Mental Health: Into the Volcano

(Silverdale, Washington; Jun. 23, 2019) – I debated for a long time whether this column should go under “Travel” or “Mental Health,” but the mental health analogy won out. However, that does not alter the fact that, last Saturday (June 15) I accidentally hiked right into an active volcano’s crater. I know, I know—you’re wondering … Continue reading Mental Health: Into the Volcano

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: Delaware Confidential

(Jan. 22, 2018) Delaware is a charming state, easily driven across in just a few hours. It was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, thereby earning it the self-chose nickname of “The First State.” Delaware was one of the 13 states that rebelled against Great Britain, but, contrary to common vernacular, Delaware was … Continue reading Travel Log: Delaware Confidential

Travel Log: I’m Dreaming of a White…Wait a Minute…

(Dec. 29, 2017) Snow…icicles...cold weather...a winter wonderland! Ah, I’m dreaming of a white...wait, what? Oops...wrong holiday! I’m sitting in my brother’s house in Huber Heights, Ohio. The skies are gray, a soft snow is falling right now, dusting the land with a gentle white blanket. It’s the perfect, picture-post card type of snow you think … Continue reading Travel Log: I’m Dreaming of a White…Wait a Minute…

Travel Log: A Proud Lion’s Road to Corvettes

(Dec. 10, 2017) Ok, I’m still in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Today, at the National Corvette Museum, shipmates and their ship were reunited far inland from the great waters where they roamed. One of the personal missions I’ve taken on is symbolically letting my old ship, USS Ponce (LPD 15), see the country she spent 46 … Continue reading Travel Log: A Proud Lion’s Road to Corvettes

Travel Log – Baguettes

(Nov. 28, 2017) One of the great things about traveling is people. You don’t always need big historic sites and grand natural vistas. Sometimes a small moment with a woman you’re sort-of-almost-related-to can provide a very lovely evening. I’m at my brother’s place in Ohio. Tom and Natalie are also a military family. They have … Continue reading Travel Log – Baguettes

Travel Log – Post Holiday Traffic

(Nov. 26, 2017) I left Niceville, Florida, yesterday and made it to just north of Nashville. Today was Nashville to my brother’s family outside Dayton. Of course today is Sunday, the last day of the Thanksgiving holiday. I got on the road at 10:00 and, with only a bathroom break or two and maybe a … Continue reading Travel Log – Post Holiday Traffic

Travel Log: The Lions Have Met

(Nov. 22, 2017) The Lions have Met. From 2000 – 2012 I was on operational sea duty orders for the first time. I was attached to the Black Lions of VF-213 working on reconnaissance cameras and laser targeting systems aboard the F-14D Tomcat. Years later I reported to my second operational assignment: sea duty aboard … Continue reading Travel Log: The Lions Have Met

Travel Log – Niceville

(Nov. 20, 2017) I have a headache. That’s neither here nor there; just thought I’d share it. I don’t have a job, and as such have a very unique level of freedom as well as a rather steep learning curve adjusting to civilian life. I’ve spent half of my lifetime in thge very structured, fast-paced … Continue reading Travel Log – Niceville

Mental Health – Depression

(Nov. 19, 2017) - This will be brief. It’s late and I’m tired and soul-sick. Nothing bad has happened. I’m at my parents’ house in Niceville, Florida (yes, Niceville) following my retirement from the Navy. I’m between jobs at the moment and planning to do a massive road trip. But the upheavals I’ve experienced these … Continue reading Mental Health – Depression