The plank makes for a short walk, indeed, followed by a shockingly swift stop. But the pirates who invade Washougal on Sept. 15 will be able to stride forth freely, without worrying about dropping into the deep.
Unless, that is, they’ve had too much grog and veer off the path. But no one expects mild-mannered, fitness-conscious Volkssporters to start bending their elbows at breakfast time — even if that would be classic pirate misbehavior.
Piracy is the point of Washougal’s third annual Pirates in the Plaza celebration, where a couple of well-behaved nonprofit community groups will be showing their colors.
First, the Vancouver Walking Club hosts a costumed “treasure hunt” outing that’s either self-guided (anytime between 8 a.m. and noon) or in a group (leaving at 9:30 a.m.). Treasure hunters will start at Pendleton Woolen Mill Store and walk through downtown Washougal to Hathaway Park and the boat launch, then return to the start. That’s 5 kilometers, and walkers can stop there or double their distance with a second voyage — out along the waterfront trail to 54? 40′ Brewery and back via Steamboat Landing Park.
If You Go
• What: “Walk Like a Pirate” outing.
• When: Depart Sept. 15 between 8 a.m. to noon; group walk starts at 9:30 a.m. Event ends 4 p.m.
• Where: Pendleton Woolen Mill Store, 2 Pendleton Way, Washougal.
• Cost: Free, but register with the Vancouver Walking Club at the start.
• More information: www.vusav.club
• What: Pirates in the Plaza.
• When: 2 p.m. Sept. 15, family and pet activities, pet parade, pet costume contest. 3 p.m., face painting at Washougal Library (nearby on C Street). 5 to 8 p.m., live music, dance, entertainment. 5 to 10 p.m., beer garden.
• Where: Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal.
• More information: cityofwashougal.us
We don’t think you’ll be keelhauled for not showing up in pirate costume — but would you really want to risk it?
Volkssporters go walking for fun, fitness and friendship, according to Vancouver club Cap’n Tom Baltes, who has trod all over the globe with first mate Louise, his wife, since they started in 1980. “It’s a great way to see the world with the eyes of a local,” Louise said.
Pets ahoy!
Pirate sails will hoist at 2 p.m. over Reflection Plaza as the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society, this event’s key beneficiary, presents an afternoon of family and pet fun. Pirate dogs won’t be able to resist the wading pool with plastic balls and doggie treats. A pet parade and costumed-pet contest are scheduled for 2:30 p.m., with winners taking honors for the best pirate-themed costume, the cutest costume and most original or unique costume. (There’s no human costume contest this year, organizer Renee Carroll said.)
“Although the event is free, we hope people will come ready to have a good time and make a donation to WCGHS,” said Heena Dwivedy, president of the sponsoring Downtown Washougal Association. Also, the Washougal Library will host face painting from 3 to 5 p.m.
Grown-up grog!
After that, the real pirate behavior begins. From 5 until 10 p.m., the Downtown Washougal Association will host a “grog garden” for 21 and older only, featuring local breweries including 54? 40′ Brewing Co., Doomsday Brewing and Grains of Wrath. You don’t have to be inside the grog garden to enjoy seagoing music by BilgeRats & Pyrettes, a pirate band that seasons authentic shanties and gypsy jazz with blues, rock, Celtic and Latin sounds.
Also on the bill are the fire dancers, belly dancers and other circus-style performers of Flamebouyant Productions and the dancers of Washougal’s own Dayley Dance Academy. Food vendors include Alex’s Smokehouse and other local food trucks.
Pirate glossary
Use this handy vocabulary list to talk like a pirate. Hornswaggle your friends!
Avast ye!
Stop what you’re doing and listen up!
Aye
Yes.
Aye aye!
Yes sir, Cap’n sir!
Arr
(Surprise, excitement.)
Batten down the hatches
Get ready.
Bilgerat
A bad shipmate.
Booty
Treasure. What pirates seek.
Broadside
A discharge of all cannons; an attack.
Davy Jones’ locker
Where you go when you walk the plank.
Doldrums
A windless place or time. You’re stuck.
Fire in the hole!
Stand back, we’re about to fire!
Go on account
To turn pirate.
Grog
Beer or liquor.
Harr
(Amusement, laughter.)
Jolly Roger
The black skull-and-crossbones flag. Raised as a threat.
Keelhaul
A terrible, probably fatal punishment (sailors dragged beneath the ship).
Keep a weathered eye open
Keep alert, keep watch.
Maroon
To strand a shipmate ashore with no hope of rescue.
Matey or me hearty
My friend.
No prey, no pay
We share what we steal; if we steal nothing, that’s what you get.
No quarter
No mercy, no prisoners.
Old salt
A very experienced sailor.
Swabber
A lowly sailor who swabs the deck.
Swashbuckler
An adventurer.
Yarr
(Agreement, assent.)
