Ol Man From the Sea

I really did not think that you were. The only real problem With your suggestion is that somebody would have to play judge. Worst yet, the judge would not know what was coming when he made his choices. I job I don't want, you don't want, and none of us would "trust" anybody that did want it. No need for judging was one of the reasons I had for saying, The “tents” are not in neat little rows separated by task and rank, but set haphazardly around a small carefully watched fire Now, if you just want the front spot , be my guest. BTW nothing wrong with your tone, that problem is mine. Its mine all mine I tell you. There I go again.

I am curious. Are you asking to put your really neat shelter at the front? Or, are you volunteering to be “Tent Judge” and help everyone figure out were to set up? Most brave of you in either case.

Huh! never seen canvas with only one side. Ok, I have, but a mobius strip would not make a good shelter. What you want is about 10 or 12 oz, 100% cotton canvas or duck usually cost about $5 or $6 per yard. Walmart has some thats just under $5 if I remember. It should not be coated, and it should not be at all "plastic." Good Hunting!

Easy now lass! Easy! Take a couple deep breaths! Thats it! Easy! OK First, you don't need to pack for all contingency, ya just need enough to have a good time. Now go look at my post from March 29th in the "Mercury 1720 Careening Camp" thread. it is on page 14. At the bottom you will find a basic list. It is alright to add a thing or two, but ask Silkie about bringing a few extra things. The less you bring (read, have to carry) the easier it will be to have fun. There that wasn't so hard was it.

Looks like we will be doing some business in Hampton. See you there! Also Cathy (Royaliste) said she was going to try to do a bit of shopping at Hampton. So maybe your son can do a bit of spyin', uhm I mean market research and let you know what she is looking for?

Things would be pretty much the same after as before. After all ten dimes = small change!

Your gonna need a way to get from Miami to Key West. About a 4 or 5 hour trip, maybe longer. You can go by bus, ferry boat, or rent-a-wreck (lone or car pool). Probably best to spend the night on the main land and come down in the morning. If driving, Homestead/Florida City would be a good place to spend the night. Its past Miami's madness, but before Island prices. As to must do, must see, that would take a couple weeks or more. real real short list: The Trial (I haven't seen this yet ) Hemmingway House, and Sunset fest (nobody will believe you were in Key West if you don't) Mel Fisher, or Pirate Soul Schooner ride (and/or Ketch ride if Royalist makes it down)

The most important thing about footware for Pirates in Paradise is that they fit well enough for you to walk a marathon in. You will walk alot down there. Even Nikes are more authentic than a Hospital stay.

But how much would you need to tip the driver? as to it rolllin' even with one of those life has its ups (grunt, grunt, pant pant) and downs (bye bye, cry cry)

Key West Cops would just check if you were still breathing and roll you on your side so you don't drown. They don't even have a jail on the island. Hotels can be had for about $100 per night, maybe a bit less, if you reserve early. Restaurant prices are about the same as elsewhere, food is usually a bit better. At least two grocery stores within walking distance. Camp cooks will shake down campers for grub money and can be bribed to feed noncampers. A tarp works well for camping down there. it's not called Pirates in PARADISE for nothing ya know! Watch the rental cars in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, Last year, for a week, a Jag cost me about $5 more than a GEO would have? For your first time, fly to the above airports and drive, car pool or even take the bus. The overseas highway is not to be missed. Plan to walk alot. Any questions?

try BOILED linseed oil or Watco oil or something like that. mineral oil won't dry for a very long time and thus be a bit of a mess.

I think Kass had some thread sized hemp at RFII, or you could try a place that sells beading stuff. Since you want the thread to swell, thus seal when wet, cotton should be good even with hemp. As far as I know you are the first person to make a hemp tarp in over 150 years! Well there might be a few others, but none I know. So your guess is as good as anybodies. In other words you is on your own! We will be on the side lines cheerin' and wishin' you luck but as to any real help? We wish we could, but we really just don't know. Sorry! Good luck!

Hugh, did ya have ta go so hard on the poor guy? Isn't his being from Jersey bad enough for him? Now I have to close my eyes and turn my head if I see a paintball. YUCK! Littleneckhalfshell, Talk to both your State and Local Police, do as they say. Even if you are right and they are wrong, you will still pay. I was a gun dealer in Illinois about 10 years ago. Had the "joy" of being told by the State Police that I shall list all black powder arms in my log books, then being told by the ATF that I shall not list any black powder arms in my log books. What a mess!

Good question. Tarp or tent? How big? Hand sewn or machine? period panel width, ie. 2' between seams? Their 12 oz is "tightly woven" so it might be more waterproof than the 18.5, it is more than 1/3rd lighter, a bit cheaper, and should be easer to sew (18.5oz is too heavy for most machines, in fact 12 oz is pushing it) On the other hand the 18.5 is probably more like what was used for large sails. For smaller sails? As I said Good question!