Piracy was the name of the game, an Urban Pirates cruise that Hannah had booked for us and the Muckers. I was doubtful that we would launch, given the intense nature of the elements, but our ticket said they'd run rain or shine and they weren't kidding. While all other guests/prisoners hid away under the poop deck Claire, JJ and Pete threw themselves wholeheartedly into this high seas adventure. It was especially cute watching Pete try to sort the make-believe from the real. Were we really on a pirate ship? Is that really a treasure chest? Are these real pirates?
While the kids ran about in the lashing storm, and we adults tried to keep sheltered by holding umbrellas at various angles, the "pirates" put on an incredible show when - frankly - no one would have criticised them for giving up and chugging home to harbour at the earliest opportunity. There were pirate games, pirate dances, a limbo competition... At the start of the trip I had sighed in irritation at the captain's request to "please remember your crew" when the tip hat was passed around at the end. By the time we were back in port I was ready to drop in all the cash and cards I had. Such dedication to soggy piracy was breathtaking. We squelched off to warm up on Bloody Marys and beer with the landlubbers at the local brewery.
Everyone's excited to be here! Except Vince, but then he's in the army rather than the navy.
Make your best pirate face!
Avast!
Our ship. Incidentally, "Relentless" is the word Claire's parents use most often to describe her.
JJ was a willing volunteer for the safety demonstration (safety on a pirate ship!? Pah!) Note the colour of the sky in the background.
Lovely weather for the time of year.
It takes more than a little rain to discourage these buccaneers!
How low can Vince go? Always lower.
We were then attacked by Mad Dog Mike. The conflict was short (probably because he didn't need any more water thrown at him) and we recovered our stolen treasure.
Our victorious pirate dance! Christine is having the best time.
And now some treasure for the little pirates!
And, finally, a reward for the adult ones.
