Key Ozark

We pulled into Marathon Key. Cuba sat a hundred miles across the water. And we were running out of time. No problem. We found a durable old connection waiting for us like a surprise party. Way down here, where you … Read More

Drive Me Crazy

After days at sea, we reached dry land and hopped in a car. Strange experience, changing from helm to steering wheel. I found myself coaxing other drivers. “C’mon, lil’ Texter, you can move on through that stoplight. It turned green … Read More

Live Like Popeye

Sail into every harbor with goodwill and harmony. Live like Popeye. But you may substitute beer for spinach.

Island Time

I choose the bow berth to sleep. And I can be on deck in ten seconds if my helmsman on the midnight watch needs a hand during a squall, or the Coast Guard radios us to heave to. She’s a … Read More

Ancient Island Hopper

Headed toward Key West. I remember the old road. Imagine driving that narrow bridge trying to outrun a hurricane.

Seven Mile Bridge

This old bridge goes forth for miles and backward to 1909. Bet it has seen some winds. Most recently Hurricane Irma. The new bridge is a more comfortable, less romantic way to be tossed into oblivion by storms. Marathon Key. … Read More

Master Steeplejack

Man climbs mast to chase rainbows, rearrange clouds.               Good job, man.

To learn the value of a culture, check their barbecue.

The credit card machine kept disconnecting. I didn’t have cash, or my checkbook. “No problem,” said Perry Foster, “mail me a check.” Perry Foster’s Bar-B-Que embodied all that is good about humankind: Trust and harmony and world peace. Oh, and … Read More

Drive in movie

In the darkness, I followed a silver Suburban for two hours. Visible through its back window was a video screen playing to backseat passengers, so as I drove along Route 60 to Springfield, I watched Finding Nemo on a small-screen … Read More

Maps

My ride and me, we never used a GPS. No compass. No MapQuest. We abstained from sextants. For the first third of this journey, a state highway map was our only guide. Deeper into our drive, untraveled roads became harder … Read More