Cravings ...

Cravings! We all have them now and then. They can be for most anything, from a brownie, to hot fudge... a slice of pie or chocolate cake. Heck... us old folks have even been known to crave sex now and then. Surprised?

I got a craving tonite. It was going on midnight and I suddenly had a sweet tooth; the third one over from the middle... bottom.

Now... I found that odd. The tooth is an implant. A screw in my jaw holding what appear to be a genuine incisor. My dentist didn't tell me a make believe tooth could crave sweets. Probably I'm just imagining it. Either way, I had a need to sweeten up my palate.

Back home at the Briars, such a situation is easy to resolve... no matter the time, day or night. Even in our small town there are many places open 24/7 catering to the needs of we aging folk, from super markets to restaurants and donut shops.

But I'm not at home in the Briars. I'm in this Texas town called Magnolia. Thus far... the only thing I've seen open after 8pm is a convenience store, a burger drive through and the ever reliable Wally World. Even the cattle have bedded down for the night.

So, Wally World it is; off I go to gather some fixin's: bananas, strawberries, ice cream, chocolate syrup, cool whip... and a lemon merigue pie, just in case.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

... and so it goes.

What do you mean... Don't Mess With Texas?

I'm currently spending some time in Texas... Magnolia; a sort of suburb of Houston. More on that in a moment.

My first trip to the Lone Star State was many years ago... back when I was young, and sprite, and climbing the corporate ladder, working for a national restaurant concern. The rungs on that ladder took me to Del Rio, Port Arthur, Beaumont, Dallas, Mesquite, Plano, Arlington, and finally... Garland, where I eventually turned in my spurs and caught the stage to Oklahoma. While the move was a promotion, I would have "Sooner" stayed in Texas; although, in those days it was prudent to go where the money was.

It wasn't that I was all that impressed with Texas. Even back then I was convinced that Texas drivers should be relieved of their cars and issued horses. That remains true today. It would be safer for all concerned. But, cowboy country did offer some unique and delightful experiences not found anywhere else in this great country. I was then... and remain a sucker for a Texas gal with a homegrown Texas accent. They mesmerize me. And, not that there aren't friendly people most everywhere, more so than many parts of the country, I have always found Texans to be a FRIENDLY lot. That also remains true today. Of course... even though it's a popular sport in the big state, Texans still can't play football. But... hey, someone has to take it on the chin.

Back to Magnolia. I'm hangin' with my mom and sis. How "kool is that"? It's like...awesome. I'l l also visit with a couple of my brothers... and some friends, old and new.

Some 50 miles north of Houston, Magnolia is a dark and somewhat strange little hamlet. It's carved out of a forest of trees. Well... more precisely, Magnolia is sort of melded into the forest. That's kinda cool. The community has sort of made a pact with nature. It's certainly nicer than areas where the trees have been stripped away or the landscape is mostly desert brush and tumbleweeds; and certainly nicer than Houston, which I think is a blight on nature.

Magnolia does have its down side. Particularly the deed restricted neighborhoods that recycle septic tank water into the yards. There are times during the day when whole neighborhoods smell like a cesspool. Yuk! I don't care how many shock tablets are used to treat all that poo poo water. It can't be healthy and sure puts a damper on an otherwise nice community.

Texas also has it's own brand of politics. They march to a different beat than most places, but in the end.... since I really don't give a hoot about politics, they are free to drown in the mire their politics creates... along with the rest of the country. Politics seems to be a necessary evil that, at this stage of life, I can live without.

I got a ticket driving through Texas around nine years ago; up in Gonzales County I think, somewhere between El Paso and San Antonio. Circumstances at the time caused dealing with it to be put on the back burner. Here nine years later I still haven't cleared up the matter. Texas probably thinks I'm messin' with them and they continue to invest money trying to collect a fine, which I dispute. They have spent at least as much as the fine amount. Alas, one day I'll probably send them a check. Maybe I'll make a note in my will for my estate to pay the tab. It's not like the cowboy economy is hinged to my paying a traffic fine.

All in all... Texas is a nice place to visit. I bit backwards in some parts. Barren in others. Lots of wide open spaces and lots of spaced out cowboys and wanna be cowboys. I've been to worse places; and messed with all of them.

... and so it goes.

Good-bye Rosie... and Don't leave the Light on for Me Motel Six

It's been a fun filled and negative free roadtrip... That is, until I awoke this morning and found someone had smashed my window and made of with Rosie... my GPS.

What a damper that put on things. Especially because I have become so spoiled navigating around the country. Admittedly, I was angry about it... for a few moments; then decided not to let it ruin my day, my trip... or my upcoming 1st time meeting with my long time SFF and FB friend... Barb. So I notified the motel desk, filed a police report, called an auto glass company to do repairs... and got on with my day and my life. Later in the day I stopped and purchased a new Magellen GPS to guide me along to Tucson, New Mexico, Texas, and eventually... home.

After the bad experience was wrapped-up, I found my way to Arriba's, in Phoenix, and shared a wonderful breakfast and meet with Barb. My mind was back on track. What a bright, friendly, and wonderful gal.

Having missed a concert I hoped to attend in Tucson, I'm spending the night at the Saguaro National Forest.

It's a cool, cloudy evening, but it appears a brisk wind will blow away the clouds and leave a beatiful starry night to enjoy. Tomorrow I will saunter over to New Mexico and see what photos I can muster to bring memories to Barb.

... till next time.

Sunrise... moonset

I left Lompoc California at 7:30 pm on Sunday ( Oct 4 ). Destination,Grand Canyon and other points on the way home to Florida.

I drove (along with my new side-kick, Sadie) about 5 hours, reaching Desert Oasis (East of Barstow) before taking Sadie for her walk and turning in for the night.

We arose with the dawn and continued east, approaching the Colorado River and Arizona just in time for sunrise. Needless to say, it was breathtaking.

After watching the sunrise, we turned for one last look at where we'd been and caught a full moon sinking below the California hills at the same time the sun was brightening up the desert. How cool is that. Sadie gave a bark, looked at me with a charming eye as if to say... wow.

Then it was off to the Grand Canyon South Rim, where we toured for a few hours before heading to Desert View and the East Rim, where we are camping for the night.

More photos to come.

On The Road Again...

All my bags are packed and we're ready to go.

Sadie and I are having breakfast and then heading north... to Santa Barbara. We'll visit with my son and daughter-in-law and grandkids and then turn southeast toward Arizona. The scent of the Grand Canyon is calling. After a few nights of camping we will visit friends in Tucson and Phoenix before ambling over to New Mexico and then on down to Dallas and Houston.

My sister-in-law... Kathy keeps Sadie calm while she gets her shots. She (Sadie) was surprisingly calm about the whole affair.

She will miss George (my brother's dog), but it's time for new adventures on the way to her new home in Florida.

... and so it goes.

Travel Plans ...

Next week I'll attend both my high school and college reunions, one more trip to doggie beach (to keep Sadie happy), and one more camp out.

Then it's off to Phoenix, Tucson, The Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Carlsbad Caverns, Dallas and Houston. After a couple of weeks in Houston I'll head back north to the I-40 corridor and then east toward home.

