One of my favorite pastimes as a younger Mariner was visiting older Mariner’s houses and, beer in hand, staring at the ‘Family Photos’ of Deep Rivers, Westbrooks and Guilfords past.  Some went back to the sixties, some of the faces I’d recognize, most aged since then, some gone to the great Muster beyond.

The Mariners, time and technology march invariably onward, and somewhere on this march, the Family Photo tradition died.  Professional photographers couldn’t cover costs doing it in the digital age, and I hear, that someone, somewhere building bonehenge out of the photographer’s staging one drunken night didn’t help.

Proudly, this year, The Mariners managed to loosely organize ourselves and a camera at Westbrook.  Here’s the result, and here’s to future generations of Mariners wondering what happened to Dan’s hair between the last family photo and this one and whose face is behind Woody’s Ale, if they can figure out who’s who at all.

The remnants of Tropical Storm Hanna passed through Guilford Saturday night, but were no match for the revelry, hawaiian prints and margarita machine at Clint and Carlye’s wedding. 

The bride and groom were beautiful, Dick was properly attired in foul weather gear, and Rogi and Daniel had a scantily clad dip in the pond.  Nuptials and a Hurricane Party all in one.

Congratulations, and Thanks!

Here are some photos of the Westbrook Muster 2008

Westbrook 2008

Photos from the Westbrook Muster 2008

Recently, our very own Steve Varhol celebrated the marriage of his daughter, Haley, especially sweet, I’m sure, as it was not to another Mariner.  Congratulations, to you all.

In the midst of the heavy load of proud-papa-preparations, Steve had to take some time away from Mariner activities, which led me to think about other ways Mariners take breaks.

Exhibit One: Woody and Powers cooling down in traditional way, the fountain in Deep River,

Exhibit Two: Beav and Dan wondering why sippy beer has never caught on, and oh, poor Elmo.

Thanks to Wog Jeep for the photo.  That’s all for today, but remember: it’s hot out there, so take some inspiration from your Mariner friends and make the time to enjoy the summer, your family and friends while it lasts.

“”To reap the rewards, you have to do the work.” In its Zen-like simplicity, this is what PMC Founder and Executive Director Billy Starr took home from a 400-mile hike through the northern and most challenging part of the Appalachian Trail. This knowledge, learned years ago, has not only shaped his life but has enabled him to run what is today the single most successful athletic fundraising event in the nation. “  –from Pan Mass Challenge Website.

The Mariners support a variety of causes each year, two of the most notable being Joe Mawn’s (Vice Commodore) and Dick Walter’s (Chief Bass Drummer) marathon bike rides.  Joe rides across Massachussetts in the Pan Mass Challenge, while Little Dick cruises between Boston and New York in three days in the Tri State Trek, benefitting the ALS TDI, frequently giving up the fabled Deep River Muster weekend to do so.

Last weekend, Joe hosted a sunset cruise around Boston Harbor as part of his fundraising efforts. (and what’s a boat ride without a touch of rum?)

Both ride hundreds of miles during the event and untold miles in training, in memory of friends and loved ones lost to cancer and Lou Gehrig’s disease.  The Mariners have lost more than their share to both, and we (and I) thank Joe and Dick for their respective parts, and indeed, work,  in raising awareness and funds..

Both are still actively fund raising for this year’s events if you are so inclined.   Click here for Joe, here for Little Dick, Rider 29.

Swiss Mariners in Lutry, Switzerland
14th of June 2008

What a great day!

From The Day, May 18th, 2008:

“The Ancient Mariners of Connecticut perform at Waterfront Park during the second annual Jibboom Club Parade in New London on Saturday as part of National Maritime Week. The Jibboom Club Parade has its origins in the late 1800s. The Jibboom Club began as a place where retired mariners, many of them whalers, would gather to recount old stories, play cards and sing. The parade was revived last year.”

Photo by Tim Clark.

More to follow…

Check out some more pictures of our sorted past.

Photos from 1987 & 88

Swiss Mariners Photos from 1987-88

Photos of Swiss Mariners and friends from 1987 and 1988

Photos from 1989 & 90

Swiss Mariners Photos from 1989-90

Photos of Swiss Mariners and friends from 1989 and 1990

 
As a response to the Sun and Rain picture in my previous post, one of the Swiss Mariners sent along this photo from the same day. As you can see from the raindrops whizzing by, the picture was taken before the sun came out. These freak rain showers make life really difficult for drummers with skin heads.

 
I just found this cool picture from a few years back. Anyone remember which muster this was from? I recall the Swiss Mariners were here and I left the top off my jeep before I started down the parade route…’cause it was like a million degrees out. That is, until the tempest came. Good thing those babies have floor plugs to let the water out.