On August 29th, The Stegosaurus Disaster Relief Agency arrived in Venezuela to assist the mammals there in recovery from earthquakes they experienced on June 24th.

Where the first earthquake occured was where the Agency arrived first. The quake was in Veroes Municipality, west of San Felipe, the capital city of Yaracuy. The foreshock measured 7.2 on the Richter Scale. The main shock measured 7.5, and was located off the coast of Vargas, ( now called La Graiua ) just west of Catia LaMar, the port city in which we arrived.

Of course, Shunosaurus followed me from China, so he was there, and we were also quickly joined by other sauropods, such as Apatosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Nigersaurus, and Diplodocus, Shunosaurus was delighted to see so many sauropods there working together for the benefit of the mammals and he immediately felt right at home among them, setting to work right away, helping Diplodocus remove very large sections of wall which had been reduced to rubble.

Trachodon and Agathaumas arrived as they usually do, silently, and set to work without a word, not wanting to draw attention to themselves, as is their custom. Agathaumas and Trachodon worked together to construct a water filtration system to ensure the mammals had access to clean water. Trachodon, being a frequent water dweller, particularly believed ( and rightly so ) that clean water helped prevent premature extinctions and diseases which were prone to afflict mammals who had experienced such tragic circumstances as these earthquakes.

We were also joined by Rhedosaurus and his lovely wife Lady Rhedosaurus; it was Lady Rhedosaurus' idea to have her husband help her to build a lighthouse in the port city, as this would effectively distract Rhedosaurus from eating policemen and other Venezuelan authority figures.

“I know you've declared that lighthouses don't do much for you any more,” said she. “I am genuinely flattered that you are much more interested in me, but you see, just this once I'd like you to help me help the mammals here by building them a lighthouse which will help their goods and ships arriving at port safely during major storms. I know you've also destroyed them as effectively as any earthquake could; but please, just this once, help me do something nice for the mammals instead of eathing their authority figures, which is not beneficial in times of crisis; it is actually making things worse, so, please help me help the mammals.”

“All right, my beloved,” said Rhedosaurus. “I shall temper my appetite for policemen of all Nations. Today. Just for you.”

Western Black Rhino and Woolly Rhino were shocked to discover the number of mammals who had become extinct as a result of the earthquake. "6,500, and many more millions missing!" said Western Black Rhino. "The Mammals here have not experienced an earthquake this bad since 29th October of the year 1900, in San Narciso ! I really feel for them, as I know how I felt when I initially became extinct in 2013. I will help the sauropods clear this area of rubble; 80% of the mammal dwellings here have been destroyed, and it is a similar situation in their capital city of Caracas."

I know one thing I could do, it would be a great sacrifice, but I must help the mammals, as I too, feel distraught by actually seeing the amount of total devistation here. I will take a shearing and the mammals can use my fur to make blankets to keep them warm if they are out in the cold without a home in the winter months, which will be here soon."

"That is very generous of you," said Western Black Rhino. "Had I any hair I would gladly follow your example and do the same."

As Woolly Rhino departed in search of someone who was a shearer and would help him implement his plan. "I wish you good fortune as you help the sauropods clear the area of rubble," said Woolly Rhino.

Woolly Rhino then spoke up, and got the attention of Brachiosaurs and Nigersaurus who stopped clearing rubble when they realized someone was calling upon them. Nigersaurus was still happily singing sea shanties, as he had been now for over a year. "Hail, Nigersaurus! I have come to help you clear rubble."

"Hello, there, Western Black Rhino! Yes, please come help us!" said Nigersaurus. "Would you like me to teach you a few verses of The Leaving of Liverpool? We can sing as we work!"

"Thank you, but I shall leave the singing to you," said Western Black Rhino.

"Very well!" rejoined Nigersaurus. "Where is Woolly Rhino? Is he here with us?"

"Yes, he is," said Western Black Rhino. "He has gone to find someone to give him a shearing so that wool blankets can be made to keep mammals warm."

"That is a great idea!" said Nigersaurus, who then promptly resumed singing.

Stegosaurus and the Moa Birds had gone to Grenada and Brazil to bring back food that the mammals could eat. Stegosaurus planned to set up a soup kitchen in Catia La Mar. All of these foods were recipes that the Venezuelan people would know and enjoy. Stegosaurus stopped by the workshop of Stegosaurus Claus, and Stegosaurus Claus took some time out of his busy toy making schedule to donate a crate full of tree shaped Gingerbread cookies, as well as Christmas trees.

Stegosaurus and 6 Upland Moas had hitched themselves to carts so that they could transport the food and a few essential items from Grenada and Brazil to Venezuela.