Sadie has decided that she doesn't much care for sleeping in a tent, no matter how big. I think she figures if she is going to be roughing it she ought to be able to see the wilderness around her. Far be it from me to deny a dog her pleasures, so Sadie now has her own see through tent with plenty of room and a view. I mean, if a guy can't bend to please a lady... what's the use?

Assuming I keep to my schedule, I should be back home in Florida by mid November. Ahhh, but you know what they say about assuming anything. Still... I do sorta miss The Briars, so I'll not likely make too many more changes or delays.

... and so it goes.

Discovering Shopping

They say lady's love shopping. Sadie proved to be no exception. She discovered PetSmart today and wasted little time buying bounty.




New collars, a name tag, her own car seat and various treats to get her through her busy days topped her shopping list. Sadie made it clear she will return to this doggie wonderland of shopping.

...and so it goes.

Back off.... he's my man

I started preparing Sadie for our trip to the Grand Canyon and camping. I told her there were many ferocious animals in the wilderness and she needed to practice her growling skills to scare them off.Like I said... she's a quick study and is ready to stand her ground.





This little pup is not worried; but I'll keep her close anyway, lest she discover the mountain lions won't be as impressed as I am....and so it goes.


Today I kicked back and enjoyed the company of my brother and sister-in-law. I also spent one of my rare occasions in the kitchen and cooked up a special dinner for them.

Thursday it's off to the L.A. County Fair. Might even indulge in some junk food.... including cotton candy.

Friday night it's off to a high school football game at my alma mater. Saturday I'll attend a reunion picnic.

I venture off on these trips frequently, but usually I am gone no more than a couple of weeks. It's week 5 now and while I'm having a great time, I am missing Florida a little. That itch to start my drive east is nagging me. With all the stops planned between here (California) and back home in Florida, It's looking like mid November before I get back to the Briars.


Along with the Grand Canyon trip, Sadie and I will visit Painted Desert in Arizona and Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico.

... and so it goes.

Sally Mae (nickname: Sadie) is a real Lady

Sadie is a quick study. She loves wrestling around with George (my brother's dog) and she is learning the in's and out's of a dog's life from him.

After a hard day of fun and play, she heads for the tub and waits for someone to come give her a bath. No left-over daily dirt for this gal.

George (named after George Burns) is going to miss her when I leave... as much as she missed Gracie after she past on.

...and so it goes.

She Stole My Heart

I told myself after my last dog past on that I would never have another. Probably it was her big floppy ears... or her sad eyes when we found her.

Meet Sally Mae.

Sally was abondoned. Left on the streets to fend for herself. Her coat was overgrown and matted and she was half starved. She found her way to my brother's home. He searched for an owner and discovered that they had lost their home, moved away and left her behind to experience her own homelessness. After a bath, a trip to the groomer's and a good meal, Sally decided she'd found a new home at my brother's... so I adopted her. I'll take her to the vet this week for a complete checkup. She will become my travel companion and return with me to Florida when I end my roadtrip.

It's in what Country? Southern California Cutural War ...

Probably the biggest change I have seen in Southern California, since I grew up here, and left,... is how the area is slowly and methodically reverting back to Mexico; where it once belonged. While I continue to witness California resident's dismay... politically they seem to be succumbing to the conversion.

I was driving down Carminita Road and pulled into a little tienda ( store ), named El Burrito Loco, to get a bottle of Mountain Dew to quence my thirst. An argument was in progress between an American and a Mexican (American-?). He was speaking in spanish... she in english. Niether seemed to understand what the other was saying. He was telling her she needed to learn spanish. She was scolding him for not speaking english. It was a stalemate. I was both amused and perplexed. Eventually, she just left her purchases on the counter and walked out.

"No sé cuál es su problema" ( I don't know what her problem is ), he said to me. "Ella dijo que ésta es América y usted necesita hablar inglés" (She said this is America and you need to speak english ), I replied. "Porque no hablar inglé?" ( Why don't you speak english, I asked him). He vivido aquí solamente dos meses ( I have only lived here for 2 months ), he answered.
It's not the first time I've seen this type of confrontation going on since I've been visiting the area.

I tend to not get caught up in these cultural exchanges. In Florida, I seldom go down south.... across the simulated Cuban border. But I do think that Americans have a point. Toss all the languages into our melting pot and they should come out sounding something like english. It is our country's language. My heritage is hispanic ( Puerto Rico ); and while I take pride in my heritage, I was born on the mainland and my language of choice is english. When I visit Puerto Rico I have no problem converting to the island's chosen language of spanish.

As for that Mountain Dew? They didn't have any. Their main beverage was Jarritos. It comes in many flavors: pineapple, lime, mandarin, mango, guava, and tamarind among them. I went looking for a 7-11. They may be foreign owned but they carry Mountain Dew.

...and so it goes.

Getting Acclaimated

I've been out here in California for a few weeks now and I'm still not adjusted to the time change, or the shopping habits. Here it is, almost 4 a.m. (7:00 back in Florida) and I'm ready to start my day. Back in Florida we would expect that to not be much a problem in a big state like California. I mean... surely with such large population centers life goes on 24/7, right? Not!

Back home at The Briars, local population 15,000... I can wake up any time of day or night and get a quick cup of coffee at any of two dozen places within a few miles. If I feel like shopping at 3:00 a.m., I can go to one of three Super Wal-Marts within 9 miles of home; or even to a local Target, although I don't do Target Stores. It's a matter of principle thing with me.

Anyway... here in "the Springs" (Santa Fe Springs, CA), a scant 15 miles outside Los Angeles and surrounded by myriad well populated towns, like Whittier, Norwalk, Downey, and others... packed with a combined half million people in an area one-third the size of all Hernando County, life is shut down at 3:00 a.m.; including Wal-Mart. Go figure!?

All a body can do is browse the T.V. in any of a half dozen languages and hope for something more interesting than infomercials.

I'm used to rising early and jogging, 2 miles, up to the donut shop for my quick fix of coffee and sweet fried dough. Dunkin Donuts, at home, is open 24 hours. Here, I don't have to jog real far. There are 2 donut shops within a few blocks; both are closed. I ask you.... is that anyway to live? I mean... if a body can't get a jelly donut, or a banana split, at 3:00 a.m, what's the sense in living in a place? Surely that's reason enough to pack up and move.

It's no wonder all these California streets and freeways are jammed with bumper to bumper traffic all day long... as the population struggles to get their donuts between 8 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

.... and so it goes!

Progress or Backstepping?

A full moon bouncing of the water is a beautiful sight, although... in this case I'm not so sure the accompanying offshore oil rigs compliment the scene. These rigs are off the coast of Newport Beach (California) and they pepper the Pacific landscape at least as far north as Santa Barbara county.

Personally, I find them to be an eye-sore. We continue to fight their installation along the west coast of Florida. It's no secret that we have alternative energy sources. It's also no secret that politics and greed are main ingredients in the formula that oil companies use to get these monsters installed, and delay the implementation of that alternative energy.

Moon-struck...

In Spanish... it's called La Luna; in French... Lune; the Greeks call her Mene; the Germans say Mond; in any language, it translates to Moon. The more we know about her... the more we know how little we really know. The stories are bold. The metaphors are endless.

