hurricane

We be flying in on American Airlines on the redeye, Mate! I believe we arrive in Chicago about 3 a.m. or something. If you'd like I can get the flight info for ye.

Our crewe has swelled to 9 from The Pyrates and two more from the Pirates of the Caribeean up in the Seattle area. We are being joined in the 9 by Texas Tallships from Houston and EJ from Grand Cayman - so I guess we're an international crewe now...

We'd would have been glad to pick you up but it's quite a drive from Seattle and thereabouts. We'll be flying through Chicago on our way to Miami if you want to schedule on the same flight. It's a red eye on the 25th, arriving at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, the 26th. Then we're driving down from there with our crewe (10 of us) in a 15 passenger van to Key West from Miami - with us it's a memorable road trip.

Ah, "Wrong Way" got his name because he's always off on the wrong foot. Can't tell his port from his starboard. Perhaps that's why he walks a little wall-eyed. 'Tis a faithful Cabin Boy for the crewe!

Although not of piratical ilk, I'd have to go with Robin Hood - the duel between Basil and Errol was legendary. Plus, who could not like the dialogue between the two when Rathbone says, "Sir, you speak treason." and Flynn kicks back in his chair and says "Fluently." They were excellent whenever they fought with sword regardless of movie, really.

'Tis a stupid idea, it is! Leave it to them to turn a pretty nice place into a watered down venue. It's been going that way for a few years. When we were married there in Jan. 94, it was very piratical. We had our wedding party in the Library back then. Every year we've been back it's been a little less piratical and a little more boring. Sounds like it's going to be even more so. Perhaps they could drive more traffic if they put an extra 'T' after "TI". That'll draw folks in!

The crewe of the Blackheart has signed on from the great Northwest. We'll be bringin' 10 of us I believe - Spitfire, Hurricane (meself), Cabin Boy "Wrong Way," Animal, Ginger, Red, Lollypop and Anney B. We'll be rafting up with Texas Tallships from Houston and EJ from Cayman. So The Pyrates will be well represented this year.

Spitfire and I are set to sail aboard the WOLF to renew our vows after 10 years of wedded piratical bliss. Got married at Treasure Island we did! And what could be more proper than renewing with Captain Finbar and friends. We're currently auditioning for Next Best Man and Next Best Woman to stand up for us (or pass out for us if it's a very good day).

I twould feel more out of place in civvies than in pirate togs down there. Been there several times outside of the festival and even a lone pirate and his wench have been welcomed, totally out of place and time. Frankly, I'd wear my pirate clothes every day if I could - oh, I can... Hhmm!

Contraband Days be a great festival - lots of pirates and wenches and activities. The people are friendly and it's well run. A good pirate gig to be sure!

Aye, we will set course for the faire again this year. We saw your crewe last year and will definitely make port and meet our fellow brethren this time. For all who haven't made it to the faire, it's an amazing event and has grown very quickly. Fair winds and easy women!