"What to you say to a visit to New Zealand once we finish cleaning up Venezuela ?? We always enjoy your visits to watch us graze in our bucolic mountain setting."

"That sounds like a lovely idea," said Stegosaurus. "I agree it is time for a visit to New Zealand; I will stomp there forthrightly as soon as we have helped all the mammals we can help here."

Up ahead, Stegosaurus noticed Apatosaurus and Shunosaurus knocking down trees and building bridges out of them.

"Hello, there, Apatosaurus, Shunosaurus! Can we cross soon? The Moa Birds and I are bringing food to the Venezuelan mammals that has come from Brazil and Grenada."

"You can very shortly," said Apatosaurus. "The earthquake took out this bridge and Shunosaurus and I have felled some trees to create a temporary bridge so that mammals and dinosaurs alike may pass safely."

"I was helping Brachiosaurus and Diplodocus clear rubble a few miles away, but Apatosaurus needed someone with a cool, spiky tail to fell these trees, and you and the Moa Birds had already left for Grenada."

"Understood, Shumosaurus. You have done well, " said Stegosaurus.

"The food that the Moas and I are bringing from Grenada and Brazil is going to be part of a soup kitchen I want to run to help feed the mammals."

"A brilliant idea, Stegosaurus. I am, as always, glad to be a part of this," said Apatosaurus.

"What kind of foods did you bring the mammals to eat?" asked Apatosaurus.

"I would have to confess only vegetables, as vegetables are what I know and also it is true that they can be transported easier than things like meat, which needs to be kept cold for proper storage and transport."

"Very wise." said Shunosaurus.

"Here is the menu," said Stegosaurus.

"First, vegetarian Arepas. These can be filled with black beans, avocado, cilantro, or mushrooms.

Second, Catchapas, corn based pancakes, in this case, without cheese, but we do have butter on hand.

Pabellon Criollo, made with Jackfruit.

Hallacas filled with vegetable stew.

Finally we will have a vegetarian dish that pairs with many vegetarian options, Guasacaca."

"I am sure they'll be pleased that the menu reflects their cultural tastes," said Moa Bird.

"It is fortunate that we had the resources to provide such a meal. In situations like this, it is not always possible," said Stegosaurus.

"I hope we have enough to feed everyone."

Moa Bird observed the hungry Venezuelans arriving.

"Here they come!" he said. "The hungry mammals are arriving!"

The mammals did arrive in such great numbers, that Stegosaurus had to send the Moa Birds, as well as Trachodon and Agathaumas into Grenada to see if they could procure more food. Thus, many Venezuelans were fed and cared for in these difficult times by the Stegosaurus Disaster Relief Agency, When the food was all gone, Rhedosaurus, Lady Rhedosaurus, Nigersaurus and Shunosaurus made sure that the mammals had access to resources that would be able to assist them when the Stegosaurus Disaster Relief Agency had returned home. These would be international aid organizations run by mammals to help mammals. The Venezuelan people were grateful for the aid they had recieved and invited Stegosaurus to return during less stressful, less busy times.

"They want me to visit their country after their cities are completely rebuilt, to experience their culture when their circumstances are much less dire," said Stegosaurus

"How kind of them," observed Brachiosaurus.

"It has been a pleasure to assist you as always," said Apatosaurus. "Thank you for getting us all together for such an important mission."

"When we help each other, we help ourselves," said Western Black Rhino. "Look at the sacrifice my friend Woolly Rhino has made! Right now, he is not very woolly!"

"Ah, but this is temporary," said Woolly Rhino "It is a small price to pay, as my wool will soon return and grow fast."

"The Stegosaurus Disaster Relief Agency also helped me when I was initially extinct, and dealing with the depression I experienced for a while after becoming extinct. This is a valuable service to mammal, megafauna and dinosaur alike," said Western Black Rhino.

Stegosaurus was too humble to take any credit for what had been done, but he admitted the work was hard and he was looking forward to a nice bird watching vacation in New Zealand. He left Venezuela with the Moa Birds on September 26th, after assuring the Venezuelans that he would be delighted tocome visit them in happier, less stressful times.

"I am inspired by your resilience I will leave you with this promise: I will most assuredly and will visit you again very soon! Thank you for the invitation!"

On July 24th, Stegosaurus decided to buld a raft and float forthrightly to Tibet and China in order to visit his cousin Wuerhosaurus. On August 3rd he arrived, and Wuerhosaurus expressed his happiness overtly, which was uncharacteristic for him, especially since Stegosaurus planned his visit as a surprise.

“Well met, cousin Stegosaurus! What brings you to my humble abode in the upper reaches of Tibet? I pray your journey here was peaceful and uneventful.”