I took the photo on the evening of August 27, 2009, over the night sky of Santa Barbara, California. She is waxing toward September's "Full Corn Moon", in Pisces on September 4th. It will mark the beginning of the corn harvest... so says the Farmer's Almanac.

I don't know corn moons from strawberry moons or Hunter's moons, cold moons, blue moons, or grape fruit flakes moons. But I do know when she's full she's awesome, and my shutter stands in waiting. The moon will rise at around 6:45 pm; still daylight, which might offer some nice shots. She will be full at 12:03 am, and set around 5:40 am. I expect I'll spend the wee early hours somewhere around one of the beaches along the California shore.

Here's mooning ya....

and so it goes.

Pacific Nights...

I'm fairly sure that strange, somewhat bright, object I saw gliding across the early morning sky, as I was photographing Orion and Pleiades, was one of the many satellites wandering around "up there". It appeared briefly... a few seconds, and seemed to twist it's way across the sky in a wave. Probably it wasn't one of those mysterious visits by a UFO. I'm fairly certain. Right!?

Anyway... after more than a week of cloudy nights, the Pacific night sky, off the coast of Santa Barbara, showed off last night. A blue black backdrop, over the ocean, revealed heavenly wonders in all their glory. Stars and planets visibly cruised toward the western horizon right through the break of dawn. It was... exhilarating.

Besides that strange object, occasional meteors interrupted the seeming stillness of stars and planets hanging in the dark void, accompanied by a soft melodic refrain, no doubt provided by the ebb and flow of stars vibrating their way through life... and death, in the mysterious chaotic calm of the cosmos.

The approaching Fall and Winter has long been my most favorite time for star-gazing. Much of the reason has to do with Orion taking center stage... along with the Seven Sisters ( Pleiades ). Together they call forth the brightest and most mysterious objects of the heavens. Alone, they offer mysteries and magnificence of their own. To the left, I cropped out a 100 mm shot of the Pleiades... the reputed cradle of life.

Below... Orion hangs ominous in all his mystery, magnificence, and commanding stature. It's said that the first instance of life born of Pleiades was transported to Orion, where it sought perfection... and found chaos instead. Unrelenting, the Great Hunter continues to seek that elusive perfection; the chaos remains, albeit with a purpose and beauty unmatched... save like systems in millions of other galaxies.

...and so it goes.

From This Seed: An Amazing Grandson

Over my nearly sixty-five years I have witnessed some amazing things. I used to think my recovery from the challenges put to me, resulting from war, were remarkable and I concluded that in the battle of mind and body, the mind has the upper hand if one so chooses. Little did I know how right I was.

Of all the remarkable things I have witnessed, none reaches the heights set by my grandson... Joey; as he takes on his days one at a time, on his terms... with a powerfully positive attitude that says to the reaper, "not just yet". This young man of eighteen years has set a new standard for what is and isn't "remarkable". I live each and every day with the pride and joy of knowing he is "from this seed"..... a Navarro.

From where does this remarkably high outlook and attitude come? That one is easy. Joey's parents... my son Joseph and his wife, Robyn; who share that high standard the three of them have set and continue to elevate. I shed happy tears of pride each and every day, over their amazing strength and faith.

While I know first hand that impossible is but a word forever proved erroneous, I am a realist and remain ever aware of a possible change in the tide. But, for now I bathe in the joy that each day brings as Joey defies the odds and dares to redefine impossible.

Today is another good day. Tomorrow will be another. My remarkable grandson is in the driver's seat and he's steering a course filled with happy days. I remain here in California enjoying each and every day he gives me.

From this seed...

Not long after graduating from high school I got a call. A voice in my head said go north. I listened.

I was young back then, and pretty much full of myself. Fresh out of high school, I was destined to take on the world on my terms; or so I thought. It's an old story. You probably heard it before. Could be you lived it your own self.

Frankie sang of it... "I did it my way." And... for most of us, that "my way" attitude often led to unplanned and not so desirable results.

Still... good can be found in everything. My move to Santa Barbara back in 1963 eventually led to two wonderful sons, a grandson, two grand-daughters and... to date, three great grand-daughters. There will soon be more to come, as my youngest grand-daughter (not pictured) announced her intentions to add to the family tree.

Pictured here is my oldest grand-daughter... Linda, with my oldest great grand-daughter, Bella. We hung out together today. It was grand, no pun intended.

Bella will start school next week. She is smart as a whip and I envision the beginning of something special in the making that will impact the world in a special way in 12-16 years from now.

It's these special moments that keep us older folks feeling young and proud.

In The Heat of The Night.....

Lightning comes in many forms. Sometimes it's so far away that you don't hear the associated thunder and it appears more as a fireball in the clouds instead of the familiar streaks of electricity. They call it "heat lightning".... without an "E" after the T.

This show of power in the sky was going on, tonight, as I ventured over to Baskin-Robins for a taste of Cherries Jubilee ice cream.

The storm was off to the west and north... over the Gulf. It lasted for about two hours. By the time it reached shore, one hour after I took the photos, the lightning had ceased and rain began falling.

I had hoped to watch the Perseids, but this show was alt least as entertaining.

... and so it goes.

Dancing in the Night Sky...

(Location: Falling Waters State Park, Florida)

It was a treacherously hot day for northern Florida... in the low 100's. I weathered the heat for a short while, hiking around the park. Finally, enough was enough and I headed back to camp in search of relief. Finding none, I went for a swim.

As the evening shade cloaked the landscape and the temperature dropped to a more tolerable 82 degrees, I began setting up for my evening Perseid meteor watch. I hoped to get lucky and catch a shooting star, or two, in my lens. But Mother Nature doesn't appear inclined to be cooperative. As storm clouds gathered, I captured a different sort of show. The dancing lights of electricity bursting from the clouds, in a lightning display worthy of charging admission.

So far... no rain, but that's not unusual during these summer displays of power in the sky.


It's still possible that the clouds could wander off, clearing the way for a starry night. Here's hoping.

Meanwhile, I've sprayed myself with OFF to guard against the vampire mosquitoes.... and I wait, listening to the call of the night.

... and so it goes.

Playing with stars and planets

(Location: Falling Waters State Park, Florida)

The photo is actually a "stack" of seven photos, taken over a three minute span, to capture the Earth's movement in relationship to the night sky.

The bright object(s) is the planet Jupiter. The others are surrounding stars. They are moving east to west (left to right in the photo). You'll notice a gap, where I stopped to adjust the shutter speed.

I took this photo(s) in response to a question I was asked about photographing the night sky and why the stars appeared to streak. It demonstrates a number of problems. Primarily, available light and how to deal with it. Apart from the dealing with the primary problem, it also demonstrates the technique of photographing star and planet "trails" as the object(s) move across the sky. If the central focus of the photo had been the North Star, instead of Jupiter, the streaks of light would go around in a circle.

Note the equal lengths of the first five objects in the sets. Exposure time for each was 20 seconds. For the last two, exposure was changed to 8 seconds and 4 seconds, respectively. With less exposure time the objects more closely assumed their circular shape. At 10 seconds each object would be represented with a single long streak of light. Optimal exposure time to capture the object without movement, using a still camera, is in the one to two second range. The problem would be how to capture that far away light in such a short time.

