We docked near an ocean beach doubling as a nursery. The eggs hatch at night and the turtlings crawl to the sea under cover of darkness. Our guests saw three turtlings early one sunrise, making a daylight run for the … Read More
Storm Front
A violent squall closed in fast, racing us to Everglades Cut. This was three weeks before the two young men were lost at sea. But it was a similar storm, intense, thrashing. We donned our Mae West life jackets in … Read More
Deep Sixed
Danger lurks everywhere in Paradise. If the ocean doesn’t surprise you, your vessel might.
12,000 Poles Down: Bootheel Disaster
Long before The Weather Channel began naming continental storms, this one will be remembered as The Ice Storm of ’09. Its widespread devastation covered Missouri’s Bootheel like a glacier. In the two counties that form the heel of the boot, … Read More
Hungry Shoppers
From what I hear, folks enjoy watching Shark Week. I lived it. Snorkeled within pole vault distance of a seven footer as she patrolled the edge of a reef off Fiddle Cay. Photographed a dozen others along the journey. Sand … Read More
Mother Ocean
I’ve seen her angry. Squalls. Tropical storms. A hurricane. Each time is a reminder who’s boss. Sailing from West Palm to Everglades Cut, she reminded me again. Two thirds of the journey, dead calm. The last five hours was a … 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
Ancient Island Hopper
Headed toward Key West. I remember the old road. Imagine driving that narrow bridge trying to outrun a hurricane.