Raphael Misson

Ok, you guys...some of this might be better discussed via pm or email. It's best to focus on the actual issues at hand... While I realize changes are inevitable and all that, people are spending a lot of time and money doing this as Michael notes and we love the event we've come to know. Some of us are tried and true Js and we like certainty. Having trained people on the subject of dealing with change and unknowns, the best solution I've found for such situations is just to put all the info out there that you have, with plenty of caveats to cover the unknown variables. It's always best say that you don't know the answer to something yet rather than ignore questions. (Note: I am not saying anyone has ignored questions or kept info to themselves, because I don't know. However, these are two cardinal rules about what works best with people during times of uncertainty and change from my experience, reading and training sessions.) For example, it hasn't been until today that the reason for the footprint post has been explained. Let me repeat what Fayma explained... I don't know if Captain Sterling knew this or not (and it's not important at this point), but had this been explained in the first post of the Footprint thread, I believe some of this discussion probably wouldn't be going on right now. Who wouldn't want to cooperate with trying to garner more space for camping? So please share the info you know when you start explaining some of the changes that are occurring and I think there will be a smooth transition this year.

I notice your sig is green. Come to the green side...

BTW, I feel this series of posts is OT here, but it is important and, as such, really belongs with PIP Changes, Updates and New Information, so I'm going to move it there later today if there are no objections. I believe many of us are concerned about this and it deserves the opportunity for open discussion. Otherwise, many of us who are not in what has been described as "the inner circle" may be upset or worried about it.

Remember when we were all whining about wanting more campers and wondering how to grow the event? I agree that strictures will probably settle down after this year. Plus I'll bet the event will end up being more more casual than it appears to be if you go only by the things going on in here. It's tough to say that for sure because with Harry gone, we have lost what appeared to me to be a splendidly protective buffer against The Rules. (*shudder* The Rules...) Still, I'm taking a wait and see attitude to the whole thing. If it's gotten overly hidebound and rule-infested this year, I figure I can use that to make future decisions. But it seems like a bad idea to abandon the event just because there is a bit more structure looming on this forum. It has to happen to some degree with the success of the event. We did want the event to be more successful, didn't we? It will also be interesting to see who actually shows up to take advantage of the camping. PiP seems to be the most touch-and-go event as far as commitments are concerned from what I've seen. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if we had less than 150 campers. My bet is that the actually tally will be about 100-125 living in the camping area outside the fort. (Any takers?) I am not including those who camp in the fort as they have their own space. (Unless they've been dumped out of the fort because of repairs and whatnot, in which case 150 is a fair guess.)

How about green make-up?

Well, there's a difference between a wagonload of stuff containing a somewhat suspicious-looking assortment of bags and weapons and a crepe-paper and plastic simulated corpse strapped into the front seat. If the cops stopped me, they'd probably just roll their eyes the way most people do after I explain things like this.

You really should have done this. I love the expressions on other peoples faces when I do stuff like that. Not many people notice, but those who do...priceless.

Cheers! Someday I will meet you. (You're on the list.)

http://pyracy.com/index.php?showtopic=15104 I haven't checked the other index threads. Most of them are pinned, although I think that one (the second post in particular) probably has the most links contained in it. It actually worked ok until I edited it, so the older threads may be grandfathered in until they get changed. (Trouble being, this is what index threads are for...)

Another fine day: Breakfast: Banana Cafe, Price: $12+, Not too far from the fort, it has a nice indoor/outdoor motif and the ubiquitous cats. Specialized in crepes...yummy crepes...which is still more French cooking. It has nice, strong coffee. A little pricey, but worth a jaunt since you're on vacation and all Lunch: El Siboney Restaurant, Price (last I was there): $8+, It sure doesn't look like much from the street, but they have some of the finest Cuban cuisine I've had on the island. Not a lot for the old vegetarian, which is why I have not been there recently, but it is the place that I'm told even the Cubans on the island go for Cuban. Definitely print a map if you decide to go to this one. Dinner: Kelly’s Caribbean Bar Grill & Brewery, Price $25+, Lovely al fresco dining with very good food right near downtown, but far enough away to escape a little of the noise. Formerly the Pan American Airlines world headquarters, which they play up enough to give it a feeling of history. They also have a micro-brewery which is worth a look-see. Or at least a taste. Very, very Key West. It also has a lovely large bar that should also be seen. Oh, yeah, and it's still owned (as far as I know) by Kelly McGillis of Top Gun fame. Not too far from the fort, either. Probably my #2 dinner place to hit when I'm there. And another day: Breakfast: Croissants De France, Price: $7-8 + as I recall, More like a bakery, although they have some seating. A great place to grab something and go with delicious breakfast food stuffed croissants. Lunch: B.O.'s Fish Wagon, Price: $10+, I agree with Hurricane that this is a fine place. Boo took me here in 2007 to enjoy wonderful cracked conch and to miss the Friday battle. The place looks like it was assembled from cast-off material found after a hurricane, which only adds to the appeal. Simple, affordable (for Key West) food and excellent for people watching. Dinner: Mangrove Mama's Restaurant, Price: $30+, Ok, this is a drive. You can't walk to this one unless you give yourself some serious time because it's on Sugarloaf Key, not Key West. But it's one of those al fresco places tucked into the mangroves along the side of the road. The parking is higgle-de-piggle which somehow appealed to me. The place sort of sprawls out and the food is yummy. Great atmosphere and worth the hike. Oh, yeah, I want to mention one more, although it's not startlingly island-oriented or anything. Abbondanza Italian Restaurant, Price: $20+, Good Italian food, nice pleasant atmosphere and one of the more reasonably-priced places for dinner. Not too far from the fort, which is also a plus.

