Home now from a great 10 days in Montreal/MysticBoston and its environs. I second, fourth, fifth, and sixth the motions that the Barrouallie Whalers were the highlight of the festival. "Bulldog, Don't Bite Me" was for me the highlight of the highlight. Can anyone post the lyrics? The verses I could make out were: This dog is an American dog/This dog is an English dog/This dog is a German dog. (Each verse is followed by the chorus, "Bulldog, don't bite me").

Somewhat hidden in the program was the excellent Lighthouse Point Sunday morning set by Rick Spencer and the Mudcat's own "Windlass1." Their voices blend extremely well, and anyone who has seen Forebitter and The Windlasses perform also know what good stage presence they have.

Many thanks to everyone who puts this festival together. It is THE place to learn great maritime songs not yet well-known, as well as all the other great things about this fest that make it, well, GREAT.

Mudcatters were everywhere! We were never in one place for a big group photo, and I'm sorry I didn't get to meet all the 'Catters. It was good meeting you, Charley Noble, Abby, Dick, and Susan of DT. Good to see you again, Greg, as always, and I expect to see you fly your plane onto Hyde Street Pier for a chantey sing. Good to hang out with you some, Liam's Brother, and keep me posted on your NPS job status. Ran into Michael of Swansea who was singing with the Welsh group Baggyrinkle.

By the way, my upstairs neighbor here back home complained that he was awoken by the sounds of a "Sineti" Sunday morning.

-chanteyranger