LW Stories: "The Best Day Ever"

We're soliciting stories about experiences aboard the Lady Washington for her 20th Anniversary celebration, and Kathy Ray sent us a note about her family's recent trip in Oakland, Calif. Despite feeling sick from a sinus headache, Kathy gathered her daughter Sara, her sister Stef, her brother-in-law Todd, and her nephews Kyle and Dominic for the drive down to Jack London Square. She says she didn't want to miss seeing the ship that appeared in her favorite movie, Pirates of the Caribbean. Their plan was to just look around the boat at first. But they were quickly sold on the idea of a cruise. "The next three hours were filled with an adventure I'm so glad I didn't pass up," she writes.

Afterward, one the crew members were asking what people’s favorite parts were. My answer at the time was 'Everything.' I wasn’t ready to get off the ship when we docked. Later I tried to break it down to some of my most favorite parts. Hm, lets see...the moment the engine was shut off and the wind took us was the most peaceful and graceful feeling; watching the crew pull rigging; and their quick reactions when something didn’t go quite as planned; their knowledge and history and attention to the guests; the shanty songs from Tiny and Sparkle (which are actually the only names I can remember); and a most special appearance by a sailor who stole me heart w/ 'the best day ever'. As it was, at least one of the best days I’ve had in a very long time.

Kathy doesn't identify the sailor "who stole me heart," but we suspect it was someone close. Kathy offered her thanks to the captain and crew of the Lady Washington. "My gypsy heart is longing to sail away with you all again one day."

If you have a Lady Washington story to tell, recent or from long ago, sent it to us via stories@historicalseaport.org. And don't forget a few snaps!