I don't know if it merits stickying, but we actually need to add several of these threads to the Index Thread that is already stickied, I think. I'll create a 2009 section to my post up there and add some of the new stuff in when I get a chance.

150 is the number of campers they're allowing at the fort. If it's like last year, Jessi's staying with Callenish, so this is not an issue for her. And Mission is a 'J' so he likes make plans, although he tries not to be too slavish about this. Speaking of the topic (which we haven't been - guilty), is someone coming to Columbus this weekend who can cart Becky and her gibbet down to the fort? Otherwise I have to bring her back to Michigan with me and mail her.

Captain Sterling suggested starting this and it seemed like a fine idea to me. I was going to post my thoughts on every restaurant I have enjoyed there, but that could take years and cost millions of lives. So I figure I'll post my thoughts as they come to me. Feel free to contribute your thoughts and experiences from these and other restaurants as well. BTW, be forewarned that Key West is usually one damned expensive place to eat if you're not going for the chain restaurants. If you're on a strict budget, I heartily recommend eating at the fort and buying your own supplies (and even the groceries are a bit pricey because everything is has to be trucked down A1A from Miasmi) or sticking with fast food and the like. You'll miss the ambiance, but you'll save a wad of cash. Most (non-chain) dinner places will start at about $30 and run ever higher as you add drinks, desserts and whatnot. In fact, I once paid $120 while dining alone at Hyatt (which I don't recommend - go to Louie's Backyard where you can still spend a lot, (but a little less), have a better view and get a very, very, very fine meal.) So caveat emptor. Anyhow, here's my ideal day of restaurants: Breakfast - Blue Heaven - Cost: $10+ pp. Breakfast, lunch and now dinner (that's new). Very conveniently located near the fort entrance, Blue Heaven is mostly al fresco and features cats, chickens and roosters. The roosters even manage to climb on the table umbrellas, so if you're lucky, you'll see that. I think I like this place for the atmosphere as much as anything, but they do a nice breakfast (including a special that is often a fine shrimp or crab omelet) and from my experience, they are pirate friendly. (Actually, every place I've been to in garb is pirate friendly.) They get quite busy on the weekends, though. Lunch - Rum Barrel Bar & Restaurant - Cost: $15+ pp. This is part of the Pirate Soul Museum complex. They have a pirate theme and they sponsor the event, so I enjoy going there. The food is pretty typically Key West (lots of seafood) and upscale bar oriented (burgers and such), but my favorite meal (and to me it is a meal) is the Roasted Corn & Crab Chowder. When I am in Key West for an extended stay, I am happy to eat this several times. Dinner - Cafe Solé - Cost: $30+ pp. Cafe Solé is literally my favorite restaurant in all my travels. Ever since I discovered it ten or fifteen years ago, I have made it an absolute requirement to eat here at least once during any Key West trip. (I have made 16+ trips...actually I've lost count.) The cuisine tends toward French, which I love. If you go and have never been before, I highly, highly, highly recommend the Hog Snapper. I believe it is the best fish I have ever had. Several others have concurred that this is outstanding including Haunting Lily, Edward O'Keefe and Red Jessi. Order something else on your first trip at your peril. I must confess that some of my love for this place stems from trips long past. It used to have a canvas roof (which was replaced with a less romantic steel roof after a hurricane), it featured nothing but candle light and dusky 40s music and the owner used to come to my table and chat. So you may discount some of my allegiance to memory. But the food is quite fine and the atmosphere is lovely. Plus you often see cats. They usually arrive with your entree if they are around. (Funny about that.) This place is hard as hell to find for the newbie, so if you plan to go, you'll want to print yourself a map. That's enough for now. I have several more in mind, but they'll have to wait for when I have more time to yammer on about them.

