The Adventures of Baby North Star and Baby Brother Bright Bouquet
Chapter 7: The Cruise
One day Mommy Bright Bouquet went up to her children and said, "Daddy's friend Salty has invited us out on his boat for a weekend and has said that you kids can invite a friend along, how'd you like that?" This was met with excited nods from her children. "Now," she said, smiling at her son, "I'm sure you're going to invite Baby North Star." Baby Brother Bright Bouquet nodded. "Whom are you going to invite Baby Sister?" she continued. "I think I'd like to invite Baby Advenger," said her daughter. "Ok, daddy or I will probably have to talk to their parents though," said Mommy Bright Bouquet. So she went with her children to call their friends, and spoke to their parents who gave their children permission to go on the cruise with their friends. .
After permission was granted, the kids made plans of what to do while on the boat. Unknown to the kids, but known to their parents, Salty had also talked to his friend Barnacle about maybe having a pirate's treasure hunt with some of Barnacle's friends dressed as pirates which Barnacle agreed to. "Har me matey I'll give them a pirate's treasure hunt to be remembered for a long time" Barnacle told Salty using his best pirate's voice.
The day before the cruise was a busy one for the Bright Bouquets. They did not want to leave anything behind, so Daddy Bright Bouquet made a list with the help of Mommy, Baby Brother and Baby Sister Bright Bouquet. Then they packed everything according to the list.
The next morning the Bright Bouquets left early to pick up Baby North Star and Baby Advenger, then to meet Salty at the dock by 10:00. When they got to the dock Salty asked, "Are you kids ready to have some fun?" "YEAH!" exclaimed the children. "Well come aboard then," said Salty, stepping out of the way. The kids rushed on board Salty's boat, followed by the adults. The baby ponies were eager to go exploring but first Salty had to explain the safety rules of being at sea. Then the babies were allowed to go exploring while Salty did the final preparations before leaving dock. Daddy Bright Bouquet assisted Salty with the ropes that tied the boat to the dock and soon they were underway. When they were out of the bay, Salty allowed the baby ponies to each have a turn steering the boat.
When the last baby pony, Baby Brother Bright Bouquet, was taking his turn at the wheel, Salty pointed out an excellent fishing spot and suggested they go over there and do a little fishing. Cheers from his guests met this. So, Baby Brother Bright Bouquet steered for the spot Salty indicated. When they had cast anchor, Salty handed the baby ponies baby pony sized fishing poles, and the adults he handed bigger poles. They then enjoyed a lovely afternoon of fishing. Soon, it was time for dinner and Salty indicated an island where they could go to cook the fish they caught over an open fire and set up camp. Secretly though, this was the island where he had arranged for Barnacle to do his pirate's act the following morning. After a lovely dinner of fish and vegetables, the travelers talked for a little while, then Daddy Bright Bouquet put out the fire and everyone turned in for the evening.
The next morning the children were awoken by strange voices. "That sounds like pirates!" exclaimed Baby Brother Bright Bouquet. They took a peek out and saw five ponies dressed as pirates in their camp. "W- w-w- what do you think they want?" asked Baby North Star in a quivering voice. "I don't know," said her friend. By this time, Salty was out along with the Bright Bouquets. Salty saw the baby ponies peeking out and exclaimed "Come on out, we're going on a treasure hunt!" "A treasure hunt? WOW!" said Baby North Star as she rushed out of the tent, followed by the other baby ponies. Barnacle then told them about an old pirate pony from long ago, who had hidden a treasure on that very island. He had said that any pony that finds his treasure would have rightful claim to it. This excited the babies even more. "What are we waiting for? Let's go," said Baby North Star. And that is just what they did. Since Barnacle had the map, he led the way, followed by his friends, then the baby ponies, Mommy Bright Bouquet with Daddy Bright Bouquet taking up the rear. Along the way, Barnacle and his friends taught the others old pirate songs to pass the time. Soon, they came to a spot with a big black X. "Well, here we are, X marks the spot," said Barnacle and with that he produced shovels and picks. While, the males got to work, the females sat and watched. Soon, a big chest was produced, and Barnacle called the baby ponies over. "Would you four like to open it?" he asked. Baby Brother Bright Bouquet got one side with his friend Baby North Star, and Baby Advenger and Baby Sister Bright Bouquet got on the other and they all lifted the heavy lid together. Inside there was gold wrapped chocolates, which the baby ponies were allowed to have a few pieces right then. The rest would be split up between the young, successful treasure hunters. Then Barnacle and his friends told the others old pirate stories, and after that it was time for Salty and the others to go back to his boat and go home.