madPete

oooooohhhhh.... aaaaaaaaaaaah.... That is so sweet. oooooooohhhhhh.... aaaahhhhhh... How does it feel POD???? I was looking closely at Matt's blades at PIP, I don't remember seeing one like that. Matt... you best be firing up the forge! madPete

I guess Mission wants to see everyone else's gifts. Sorry no medical instruments, I try to stay away from those! It was all I could do to stop myself from buying the book in the airport on the way to PIP. Glad I waited... Not really pirate... but I can pirate music for it! madPete

Ave a good one Mate! Twas a pleasure to meet you at PIP madPete

I won't even ask what you had wrapped in bacon on this day! Have a great one mate! I am honored to know you my friend. madPete

Aye, enjoy your day Mission!

ya dont be needin' to twist this bloke's arm... though tentative at this early date. cheers to all the new friends! madPete

Nicely done Mission! BTW... uh... Pink Flamingo Slops... That is a bit much for an Introvert wouldn't you say? Note to Michael and Kate Bagley: I would like to commission a pair of Pink Flamingo slops... In Mission's size! madPete

Just wanted to say I had a fantastic first PIP with the Mercury crew! Thanks to all those who welcomed me and sorry I didn't get to meet you Capt Jim... Some of the better photos from my camera: http://picasaweb.google.com/PeterChaaps/2009_PIP#

Ordered the "Green Seal" gojo online and it came in a couple days back. That's still OK right, that is what they asked for during the first round? madPete

Ahoy, As me conversion from 1860s reenactin be mostly complete, I be new to piratin' and unattached to any crew. Does my attending PIP this year with the Mercury crew qualify? I'd be honored to sign on wit ya. Either way, I look forward to meeting ya'll at PIP and learn'n as much of the Mercury way as I can. Thank ye, madPete Phoenix, AZ (me character is under development, but fer now I'm Peter Chaaps , otherwise known as "madPete" or just "chops")

Two Years Before the Mast - Richard Henry Dana Jr. 4 chapters in - A classic and very good read so far! madPete

We'll be a proud band serving under that flag William... I was looking forw'd to meetin ya Scallywag. Thanks to you and Tracy for the hard work, even though ya have no obligation. We'll set aside a share of the booty fer ya! madPete

Sorry to create a stir on this subject. In the long run we are all more prepared though. Thanks for the replies, look forward to hearing word from the park services. madPete

As this PIP rookie is flying in and camping, I'm trying to travel light as possible (with airline baggage restrictions/charges and all). Am I safe assuming I can find a pair of trees for a hammock? me wedge tent will go over the hammock between the trees which also eliminates needed poles. else aye needs to plan a cot or some blowup contraption as me back don't take kindly to the ground. Looking at photos from previous events, looks like plenty o trees. But with the restriction on number of campers, and the area we will be in this year, will this be a problem? Thanks for your opinion here mates... madPete

Make a list! ... sort by priority ... Get it done! I know how ya feel, my first PIP and I been making linen shirts, waistcoat, rope sandals, breakin in Fugawees and still need to finish a pair of slops. Now... how will I ever fit it all (and a tent) in me luggage?? madPete

No nothing will be mailed! Thanks! I know this will probably be something of a pain in the neck, but would it be possible for those receiving these things to post the names of the folks whose apps you have received from board members? I think the mail is estimated to be able to deliver 99.4% of the material they received, but...you know. It would be nice to have receipt confirmed and all. mayhaps it would be easier to combine the Roll Call, footprints and this thread as one. Since William has gone to the trouble of building a roster, perhaps we could just highlight the names in green if registration is received, along with their tent footprint. Just for the record... Thank You for all your hard work, I know it can't be said enough! madPete

Thanks Mission! Lookin forward to meeting you at PIP. madPete

Aye, being a noob to this event, when should we expect to receive some response to the re-enactor registration form? I have me airline reservations completed, just trying to stay on top of the game... Thank Ye Kindly, madPete

Bump... Lots of good advice here! madPete

Dear Haunting Lily, Aye, I be putting down me mark for Trash detail Saturday 9AM as well. Thank ye, madPete/Mercury

a note about the poles... I ripped 2X4s right down the middle and installed a 3/8 or 7/16 bolt screwed into the top, then cut the head. I use a cross bar on top that fits over the bolts (for the tent). I did find that the poles can spit easily if you aren't careful taking it down though. I wrapped the first couple inches of the top of the poles with sisal twine (tightly). Then goop it up with elmers glue. Haven't had a problem with poles splitting since! madPete

10X18 with ropes/stakes accounted for Thanks, madPete (Mercury crew)

Nice job to both Bright and L. Silver! I wouldn't have guessed they will last 10 years but it makes sense. It just shows there are alternatives to spending money. I tend to build a lot of kit on my own, from ideas I get in places like this. Not just to save money, but to understand the time frame and how they did things. My projects aren't perfect, but that's not the point. The satisfaction comes with the doing.... Hopefully, our examples will inspire the others that are holding back! madPete

Just thought I would add my experience... A couple years ago I built a tent for my civil war reenacting using the Home Depot (Lowes) canvas paint tarps, and just recently made a small fly as well. It is not completely period correct, but I did incorporate some handi-work that others might decide is useful. Make sure you get the heaviest and densest weave you can find, wash it. Some seams will fray which you will need to redo. I left the existing sewn seams where I could to minimize work (I planned to redo later, yeah right... I have time for that). Instead of grommets, I used some waxed sinew from Tandy. Make sure you reinforce the areas with 2-3 layers of canvas. Cut holes slightly larger than the rope you are using and use a button hole stitch with the sinew. I did this for the stake tie-downs - two holes, knot the rope on the inside: I did this for the ties on the entrance (reinforced in back) with rope knotted on each side: Getting a little better on the new fly (all new work was handstitched): Finished product has lasted two years ( I expect the fly to last as well): madPete (Omar the tentmaker - I am not...)

Turned out Good! I couldn't find any boots that fit, much less look that good after modification. madPete