madPete

I used 3/8 or 5/16 hemp line. about 125 ft of it. hemp is much softer than what is typically available at home improvement stores and much more expensive but I wouldn't use anything else after this experience. mP

Aye welcome aboard! Where do ye hail from? mP

Fort Taylor Pyrate Invasion (FTPI), not to be confused with Pirates in Paradise (PIP) which has been a coinciding scheduled event, has been and continues to be my favorite event. Scouting: Scouting the first event was difficult from my home in Arizona to say the least. But made easier by the many comments and interactions on the Pyracy.com forum. It sounded fantastic (kinda like Gettysburg from a civil War reenactor's viewpoint) and the people seemed very genuine. As I didn't know a soul that attended the event (outside of a few interactions on the Pyracy Forum), I decided to camp. I have found thru the years that if you camp with people you become accepted much more readily and helping with camp chores lets you meet the folks around camp. In short - you feel that you fit in immediately. If you just daytrip, you can do the same but have to make a concerted effort and still miss people and interactions you wouldn't otherwise have. So to say I jumped in with both feet is an accurate statement. Camping: Since I was flying almost 2000 miles I built a compact traveling kit which I can camp with and have used on several occasions - tent, blanket and cot or hammock all in a single duffel bag. (Key West flights are limited to a carry-on and one checked bag) Between the garb I already had, shirts and breeches... and a complete new outfit (slops, shirt, vest, sailor's bag) that I hand-sewed prior to the event i fit in quite well and was complimented on several occasions. I made many long-time friends that first year and continue to meet new people every year I go, several of which I attend other events with.The folks there are very welcoming and accepting, whether you are a beginner (this was my first Pirate event in 2009 - I was a AWI/ACW reenactor prior). Things to do: There is usually a choice of multiple things to do at any one time, this means you will miss some things, but keeping an open mind makes it all work for you. Signing up for camp and gate duties sounds like a chore, but as William says above, its actually one of our crews highlights now. Just look at everything as an "adventure" and you will have a great time. All in all prepare to be delighted by the many happenings that take place, Dead man's chest auction, pig roast, cannon battles, sailing, impromptu shenanigans and historical demonstrations. If you are creative, even gate duty becomes an "event". Cost: Cost of the event is minimal, the contacts are very helpful, and can help get you to/from the airport/event on request. There are several meals provided, and a vendor or two on site that provide meals, but always best to prepare to make or buy at least some. People there have varied backgrounds and are some of the most interesting people I've ever met. mP

Commodore Poppycock has nothing on you... mP

Aye Happy Birthday to the REAL Mary Read! LOL mP

sorry - didn't realize yours from from GOF... Is it much different? mP

PrivyPiper2002 - I can bring a Monmouth cap from William's source, to our meet up if you want to see and feel one mP

Thanks for all the hard work! mP

Welcome aboard mate - and pleased to have met you today at Pioneer village! mP

enjoy it for what it is (or Not) - Live and let live... mP

Aye, You need a mug and a Youtube video! mP

Sold

I'm mostly in agreement with the above posts. But some additions for me: I normally camp and nice green grass sure beats dusty hardpack. (beaches and trees are even better) Ability to have a campfire - some of my best times/friends ever have been around a campfire. The company is very important, a live and let live attitude is a must whether known friends or new acquaintances (The general attitudes I sensed on this forum brought me to FTPI the first time) mP

LOL

Judge not, that ye be not judged (referring to the trial of madPete at FTPI). And ye judges me eh? mP

street

LIKE!

You've got my interest! mP

"She has a pirate pistol that shoots jelly" "What is it?" "It's a goat." "Are you really gonna eat that?" "I'll cover the difference, keep bidding!"

Hope its a great one! mP

Would hate to get a face full of that one!

OK here is the completed project, TADA! https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wzSVrsfdhu9OXXfhnow_U4sHQv063_3yt8uZINcLaKo?feat=directlink mP

Here is the border completely stitched all the way around... https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dzowgk2JAr-aUK_tH-hz7osHQv063_3yt8uZINcLaKo?feat=directlink mP

usually, I do watch films in the background... lately its been master and commander, and last of the mohicans mP

Stitched the Border on yesterday. Will put up some more pics of the finished project shortly: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iN8yZnhJo7Ujxixy1RCwt4sHQv063_3yt8uZINcLaKo?feat=directlink mP