“It was,” said Stegosaurus. “I thought to come for a visit to relax and spend time with you before the Stegosaurus Disaster Relief Agency travels to Venezuela in September.”

“You are always welcome,” said Wuerhosaurus. “ I have recently harvested some bamboo shoots; let us dine on them, and then we shall meditate for some time. Afterward, we can take a nice tour of the Szechuan province in China. It is there that many of our friends were discovered and classified.”

“Very well,” said Stegosaurus. “I think I am staying long enough to eat my raft. Do you think bamboo shoots go with raft?”

“I have not tried it, but I'm game for an experiment,” said Wuerhosaurus.

“The raft is made from trees of my native State. It is made of Colorado Blue Spruce,” said Stegosaurus.

After trying the combination, Wuerhosaurus said, “This is just fine. I find bamboo and your Colorado Blue Spruce pleasing to the palette; it is a nice culinary merger of East and West.”

After dinner the two cousins entered a meditative state, and remained so until August 15th

Thus fortified both with food for the body and food for the soul, on August 15th Stegosaurus and Wuerhosaurus stomped off forthrightly for the Szechuan province in China, specifically that region of the land wherein many dinosaurs have been discovered. The cousins continued to stomp forthrightly to the upper mountain reaches of the Szechuan province; there they knew they'd find conifers and ferns, along with roots, which are familiar to the ancient diet of the Stegosaurus species.

After some time, they had eaten their fill of their traditional diet, they returned to the lowlands, in search of salt licks. They knew they could find salt deposits in abundance along the Fuxi River. Once there, they noticed a sauropod in the river that they hadn't met before.

“Look at that sauropod,” said Stegosaurus. “He has a club and spikes upon his tail. We must make his acquaintance.”

“Let us go, and meet him at the shore,” said Wuerhosaurus.

The sauropod saw the two Stegosaurids approaching and lumbered through the waters until he reached the shore, where they were standing and waiting by the time he got there.

“Hi,” said he; “My name is Shunosaurus. What are your names?”

“We are two of the Stegosaurus species, Stegosaurus Stenops, and myself, Wuerhosaurus homheni,” said Wuerhosaurus. “We visit your land to dine upon conifers and avail ourselves, if we may, of the salt here.”

“You may have the salt; I do not own it. The mammals mine it for themselves, but there is plenty for all,” said Shunosaurus.

“Thank you,” said Wuerhosaurus.

“Much obliged,” said Stegosaurus. “If you would, please tell us about your interesting tail.”

“I will tell you both all about myself,” said Shunosaurus. “I was discovered by paleontology students in 1977, right in the Szechuan province where I live now. My name is derived from Shu, a name the mammals used for the province now known as Szechuan. I was classified by Professor Dong Zhiming in 1983. I am between 161 and 157 million years old, and am one of the most anatomically complete sauropods ever discovered, though I am not as well known as Apatosaurus or Diplodocus. In 2013, my most complete fossil was found, and the very tip of my tail, just beyond my distinctive spiked club.”

“We have observed your tail,” said Stegosaurus. “My cousin Wuerhosaurus and I would like to compare cool, spiky tails with you. We like the novelty about your tail that it is spiked like ours is, but also clubbed, like our friend Ankylosaurus' tail is.”

“We certainly can compare tails,” said Shunosaurus. “Let us leave the Fuksi River entirely behind, and in the uplands we can have a proper display and competition.”

“I am all for a friendly competition,” said Wuerhosaurus.

“As am I,” said Stegosaurus. “Let us go.”

Shunosaurus and the two Stegosaurids left the Fuksi River and the general lowland area for the higher elevations that Wuerhosaurus and Stegosaurus had just come from.

Stegosaurus, being college educated, recognized the trees before him. “Aha!” said Stegosaurus, “Here is a grove of the Brousinettia Papifiera, The tapa cloth tree, known as such because mammals of the Asian Pacific use it to make clothing.”

“This is a 66 foot tree,” observed Wuerhosaurus.

“Yes, about 20 meters,” said Shunosaurus. “The object of our contest, if you don't mind my setting the rules, is to fell 6 trees of this grove each. Whosoever may accomplish this first, wins.”

“Very well. Let us begin,” said Stegosaurus.

“Your terms are acceptable,” said Wuerhosaurus. “But let me ask, are we all three, only allowed to use our cool spiky tails to tell the trees?”

“Yes,” said Shunosaurus.

“Very well. Let us begin,” said Wuerhosaurus.

In relative short order, it became very loud in the forest, as Stegosaurus felled 8 trees, Wuerhosaurus 6, and Shunosaurus 10. Shunosuarus was the first to reach 6 trees, so he won the contest.

It was found that, like Diplodocus, Shunosaurus could break the sound barrier with his tail.

