Dutchman

ah bless you mary diamond. it was our pleasure to meet all you fine folks. i did not realize you had travelled dressed out. what an effort in your own right- thankyou for enduring that. we do indeed have fun in our little corner of the ocean and are just glad to be able to share it with others. I thoroughly enjoy working the Explorer and we are so thankful the musueum lets us give lessons on her. Its fun when the museum opens it up, but when we get to do it for other living historians it takes on a whole new life. rumor has it there may be a third longboat next year- oh the scheeming going on in my twisted little mind. well this weekend will find me aboard again for a jaunt 17 mile stretch out to tangier island. Inspired by mary diamonds travels I shall work the weekend dressed out and staying aboard- john smith style.

i was just amazed it even happened!!

aye pirates choice rum was marked well sunday.. found mark on me slops yesterday and i had nothing to do with that one.

well folks.. i can only think of one possible answer..... the pub took a break and attended blackbeard.... coincident- i think not!!!

Mr. O'keefe insurance should cover it and no one went to jail in the end.

(Dutch pokes his head above explorers freeboard wondering what ran him over- then remembers blackbeard 2008 and rum........) a hearty well belayed to all of our new and old friends who joined us this year. the scuttlebut i'm getting from the suttlers and performers has been outstanding. For the first time in a few years, the festival did not see rain, but we did make it through two storm warnings. The only things canceled were the fireworks and the longboat for part of saturday- but we made up for that with a gunfight under the bridge. Quite loud i'd say. As far as the crews go, i don't think we have had such a grand time in a while. As heard from quite a few " i don't think i've ever worked so hard and had this much fun." or "wow, you put this much effort into all your shows!!!" If anyone had any problems (i know two follow-ups are coming- please don't forget them guys), concerns or ideas on how to make this a better event next year, please PM me so we can make it happen. and now for the rest of the story...... A few of us remained in camp sunday night to pack and clean on monday. All I can say is much to the amazement of some first time rowers on the Explorer, yes whitecaps can form on the Hampton River. Our sunset cruise with reparian entertainment quickly turned into a sleighride and mad dash round the point- the windshear died as suddenly as it hit. And for the evening entertainment........ well maybe someone else should explain the rules of strip scuttlehatch? On behalf of Blackbeard's Crew thank you all for making this the best festival yet and leaving us scratching our heads to top this for our TENTH ANNIVERSARY next year!! HUZZAHHH!!!!

