Work days and Schooner Appreciation Days

The last couple of weeks have been spent working on more deck beams. This weekend was spent cleaning the shop, stacking wood, and getting ready for winter. Last seasons heavy snow did Luna's vinyl and pvc pipe framed cover in. We added a laminated ridge pole and uprights to the frame so we should be o.k. this season. Then Adam, one of our volunteers, pointed out a very simple observation. "It snowed last year, we're not going to see anything for another ten years." He's probably right, but as the local saying goes. "If you don't like the weather on the Chesapeake Bay, wait an hour, it'll change."

Last weekend, we took some time to do a bit of playing and headed to Portsmouth for Schooner Appreciation Days, which coincides with the ending of The Great Chesapeake Schooner Race. Several Foundation members have been involved with both events for years and some are just getting started. It's always fun to visit our extended boating families and meet new friends. Below are pictures from the living history program we presented on Saturday. Pay close attention to the last picture. Thank you to Susan Cortez for taking the pictures.

Ben explains the backstaff.

Grace, the keeper of tavern games, always draws a crowd of all ages.

Weapons always hold folks attention as well.

Shuttlecock is todays version of badminton.

Reggie works on rigging.

Chip, the shipwright was on hand to show various tools of the trade and, of course, show off Luna.

Pern making baggy wrinkle, or chaffing gear for the rigging.

The Last Picture.........

 The Foundation received a very unique donation dating from the 1750's which will be used with our living history and education programs. What is it? Check back next week for the full story.