The Great Bloody Battle of the Conch Republic

Okay, this was simultaneously the coolest and goofiest thing I've seen.

Part of the celebration was the final battle between the Conch Republic Navy and Air Force (oh, they have one, I'll get there) and the United States Coast Guard (...sector Key West.  Sorry too many VHF calls, its embedded in my brain)

So....basically what happens is all of the schooners and a few other approved boats go out and engage in battle with the USCGC Sawfish.  The Conch Republic Air Force then proceeds to toilet paper bomb the entire lot, and the USCG defends itself with water cannons.

Meanwhile you got a gazillion drunks cheering this on and about 20 more--"the Army"--with heavy mortars shooting blanks out into the harbor.

Finally, the USCG surrenders, and everybody proceeds to the Schooner Wharf for the surrender ceremony.

Now, imagine the VHF traffic on this fiasco.  "All concerned traffic--just avoid the Key West Harbor area for the next few hours--don't ask, just thank us. Coast Guard Key West Sector  out"

Did we bring our handheld?  No. Should we have?  Yeeeeeessssssss.

The 'Navy' preparing for battle

The Conch Republic Flagship of the Navy
Sea Wolf

America 2.0 pretty much saying thanks but no thanks.
You hooligans have your fun.
Then she lifted her skirts and ran off.

Preparing the cannons

The Conch Republic Navy Burgee
And yes, HemiD has one now thanks to my wonderful spouse
(and a small $$ donation)

USCGC Sawfish coming in for the attack!

Making a pass through and getting bombarded by cannons

Engaing in some trash talk with the Wolf 

Click to enlarge and see the 'Air Force' coming through to make bombing runs.

Water cannon battle. See some of the navy suffered friendly fire.

Capt taking some capshots with his Uzi.
And we got them by land...

Another strafing run.
(One plane accidentally lost the entire payload, garbage bag full of rolls and all)
...by air....

Heat of battle, we've got them surrounded!
...by sea!

Surrender!

We did later go to the surrender ceremony.  It was basically a young and gracious USCG captain giving the escapees from the Key West long term care facility their day of glory.

It was mic'd really badly so we couldn't hear a thing.