Erie, PA, Come Around Report

                         Sept 6, thru 12, 2007

Gathering at the Virginia’s Beach Campground on Sept. 6 were Chris and Walt Baskin ‘59, Marion and Frank Conery ‘58, Kathie and Bill Corroum ‘59, Beverly and Darwin Hathaway ‘54, Marty and Jim Henderson ‘62, Susan ands Charlie Norton ‘62, Faye and Vic Sharpe ‘48, Ginny and Gordy Schaaf ‘58, Margo and Gary Snyder ‘55 and Brian Van Metre ‘61. All were hale and hearty and ready to party.

The following day, Friday, after a quiet morning, we all headed into the city of Erie for a visit to the Erie Maritime Museum. After a leisurely but thorough exploration of the museum, we convened pierside next to the MV Victorian Princess, to enjoy a sail about Erie Bay, and a fine dinner while afloat.

On Saturday the group split along touring lines, and visits were made to the Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the Marx Toy Museum, and lunch at a local Mall. Sunday was a ‘kickback’ day of relaxation, rest, tapped off my Happy Hour and one of the usual delightful pot luck dinners. Boy, these people can cook!

Monday, Sept. 10, was the crowning event of the Come Around. We left just after 0800 and reconvened on the pier next to the Brig Niagara, a replica of the vessel aboard which Adm Perry won the Battle of Lake Erie. The vessel was crewed by a combination of professional sailors, sailors in training and volunteers. To say the Brig and the crew were inspiring does not cover the half of it! The decks were holystoned, the sails were clean and sound, the cordage was smart and seaman like. The crew raised all those sails she carried, up to and including the royals. We, the passengers ably assisted hauling the royal yards and sails from the deck to the crosstrees atop the topsails. The breeze was soft and steady, and we quietly (except for the sailing orders called out from the master to the crew) glided across Lake Erie at about 5 knots. To stand at the foot of either mast, look skyward and see and feel all those filled sails, was a sensation that could only be called 'Awesome'! The senior sailing master gave an excellent talk on not only the battle, but the captains involved and even some of the politics involved. What an excellent day it was! The vessel, the sail and the crew will all be remembered for months to come. We ended the day dining out and then returning home to our rigs, spent and happy.

The day was given to house-keeping chores, the business meeting and another evening dining out. A number of the group also visited a local winery, and quite enjoyed it. Wednesday, following breakfast, we headed out and away until, once again, “ Where ever two or three shall meet……………”