“I am impressed, this place looks like a disaster zone,” said Stegosaurus to Shumosaurus. “Would you like to join the Stegosaurus Disaster Relief Agency? I can tell you you'll feel right at home, as we have many sauropods that you may know working with us.”

“I would be honored to work with you,” said Shunosaurus, “....and to express my gratitude for your offer I will prove my skill by cleaning up this grove on my own.”

“We can help,” said Wuerhosaurus.

“Thank you, but I insist. Consider it my job application,” said Shunosaurus.

Stegosaurus and Wuerhosaurus remained in China through August 22nd.

On that day, a new raft was constructed by the Stegosaurids, and Wuerhosaurus returned to Tibet, while Stegosaurus and Shunosaurus continued on to Venezuela, contacting the members of the Stegosaurus Disaster Relief Agency, who, hearing of the news that the Agency was activated, coordinated their arrival, and they proceeded to help the mammals of Venezuela.

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Some mammals think that 4th of July celebrations are too loud for their animal companions to bear. Speaking for a Stegosaurus, ( I would know as I am one,) we are very acclimated to loud sounds. My brother Allosaurus is very loud. Rumor has it that my friend Diplodocus can break the sound barrier with a quick swish of his mightly tail. Genrally speaking, the Jurassic Age is very loud. Despite my toleriance of loud ssound, on the 4th I nonetheless found myself indoors, safely within my cozy cave, engrossed in a book of poetry written by a mammal with the name of Todd French. His little tome of modern verse is titled Dragon Tales.

Most interesting of all of the works in this small volume was page 76, in which I found a reference to my role in the 1933 film King Kong. Some of you who have followed by adventures for some time will recall my recollections of that experience in the April 16th, 2007 blog post. I see there is much lamentation by the author over my extinction in that scene, and perhaps he will be glad to know that in spite of the way things appeared in that iconic film, I am still very much alive. My friend Bruce Cabot did not really shoot me; we were acting.

They don't give academy awards to Stegosaurids, but if they did, that would, of all my film scenes from 1920 to the present, be my academy award winning scene. So I hope Mr. French sees this blog post and feels better after hearing the truth of the situation. I think he really has a way with words. You know, poets have a certain way of looking at the world that other mammals lack; they can find the joy and beauty in what to others may seem to be the most mundane of situations, and they can help bring the light they see to the minds and eyes of others who read their words.

I really feel he should like to meet my cousin Kentrosaurus someday, as cousin Kentrosaurus, being a veteran of the little known Battle of Humboldt Museum is a veteran of World War II, and he is, as we know a great admirer of The Good Book, and the Word of God. They would have much in common.

"I was delighted to be given the opportunity to celebrate a milestone today, June 1st, 2026, my 140,000,020th birthday.I got a new bed so I can sleep in my cave in comfort; I also got a Razzleberry pie, a Lemon Meringue pie, and as is the tradition, a coconut layer cake. I see! Pepperidge Farm remembered! How good of them, they always remember."

"But that's not all! My friend Triceratops, he also remembered!"

"How nice of you to stomp all the way from Wyoming just to visit with me," said Stegosaurus.

"It was no trouble at all," assured Congresssaurus Tricratops. "You are such a loyal friend, and this is a milestone birthday for you, it isn't everyday a dinosaur turns 140,000,020! This must be observed in such manner as we have always done, according to tradition."

"For myself, when my friend had enjoyed the pies and cake, when our revels had ended, I relaxed my 140,000,020 year old bones by taking a nice, relaxing Febreeze bath. Nothing like a good Febreeze bath to make a dinosaur feel completely rejuvenated!" excliamed Stegosaurus. "I have had a special day and I hope anyone reading this has had a special day too!"

On May 4th, Stegosaurus left his cave in Colorado and again stomped forthrightly to the State of Wyoming, returning to the greenery of his friend, the retired Congresssasurus Triceratops. Steve Beavers was there as well as visitors Trachodon and Agathaumas, who had left Colorado earlier.

“Hail and well met! Stegosaurus returns!” exclaimed Agathaumas.

“Nice to see you again!” said Trachodon.

“Welcome again, friend Stegosaurus. What brings you back to us so soon?”

“I recalled upon my last visit, however recent, that I had promised to introduce our good mammal friend Steve Beavers to some of our seafaring friends such as Elasmosaurus and Plesiosaurus.”

“You certainly can, Stegosaurus. Steve Beavers is in the greenhouse now working on the coffee plants that you and Styracosaurus requested of him,” said Congresssaurus Triceratops.

"You mean you don't mind me stomping with him forthrightly to North Carolina so soon after he returned from his vacation?" asked Stegosaurus.

