PiP on the Cheap?

[Bilgemunky]

I don't have much of a travel budget this year, but through a stroke of luck I found myself with a free AirTran roundtrip travel voucher! I'd love to use it to finally check out the wonder that is Pirates in Paradise, but worry that accomodation expenses in Key West could quickly overshadow what I would have paid in airfare anyways.

Anyone have any hot suggestions? I don't have a period tent, so the encampment wouldn't be an option (even if it's something "outsiders" can join.) I suppose it would be piratey to just crash drunk beneath a tree, get picked up by the cops, spend the night in county jail, and negotiate my release in time for day 2, but I probably can't make that work for 4 days running before I'm escorted out of town (which is also very piratey, but might limit my enjoyment of PiP.)

[pyrateleather]

If you do spend the night in jail you'd better hope that there is a dog there with some keys or that the jail is within cannon's reach of the harbor for a dramatic rescue by your crew.

Seriously though, I've always wanted to attend this event as well so please, all of you PIP experts, enlighten us

[michaelsbagley]

I've never been to PiP myself, but if you read through enough of the threads there are plenty of suggestions all over the place about how to help make it cheaper....

There is a thread on car-pooling if that will help cut costs. There have been discussions on sharing cabs, buses, rental vehicles from the airport to the actual festival, plenty of discussion around making garb and or camp accoutrements...

Ultimately, a set of garb, and an reasonable attempt at a period tent is more than enough to do PiP on the fly... One of the ideas posted on the "Getting Tentage Ready..." thread was to use a canvas drop cloth purchasable at a hardware store for somewhere in the range of $20... There were several other suggestions of varying costs made as well...

My best suggestion for you is to take the time and carefully read through the existing messages on the existing threads, there is a lot of great ideas and suggestions. If there are specific budgetary concerns you might have that aren't covered already, I'm sure your not the only person that wouldn't want the question raised....

[hurricane]

Simple. There is a hostel in Key West. It's $31 a night. Right off Duval and offers the use of their bicycles while you're there. Not luxurious, but it's a roof over your head, which is all you need when at the festival since you're out from early morning until late at night doing stuff.

http://www.keywesthostel.com/

As for food, insiders know where to go to eat on the cheap. Right off Duval are the locals places where the food and booze is a lot cheaper than the touristy places. Just ask people like Harry, our Camp Commander, when you're there. Nothing is better than a hot Cuban bread breakfast sandwich and come cuban coffee for breakfast. Cheap too. There's also the usual fast food havens and with a bicycles it's an easy pedal up Truman for these.

--Hurricane

[William Brand]

I'd love to use it to finally check out the wonder that is Pirates in Paradise, but worry that accomodation expenses in Key West could quickly overshadow what I would have paid in airfare anyways.

Excellent...we'll work out your accomodations.

Does anyone have a spare tent?

[callenish gunner]

i will have room for another 2 pyrates in my tentage so whomever contacts me first gets the dibs on the sleeping space ...you'd have to supply your own bedroll

as to food i will be cooking most meals on site so as they say put a bit of green in the pot and you'll have victuals and drynke

[Bilgemunky]

Well Callenish, if your offer is serious then I just might like to take you up on it. I've never participated in a period encampment before, but I can promise that my garb doesn't consist of sequins, velcro, or anything that melts over a candle

[William Brand]

Well Callenish, if your offer is serious then I just might like to take you up on it. I've never participated in a period encampment before, but I can promise that my garb doesn't consist of sequins, velcro, or anything that melts over a candle

Well, Bilgemunky, I couldn't be happier to add you ro the roll call. Consider it done and let us know if you need anything else.

[Ol Man From the Sea]

I suppose it would be piratey to just crash drunk beneath a tree, get picked up by the cops....

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?

[callenish gunner]

alright bilge ye got a berth!!!

[michaelsbagley]

Well Callenish, if your offer is serious then I just might like to take you up on it. I've never participated in a period encampment before, but I can promise that my garb doesn't consist of sequins, velcro, or anything that melts over a candle 

Hey BilgeMonkey (and anyone else who needs help),

If you post your measurments and colour preferences, I might be able to help you out some garb wise (if you need help there). If you read This thread, specially towards the last few posts there was some discussion of bringing/making extra garb for those who may need it. I have a ton of spare fabric that is begging to be put to a good use like that (which I mention in that thread).

You can post in the Pub (preferably in the clothing thread), or private message me if you prefer as to whether you need/want this kind of help and if so your measurments and/or colour preferences.

[Bilgemunky]

Well, it's official - I've booked my airline tickets!

Being as they were free vouchers and subject to all sorts of inconvenient restrictions, they're not quite ideal - I won't be getting to Miami until 4 p.m. on the 28th (after a 7 hour layover in Atlanta) so Key West will be a late arrival - but I'll be there (which is the most important thing )

So flight's arranged, and lodging is being generously provided - is there any other pre-planning I should be doing aside from getting my gear and garb as hollywood-proof as possible? From the PiP website, it's clear that many of the side and main events have seperate fees - are there any that are particularly recommended as "must do" events?

[Ol Man From the Sea]

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)

[William Brand]

Set aside $50 for at least one ride on the Wolf. I recommend one of the evening sunset trips.