03-PIRATE ABCs

PIRATE ABCs Aft: Toward the rear or stern of a boat. Aweigh: The position of the anchor as it is raised clear of the bottom of the sea. Batten down: Secure hatches and loose objects both within the hull and on deck. Below: Beneath the deck. Booty: Riches or valuables taken by force. Bow: The forward part of a boat. Bridge: The part of the ship from which the vessel is steered and its speed controlled. Chart: A map used by navigators. Course: The direction in which a boat is steered. Deck: The permanent covering over a compartment, hull, or any part of the ship. Doubloon: A gold coin once used in Spain and Spanish America. Forward: Toward the bow of a boat. Galley: The kitchen area of a boat. Halyards: Lines used to hoist or lower sails or flags. Jolly Roger: A pirate flag, usually with a skull-and- crossbones design. Knot: A measure of speed equal to one nautical mile (6,076 feet) per hour. Logbook: The ship's diary, used to record weather conditions, course, speed, and any relevant information about navigation and crew.

Mast: A vertical pole used to support sails and their rigging. Port: The left side of a boat when one is looking forward. Rudder: A vertically hinged plate of metal or wood mounted at the stern of a vessel, which is used to steer its course. sail: A piece of cloth that catches or directs the wind and powers a vessel. Sea dog: An experienced sailor. Shiver me timbers: An expression of surprise or disbelief. When a ship strikes a rock hard, her timbers shiver. Shrouds: Ropes used to support the masts. Starboard: The right side of a boat when one is facing forward. Stern: The rear end of a boat. Walk the plank: To be forced to walk over the side of a ship into the sea.

I continued to read the guidebook: "Some small islands are no longer inhabited. One such is LITTLECOCOA, on which only one coconut tree grows. On the island of FIN'S REVENGE, the waters near the beaches are infested with ferocious sharks. "Around the isle of Motor meltdown, currents are so strong that the ships need to run the engine at full power so they don't crash against the cliffs. And then there's NO MOUSE'S LAND, an extremely small and uncharted island. "Finally, the farthest and wildest of all of them is the island no airplane dares to fly to and where no ship ever docks, and

where no one would dream of going... the island of Thump Flop, where numerous Plop birds live. Here, according to legend, a pirate hid a treasure right on the—" My reading was interrupted by someone squeaking my name. It was my cousin Trap. "SHAKE A PAW, GERMEISTER!" he shrieked. Everyone in the airport turned and stared. One thing you should know about Trap. He is the loudest, most obnoxious mouse in the world! Even worse, he loves to pick on me. I cringed. So much for a relaxing vacation. I would be lucky if I made it home with all of my whiskers!