When Pirates Came To Town

We traveled on a Sunday drive to Lake Champlain Maritime Museum to partake in the pirate gathering there on the shores of our beautiful lake.

 Michael was primed with his sword and hat and ready to fight off any  bad pirates that might be about.  The joy of anticipation so apparent on his face while we took the curves and bends of the rural roads.

Guess who came along?   Michael's sweet "Eleanora.

 

 

 

They jumped right out and played pirate games and crafts.

 

Michael and his Dad on the way to see the pirate ship battle.

The bad pirate ship heading in with canon's firing.

                                          Michael on the  Philadelphia looking out at the pirate ship.

            Down by the lake Nora eagerly climbed into the roots of a Cedar Tree.  The roots were exposed due to the flooding last year.  They were great fun to climb on and Nora had a grand time exploring amid the life of the tree.  The tree still had leaves that were green and seemed to be surviving.

Here is Nora climbing aboard the Gunboat Philadelphia ship. She told them she was a good sailor and raced too.

Back on shore they listened to stories read by pirates, they searched for clues to find the treasure chest with booty, and made treasure boxes.

Nora is here getting in on the fun as a real pirate!  

                    Here the kids are waiting for balloons  Nora had a pink sword made which was lost during the battle of the pirate ships, and Michael requested a blue dog.

 We took a rest in the shade and watched jugglers perform.  A family troupe that was quite good.

Dad was picked to help hold the tight rope while the juggler juggled flames. 

Here is the gunboat Philadelphia the pirates were coming to attack.  Michael was on shore with his sword pointing to the ship, and shouting to the pirates.  "You'll never get it!"

Nora found Michael amusing and had so many smiles.

    The pirate ship here just fired their cannon but started to get scared.  All the pirates, mostly kids, shook their swords and finally the pirates lowered their flag.  They were brought to shore and chained and taken away.

 Michael and Nora solved the treasure hunt and found their loot.  They came away with chocolate coins, necklaces, and eye patches.

. Together we made our way to our car after such an exciting day. We ate, drank and talked, some squealed... about the excitement we shared.  We wound our way back to normalcy through bites of Pirate Booty and the twists and turns of the roads.

  It was peaceful and comfortable and I hated to see Chittenden County come into our view.  We had such a wonderful day. 

 

 We look forward to many more days of happiness with these two along on our travels through the summer.
Michael is now really into pirates and can't wait for his Muppet Treasure Island/Pirate birthday party this August.  And I think if I am honest, Nora and I are just as excited.