The solutions are varied, and involve changing film or digital chip speed, and a larger aperture setting (smaller number). This example was taken at F/5.8, ISO 100. A setting of F/2 ISO 400 would allow for more light to reach the chip (or film) faster and thus reduce the necessary shutter speed and eliminate the Earth's rotation.

Below is an example of stopping the night sky's motion. The arrow points to jupiter.

100mm F/2.8, ISO 800, 1 sec exposure

By the way, Jupiter is approaching it's closest position to Earth over the next few days and is an awesome sight in the camera lens or a good set of binoculars.

... and so it goes.

Survival: How Well Do You Blend In?

My BlogSpot (http://www.dnavarrosr.blogspot.com/)

As I worked my way back to Florida, I though about how the Sunshine State is a real SURVIVOR. Not only does it continue to weather hurricanes and tornadoes every year, it's also prone to sink holes, and much of the state is BELOW sea level. Back home at The Briars it's barely 57 feet above the water line, with the highest area elevation being a mere 213 feet. I suppose that difference qualifies adding the "Hill" to Spring Hill. The highest point in the state is up at Britton Hill (345 ft), in the panhandle... up near the Southern Alabama border; not too far from my current location.

I'm spending the next couple of days at Falling Waters. It's a Florida State Park up by Chipley; south of I-10, west of Tallahassee. When one thinks of waterfalls the image is usually of water cascading down a mountainside. Falling Waters is dubbed as Florida's "highest" waterfall. It's a 20 foot wide pit. The Sink is 100 feet deep. A small stream flows into the pit dropping 73 feet to an as yet determined destination somewhere in the aquifer.

I'm not a fanatic about causes, and not an eco-activist. But I do get concerned when corporate interests rape and pillage the land uncontrollably; displacing natures wonders in favor of the almighty dollar. I enjoy the tranquility that comes with blending into nature and take care to ensure my forays leave the land the way I find it. I expect others to do the same and tend to get miffed when I see litter strewn about.

Speaking of blending in... this happy couple takes camouflage to the extreme. Spotting them is more accidental than anything else as they could easily seem to be part of the tree.

Wednesday I'll drive directly back to the Briars without slowing as I pass GO, and not a whole lot of concern about winning a get out of jail free card or the financially advantages of buying Boardwalk and Park Place. The appointment on the 13th has monopolized enough of my plans. If it gets changed again I'll just cancel it and get back on the road. Good grief Charlie Brown, the settlers didn't have this many delays heading west.

I'm going to pan fry some diced chicken breast over a campfire tonite, and settle back to watch the opening salvo of the Perseid meteor shower.

This is the way it is in my world..... and so it goes.

America The Beautiful

My BlogSpot - August 10, 2009

I'm camping along-side the Pascagoula River; down around the Mississippi Sound, by Gautier. Unspoiled cordgrass marches and cypress trees blend into an estuary that dumps into the Gulf of Mexico. It's another example of how similar...yet different life is along the Gulf Coast.

I wasn't able to get a "modern conveniences" campsite, so I'm roughing it. But at least I got a picnic table and grill. I had to hike a bit to shower up at the public bath house. After settling in and taking care of necessities, I went over to Alligator Alley... a disk golf course that bumps up against Lamotte Bayou. Disk golf is included in the park entry fee.

What the heck is disk golf, you ask. Well... you remember the era of the frisbee? Instead of whacking a little white ball with a club, in disk golf you throw a frisbee disk through, over, and around the trees; the goal being a target basket. It's great excercise and a chance to really enjoy the natural beauty of the park.

Predicted thundershowers didn't arrive. The weather has been good... although a tad hot and humid in the upper 80's. Today is expected to be somewhere up in the 90's. At this early hour (5am) it's already 83 degrees, with no wind... which causes the humidity to hang heavy in the air. But that comes with Gulf Coast living and is the reason for the slow pace down in this part of the country.

Night time light pollution is minimal and I've had a chance to enjoy watching the stars and planet dance around the sky from a different perspective than I normally see back home at The Briars. Jupiter off to my southwest... Venus and Mars rising in the north-northeast; the occasional meteor blazing across the heavens. The mind wanders easily as it tugs at whatever this natural connection is that we have with universal wonders. I'll watch the sunrise with other early rising campers.

Round and Round We Go .....

I'm beginning to feel like a wandering nomad.

With the news about Joey getting better and better, I'm sorta in neutral gear here in Louisiana; camped out at Lake Bruin State Park. Down near St Joseph. It's a nice setting, complete with all the modern camping amenities; fresh water, electricity, showers, picnic tables, a splash pad, a fire ring for campers to gather 'round and meet.

I'm actually pointing the Explorer east again, and not really in much of a hurry to go anywhere. Sheesh.... how's that for no responsibilities. I do have that appointment on the 13th that I initially returned home to keep; so I have 5 days to kill trekking slowly back to the Briars.

Here's the new agenda:
I'll spend the next 5 days on a slow and lazy exploration of the Gulf Coast, around Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida panhandle. I'll take in some sights... and some sun around the beaches; especially Biloxi and Fort Walton; and then I slide down to the Briars for that appointment.

I'll spend the ensuing weekend... 14th through the 16th, in Naples (FL) at Briars II. There's a great Jazz concert going on. Did I say I have a weakness for good smooth jazz.

On Monday, August 17, we'll try this westward road trip again. Ten days to reach Houston for mom's birthday. I'll likely get there on the 25th or 26th. I'll meet Big Joey (my son) and his wife there; as the whole clan gathers for a reunion, and they will join me on the drive to California.

Now... California is a nice place - to visit. I lived there for almost thirty years, and chose to venture east for many reasons. Some of those reasons will certainly surface over time and I'll get a calling to head home again. What I don't know is when.

When I do start back (probably in late October or November), barring any glitches, it will be a slow drive east through and around points further north... along the Interstate -40 corridor. That will take me through the Texas panhandle, Oklahoma, Arkansas, upper Mississippi and over to Atlanta and Stone Mountain. It's at Stone Mountain that I will turn south again, dropping down Georgia, through Valdosta and back home. We'll be in the throes of winter by then, so there will certainly be no big rush.

Anyway:

As I settled down here at the camp ground, I noticed a family of five setting up camp. It's hot... low 90's, and I noticed the dad was frustrated over the kids pouting. I struck up a conversation with him and he said they (the kids) were pouting because they couldn't get on the Internet from there. Good grief, Charlie Brown... I thought. The Internet really has consumed us.

Anyway, he said he was about to drive back to the nearest city and buy a cell phone Internet connection. "That would be New Orleans", I offered.

Then... suddenly, one of the kids hollered out... "hey, daddy.... there's an Internet connection somewhere nearby. I've got a good signal." All three kids were excited. Dad just smiled. Mom turned her attention from the BBQ pit and shook her head. "Awe shucks", the kid blurted, "it has a password."

"Maybe you can crack it," said the younger brother."

I laughed.

Finally, edging the dad aside, I said... "the signal is coming from my car. When you reach the end of your frustration I'll give you the password and you can be a hero, if you want."

