Well, sorry we missed some of you. When we got to China Seas shortly after 1 pm, we did meet up with our former member Alison who added her voice to the raiders. We sang a few shanties in the back of the store and then marched down to Commercial St., away from the amplified music. We're loud but not THAT LOUD. We crashed the Drydock restaurant and tavern, astounding the staff and customers, and after the initial shock they clearly enjoyed our singing. We then had lunch at their back deck and sang a few songs there, paid for our food and brew and exited singing. We tried RiRa Irish Pub but their musac was too loud. The Portland Flatbread Restaurant was more receptive and we did a couple of songs there. Then we worked our way through Gilbert's Chowder House, where people also seemed pleased to hear us. Then across the street to a bottle store where Nor led "All for Me Grog." Next to Portland Coffee Roasters where the folks at the table nearest us actually joined in the chorus, and then back to China Seas for more singing.

We met a few more of our friends there at that point. Our new apprentice Jeff got a good workout and already sounds pretty good. It didn't really rain, although it seemed to cool down suddenly in midafternoon. No hassles with the police or Festival lackeys, no one was seriously injured by the oar we were carrying, and someone gave us a dollar.

We really had some fun and the folks at China Seas are always wonderful hosts.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble