The boys’ shelter has survived the change of seasons, evolving from a barren, winter structure into a hidden hermitage, surrounded and softened by the island forest’s leafy undergrowth. While in the past I’ve found evidence of white-tailed deer visiting the shelter, and once even discovered the remains of a pizza party (not the deer that time, I’m assuming), last week I only found this lonely Horned Passalus Beetle (Odontotaenius disjunctus), which objected very noisily (or stridulated, for the entomologically-inclined) when my oldest son picked it up for further investigation.
As I am a more of an etymologist than an entomologist, I advise that you visit this site if you are interested in more information about this beetle. In the meantime, I’ll just sit here,
or maybe pick up these cans.
TRASH ON THE MONOCACY 
What an attractive beetle, and I like the boys’ shelter too. Sadly, it seems the supply of trash to pick up along the river is infinite. Thank you for persevering with this ongoing and worthwhile project, though it must feel disheartening at times. I am sure your boys are learning a lot from your caring and perseverance.
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Oh, thank you!
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Good to know there are children who know how to make a fort as we did in our younger years. Yes, there is always trash to pick up … unfortunately.
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That is one of their many skills. I have to admit, I far prefer the constructive sides of their nature!
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What fun the boys must have in the fort.
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Two days after I wrote this someone tore it down. But the boys rebuilt it!
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That’s very sad. I struggle to understand why people must destroy things. I’m glad your boys are resilient
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They took it as an opportunity to improve on it, thank goodness!
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