Hitchhikers And Travelers All Bound For The Pirate Parade

Almost three thousand miles away from Florida there were three dogs that had decided to run away from home. They were tired of being in the snow and the cold weather. They had heard their humans talking about Florida. They said that Florida was warm and sunny. They said someday they would go on vacation there because of the beautiful beaches by the ocean.
Cowboy said that he would drive because he knew directions much better than his buddies, Blu and Bodie. They didn't care who drove they just wanted a change of scenery. It seemed like to them the only season they ever had was winter. Winter brings snow on their mountain and cold icy winds.

"People say our mountain is beautiful all the time, they just don't know that we need to get out and see the world. All we know is snow snow snow.  Okay, let's get a move on. They humans won't even miss us until we are miles away."

Blu looked out the window and said, "Cowboy, look out! You almost hit that woman! Now I suppose we have to stop. She doesn't have any vehicle. "Good gracious, get in! You're going to freeze to death. Where are you going?" When the lady said, Florida, they asked her if they wanted to go along. She said that sounded like a fun vacation and away they went.

They had traveled a long time. They were now in Missouri and wouldn't you know it, there was a big dog hitchhiking in the snow. "Blu, I didn't think it snowed much in Missouri, said Cowboy. "I wonder what that big fella is doing out here on the road."
Once again they stopped. Jim, the big dog said it was his birthday and he wanted to go on vacation someplace warm. He wanted to know if he could hitch a ride. Of course, they made room in the pickup. So now there were four dogs and a human on their way to the pirate parade in Florida in one old pickup.

While the three buddies, a lady, and a hitchhiking dog were bickering back and forth and barely getting through the snow and ice on the roads there were seven ladies going on a vacation to Mexico. They were going to take a plane from Florida to their island. They were so excited because they were going to a place that had special meaning to one of the ladies; Bonnie. Over the years she had heard from her great grandmother and mother some tales about cousins that were very wealthy. One of them was a lady pirate whom was the original owner of the island that they were going to. Her name was Lady Kathleen. She eventually had traded her pirate garb for gowns of elegance so the stories say..

 She also was told about a cousin to Bonnie's great great great grandmother, Lady Bonita. Her home was called the House of Taylor. She couldn't wait to get there to actually see if any of what she sometimes called 'grannie's tall tales' held any truth. They all were tired of the cold weather at home and couldn't wait to get to the warm sun and beautiful white beaches regardless of the family folklore.
They could already feel the change in climate when they got off the plane.

 They started chuckling and poking each other. "Look at all the pirates. What's going on a pirate convention?" One of Bonnie's friends said, "If there is a pirate convention we should go. You might be related to one of them." Then they all laughed. Who could possibly be related to a pirate?

As they went to the baggage claim there was a man holding a pamphlet that was telling all about a parade in Tampa celebrating a pirate. It was dated 1914..