"No, of course not," said Congresssaurus Triceratops. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our favorite mammal. Such a good friend of Dinosaurs as has proven his loyalty and friendship to us many times over and deserves every opportunity that can be had."

"You are generous." said Stegosaurus.

"Trachodon and I are here to help Congresssaurus Triceratops and will be here until you return." said Agathaumas.

"Thank you. My good friend. Let me visit Steve Beavers now. I will see you all shortly." said Stegosaurus.

Stegosaurus stomped forthrightly into the greenhouse and found Steve Beavers intently on work planting coffee plants as he'd promised.

"How are the coffee plants coming along, Steve?" asked Stegosaurus

"Hello, Stegosaurus, said Steve. "Good to see you. I have only just begun the planting you are way too early to eat them now."

"I will remain patient," said Stegosaurus "I appreciate your work, but I am actually here to take you, with the permission of Congresssaurus Triceratops, to visit with Elasmosaurus and Plesiosaurus, Even though you returned from a fishing trip not that long ago, we can go on another down to North Carolina. Elasmosaurus and Plesiosaurus are coming from Scotland to meet you."

"I am honored," said Steve. "I know you're not a seafaring animal, and it is very nice of you to make the effort so I can meet Elasmosaurus and Plesiosaurus. Scotland is quite a trip for them to make. Again, I am honored."

"Traveling by sea is not my favorite method of travel, I admit, but it is the least I can do to help one of my best friends." said Stegosaurus. "Thank you for working on our coffee plants. While you are working your magic, i will work on eating trees and simultaneously building a raft, so we can travel. You can travel with me, if you don't mind raft travel." said Stegosaurus.

"I will be glad to travel with you," said Steve. "We're going back to North Carolina, correct?"

"Yessir," confirmed Stegosaurus. Then he stomped up into the closest forested area, where he found groves of Populus deltoides, which Stegosaurus found to be both useful for the building of rafts, and quite delicious.

On May 14th, Stegosaurus completed his raft, after getting hungry and eating the first two he crafted.

When he was content with his craftsmanship, He called upon Steve Beavers.

"Steve, I have completed our raft; let us stomp forthrightly to the sea, and then float forthrightly through the waters until we reach the State of North Carolina."

"I will be ready to leave once I thank Triceratops and of course Agathaumas and Trachodon for helping in my absence. So recent from my last one. I appreciate this opportunity to make friends with more prehistoric animals. "said Steve.

"Of course you will be allowed to go, " said Triceratops. "We appreciate you and know that we will make sure you have your place here at my greenery when you return, full of new adventures."

"Trachodon and I excel at the tending of things green and growing. We'll take special care of the coffee plants for you, as well as the avacados. Have a safe time, and tell Elasmosaurus and Plesiosaurus hello for us." said Agathaumas.

"Travel safely, Steve and Stegosaurus! We will be excited to hear of your adventures when you return!" said Trachodon.

"Thank you everyone and farewell!" said Steve as he climbed up to ride on Stegosaurus' back.

Stegosaurus and Steve stomped forthrightly until they reached the Pacific Ocean. Then they floated forthrightly and thankfully uneventfully till they reached Cape Hatteras in North Carolina

From there, Stegosaurus and Steve floated forthrightly on their raft to the Atlantic Beach area, near Morehead City.

"Usually, I contact Captain Stacy here, and fish from his boat," said Steve. "But I suspect that this time I won't be fishing with The Captain Stacy Fishing Center," said Steve.

"No, sir. This is a special trip," said Stegosaurus. "You I trust," said Steve, "I look forward to meeting new friends and solving problems together"

Stegosaurus and Steve floated forthrightly in the Atlantic Ocean for some time; the seas were calm

"We must float out to the deepest waters to see Elasmosaurus and Plesiosaurus," said Stegosaurus.

"Now remember, Plesiosaurus is rather personable. but Elasmosaurus is agoraphobic, and she's very very shy."

"Okay," said Steve. And then, Steve noticed a familiar ship at sea in the distance.

"Oh, look! It is Captain Stacy!" he exclaimed. "Let's wave as we float by!"

"He will think it strange to see me with you, Stegosaurus."

"He will think it strange to see a Stegosaurus at sea," said Stegosaurus.

"He will think it strange to see a Stegosaurus at all," said Steve.

"Very fair," said Stegosaurus. "I am very odd and strange as a general rule."

As Stegosaurus' raft approached Captain Stacy's ship, Steve waved enthusaistically at Captain Stacy, who was on deck. He was first surprised to see Steve on a raft, but then noticed Stegosaurus, and at once appeared alarmed.

"I wish he could hear us," said Steve I would tell him not to worry. I should have told him I've made a habit of hanging out with dinosaurs lately."

