June 15-16, 2004 Angel Island Civil War Days

(If you like, you can skip down through the prose and go straight to the pictures below!)

And you thought the Civil War is History!!! All you had to do was show up at the Angel Island Civil War Days Rendezvous and you'd have gotten a whole new education. Six Islanders sailed in for the fun. Cruise Coordinators (and Co-Chair) Julian & Debby Cohen with Four Cs and Dennis, Judy & Matt Bush on Natural High arrived Friday night to grab two moorings and provide a base of operations. On Saturday, Don Schumacher grabbed a slip for Blue Streak, as did Brian & Fran Jacobs with David for Endeavor (not exactly an Islander, but, hey, they still fly the burgee!). Commodore Farrell & Carol Williams showed up with Pacific HIgh, and Peter & Louisa Szasz arrived with Midnight Sun.

Saturday afternoon was filled with a civil war memory - though a bit distorted in history. While it's true that the fortifications on Angel Island were erected for defense against the Confederates during the Civil War, no shot was ever fired in anger. The garrisons were real enough, and a gun battle might have looked like this - except for the soaring Golden Gate Bridge in the background!

The little museum also reflects the almost 75 years that the island served as an "Ellis Island of the West" - a way station for emmigrants coming to our shores. In addition to the special displays for the weekend, there are permanent exhibits of the various periods in the history of the Island.

Saturated with history & culture, it was time to enjoy a BBQ dinner on the lawn. Commodore Farrell thought he was posing for a picture - was it Nelson or Captain Hook? - but Julian was trying him on for size on the grill! But a good time was had by all, including a hike up the island to enjoy the magnificant views of San Francisco Bay, Sausalito, and Tiburon.

Pictures are compliments of Dennis & Judy Bush. Click on images to enlarge, click "Back" to return.

Natural High & FourC's at Angel Island	Endeavor & Blue Streak make it to the dock	Matt & David lead the party through the woods	Safe at the western garrison!
But it looks like trouble is brewing...	the scouts have spotted something...	the Royaliste is in sight!	The battle is joined...
we fire back,...	load & fire!	did we get 'em?	try again....
they've slipped out of range.	David & Matt get an escort back to the villiage	1800s tools...	and the lady of the house.
Islanders are entranced	Maybe Judy will sign up!	Wash up for dinner boys!	Let's see, medium rare...
or well done?	Dennis Bush & Peter Szasz wait for roast Commodore...	is he done yet?.	Harry Farrell & Carol Williams
Julian & Debby with Tiburon behind them	Thanks Julian & Debby for a great cruise!