Our very own Eric Chomka, being interviewed before last weekend’s ‘Spirit of America‘ show in Providence.

Congratulations are also in order, as Eric will be getting married to Elizabeth Williams this weekend!

We welcome Declan Charles Haverhampf, born September 20, if the 2am text message I received was close on the heels of his arrival.

We hear everyone is doing well.  What say you, fifer or drummer?

The Mariners will be performing in the annual Guilford Fair parade this Saturday morning, the 19th of September.  Parade steps off at 10am.

Apparently, so will at least one of the ‘Fying Wallendas.’

Now, as if these guys weren’t fascinating enough on their own merits, I have some dim memories of childhood when every stupid acrobatic thing I tried (that mostly ended in disaster) was referred to as “tryouts for ‘The Flying Wallendas’”  So there you have it: for me- hometown parade, hometown memories.  Hope to see some of you there.

From the grounds of scenic Fort Griswold, the Nutmeg Junior Ancients Muster.

Two very nice photos by Lisa Kirt-Palm:

The fort has quite the history and a beautiful view over the river of downtown New London.

From the Fort Griswold website: “This is the historic site where, on September 6, 1781, British Forces, commanded by the infamous Benedict Arnold, captured the Fort and massacred 88 of the 165 defenders stationed there. The Ebenezer Avery House which sheltered the wounded after the battle has been restored on the grounds. A Revolutionary War museum also depicts the era.”

The obelisk in the left of the first photo that bears remarkable resemblance to the Washington Monument, being designed by the same Robert Mills, is also open for climbing, all 160-something steps.  And from those lofty heights I captured these interesting, if mediocre, photos of the Westbrook Juniors on stand.

The Muster Season’s winding down, but there’s still time to get out and lift a pint with us in Marlborough or Sudbury MA. Hope to see you there!

 
themariners.org has been busted for a couple of days now. The good news is that we are on the way to resolving the problems and returning to the happy goodness that once was. Please stay tuned.

Nice video from Andri- stay tuned for photos of what Andri did on his summer vacation.

The new Mariner summer uniform?

No, just what happens when its hot and a couple industrious minds have too much time on their hands.

This is the return from the “new and improved” tidal swimming hole at Deep River, adapted for a relaxing float, rather than fighting the current.  Laziness breeds the best ideas!

Never wrestle with a pig; you both get all dirty and the pig likes it.

Thanks to Kurt Stalder for the photo.

Two generations of the ‘Pirate in Chains” meet on the 50th Muster Field.

When I saw this photo, all I could think of was, “The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat,” a reference to the Jim McKay voice over for ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” from the 70’s.  For those not familiar, or wishing for a refresher, here it is.  I only remember the first 20 seconds, up through the famous ski jumping wreck.

We’ve got chantey men. Then we’ve got guys that just like to sing, which is the category that most of us fall into. Marc Bernier is a guy who is a bit of both. He especially likes a song if it will make you laugh. But don’t let the humorous songs fool you, he knows his stuff. Fifing for decades, banjo player, singer, character. He even worked at Mystic Seaport for a million years. Here’s a nice photo of Marc giving an insiders tour of the Seaport to me and four of our Swiss Mariner friends, Niggi, Andri, Reto and Lukas. He also has a number of CD’s available. You can find them on his web site.
 

 
After a great day at the Seaport, we went to the Griswold Inn for some chanties with our friend Cliff Haslam. And after the Gris we found ourselves making noise back at the Firehouse, surprise, surprise. Here is one of the many recordings I captured that evening. The recording is of Marc singing a version of Derry Down. At the beginning of this recording you can hear people requesting a song called Moose. Moose is a great song. This is not Moose. The next time you see Marc, however, request Moose, you’ll not regret it.
 

 
Good times.