"I'm sure it will be okay." said Stegosaurus.

"If we see the Coast Guard, I'm sure they'll be reasonable and understanding." said Steve.

Steve and Stegosaurus floated forthrightly on, and when they had long passed not only Captain Stacy, but any ship sailed by mammals, Stegosaurus announced, "Here is the spot. I think I see at least one of our seafaring friends now. They will be as surprised as any mammal to see me at sea,"

ery shortly thereafter, Steve saw what Stegosaurus saw. It was indeed Plesiosaurus.

"Hi, there, Stegosaurus! Is that indeed you? I'm surprised to see you here. You aren't thinking of becoming a seafaring animal, are you?"

"No, not at all. I leave the sea in your capable flippers," said Stegosaurus. "I have come all this way out to sea in order to introduce you to a good mammal friend of mine, Steve Beavers. He has had many adventures and accomplishments in his life, and to those, he wanted to add meeting you, and if we can, convince Elasmosaurus to say hi as well."

"We can try our best with Elasmosaurus," said Plesiosaurus. "Once you get to know her she's a real sweetheart, but really very shy, especially around mammals."

"Well let me introduce you to Steve Beavers, the mammal who can make Avocado trees grow in the Commonwealth of Virginia."

"Pleased to meet you, Steve," said Plesiosaurus. "I have heard so much of your fame that I had to swim all the way from Scotland to meet you."

"Do you live in Loch Ness?" asked Steve.

"No, you are thinking of Elasmosaurus. It has been well established by now that it is Elasmosaurus who lives in Scotland's famous loch."

"What can you tell Steve about yourself?" asked Stegosaurus.

"Let me start at the beginning. I was discovered by a mammal named Mary Anning ( 1799 ~ 1847 ) in the year 1823. This was in Dorset, England. My type A is still in the English History Museum to this day. It has been there since 1848. Ichthyosaurus had been discovered in the same rock strata that I was, earlier, in 1814. My taxon is of the wastebasket variety, but I am totally okay with that as I am in good company with Megalosaurus. In 1864, the author Jules Verne wrote about me in his book Journey to the Center of the Earth. I wasn't lucky enough to appear in the movie, some 90+ years later, but I am immortalized in the book. which I am perfectly content with. A nearly complete fossil of myself was discovered in Kansas in 1867, this was the most complete fossil of me to be found since 1823, and the first in North America.

My story is very closely intertwined with Elasmosaurus, as she is part of my family, and I would want to have her tell you her story, if she chooses; I hope you will be patient and watch with me for her to arrive."

"Of course," said Steve.

"I think I see her now!" said Stegosaurus.

"I think you're right, Stegosaurus!" said Plesiosaurus.

Everyone watched in awe as Elasmosaurus approached, only visible by the rapid rippling of the water. No animal could yet be seen. Then suddenly the iippling stopped, and graduallly, the waters became still.... right in front of Stegosaurs' raft. For some time, the waters remained still, and everyone was silent.

Then, slowly, Elasmosaurus' head appeared, rising above tthe waters.

"Um, hello?" Elasmosaurus looked up at Stegosaurus timidly

"Hello, Elasmosaurus," said Stegosaurus. "How do you do?"

"Um, I am, I am, um, well." Elasmosaurus. "What brings you to the sea? This is an unusual spot to find a Stegosaurus.

"I have traveled so far by sea for only one purpose, and that is to introduce you and Plesiosaurus to my mammal friend Steve Beavers. He enjoys the company of dinosaurs and megafauna, and is very skilled in the ways of growing plants. I will tell you something you will not believe, much more amazing than seeing a Stegosarurus at sea. "

"Steve Beaver," said Stegosaurus. can make Avocado trees grow in the Commonwealth of Virginia.">/p>

"I am a seafaring animal and rarely encounter any variety of tree," said Elasmosaurus, "Nonetheless, I am profoundly impressed by anyone of any species who can grow an Avocado tree in the Commonwealth of Virginia," said Elasmosaurus.

"Thank you for your kind words," said Steve. "Please do not be shy. I am pleased to meet you."

"I will try and tell you my story," said Elasmosaurus. "I am Elasmsaurus, and this means thin plate reptile. My fossil was discovered at Fort Riley, Kansas USA in the year 1867 by US Army surgeon Theophilus Hunt Turner ( 1841 ~ 1869 ) and it was sent to Professor Edward Drinker Cope, who was so kind as to classify me and name me shortly thereafer in 1868. When Professor Cope published his study on me, Stegosaurus' father, Othniel Charles Marsh pointed out an error made in my reconstruction: Professor Cope had my head on backwards. Professor Marsh joked with his friend, but Professor Cope did not take well to such jests, and their friendship began to sour, and evolve into a bitter rivalry commonly known as the Bone Wars. So, apparently it is so that I am the Helen of Troy of all prehistoric animals I as I started a War. Because of this, I have felt very bad, and I am very shy around most mammals from 1868 to this present day.

