But too damn bad, 'cause I think they're funny.
Time to catch you up on the status of the dungeon, and tell you what you missed in October. Since I devoted last month to the dungeon pictorial, I figured I'd backtrack and talk about the non-dungeon happenings in October as well as November's Thanksgiving happenings.
First off, let's put the dungeon story to rest. We've all been talking about the beast for so long I'm happy to say we finished it, and it came out beautifully! It's our largest and most expensive endeavor to date, but hopefully it will lead the way for many new attractions to come. I just hope the next one doesn't go over 100% over budget. It really is beautiful. Each year we plan on making improvements and adding displays. It should really become the jewel in the crown of the Tortuga Empire. (Ok, that seemed overly dramatic.) The next fairs we have our sights set on are Georgia and Minnesota. Watch our website for word on what's happening.
| Click the thumbnails below for full-size photos of some of our Dungeon torture devices and exhibits | |||||||
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 Before Jack |
The other event in October was Halloween. If you've ever read any of my previous journals you know that it's my favorite holiday. As I have for the last couple years, I went as Cap'n Jack. I figured since I've spent so much money on the costume, I might as well get as many years of use out of it. Unless they come out with another movie, I may have to retire old Jack soon. While we were finishing the dungeon construction we were only an hour away from The French Quarter. Since it was Halloween, I had to make the trip down even though I had to work early the next morning. I spent this year on Frenchman Street. It's about a half mile from Bourbon and it's where all the locals hang out. I can't believe how busy it was. There was just a sea of people! I had a great time hanging out with my friends down there. Mike, Bethany, Crystal... thanks for a great time! |
 After Jack |
 Sea of people on Frenchman St. |
 Me and Davy Jones (Not of the Monkees) |
The last October event worth mentioning was our (Sharon and my) trip to Asheville, North Carolina.
 Sara's house |
 Sara's livingroom |
Sara's place is amazing. It's roomy and has this huge deck that goes across the back of the house, complete with hot tub. The view is outstanding, especially with the foliage at the peak of the color change. Her kitchen was to die for. It was well equipped and very spacious.
 The view from Sara's |
 Sara's kitchen |
 Approaching Biltmore House |
 An unhappy lion being hugged |
 Our Christmas photo at Biltmore |
 View from the bathroom |
The next day we went to The Biltmore Estate. I had no idea the grounds were so huge. The roads on the estate go on forever! We spent the early part of the day at the Biltmore Winery. (Like we do.) They had some decent wines. But, the star of the tastings that day was their champagne. They really did a nice job on it. I'm not sure if that one is made on site or not, but it certainly was tasty!
The latter part of the day was spent touring the Biltmore house itself. It's gigantic! It was all decorated for the holidays. I think they said there were 111 Christmas trees in the house. Unfortunately they don't let you take pictures in the house so you only get to see the outside. For those of you that got a Christmas card from me, it was taken at the entrance foyer to the Biltmore house.
 Sampling some champagne |
 More champagne |
 The Biltmore view |
 Thanksgiving facing one way |
 Giant Thanksgiving Table |
 Thanksgiving facing the other way |
 Plate o' Thanksgiving Grub |
November's only event of note other than just working our way through the Louisiana show was Thanksgiving. Since I had to work the Friday following the holiday, I spent Thanksgiving at the Haeuser's. It's the house that half the Louisiana cast stays with. Jaime (sp?) and Bob are two of the nicest people you could ever be lucky enough to meet. Their hospitality knows no bounds.
They had what had to be the largest Thanksgiving dinner table ever. The Pilgrims and Indians would have been jealous. Hopefully I can pull a couple pictures off my phone to show you. The food and the company were wonderful. If I couldn't spend the holiday with my family, this is the place to be. The evening was filled with wonderful friends, wonderful food, and some damn good wine! Thanks to the Haeuser's for the amazing hospitality and amazing meals!
Well, that's it for November and you're caught up for October too. Next month we finish up Louisiana and start our holiday break. 'Til we chat again...
