Coos Bay to Ilwaco Sail Photo Gallery

I was invited to sail aboard the Lady Washington, a reproduction of Captain Gray’s 1780 merchant brig, courtesy of Gray’s Harbor Historical Seaport, from Coos Bay, Oregon to Ilwaco, Washington, May 14-19, 2006.

It was a wonderful trip. I'll never forget the moonlit, midnight watches... and chanty singing!... and playin' gunner!... and crossing the Columbia River bar! A dream come true. The merchant crew even turned a blind eye, as the black flag from the “Heart of Gold” was flown (with assistance from Elf) aboard the Lady in Baker Bay. Here's the proof.

Buckets of love to Captain Steve, Captain J.B., First Mate Annie, Nick, Nathalie, Howard, Dave, Victoria, Jenny, Cookface, Newt, Corey, Elf, Lukas, Eric, and Jim, and and apologies to anyone I failed to mention. Thanks for sharng your home and showing me the ropes... I mean lines!

I raise my tankard (and I owe ye one) to Brenna Sharp and my friends from Ye Pyrate Brethren for help in research and construction of my golden age of pyracy era seaman’s jacket that I completed sewing while on board and wore on this trip.

The weekend after our arrival, I helped the Port of Ilwaco put on a small faire to promote the visiting Hawaiian Chieftain and the Lady. Rifle, Loot & Salvage Co. hosted a pirate encampment at the port.

Thanks to the generous merchants and fun people- It's not everyday you get asked to raid a town, fire cannons, kidnap the Harbormaster and they feed you and put you up for the weekend fer doin’ just that!

Note: the photos are not in order!