I have utensils! Well...I have a utensil. It's a lovely wooden spoon, made by Mexican artisans. You can eat almost everything but meat with a spoon and since I don't eat meat... Plus I have a wooden bowl with a thumb hole in it that I bought from Greg. Besides, all that's left on Bucky is jerky and I have vowed never to try jerky, even if I ever do start eating meat again. (I was just discussing this last week.) Actually, I'll prolly eat out a lot. I'll only be there three days and I'm staying on Duvall. Plus I lurve the Roasted Corn and Crab Chowder at the Rum Barrel and could eat it for b-fast, lunch and dinner. And then there's Cafe Solé, which is my favorite restaurant on earth...I must go there or I will have to consider it a wasted trip. (In, fact I have already made plans with Jessi that are so detailed they include a back-up plan.) Plus Boo will be there which means there's battle-time cracked conch to consider...

I have utensils! Well...I have A utensil. It's a lovely wooden spoon, made by Mexican artisans. You can eat just everything but meat with a spoon and since I don't eat meat... Plus I have a wooden bowl with a thumb hole in it that I bought from Greg. Besides, all that's left on Bucky is jerky and I have vowed never to eat jerky, even if I ever do start eating meat again. (I was just discussing this last week.) Actually, I'll prolly eat out a lot. I'll only be there three days and I'm staying on Duvall. Plus I lurve the Roasted Corn and Crab Chowder at the Rum Barrel and could eat it for bfast, lunch and dinner. And then there's Cafe Solé, which is my favorite restaurant on earth...I must go there or I will have to consider it a wasted trip. (In, fact I already have already made plans that are so detailed they include a back-up plan.) Plus Boo will be there and there's battle-time cracked conch to consider...

I'm trying to imagine a pickup-up truck full of puppies...I am reading about chaos theory, so that comes to mind. You should have them take pictures. I want them to take pictures the next time they inject stuff into my eye. Will the end result of all this fix your lower back or just remove the pain?

Ye really must do somethin' about this Delorean obsession ye have lad. Piratin' is nae about goin' back to the future! I already did something about my Delorean obsession. (It was an expensive lesson that I prefer not to repeat.)

Iron John was asking me if I was selling my last skeleton. I am not, but skeletons are not that hard to get and I explained to him how to do that, which I thought others might want to know as they make fine pirate props. "If you want a fully articulated skeleton, you can buy Bucky skeletons on eBay for about $150 - $200 (especially now near Halloween). That prices is for a first or second quality skeleton. If you're going to gunk it up like I do with the gibbeted skeletons, you can pick up 4th quality skeletons there for about $75 - $100. (Fourth quality skeletons sometimes have bent limbs, warped or missing minor bones and 'flash' at the seams where the molds come together. They are definitely not display quality, but they are perfect for adding skin and stuff to.)" To find them, try searching for "Bucky skeleton.' I have purchased several that way. Note: if a seller doesn't tell you what quality level skeleton you are buying, ask. If they are cagey, assume it is 4th quality. (This happened to me, and I had to wrangle with the guy to return some of my money after he told me it was first quality when it was fourth.)

This is in addition to Bucky and Becky? Or is this actually Bucky's full nom de plume? Buckminster is a separate entity unto himself. Bucky is currently at the fort, where he resides. Becky is at Michael's house in the extra bedroom, where she scares guests. Buckminster is my sole remaining skeleton. BTW, I am just goofing around with those posts. (I don't really have a reason why.) Iron John asked me if I am trying to sell my last skeleton, which I am not. So I will stop being a pest in here.

His name is Buckminster.

You should be a blacksmith. Then I can say, "Here's to ya, blacksmith!" And someone else can say, "And to the future!"

I just want them to bring back pirate skeletons and get rid of the fish people. (However, I'll bet they take it in a different direction if they can do it (by which I mean, if the studio doesn't force them to follow the rut worn by the previous movies.)

It might. But the only proof we have for this is that there were some disguised female soldiers (Who? How many? Were they GAoP? How does behavior among soldiers relate to behavior on ships?) and the Bonny and Read story. It's generally not prudent to make rules from exceptions.

I have another skeleton.