from a google search Seine/Net History Archaeological evidence suggests that humans learned the art of fishing with nets (or seines, which are weighted nets that fold inward to enclose fish) very early in man’s history. Based on large prehistoric mounds of discarded mollusk shells, man’s first attempt at foraging meals from the water involved simply grabbing these creatures (such as clams) from the shallow waters of oceans, lakes, and rivers. However, as any small child standing ankle-deep in a stream can tell you, the reach-and-pluck method is not very effective in capturing more mobile aquatic creatures such as fish or shrimp. Thus, other techniques were developed, such as using nets. At first nets were small and used exclusively in lakes and rivers, but a number of different factors spurred the development and range of net usage. One was the introduction of boats, which allowed man to venture further and further out into areas of the ocean that were rich with marine life. Another was the development of storage techniques that prevented the need to immediately consume caught fish, such as salting, smoking, drying, and fermentation. These advances, combined with the dietary needs of an expanding population, made it necessary and economically viable to catch fish in large numbers. Collective, large-scale fishing with nets was born. Examples of the early use of nets for large-scale fishing abound in history. The Black Sea fisheries were an important part of the economies of both ancient Greek and Phoenician cultures, and by the Middle Ages herring was being caught in large numbers in northern Europe. The development of large-scale commercial fishing paralleled the development of industrial technology, with steam ships replacing sailing ships, only to be replaced with more and more powerful internal-combustion engine vessels. And at every stage the catch of these largely net-hauling ships increased dramatically, to the point that the current worldwide catch of fish averages more than 100 million tons per year. Another major historical advancement in fishing with nets occurred after WWII when man-made fibers such as nylon and polyester began to replace older vegetable or animal fibers that were prone to rotting. Types of Nets Most people’s first (and perhaps only) experience with a fishing net is eagerly fumbling a dip net over the side of a boat to prevent the loss of a hooked bass, trout or crappie. But there are several other types of nets and seines employed in fishing throughout the world. The three basic categories of nets are: 1. Drift nets-These sometimes long (up to 40 miles in length) nets can either drift freely or remain attached to a fishing craft. They are set in the water vertically with floating devices suspending the top and weights holding down the bottom. Often dropped into the water after sunset (so the fish cannot see its presence), they remain drifting all night. Fish become entangled in the net as they try to swim though it, either by a section of twine slipping under their gill cover (in what are called gill nets) or by becoming trapped in pockets between multiple layers of meshing. The nets are then hauled up, either by hand or by hydraulic engines, and the entangled fish are removed from the nets. These types of nets are commonly used to catch salmon, herrings, flatfish, sturgeon, and different shellfish, such as king crabs. 2. Surrounding nets-These nets do just what their name implies, they encircle or surround the fish so that it cannot escape. There are two main varieties of surrounding nets, the seine and the trawl, with two subgroups of seines, the beach (or drag) and the purse. The beach seines are used right off shore with the fish hauled right up onto the beach. The purse seines are operated from boats in deep waters, usually with one end of the net towed around the school of fish while the other end remains fastened to the main vessel. They have a steel cable that runs through rings at the bottom that is pulled upwards, preventing fish from escaping by diving downwards. They are used primarily for fish that school near the surface and can operate from a single boat or by two vessels. Fish that are commonly caught with purse seines are sardines, cod, mackerel, salmon, tuna, and herring, and more fish are caught worldwide with purse seines than any other method. Trawls are another form of surrounding net that are quite effective in catching large numbers of fish. Pulled behind specialized boats called trawlers, they are large, funnel-shaped nets that trap fish in the rear of their netting. It is attached to the boat by two long cables and near the net’s opening are two boards (called otter boards) that are forced downward and sideways by the force of the water to hold open the net. The older models of trawlers launched and recovered the net from the side of the vessel but most modern trawlers launch it from the stern (back). Trawls can be placed at many different depths, from scraping along the seabed to just below the surface, and catch many species of fish and shrimp. They are second to only the purse seine in total catch world-wide. 3. Trap nets-Trap nets are stationary nets that are staked at the bottom of bodies of water. Usually cylindrical in shape, they form a labyrinth-like series of chambers that are easy for aquatic life to enter (through funnels) but from which they cannot escape. The catch can then be emptied out by pulling the drawstring that opens the tail of the net. This type of net is popular for catching catfish, salmon, trout, and eels. Other Methods Besides the methods listed above, there are a number of other interesting methods for catching fish with nets. 1. The lift method-This method employs nets with a square metal frame around the four sides with four lift lines running from the frame’s corners to a central point known as the lift rope. The lift net is set into the water and either bait is thrown in the water above it or light is used to attract fish or crustaceans. When the prey swims over it the lift net is pulled up out of the water with the prey inside of it. These nets are great for catching bait such as minnows. This method can also be employed on a grand scale by large, mechanically operated lift nets off of beaches or vessels. 2. Recovery nets-Recovery nets are long, rectangular nets primarily used to collect fish at hydroelectric dams for mortality studies. The fish are collected in a live box at one end of the net. 3. Veranda nets-Waters where flying fish and shrimp gather are stirred up, then this specialized net is used to catch them in the air.

there is a liquor store a few blocks away. they load up on rum this time of year for some reason.

a seine net is a net now most often used as you describe it. however there is also a haul seine and a purse seine. The difference between a gill net and seine net, i believe, is the size mesh and its deployment style. I don't have time to look into this week, but will upon my return. man mission, i wish you were headed to blackbeard.

