While looking for the Aranui 2 whereabouts, came across this story posted today. I wish I knew how to make this a link, anyway, read and weep.

http://origin.miami.com/mld/miamiherald ... rald_local

Thanks for posting that Zephyr. I'm glad that I was able to at least sail past the Castle last year during JammerFest and see Burke waving to us from one of the balconies....

How sad!! I'm sorry I missed Jammerfest the year the party was at the Captain's house. I too am glad I got to see it last summer (and the Captain waving from the balcony). It must be nice to realize a dream...Thanks Captain for sharing your dream with the rest of us.

Anybody have of the castle?

Brenda

Lindar Has some nice exterior shots on her webshots site that were taken from the Tiki Beach last summer. Somewhere I have seen some inside shots. I am sure someone will chime in with the location of the

My heart goes out to Captain Burke. It is never easy to leave the home that you put so much time, effort and soul into. My first Windjammer sail was last year on the Mandalay which I repeated again this year. It was such a great experience and I thank the good Captain for it.

A lot of us have a deep love for you for what you gave us. Here's to you Captain!!!!!

It is sad that Capn Mike has to sell a unique place that he loves so much. But time takes its toll, and health concerns have to come first, as they will someday for all of us. At least he'll be with his wife full-time now in a place that will be easier for him to live in.

Sounds like the new owners intend to keep much of it as-is, so I guess it's not such a bad fate - it could have been razed for the acreage. Too bad I'll never get to see it.

-Jake

I was lucky enough to be at the Jammerfest when Captain Burke invited us over to his home. Supposedly the WJ offices didn't invite us to visit while in Miami and Captain Burke didn't like that. He took it upon himself to have us all over to his place for a catered lunch and open bar....a true sign that all things WJ came from him. He was very nice to us all and I loved wandering around his house. He basically gave us free reign to wander! Very few parts of the house were off limits and the entire place is great. There was a lap pool that went from indoors to outdoors which also had a slide that went down into it from the 2nd or 3rd floor! There were stained glass windows and skylights all over. It really did look like a medieval castle!! It was a trip! I loved it!!!

I am sad that he's sold the place but as someone with a "mature" father I can understand his inability to continue to deal with the stairs. My father is an architect who designed and built the house we grew up in and unfortunately it's going on the market this spring! Seems to be a trend since Dad's biggest issue is the stairs that are everywhere!

I have pix somewhere but it was before I was digital so if I find them and can scan them I'll post them when I can.

I am sorry to hear the Capt. Burke has sold the castle, however, it is good to know that the new owners plan on keeping it pretty much the same.

I am one of the lucky ones who was able to visit the castle not only once but a few times during the early JammerFest's parties there. The memories are wonderful.

As said before, the stairs in the house would be cumbersome for those who have arthritis or who have joint problems.

I've got a few shots from the party there at Jammerfest 2000, but, when I try to upload them I get "General Error - Tried to upload empty file" message. Whatever!

If anyone thinks they can get them to work, drop me an email and I'll send them.

Tuck, I am getting the same error message

Check "Barefoot Pirate" for pictures. And I've also seen the castle featured in one of the cable channels "American Mansions" shows. They are constantly replayed. Maybe set the Tivo to search for it.

For some general pictures of the castle, you can go to the website about this weekend's auction:

http://auctioncompanyofamerica.com/inde ... &br_id=176

I also have a number of pictures from the 2002 Jammerfest dinner that was held there, but will have to find the time to get them uploaded to webshots. Will let you know when I do.

Bill

I remember the first time a Jammerfest group was invited to the castle.

We also had our first Jammerfest auction there. The only items auctioned were two bottles of Tuck's spiced rum and I had made a stained glass of the WBC logo ( like the luggage tags). Steve and Blanca were the winning bidders.

I'll see if I can scan those photos and post them here.

Dellie

That one was such fun - as it was a surprise for all of us....

Dellie and Meg! That Jammerfest was one of the best!

I am just very grateful that Capt Mike is able to enjoy his life. I bet he never thought his dream of many years ago would make so many of us so happy

Thank You Captain Mike for WJBFC and so many friends I have made

and the castle can be seen on The Travel Channel in America's Greatest Castles

Aye, it was a bit weird! I love the expression on RailBait's face while watching some of the weirdidity (can't remember who those sexy gals are though).

Great pics Tuck - ummmmm, now who could those lovely ladies be?????

Perhaps I can help.

I believe that is a photo of the Skank Sisters after they had just finished singing their new song : "You can feast on my yeast" .

If I were there, I would have shared Railbait's obvious disgust.


Chilliguy

Welcome back CG

Both the pic and the analysis of the pic made my day!

Thanks


Dellie

Aww, such a shame that the Cap'n has to sell the Castle. I saw it on the Trav Chan mansions show & would have loved to see it in person. Gotta take care of what's really important & that is one's health. He will always have the memories (and the satisfaction) of living in his dream home. At least the new homestead will be easier on his legs.
The Skank Sisters singing "You can feast on my yeast."?
No thanks.