"Really?!" he exclaimed, with a wide smile.

Later they invited me over to have supper with them; after which he demonstrated his password cracking skills to the kids and he, his wife and I went for a hike around the Lake.

The real story here, for me, is not so much how the Internet has consumed our attention; particularly the younger generation, but that there remains many friendly folks out here on the road and it doesn't take a whole lot to meet new friends and weave fun memories on a road trip across America.

... and so it goes.

Staying Connected ...

05 Aug 2009, Briars II at My BlogSpot - I travel... alot, by car. I might be in a big city in the morning and far from civilization by noon; staying in a motel room one night, and camping in the wilderness on another. While I enjoy my travels, I'd be lost without a means of communications. The Internet has become an integral part of my life. Probably yours too.

As such... AutoNet, which turns my car into a WiFi hotspot is an important part of my travel gear. Even more so than my GPS. I can turn on my laptop and take the world with me to the top of Mt Rushmore or a Grand Canyon gorge; to the middle of Atlanta, or the middle of the Mojave Desert.

Today's technology has made the world a smaller place. That's not entirely a bad thing. Afterall, electronics do come with an off switch.

... and so it goes.

Next Up......

Took a detour back to the Briars to keep a Tuesday appointment, which has now been pushed to the 13th. I hate when that happens. Anyway, that gives me a few days to hang around the Gulf Coast, go boating and... maybe visit the Tampa Bay zoo. By the way ... the boat will be christened DESTINY.

Friday I'll do a weekender... to Maggie Valley/Ashville, North Carolina; one of my favorite areas. I'll tour the 120-foot Rainbow Falls, then head over to Upper Whitewater Falls, where water plummets a heart-stopping 411 feet, and Hickory Nut Falls (404 feet). The down side of the Ashville area is accommodations, which start at around $109 per night. As a matter of principle I simply won't pay that kind of money for 4-5 hours of sleep. No problem though, as I have my tent and Pisgah National Forrest is nearby. I'll also do a Blue Ridge Parkway drive, which is always enjoyable.

Then it's back to the Briars... a few days at the beach, do some bike-riding, take care of business and get back on the road west. With this ten day delay, I have put feelers out for a travel partner. Don't know if I'll get any takers on such short notice but it would be fun.

Good Morning America...

As the sun rises over the Atlantic, silhouettes of life quickly appear to greet the day. Seabirds take flight and humans scurry along packed sand left by the outgoing tide. From Florida to Maine, the picture changes little... save for the seasons, and perhaps more regional decor unblemished by man and tucked away in secret places.

With the light of day, it's clear that life is on the move... be it in work or play.

These scenes tell many stories. Among them; regardless of the state of the world... or the Nation, life goes on. Any sense of dismay or concern is for another time; in another setting; washed away by the sea... in hopes that each passing minute is as pleasant as the last.

For now, at least... all is well.

...and so it goes.

See the USA: Progress is a matter of perception

July 29, 2009 - It's a pretty short trip from the Briars to Jacksonville, Florida; 165 miles... about 3 1/2 hours. That is... unless you're not in a real hurry to get there. I wasn't.

About a third of the way, I stopped in Silver Springs; not to be confused with my destination of Silver Spring (no s) up in Maryland. It's up near Ocala. I didn't stay long. Mostly I was doing some reconnaissance, for a return trip later... with my boat.

Silver Springs is a State Park area and home of a private park featuring glass bottom boat rides. It's also the site of the filming of many movies, including the old Seahunt tv series. To enjoy the view of the springs, I could pay $60 for a park pass, or launch my boat nearby and cruise in via free public access on the river. With the coordinates of a suitable boat launch typed into Magellan I scheduled a return trip to do some cruising, camping and snorkling at the springs on a future date. Only 50 miles from the Briars, it will make a nice day trip.

While there, I did take in the sights. It's a typically gorgeous Florida river setting, with an abundance of foliage and wildlife. Hiking roads meander through the wilderness. Summer tourist activity is pretty brisk, but I imagine when I return in February or March there will be fewer human visitors.

By mid afternoon I was on the road again... heading northeast by way of Hwy 301; a semi-backroad that connects with I-10 just west of Jacksonville. I stopped for a late lunch in Starke.

Starke is a small town, population just over 5000. Most work for the prison system. Starke is home to Florida State Prison and the site of Florida executions, including Ted Bundy, Aileen Wuornos and Danny Rolling. It's also a town famous for film. G.I Jane, Tigerland and What's Love Got To Do With It, were filmed in the area.

Jacksonville is a far cry from backroads Florida. It's nightlights (and night life) compete with most any Metropolis. I'm spending the night here and will head north on I-95 come sunrise.

In the photos... compare downtown Starke to downtown Jacksonville and it's like visiting two different worlds.

(Click on photo to enlarge)

See the USA...

I've had few friends ask if I could include my road trip blogs here on BlogSpot, so I am working on doing that. Actually I should have done it from the start since blogging here automatically posts the blogs to Facebook.

Anyway, I'm going to have a few days of catchup time. I'll use part of it to set up a daily road trip blog on my Briars II blogspot website and begin posting the blogs and photos on my personal website at www.crackedrabbit.com. I've also started using twitter for short notes. Links to facebook and blogspot will be added there.

Initial blogs can be read on facebook. I considered reposting them here but it would duplicate them over on that website.... http://facebook.com/malemotives

When is perfect too perfect?

I mean, how far do you take your idiosyncrasies before you say enough is enough? Are there limits to your going the extra mile to achieve perfection?

I had a good friend over for dinner last night. We are close enough friends to be unmoved by criticism and actually listen to, and learn from, each others critiques. That doesn't mean we change, but there is a mutual communications thing going on that we enjoy.

Anyway... as I was cooking dinner, she was constantly on my case about the way I did things. As I cook... I clean; wash what I use and put it away. So that by the time the meal is served, only the serving dishes and utensils are left to wash...after the meal.

"Boy Dave," she said.
"You are really weird in the kitchen. It's home, not a hotel."

And... she's probably right. Most folks wait until after a meal to do the dish chores.

As her picking at me went on, I asked if she had any peculiar habits (tongue in cheek), as if I didn't already know. She is by most standards... Ms Perfection. I had an opportunity to prove the point later in the evening.

After dinner... and after watching a movie, I pulled out one of many LARGE containers of change that I have accumulated over the years, and started rolling pennies. No big deal, right? Count out 50, stuff them in a penny roll, fold the end and be done. As my friend watched me do this a few times she finally spoke up.

"You're not doing that right," she retorted, as she dumped pennies from finished rolls.
"All the heads have to face the same way," she corrected me.

"Why?", I asked.
"I mean, I'm not going to get extra credit just because all the heads are facing the same way."

"Because that's the way it's done", she replied.

I sat and watched for awhile, as she stacked pennies with all the heads facing the same way and then dropped them into the rolls. After she finished a few, I reached over and dumped them out on the table.

"Wha.. why did you do that," she asked.

"Because you're not following the rules," I said.
"I mean if the rules says all the heads must face the same way, it follows that you should put them in the roll head facing up. You were putting them in head first."

