The pilot inherited his job. The "pirates" created theirs. I encountered both while cruising on the Nile River in Egypt recently. The surprises just kept coming... To be clear, they aren't really pirates. Our Egyptian guide called them "the pirates of Nile" because they come alongside the way real pirates sometimes did (and maybe still … Continue reading Of Pilots & “Pirates”
After a 20-day trip to Egypt, my head is swimming with the names of Ancient Egyptian gods. And the different ways, today, to worship God. And ... cats. In Egypt, God/s and cats are everywhere. It seems like we went everywhere, too ... starting at the capitol city of Cairo on the Nile River, then … Continue reading Of God/s & Cats
What jumps out at me most as our group of 40+ immerses itself in Cairo (the capitol of Egypt) is how warmly welcomed we are, how safe we feel, and how much damage the handful of extremists caused not just to Americans, but also to all Arabs, with their heinous act on 9/11. Extremists exist … Continue reading Mosques & Bazaars – Cairo Day 2
This is a country of contrast and paradox--not so different from the U.S. in that way. Religion and politics are strong factors--also not so different from the U.S. What is different so far, in my experience, is the willingness to openly discuss these things. That's because I'm traveling with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT), which makes … Continue reading Egypt! (Cairo)
A time to look back and a time to look forward... Two pieces of news have rushed Navy memories to my head, both related to sailing: A woman assumed command of the Navy's historic sailing ship, USS Constitution - aka Old Ironsides.The Navy began operating a Saildrone (USV or Unmanned Surface Vessel). A time for … Continue reading Of Sails and Science
The kindest face I know (Note: This is posted under "Reflections." If you want to read about the boat only, click "The Boat" from the menu above.) She died on Christmas morning. In her bed. After writing a message on her blackboard in perfect penmanship. A perfect exit, you might say. That was 3+ weeks … Continue reading WWMD? Honoring a Legacy
"Way down upon the S'wanee River, far far away..." It is far away...830 miles away, as I sit in my home near Washington D.C. Hard to believe I was there a week ago, meandering the paths as I tried to re-orient myself to living on land after months on a boat. I just had to … Continue reading Suwanee River
If you advertise something as "hidden," is it still hidden? Same thing with "forgotten." If you market it as such, it won't be forgotten for long! These are the silly thoughts that occupy my mind during long road trips alone. Since leaving the Mainship Many Moons, I've traveled at least 1,200 miles by car. That's … Continue reading The Hidden Coast (Cedar Key)
I've always been aware of the moon -- its phase, its arc, its pull. Even more so here at Camp Many Moons! I gave this place its name for three reasons. 1. It was the nickname my brother gave me. 2. It suggests a Native American connection. 3. I want the retreat we've developed here … Continue reading (Many) Moons
June 4, 2021 - Sometimes you just need to turn off the words -- and the thoughts. A hammock is a great place for that. Mine swings just feet from the shoreline. Sometimes I come here to read and sometimes to think. If I stay here long enough, the words and thoughts stop...and I just … Continue reading Turning Off the Chatter
For Many Moons 