing alone on the sand, separate from the others – strong and proud. Branches bent, roots exposed in places; this specimen of survival and strength gives me a sense of calmness and readiness all at once.
My sketch can only capture a fraction of its beauty, and importance; as it offers a beacon to the entrance of the thicket.
Archivist’s Note: Sketched on a singular page an ink sketch entitled “The Lonely Tree”
Archive Reference: BTS-TUN-SKT-001
“The Lonely Tree“
This island certainly is the most unusual of all the islands of Madguer.
As a naturalist it’s rather exciting to not be able to identify at first glance what I have already seen. I wonder what else I might encounter.
As I drink a few more sips of tea from my flask I do my best to breathe in this moment.
The calmness of the waves rolling against the shore, the sound of the sea birds calling to each other and the gentle breeze brushing against my skin.
I could quite happily spend the rest of the day here and explore what else there is to uncover, but I must keep moving to my next stop.
Now to continue through into the thicket and make my way towards the entrance of the cave.
All being well I’ll find it before dusk.
Archivist’s Note: Further cataloguing is ongoing to piece together the next journal entries. They will be added to the archive once the preservation process is complete. I must say, I am rather intrigued to uncover what else Uncle Bertie may have encountered in the coming days of his expedition.
Location: Tuntuket Island – Madguer – Bermond Sea
Date: Unknown
Documented by: Bertram Thomason Stone
Curated by: The Archivist
The adventures of uncle bertie 
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