I am generally a total of 34 feet long, with just my neck being 23 feet long. I'm sure you've already noticed it. I have 33 sharp teeth in my triangular head; 14 on the top and 19 on the bottom. Despite early depictions of my neck as flexible, it is not by far, and I generally do not poke my head above water I stay low and let my relative here Plesiosaurus take most of the credit, the most popular of these is the idea that he lives in Loch Ness, even though I am the one true answer to this question."

"Well, I am pleased to meet you, and if my opinion counts to you, please note that I do not blame you for the Bone Wars, and you should not feel guilty about something which you cannot cause. The Bone Wars came about because of a disagreement between two, um, mammals who probably would have been determined to disagree even if the perceived impetus was not an Elasmosaurus fossil". said Steve Beavers.

"Thank you, you are very kind to say this," said Elasmosaurus softly, though the timid response was immediately followed by a toothy grin. 'If I still seem shy and agoraphobic it is because that I, like many dinosaurs, operate on geologic time. It takes a long time for us to change."

"Well, now that we're all introduced, let's go fishing!" Steve declared. Yet before anyone had begun, a familar voice was heard to say, "If you're going fishing, don't forget your friend Spinosaurus, who has come all the way from South Africa to see his mammal friend Steve Beavers."

"Aha!" said Steve. "Spinosaurus! You startled me! I remember you indeed from my visit to South Africa. "Nice to see you again. Please don't eat me."

"Fortunately, I am still feeling some Christmas spirit," said Spinosaurus. "You are safe.The apex predator of the sea ( that's me, ) will protect you."

Then suddenly and quite unexpectedly, Spinosaurus was pushed and dragged several feet by something underwater. Spinosaurus roared in pain, as the sea around him turned red with his blood. He disappeared beneath the waves, but Stegosaurus and the others knew he was stil alive underwater, as there was sudden commotion below and the sea was disturbed by waves.

"What is going on?" asked Stegosaurus.

"I will go underwater and find out," said Plesiosaurus.

"Be careful," said Elasmosaurus.

Plesiosaurus went underwater to look around. Yet before he returned the onlookers had their answer as Spinosaurus again appeared above the waves, locked in battle with another ancient serpent of the sea, Mososaurus.

"How DARE YOU come to my domain, ( the sea ) and declare yourself the apex predator when it is clearly OBVIOUS that I, Mososaurus, am the apex predator of the sea! Undisputed until recently. I will not bow to the johnny come lately Spinosaurus, who could only swim in the last flipperful of years; and that decision made by weak, land dwelling mammals!"

"Go back to Morocco, Mososaurus!" screamed Spinosaurus, the right side of his rib cage bleeding profusely.

"I can't! It is now a desert, and not fit for seafaring animals. But that's okay, because I am the apex predator of the sea! Fear me!" said Mososaurus.

"You prove my point, as to why I should be considered the apex predator of the sea though I am merely semi acquatic ... because I could live where I grew up as a young Spinosaur 70 million years ago just as well when the sea flowed there!"

Plesiosaurus again appeared beside Stegosaurus' raft. observing, "So much for the Christmas spirit, perhaps we should float on a way, and give these two some space to work out their differences."

"A wise plan," agreed Elasmosaurus.

Elasmosaurus and Plesiosaurus were first to take a safe distance back; Stegosaurus and Steve Beavers followed close behind, floating as forthrightly as they could manage.

"This is quite a spectacle," said Steve. "I wonder if we will get to go fishing at all."

"Eventually, we will, " said Stegosaurus. "We have to wait and see if Spinosaurus will be joining us .... or .... not......"

Spinosaurus went under the waves, clamping his jaws onto Mososaurus' left flipper.

Mososaurus roared in pain, but otherwise did not let the circumstances deter him from his course. In spite of Spinosaurus being clamped onto him, he swam about partially dragging Spinosaurus with him, until he could reach Spinosaurus' tail. This action did cause Spinosaurus to lose his grip on Mososaurus, and still more blood flowed into the sea.

Mososaurus saw that Spinosaurus was attempting to swim by him and then clamp onto his back using his mighty claws.

Mososaurus decided it was probably going to be a great idea to retreat to a safer position, maybe by the mammal that was with Stegosaurus on a raft.

Mososaurus knew that Spinosaurus would not put his friends in danger to attack him, so he approached the raft Plesiosaurus and Elasmosaurus were directly behind the raft.