She thought about that for a moment and then reached over and dumped out the remaining rolls and started over.

Sigh!

So, now I have 200 rolls of pennies with all the heads facing the same way. Too funny!

That's the way it is in my world... and so it goes!

When Hunger Calls

... I listen; and then I eat, and eat, and eat.

Now, I'm not a real big guy. I reach a modest height, slightly south of five foot seven; and tip the scales somewhere near eleven stone and six... on my heavier days. That's about 160 pounds American.

Most days I don't eat much. A few cups of coffee in the morning charges my batteries and puts my adrenaline on fast forward. Occasionally I need a small snack to get me into evening. A decent dinner keeps me healthy.

It was different this morning. A quick fix of Juan's best brew got me off on my jog. By the time I returned I was hungry. Not just ready to eat... but, hUnGrY; really ugly hungry. This called for some serious culinary creativity.

So I set a pot of water to boil, flipped the switch on the belgian waffle maker, gathered up some milk and eggs and butter and flour; a package of yeast, some vanilla sugar and bowls and whips and things and churned out some mix. Setting the mix aside to mature, I poured some creme of wheat in the boiling water and slapped a dozen strips of bacon in a pan. After draining the bacon I fried a half dozen eggs in the drippings and filled the waffle maker. All the while I was getting what you might call coffee tipsy. No matter.

Waffle all fluffy and golden brown, I set another to cookin, and dressed the first with fresh strawberries and cool whip, and sat down to feed my hunger. The dining table was brimming with delights and I wasted no time digging in...bite, after bite, after bite. The hunger finally satisfied, I made note of what I'd just ate: a large bowl of creme of wheat, two belgian waffles, 12 strips of bacon, a half dozen fried eggs, a bowl of fresh strawberries, two glasses of orange juice, and eight cups of coffee. I know I'm gonna pay. You always pay. I had planned on meat loaf, spinach and potatoes au gratin for dinner. Probably I'll pass.

... and so it goes.

Some Days Just Don't Do It For Me

Today was one of those days.

Rising at 5 a.m. my first order of business, after morning hygeine, is coffee. Alas, the coffee maker was on the fritz. Now... I don't have alot of vices. But I must have my morning coffee if I am to face the day with a respectable level of endurance and tolerance. Without it, I don't quite reach that rung on the ladder that says I am human.

So, off I go... to the corner convenience store to get my fix. It's a cold, blustery morning. A good excuse to postpone my jog to the donut shop. But that's okay. Sweets is not a vice. I can pass on the fried dough.

Back at the Briars I turned to the overnight news. Little Sandra Cantu was found. The news was not good. A bad day just got worse. I'm not prone to violence. I had enough of that during the war to last me many lifetimes. But I have absolutely no problem giving child abusers and molestors a bad hair day. Just point me to the switch and I'll gladly crank up the voltage.

Later in the day I braved the cold and ambled on down to Wally World to get a new coffee maker. A black one... to match my black stove top, fridge, other appliances and my coffee mugs. Back at the Briars I put my new dispenser of morning relief to the test. Now.... here's the thing about a black coffee maker, and black coffee mugs. They blend! You can't see the coffee coming out of the spout into the mug... and you can't see how full the mug is, until it's too late. But it shows up real well on a white tile counter top and floor. Get the message?

After wiping up the spill, I settled into my favorite recliner to savor the aroma and tantilizing taste of brewed coffee beans. Ahhhhhhh. What could be better than this?

Off in the distance I heard the faint sound of a ring tone... "Gonna get me some lovin'". It played over and over. Try as I might, I couldn't locate the source. Just when I thought I was getting close... it stopped. Oh well; that's the story of my love life anyway, so what else is new? I gave a sigh and reflected on when life was so much easier. The telephone hung on the wall or sat on a table, and made a ringing sound. Hello! I gotta get rid of my cell phone. Half the time I don't know where it is and the other half of the time it doesn't know where I am. Duh!

Like I said... some days just don't do it for me.

...and so it goes.

I Have a Date With Seven Sisters

How Romantic is that?

Alcyone, Asterope, Celaeno, Electra, Maia, Merope and Taygeta. Nymphs all, and possessed of magnificent beauty beyond imagination.

Now..... as a rule, I'm not so bold as to flirt with more than one gal at a time. At my age, even one successful coupling is a plus. But, I've dated them before; many times. These inseparable gals are among my closest friends. One might say "friends with benefits" that mesmerize me into a hypnotic state of euphoria. Who... in my position, could have one without desiring the others? A menage a trois, two-fold plus one. I might die before it's over; but I'll die smiling. Who could resist such an invite? I mean...it is Spring.

Sound kinda kinky? It's not, really. These seven sisters, along with their kin, are better known as The Pleiades. The daughters of Atlas and Pleione. Together... they make up the cradle of life. As Orion drifts away, The Pleiades take center stage in the night sky.

The Pleiades is a "star cluster", set in the constellation Taurus. Probably the most well know star cluster. By eye they are sometimes mistaken as the little dipper. With binoculars they tug at your heart. Through a modest telescope, they steal away your soul. Through a really big telescope, well... like I said, who could resist the euphoric bliss.

It's probably just as well that Orion is in decline. I mean, the great hunter, himself, was once seduced by these goddesses of folklore. And I'm in no position to compete with such studly opposition.

If you have never spent time gazing at stars up close... I can tell you this:

Every object, or group of objects out there, has a particular emotional tug. They touch you in different ways. Some leave you feeling all scrambled up and worn out from the chaos they display. Some, spark fear in your heart. You want to look away... escape, but you can't. Some absorb you, leaving you tired, helpless... empty. Others, give you mass doses of energy. Your adrenalin level increases. They're addicting, far more than any drug known to man. But only one, that I know of, seduces you. Enticing you with a unrelenting allure that always results in conquest. Joy, excitement, wonder, happiness, fulfilled, are just some of the words that come to mind. Pleiades.

Stuck in the Middle Again

I recently turned 64 and I got to thinking about that. It's an awkward age. Somewhere in-between young and old; too old to be young and too young to be old. Kinda like being stuck between childhood and puberty. Good grief, Charlie Brown!

At least I don't feel old. Oh... I feel some differences from years past. I don't run anymore. I jog. There's a difference. The pace is slower. I don't worry about it too much. I figure it just takes me longer to get to where I'm going (Usually the donut shop). That could be a good thing. At least it would if it also applied to aging. That would make it take longer to get older. Alas, time just doesn't cooperate.

Little aches and pains take longer to go away, these days. It also takes me longer to eat my way through a meal. I don't mind that. I just spend the extra time enjoying the meal.

Some things take less time. Like forgetting. Short term memory is getting shorter. I forgot what day it is, which caused me to lose a day. Well... I really didn't forget. It just took me longer to remember. But, by then the day was pretty much gone, so I may just as well have forgotten.

Mostly, getting older doesn't bother me too much. Especially in retirement. Remembering to remember things gives me something to occupy my time. Otherwise I'd probably have too much time on my hands. Especially if I forget to remember something important.

I know. This isn't making much sense to you. Maybe because you're 63 or younger.... or 65 or older. You don't have the same challenges confronting those of us stuck in the middle. Sixty-four. It's an awkward age.