It broke my heart to find out gosling's was not coming. I have a personal loyalty to that fine establishment. But alas...... on to a new flavor. Pirates choice graciously accepted a last minute plea from some friends and is headed this way. The key lime is an aquired taste, but the molasses is amazing. I got half tanked on that at pyratecon saturday morning before i even made it to the offical new orleans rum tasting at 11. Oh foxe...exactly which pictures are you using??????

don't think we haven't thought about it. but something about the water there... yuk

thats them, got the pm. thanks. i would love to get my hands on an old foot treddle (sp?) with huge needles.

oops. no the space center has a problem if thighbighter and company do not make it in time. the center has nothing to do with things that go boom. although, if we take out a window or two they might get testy. I must really watch my punctuation. and ex's....... lets see.....how much time ya got? i thank my lucky stars daily for grace. thats for sure!!!! i have a nice collection of rings though. never worn- to the highest bidder. i did discover one lass who had the most amazing alergic reaction to diamonds. i put one on her finger and she went nuts! i learned after the fact she had been flicted with the same bout of fits and vapors before. i firmly believe if she had been committed to a ducking stool she would have lived!!!!!!

hey foxe... she actually has two eyes. and yes i am lucky, i give thanks daily..... that she's not anywhere near as nuts as the last one. seriously though- yeah, she's great and she makes me happy. i owe her alot.

this ones a bugger rue. its a plastic bobbin that has a single wedge shaped groove in the base that advances it. no others will fit. eh- what do you expect from the too good to throw away section at the dump. now i'll have to go back and find another.

[/i] THIS JUST IN....... Pirates Choice rum will now be in attendance at the ball and visiting throughout the weekend.

eh.... only 100. this event was well worth more than 100 measly photos. can't wait to see it fox.

i tried loading my ex in a cannon- didn't work so well and the judge did not find it funny either. got her head in the barrel atleast. (not the current one sterling!!!) callinesh, i hope things go well brother and i certainly do hope you make it to the ball.... if not we got a problem- well the space center has a problem! in regards to things that go boom- check in with constable and get the guns checked asap, I may have a need friday afternoon in one of my gigs for you and the boys (yours and the guns) if'n you don't mind a little extra fun. how are you with lead time and moving targets? actually, while i'm thinking about it. ALL ATTENDING IN THE CAMP- have all weapons and powder issues cleared by constable heartless and maureen will process your participant papers/ access cards. please have them ready to go upon your arrival in the camp. oh yes and bawdy...... mind the tent shadow puppets at night. t'was good entertainment to say the least.

cap'n- i might suggest just dragging a chicken leg or ham bone behind the land yacht, they will follow along. they tend to scream alot when strapped to the roof. something about bug guts at 70 mph....... thighbiter, glad to hear all will be in attendance and looking forward to a bit of of bawdy entertainment.

pm sent. track me down when you get in.

now ya see cap'n. thats the difference between mountain and coastal noseeums. ours are used to the summer humidity and taking siestas mid day. now your mountain bred uns are used to working themselves silly and don't know how to take breaks.

four days till we start moving in. royaliste is under way. thighbiter is loading charges. weather is calling for high 70's durring the day and mid 50's at night. low humidity slight chance of rain thursday night into friday morning. apparently the noseeums have moved in durring the evening.

oh rue, you were not- we all know you photo shopped yourself into ALL those photos Actually rue, while we were at lafetes tavern, these folks were the couple grace and i were talking to as you and i chatted- cleared that one up for ya didn't it. these are fine folks and should make a crew happy to have aboard.

mermaid, how goes things in florida? grace is just getting started on the photos- there are some good ones in the mix.

any one know where i can get bobbins for a singer model 646. i've looked locally with no avail and even ebay has nothing.