Spinosaurus appeared on the side of the raft opposite Mososaurus, and Mososaurus was correct. Spinosaurus was battered but well, and the fight had been taken out of him, the predators considered that they had won, and their point made... for now.

"I see you are bleeding there, Spinosaurus, said Stegosaurus. "Are you going to be OK?"

"'Tis but a scatch!" declared Spinosaurus. "This is a day in the life of an apex predator, you know."

Due to this conversation, no one noticed what Mososaurus was up to. He was considering eating Steve Beaver.

"Who have we here?" thought Mososaurus. "I haven't often had the opportunity to eat a mammal such as this. What a novelty!"

Mososaurus approached quietly while everyone was distracted, thinking no one would miss one small mammal after all.

Then Elasmosaurus happened to see how wide Mososaurus opened his mouth towards Steve, and roared a warning. Steve cried out in alarm, and tried to get away, as far as he could and still be on the raft.

"Hey now, Mososaurus!" said Stegosaurus. "What ARE you thinking of doing?!? Do you know who this is?"

"Um, no. Who is this?"

"This is the famous well traveled mammal and friend of dinosaurs and megafauna, Steve Beaver."

"I have never heard of him, is he delicious?" asked Mososaurus.

We do not eat our friends!" said Stegosaurus.

"This may be a policy for plant eaters, but I do you see these teeth?" asked Mososaurus, displaying rows of sharp teeth. "Your policy is not the policy of an apex predator of the sea such as I!"

Stegosaurus was immediately concerned, and he didn't think he could get enough leverage on the raft to use his cool, spiky tail as effectively as he'd like.

Plesiosaurus and Elasmosaurus were nearby, and had sounded the alarm, but at the end of the day, they too, were predators of the sea and Stegosaurus was concerned they'd start fighting with Mososaurus over Steve, just as Spinosaurus had, even though Spinosaurus had different motives.

"WAIT!" Stegosaurus cried. "You can't eat a mammal such as Steve Beaver!"

"Oh? Why not?" asked Mososaurus.

"Because he is very wise and skilled beyond even other mammals of his kind! It would be a pity to eat such a kind and wise mammal as he!"

"Why is he so special?" asked Mososaurus.

"He's famous because he can cause an Avocado tree to grow in the Commonwealth of Virginia! Why, even right now in the State of Wyoming he is attempting to grow coffee plants in a greenhouse for me and my friends!" said Stegosaurus.

"Oh, you're right!" said Mososaurus. We cannot eat such a wise mammal as Mr. Steve Beavers it would be a great loss for mammal and dinosaur alike! What a skill it must take to grow such a tree out of its growing zone! I'm impressed, and that's saying something, because I am seafaring amimal and rarely see trees!"

"I'm sorry for trying to eat you, Steve Beavers. Can we be friends?" Mososaurus pleaded.

"I ... don't know," said Steve. You just scared me half to death."

"Fair, but you're also friends with Spinosaurus over there...."

"Whom you just tried to kill..."

"Also fair. I guess I'll just go fishing by myself. If it helps, I'll let you know I haven't eaten all the Red Snapper or Mahi Mahi."

"Well, I admit, that is very kind of you."

"Please give me a chance...."

"Mososaurs aren't known for being all that contrite," observed Plesiosaurus.

"Yet I detect a level of sincerity in those pleading eyes," said Elasmosaurus.

Mososaurus looked hopefully at Stegosaurus, and said, "Look, you can stay by the friends you trust and I will personally bring you the best fish I can find, in all of the sea, to prove to you how contrite I am."

"I will find an herbalist to make a poultice to heal Spinosaurus' wounds.... I'm sorry , Spinosaurus, maybe you ARE the apex predator of the sea.... if there is a poultice of seaweed to heal such wounds, I'll hunt for it myself.."

"I think he's really trying," observed Spinosaurus. "It seems to be the sea is large enough for at least two apex predators, and for my part I'll try to get along with you."

"Well, we can at least go fishing together," said Mososaurus.

"Okay, I will stick by Stegosaurus on our raft here, and I'll tell you what, if you can find some Sharks for me to fish for, I'll think about being friends with you, and if my coffee plant experiment works, in about 8 years, you too can have coffee plants grown in a Wyoming greenhouse owned and run by a retired Triceratops."

"Gee, that really would be swell," said Mososaurus, "I have never eaten coffee plants, but I am willing to try them."

And thus, Mososaurus gained friendship with those present, and contrary to what one might think, he actually was sincere and made a genuine effort to right the wrongs of his past behavior, as far as his status as an apex predator would let him.

Steve found himself a shark with the help of Mososaurus, and in the last week of May Stegosaurus returned to his cave in Colorado, prepared to rest a little bit before the celebrations for his milestone birthday began.