So, anyway, I'm thinking, hey... I can do this. It's only for a year. Then I'll be sixty-five. Things will be different. Except that it occurred to me I'd be stuck between 64 and 66. Is there no way out of this predicament?

I've looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down, but still somehow
It's cloud illusions I recall
I really don't know clouds at all.

... and so it goes.

Morning Coffee: Another Day at The Briars

Well I woke up Sunday mornin' with no way to hold my head that didn't hurt. And the beer I had for breakfast wasn't bad, So I had one more for dessert. ...

I don't relate much to that song anymore. But there were younger days when it could have been written about me.

When I read or watch a movie, next to a good mystery I get most absorbed in westerns. The exploits of Americans murdering and displacing Indians and Mexicans while settling the west is revealing; the justifications often offered ring hollow but hey...it is what it is and it's done.

Much of what is offered is tempered with poetic license, either to add intrigue or take the edge off the sins of man. I think not many, today, could weather the challenges faced by those early pioneers. We are too spoiled and pampered reaping the rewards, when not getting mired in our own brand of exploitation.

I watched The Last Wagon last night. It's a good yarn that attempts to find middle ground to place the blame for the massacres by both white men and Indians, while weaving in romance and understanding. Centered around a white man, raised by Indians, fighting back against injustice... it's a story that could be more real than fiction. There are some worthwhile lessons to be learned from the story.

All this talk about the Pope, abstinence, condoms, politics, religion, and foisting self-induced morality on others be damned. Life does not stop because of our differences. We either learn to get along or we don't. If we don't, it's as simple as taking different paths and avoiding intersecting crossroads. The problem, I think... is, even as we get older simplicity seems fleeting. Confrontation appears more attractive. Why is that?

I mean, what possible joy comes from exploiting our beliefs to denegrate others? Expressing our beliefs is one thing. Suggesting that our way is the only way is just plain shallow thinking. I have no problem rejecting the way many choose to live their lives, or expressing why I think their choices are wrong. But, that doesn't make their choices wrong for them. It just puts us on different highways in life.

Eventually, we will all reach the end of the road. Some invision a judgement day awaiting them. Others, like me simple hope we've lived a good and full life.

Rub a dub dub
Since I don't have a housekeeper anymore, I was up most of the night doing my twice a month house sanitation thing. You know... those extras that don't come with daily chores. It always starts in the kitchen for me. Taking unused dishes out of the cupboard and running them through the dish machine; Wiping down all surfaces with hot water/pine-sol; hand scrubbing the ceramic tile floor; ridding the fridge of uneaten left-overs. Then it's off to the bathrooms to wash them down with pine-sol and spray the tub/shower with mildew defender; and the can with bleach.

First Storm of The Season

I left the Cindy 2000 in Naples and rented a car to drive back to Spring Hill earlier than planned. These spots and flashes of sparkles buzzing around my head are getting annoying and I have an appointment to see the eye doctor and my physician, on Monday.

I don't know what is causing them, but on the drive back we had our first thunderstorm of the season and it was quite a show. Enormous bolts of lightening danced across the sky, followed by thundering booms. And then came the rain. A gulley-washer; a flood from the heavens run amok. It all seemed to be a larger version of the sparkles that are annoying me. At least I'm not hearing thnder in my head.

Thunderstorms don't last very long here on the Florida Gulf. They come and they go. This first one visited us twice within eight hours and left a beautiful Sunday filled with fresh air and warm breezes in its wake, with the temperature hovering at 75 degrees. A dashing sunset was followed by an extraordinary clear night filled with stars and a fingernail like crescent moon hanging in the west. Should be another nice day tomorrow before our next storm rushes in sometime on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, it's life as usual around the Briars as whatever is ailing me doesn't seem to be causing discomfort beyond being distracting. So, after enjoying Tiger Woods' remarkable return to the victory stand I'll do some blogging and watch a movie or two in hopes of turning my attention away from the sparks of light.

... and so it goes.

I've Looked at Clouds From Both Sides Now...

he clouds they come. The clouds they go. Like incongruous puffs of marshmallows and cotton balls; distorted, divergent, disconnected. Forever morphing into shapes that tickle our imagination; awaken dreams past, and give pause to speculation of things to come.

The clouds in Naples are that way. Showy, dashing, opulent; sometimes pompous and pretentious against a radiant blue sky. The ultimate in ever transforming illusions, beholding only to the whims of the wind.

Clouds are much like life.... forever changing, emotional; and sometimes quick to disappear. Just when you think you've figured them out, they fade into a whitewashed backdrop, void of character.

I've discovered that clouds really aren't all that mysterious. The mystery is in what they hide. The secrets concealed. Hidden away not by darkness but by covert guile; challenging our perception and giving whimsical fancy to our thoughts.

I think spending the day with clouds is often lost in a world too overburdened with survival to stop and enjoy the moment.

Sea Breezes and Jazz

March 25, 2009
2030 HRS
I was 27 degrees, 23.8 minutes North; 82 degrees, 40.7 minutes West according to the Tom Tom. A mile or so off shore and just north of Long Boat Key, when the Coast Guard approached. I turned into the wind and heaved to and they came aboard for inspection. They were looking for drugs. None here... so they thanked me for my courtesy and moved on.

The wind is supposed to shift out of the north later this evening, gusting to 30 knots with nine foot swells. I'm not comfortable with that. So I've been tacking my way toward Lido Key for anchorage (N27 20.011 W82 35.226) and I'll call it a day. The anchorage is in the ICW just off Ken Thompson Park and City Island. I'll enter the waterway between Lido Key and Bay Isle and motor sail to anchorage.

I'm dieting to shrug off those ten winter pounds I gained so no need to paddle the dinghy to shore to find a restaurant. I'll just stay aboard and fix a nice salad and sip on grapefruit juice. I have some DVD movies and books, so keeping myself occupied won't be a problem. I'll get a good night's sleep.

2330 HOURS
With midnight approaching I am relishing in a beautiful Gulf night anchored off the coast of Florida, a short swim from City Island (near Sarasota). Soft jazz is riding the wind from somewhere on shore. Transparent lacey clouds streak across a blue-black sky breached by twinkling stars. An occasional splash, from out of the dark, confirms that otherwise still water is alive. I'm thinking the word romance is redefining itself. This could be heaven.

Life is good.

Destination Naples II

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

1230 HOURS
To my west is a great expanse of blue ocean. Off to my east is Clearwater Beach. As I recall, there have been a couple of bashes held there in past years. I lived a block away from Clearwater Beach when I first moved to Florida. I was single then, as it was before I met my late wife ..... and much, much younger. Back then there weren't near the crowds and traffic that congest the area today. In those days, the talk of the town was the expanding takeover of Clearwater by Scientologists buying up prime real estate. The beach looks to be filled with people and I see a couple of parasails floating up above. Floridians at play.

For the last couple of hours I've been sailing between a close and beam reach, between 60 to 90 degrees to the wind. I've quickly learned that it is the easiest of sailing points and it gives me confidence in handling.

