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I believe that the Sparrow character was actually Depp's stunt double. He mentions him prominently in the audio commentary version of PoTC and he would obviously be under contract with Disney - I think that's why he had all the mannerisms down so well...

I have posted photos of our crewe at Pirates in Paradise, at http://www.piratesofthecoast.com/kw-scrapbook.html And welcome aboard to Olaf and Master Snidley for joining our crewe from the shores of Hilton Head Island. We've established a beachhead on the East Coast...

Our crewe should have photos posted on our site later this week - have a lot to sort through (Sloe Gin shot a couple hundred)... Check out www.piratesofthecoast.com/kw-scrapbook.html 'bout Wednesday or Thursday...

The 2004 festival dates will be Nov. 25 to Dec. 5, 2004 for anyone planning. The bulk of the festival will be going on from Dec. 1 through the 5th...

As for shopkeeper wares, there was a wide assortment of leather goods, clothing, specialties, swords and other weaponry, authentic replicas of period letters of marque, etc., corsets, capes, accessories - an amazing array all geared toward pirates. There is also a great new store in town that was the source of many pirate and wench outfits during the week.

This year's festival is just wrapping up - what an amazing experience working and meeting pirates and wenches from all over the country. For anyone making pirate plans for 2004, put this event on your calendar, particularly the last weekend which includes the Thieves Market and Encampment, sea battles and more than 150 piratical types roaming the streets of Key West. Shopkeepers and bars love the pirates here and the event is first class. If you didn't get a chance to make it this year do plan on it for next - even if it's the only festival you attend. The weather is perfect and this is truly pirate paradise. Stay tuned to piratesinparadise.com as we begin work on next year's event. And thanks to all that we met here, particularly festival director Julie, Bawdy B, Jamaica Rose, Cascabel and Raven, Spyder/Black Caesar, the members othe West Coast Mutineers, the Port Royal Privateers, Red Ned and the Rusty Cutlasses for jamming with us - the list could go on endlessly. Oh, and a special thanks to Jimmy Buffett and his pickup band for a great concert at Margaritaville... See you all next year.

Pirates in Paradise isn't as crazy as Fantasy Fest - don't know if that's possible :). I don't think there's a plan for anyone on th boards here to meet up. Our group will be down there from Nov. 26th to Dec. 8th so you're bound to run into us as well as just about everyone else at the various events. We'll be billeted down at the Southernmost Hotel complex. As for clothing - shorts and t-shirts are great for off times or when you want to move through the town without posing for photos with cruise ship touristas. Hope that helps and see you down there!

We're looking forward to seeing you down there and celebrating your anniversary... The Pyrates of the Coast look forward to meeting you up again. Been awhile...

Tryin' to scoop me, eh, Jamaica? I heard the same rumblings myself from a really good source. Things may take shape yet - in a slightly different form down there.

Be a good pirate and mutiny - you'll have lots of company and you can just jump ship when she docks. Better yet, spend the same amount of dough and just come down to the festival for the entire time....

Looking forward to seeing you there - here's what's happening on the 2nd (as far as we be knowing right now! 10 a.m. – Pyrate Trial Rehearsal, Old City Hall - FREE. 9:30 a.m. - Noon – "Historic Walking Tour of Old Town" with historians Sandra Riley and Gail Swanson. Includes Wrecker’s Museum/Oldest House, San Carlos and Heritage House Museum. Meet at the Java Lounge (622 Greene Street). $25 per person. Call (305) 296-9694 for reservations. To reserve space, fill out our reservation form. Noon-2 p.m. – "Women Sailors & Sailors' Women" Luncheon. Grace O'Malley, Anne Bonny and Mary Read join Capt. Finbar, and historians and authors Sandra Riley, Gail Swanson, Randy Wayne White and Norma Miller for lunch at Kelly's Caribbean Bar & Grill, 303 Whitehead Street. Following lunch, Sandra Riley will read from her novel Sisters of the Sea. $20 per person, reservations, call (305) 296-9694. To reserve space, fill out our reservation form. There's more in the evening -- I'd catch the rehearsal which will be going on when you dock and we'll find you while yer in port and hoist one...

Such a shame, too! I bought everyone a round....

It looks like the Disney folks have pulled the plug on the DVD release party. Perhaps Michael Eisner finally looked at a map and realized that Key West wasn't actually part of Disneyworld. So we're back to pillaging, plundering, swillin' rum and having fun down there. Ah... a tough life regardless.

Killin' with kindness, lass. Yeah, that works. More than happy to help out a fellow mate in pursuing fun in the sun. Look forward to seeing you while yer in port. We'll hoist one at Captain Tony's and toast to adventures had and those to come in our respective courses. Me and the rest of The Pyrates of the Coast will be happy to meet up with the likes of ya. We'll get Sloe Gin or Lolly to pop for a round - that's what crewe are for... that and sharin' the booty.

