Greetings from the left coast.....

[Isla El Muerto]

I'm not exactly sure that this is where I belong, but that's nothing new. I figure if there's a better place that you can steer me in the right direction. I'll start off by saying that I have a bit of an obsession (my wife's words, not mine) with pirates. I've never been to any festivals, gatherings, or anything else that involves dressing up or role playing/re-enacting/etc. I'm not opposed to it....especially if there's some good rum being passed around...but I haven't done it and I'm not really sure what is involved. Basically, I am just a guy in his mid thirties who may or may not be having some sort of early mid-life crisis.

A couple years ago I was shopping for coins (numismatics is barely a hobby, but I love big silver coins) and I found an 8 Reales that was recovered from the Consolacion. The coin was in fairly rough shape (as most of coins from that wreck are) and I decided not to buy it, but not before I read the historically questionable story that accompanied the coin. Right then I knew I needed a Piece of Eight from the ship that Captain Sharpe had a hand in putting to rest off the coast of Ecuador, so I kept my eye out until I found one that suited me....which I mounted in gold and wear around my neck. With the treasure in my hands my fascination was further ignited and I went a little (just a litte) nuts and started buying books and movies to learn more about the history of not only the Consolacion, but piracy in general. I am far from an expert on anything besides drinking 12 year old Flor de Cana, but I truly enjoy the history and I feel I am to a point that I need to start networking with folks that might be as crazy as I am. I live just a few miles from the nearest boat launch and spend much of my free time on the water plundering stripers in the California Delta. I am going to lurk here a bit to read about these festivals to try and get a feel for whether or not it's for me. This looks to be a pretty active forum and a good place to ominously loom in the shadows.

[j8ksdad]

Welcome. I'm new here myself and have already found this place to be a treasure of information.

[Patrick Hand]

the California Delta.

Are you near Sacatomatoes or Modesto? (Northern California?)

If so, than Tales of the Seven Seas is the closest Pyrate group... (they are outta the Bay Area, but heck, I live up in the mountains below Bear Valley (Arnold), so I drive down there....)

http://www.talesofthesevenseas.com/

[silas thatcher]

i was in the same boat as you... attended a pirate fest, got hooked...wanted to be more active in the whole scene, found my way here, started learning ( i got lots more to go ! ), made some garb, met alot of great people, improving our garb-- thanks to the same great people, becoming more active in the reenacting events ( even if i am just an extra :) ) and having fun..

it is a fun hobby, and even satisfying when you do things like finally getting the shirts sewn up "just right"... we are going to make a few sailors jackets, try a different pattern for breeches-- the last ones were okay, hey we are still learning :), and then on to a justacorps... all of these are from period correct patterns... if i can learn to make a few things, then you can, too...

give it a try, expand your "obsession", and have fun doing so :)

[Isla El Muerto]

Are you near Sacatomatoes or Modesto? (Northern California?)

South of Sac......in Galt. Was out on the delta this weekend and the water was as dirty as I've ever seen it. Looks like over the next week or so the rain is going to keep bringing all that mud down from the hills....it's killin my fishin, but I'm not complaining.....we need it. I'll check out Tales of the Seven Seas. I plan on going to the Nor Cal Pirate Festival this year. I've known about it for a couple of years now, but haven't made it over. Vallejo isn't that far.

[Rumba Rue]

Pirates an obsession? Who us? Naw, we just look that way.

Welcome!

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Welcome Aboard

[Joe Pyrat]

None of us be obsessed with pyrates, just rum and treasure, mostly...

Welcome aboard mate.

[LadyBarbossa]

LOL... :::shakes head:::

Welcome to th' Pub, sir. Tis a pleasure t' have ye with us in this fine establishment.

Aye, tis not an obsession. Obsession is an unhealthy lusty addiction to someone to th' point of stalking. It's best t' call our fancy for piracy as a fun-loving and inspirational HOBBY! After all, we do bring smiles t' face both young an' old alike.

An' plenty o' rum... and many other spirits as well.

~Lady B

[Black Syren]

Aye like everyone else has said I bid you welcome to the Pub. There is plenty of information here, and if you are unsure just ask, Pubsters love answering questions and even more welcoming someone brand new into the brethren. Check out Captain Twill for history and of course the Thives Market for clothing and The armory for weapons. You will be all set before you know it!

[LadyBrower]

Kind Greetings, and Welcome...

Obsession, I think, is a matter of perspective.

But on another note, with all these pirates running about, I wonder how you might have bewitched them into forgetting that is upon you to buy the first round? It is tradition, after all. For me I would like some rum with a bit of lime, if you would be so kind...