The thing about sailing is, while the distance from point a to point b might be 10 miles, you can travel half again that distance to reach your destination. It takes time... and patience. Not yet being a master of the wind, for me it takes allot more time and allot more patience. But I wouldn't have it any other way. At this stage in life, I have no real schedules to keep, aside from taking classes, so in a sense, time is on my side.

My goal... eventually is cruising. Sailing to Aruba and then to Puerto Rico. Initially, I hoped to do that this year. But the more I sail and the more experience I get... the more I know I'm not ready. So I've reset that goal to sometime next year. Better safe than sorry. Instead, depending on this year's hurricane activity, I will circumnavigate Florida; rounding the keys and head up the east coast. I figure I can gain much needed confidence that way.

Oops. I need to come about... gotta go. See ya

Destination Naples

Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Bayport / Spring Hill to Naples

0700 HRS
I've got my provisions, suitcases, and bike stowed away and I'm ready to weigh anchor. Starting Lat 28 degrees, 32 minutes North; Long 82 degrees, 39 minutes West , which is just south of Bayport, I'll head out (to the west) about a mile off shore and then swing south southwest to bypass the inland waterway. According to my NOAA charts... 11405-11429 my target is 26 degrees, 8 minutes North; Long 81 degrees, 48 minutes West; about 237 nautical miles, with arc. Projected arrival time (with one stopover anchorage) around noon tomorrow. I've set my trusty Tom Tom and I'm off.

No...a Tom Tom is not an Indian drum, it's a GPS.

It's a bit of a chilly morning (51 deg) and absolutely no breeze, so I'm starting out under power. According to my NOAA data, this cold nip came to us from the coast of Texas; and it's a couple of days early. The winds should pick-up to around 20 knots as I edge into the Gulf. I'm already feeling the breeze.

Allot of fishing boats are putting out to favorite fishing haunts. Grouper and snapper are pretty good catches this time of year. This is also the time of year when bait fish make their run across the Gulf, so I'm not surprised at the boat traffic. Kingfish (mackerel) also make their spring migration north up the coast of Florida. Should be exciting for fishermen. I'm guessing many of them are out after Blackfin tuna, which also abound in bait fish rich Gulf waters.

0730 HOURS
The wind is out of the southeast at 20 knots... so I'm on a close haul, trimmed tight and angled southwest. Sailing across six to eight foot swells is not the challenge it used to be. I'm staying close to the wind... but not too close, lest I start pinching. Afterall, I'm still a bit of a novice and I'm not yet ready for bold challenges. All is well.

There's really not a whole lot to do right now, except enjoy the ride and the scenery. So I'm thinking about blogs to share. The question currently on my mind is... Do we really understand people?

I think... sometimes, many of us like to think so. I'm not so sure we succeed. Except to color them en mass with our own personal paint brush; revealing more about ourselves than them.

Mostly, I have stopped trying. For me, it's challenging enough to understand myself, and get a grip on the subtle changes in me that surface from time to time lately; altering the me I've known for so long, and giving me pause to wonder about my excessive spontaneity.

The challenge of understanding others is probably more successful if we learn to accept differences. I mean, we don't have to agree, but it's sure much easier to agree to disagree rather than get all swoll-up over our differences. Just a thought.

I'm also thinking...probably I should revisit my attitude about committed relationships. I mean, it would sure be much more fun to have a sailing partner to share life and voyages with. Oh well... that for another time. I tend to get weak in my resolve when I sail alone.

Romance in the Rough

You have to be a golfer to really appreciate the title of this photo... and the nuances that such a romance offers when setting in thatched bermuda.

While Spring is officially still a few days away, it's already in full swing here in Florida. High temperatures in the mid to upper 80's and overnight lows in the low 70's bring the promise of lot's of romantic opportunities on the golf course.

Whether you partner up with your favorite gal or play golf for the love of it, 'tis the season for romance from tee to green. A bit of rough is par for the course in any romance. The key to success is ... "be nice."

"FORE!"

While jogging up to the donut shop this morning, my thoughts wandered to the myriad colors of spring flowers, mingled with jelly rolls and cinnamon bars. How weird is that?

The sun was at my back as it broke through the dark edges of dawn, throwing a kaleidescope of colors on the landscape. Probably that's what made me think of spring flowers. The jelly rolls and cinnamon bars? Probably they were a result of the growling noises from within, screaming for sweet relief.

Back at The Briars, I washed down a couple of jam-filled donut holes with hot coffee and thought... Oh yeah, this is what I'm talkin' about! Sweet relief.

Outside, the fullness of the sun broke the horizon and this day was in full stride. There aren't a whole lot of flowers blooming yet, but lily buds and gladiolas are peeking through otherwise dark barren soil and the promise is clear. It will be a colorful spring. Time to get my mind right and my hands into the earth.

It's nigh on noon now, as I sit at the computer to blog. The sun is high in the sky, mixing with westerly breezes to keep the temperature at a comfortable 78 degrees. Sitting here at pool-side, I watch with amusement as squirrels prance around, hopping from tree to tree, doing whatever it is squirrels do this time of year. A possum started across the yard and stopped... frozen in time as it sensed my presence. The squirrels broke out in a chatter of discontent over the intruder. A large black garden snake slithered toward the possum which suddenly came alive and scurried off.And that's when it happened. Without warning. As if preordained and on cue. Back in the far corner of the yard, unfettered by shade ... a lone hibiscus burst into bloom. There's an omen there somewhere. That's not supposed to happen. Hibiscus usually don't bloom before mid to late spring.

Oh well... no sense in complaining about unexpected beauty.

... and so it goes.

Hole in One

Went golfing again yesterday... and hit a hole in one! No... it wasn't with a club and a golf ball. I had this glazed donut and reached the hole in the center with one bite.

I almost always take donuts to the golf course. Sometimes I just take the donut holes ... they're less filling.

I have a golf cart, but it never seems to make it to the golf course. I use it to putt around the yard. The reason is those donuts. All that fried dough and jelly deserves walking the golf course.

When I play golf, I usually tee off around 8 a.m. Besides my donuts I take a large thermos of coffee. Nothing like striking a golf ball when you're wired.

Yesterday I played at Seven Hills. Like Spring Hill, there are no real hills... except ant hills and the occasional elevated green, but it's the psychology of the name that makes one feel accomplished by walking the course.

I'm not in a hurry when I play golf. Actually, I'm not in much of a hurry when I do anything. It's taken me 64 years to get where I am. Taking a little longer to get to wherever I'm going seems like a reasonable effort. Besides, when you rush through life you miss allot of amusement along the way.

Sometimes when I play golf, I feel like I'm at the beach. Sand, sand everywhere. There are days when I think I should carry a blanket and picnic basket... and just sit in the sand and watch the players go by.

Actually, I do fairly well on the golf course. I ain't no Tiger Woods but in another 15 or so years I'll be shooting my age.... If I'm still shooting high 70's and low eighties.

No golf today. I've been on the go all year (all 5 days of it); boy does time fly or what? Anyway, I'm hangin' around the Briars today. My neighbor's live oaks are still shedding leaves in my yard, so today I'll get my exercise with a rake. After my morning coffee and donuts.

That's the way it is in my world... and so it goes.