Pirates in Florida

Last week, we went to Florida mostly to visit Scott's aunt and uncle in Lake Placid.  However on the way down, we decided to do some family time since our family will soon be changing.  Hunter wanted to see pirates and go to the beach.  So we chose St. Augustine.  The history part is still over his head but they had a couple of pirate things that we did.  In the morning we went to the Pirate & Treasure Museum, which is one man's 30+ year collection of actual pirate things.  It was set up really well for kids and grown-ups alike, but since all the artifacts are so old, no photography is allowed inside.  Then we walked across the street to the Spanish fort which was built really because of the problem of pirates raiding ships getting ready to carry gold, jewels, and goods from the "new world" back to Spain.  Then in the afternoon,  we went for a cruise on the Black Raven Pirate Ship.  It was an hour and a half sailing around the bay being entertained by a couple of pirates.  Hunter thought it was great.   Then these hungry pirates stopped for ice cream and pizza on the way back to the hotel and called it a day.  Well, almost... Hunter swam in the pool but Mom dipped her foot in and decided it was still to cool out to go swimming.
  My next post will cover the beach and our time at Scott's aunt and uncle's house.  We didn't have internet access while there so you will have to bear with me over the next week as I drag more Florida things out.  O

Posing by the "treasure map" of the Pirate & Treasure Museum in St. Augustine Florida.  We were not allowed any photography inside the museum because the artifacts are so old.

Hunter and the pirate he met in the museum.  He did a magic trick with Hunter and a big blue jewel ended up in Hunter's pirate hat.  He made such a good impression and was kind enough to step outside and take a picture with our little pirate.

Then he posed with Scott in the stocks where he usually pulls up the prisoner's hair for the picture but...

Then we walked around and looked at the Spanish fort built to defend St. Augustine against the numerous pirate attacks and raids.

In the afternoon, we went for a cruise on the Mantanzas Bay on The Black Raven Pirate Ship.

As we sailed by the fort, they shot the cannon at us.

On board, one pirate painted the kids faces.  Hunter wanted a mustache and beard like a real pirate.

The completed tough pirate face

Dad and the pirate pose for a picture.

The pirates opened the treasure chest and allowed us to choose a necklace.  They told stories and sang songs to entertain and educate us on a pirate's life.