On the Waterfront – A Tale of a Great Enterprise

(Silverdale, Washington; Oct. 15, 2020) – The retired aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) had a profound affect on my time at sea, and her deactivation in 2012 foretold my own retirement from the Navy in 2017. Pretty heavy stuff, especially considering I never once set foot aboard her! I joined the Navy to go … Continue reading On the Waterfront – A Tale of a Great Enterprise

Travel Log: Look Closer

(Bangor, Maine; July 27, 2018) You should always look closer. One of the great things about doing an extended road trip is that it gives you the chance to kick over a few rocks you’d otherwise miss if you were on a more restricted timetable. However, the basic principle is still one you can practice … Continue reading Travel Log: Look Closer

Travel Log: Touching Ohana, Part II

(Portland, Maine; July 25, 2018) I am sitting in Maine, state #28 on Grand Tour USA. Connecticut was state #25—the halfway point. I am now over the proverbial hump. Check out the state map at the bottom of this column; New Hampshire and Vermont are next. And then Canada! Yes. You read that right. Grand … Continue reading Travel Log: Touching Ohana, Part II

Travel Log: Hidden Gems

(Niceville, Florida; April 10, 2018) Phase 2 has been completed--I'm back in Niceville, Florida. Phase 3 (Hawaii) is coming very soon--April 12! Check out the state map at very bottom for a recap of Phases 1 and 2. Last time I covered two states in one column. I’ve decided to up my game and take … Continue reading Travel Log: Hidden Gems

Travel Log: A Stone’s Throw From Victory

(Clarksville, Tennessee; March 29, 2018) After nearly a ten-day visit with my brother’s family in Ohio, I’m on the road again. I took a very leisurely drive south through Kentucky into Tennessee. I purposely eschewed the interstate and used the side highways instead. Secondary routes do add additional time, but offer wonderful opportunities to see … Continue reading Travel Log: A Stone’s Throw From Victory

Travel Log: Phase 2!

(Huber Heights, Ohio; March 19, 2018) Phase 2 is underway! This will be a short leg. It began in Georgia, and right now I’m at my brother’s in Ohio again. Next week I trek to new lands: Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama. Middle of next month I’m going to Hawaii (Phase 3), so I only … Continue reading Travel Log: Phase 2!

Travel Log: Dueling Warships (Part 2)

(Niceville, Florida; March 2, 2018) The duel of the warships now brings us south, to, appropriately enough, South Carolina. South Carolina is a state rich in natural and human history, a state that played a pivotal and famous role during the American Revolution, and a pivotal and infamous role during the American Civil War. Today … Continue reading Travel Log: Dueling Warships (Part 2)

Travel Log: Dueling Warships (Part 1)

(Niceville, Florida; March 4, 2018) I’m currently home in Niceville; Phase 1 of Grand Tour USA is done; Phase 2 begins in two weeks. Time to catch up, and I’ll start with a multi-part series on historic ships. Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina could put to sea some seriously heavy-duty naval armament if they … Continue reading Travel Log: Dueling Warships (Part 1)

Travel Log: Turkeys. It’s Always Turkeys!

(Tampa, Florida; Feb. 24, 2018) Turkeys. It’s always turkeys. Every time wildlife has actually stopped Sara Jane (my car), it’s a flock of wild turkeys! First time was when I drove into Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky back in December. Then again as I drove the perimeter of the Cowpens National Battlefield Park in … Continue reading Travel Log: Turkeys. It’s Always Turkeys!

Travel Log: Forwards-Backwards in Time

(Feb. 4, 2018) Welcome back! I took a brief break while I was back in Norfolk, Virginia, tying up some business with the Department of Veterans Affairs. I’m back on the road and, if you look at my State Map, you’ll notice I’m in North Carolina. I’ve gotten ten states and the District of Columbia … Continue reading Travel Log: Forwards-Backwards in Time