We have a crewe of nine arriving from the Great Northwest (as well as Texas and Cayman). The Pyrates of the Coast will be staying at the Southernmost Hotel for the duration of the event - Nov. 26 through Dec. 7. We'll be at all the events as we're performers at the festival this year. Just look for the crewe with the 5 year old Cabin Boy Bullseye in tow... Can't miss 'im, or us for that matter... The crewe consists of Sloe Gin, Spitfire, Lollypop (takes a lickin' keeps on tickin'), Sir Nigel, Annie B, Texas Tallships, EJ "The Bod", Bullseye and meself, Hurricane. As for me I'll be the one wearing the ring (me avatar) on me pinky.

The WOLF is the flagship of the Conch Republic - she will be taking part in all the activities at the festival this year, including the sea battles. Been aboard 'er many times with Capt. Finbar. And when you book passage on a civilian run, it's all you can drink - beer, wine and champagne... And yes, there's many more things to do in Key West than drink. I just prefer to drink. I like Captain Tony's, the Green Parrot, Ricks... that's enough to get you started - don't miss the Key Lime Shooters at the Hog's Breath. Sloppy Joes, OK, probably the most tourist oriented... but many like it. Don't forget to get a Slurpy from Hell at Fat Tuesday - helps beat the heat - go for the special with the high octane test tube floater.

Outside of the Pirates in Paradise activities, I would also recommend the Conch Train and the Wrecker's Historeum. The train is very touristy but it will let you see parts of the town that you wouldn't ordinarily see - and you can get off one and get on another is someplace interests you - there's many parts to Key West beside Duval. And the Wrecker's Histroeum, just across from the aquarium, is a little bit theater and a good collection of the wreckers booty. Plus you can go all the way to the top of the tower and get a good look around at the town.

A far less expensive way to get shoe wear is to purchase a pair of sandals (particularly if you're heading to PiP in KW), or a pair of simple black flats or slip ons (for pirates) - then attach buckles to them - I've had a pair of buckled shoes for the last 20 years or so that were purchased from a thrift store and then I added some antique buckles purchased from a local store. Works well! Not many pirates actually wore boots - so if budget be a problem, then this is a good option. Also you can get a good pair on a Buy It Now on ebay right now for $59.95 - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...item=2862966684 My wench has a pair of these and they're terrific. Can be worn up, cuffed or scrunched down below the knee. They go for far more when bidding actually begins... Keep an eagle eye out --

Thanks to all who responded to our request. We have pressed a local into service, Sir Nigel, who will be attending the festival as lead guitar playing pirate, guy...

It could be an amazing event. For the Lion King, Disney brought out the red carpet, tons of stars and a big bash. So what are they going to do for another big money maker that is at least still fresh in the minds of the public. Should be interesting - glad I'm going. Would sell my sister (if I had one) to come up with the necessary doubloons. Let's see, Key West and big release bash. No choice... We have one crewe mate who baled on us just before the news came through about the addition of the party. Not a real smart move...

Aye, that was the same problem we be runnin' into. Going into Miami be cheap, but getting a package in the keys was piracy at its best. So we went the piecemeal route and got better deals and more control. We opted for the red eye to arrive first thing in the morning so we had the entire day to navigate our way down to KW with the necessary stops along the way for grog and rations.

Thanks for the offer - we'll be keepin' ya in mind fer next year, mate. And if you can keep an eagle eye out for any pirates with a musician's heart in your travels, let us know.

Ahoy! The Pirates of the Coast is seeking someone at the festival who's freelancing who can sign onto our crewe for the duration and add some extra guitar to our band. We can send chords and CD of stuff we do. Nothing wildly fancy. We have a room available at the Holiday Inn Beachside to share at no cost to you with our conga player (a him), big passenger van to get us around (which we are all splitting the cost of) and lots of fun things planned, including being part of the Pirates of the Caribbean DVD release party and a renewal of vows by two of our crewe aboard the WOLF. Check us out at www.piratesofthecoast.com or you can see us on the entertainment page of piratesinparadise.com -- email me if interested and share your desire and experience.

Check the posting in the Pirates in Paradise board for the announcement. Disney and Pirates in Paradise will be hosting the DVD release party, Dec. 2 in Key West....

For those of you wise enough to cast your lot with the Pirates in Paradise festival this year, be ready for the DVD release party of Pirates of the Caribbean. Pirates in Paradise and Disney have announced that the Pirates of the Caribbean DVD Release party will be Tuesday December 2nd at Mallory Square and the DVD will be premiered at Schooner Wharf Bar. There is going to be an additional tall ship pirate battle that day that will culminate with a grand fireworks display over the Harbor. Then the party moves to Schooner Wharf for the DVD screening! Pretty exciting stuff. Keep tuning into www.piratesinparadise.com as we get more information from the Disney folks.