Few American ports have as much maritime history as Newport, Rhode Island. From north to south, America’s Cup Boulevard follows the natural arc of Newport Harbor, which is thickly studded with marinas and yacht clubs. It’s also protected in most directions thanks to the mainland and a sturdy penninsula that terminates in Fort Adams, which […]
Trials & Tribulations of a Triathlon
For a long time, I’ve been interested in doing a triathlon. I have always gravitated towards endurance sports and I was attracted by the diversity of training for three separate events. In the past, I’ve completed a number of marathons and I always enjoyed the process of building up my mileage, feeling my body adapt […]
Rules of Engagement
I have struggled to come up with an appropriate way to share the big news that happened recently. I had considered a romantic ode attempting to articulate my feelings, but I soon realized that this was bound to fail. I thought of resorting to humor, but this too seemed inappropriate. Breaking the news through the […]
There’s No Place Like Home
There is this magical place that I found. The food is inexpensive, the people are friendly, and the bucolic landscape recalls a simpler time. The airfare is expensive and this remote land is difficult to reach, but the inhabitants are friendly and generous and, surprisingly, happy that you have come to enjoy their small slice […]
Guest Blog: Michael Cook
Slow Boat to Margaritaville 2008 Regata del Sol al Sol On April 23rd, I flew from Italy to Tampa, Florida to participate in the 2008 Regata del Sol al Sol. Bob Gruber, skipper of Summerwind, an Allied Seawind 32 ketch, had asked me along as navigator for the race. Bob is a good friend and […]
Veni, Vidi, Vici, Venice
Megan and I arrived back in Bologna on Sunday night. My parents picked us up at the train station and took us out for our first truly good Italian meal. The next morning my mom dropped us back at the train station and we rode a couple of hours to Venice. Upon arrival, we spent […]
Guest Blog: Megan
In an attempt to provide a comprehensive description of my recent trip to Italy, I have asked my girlfriend, Megan, to contribute a journal entry describing her visit to Rome. What follows is her account of our first three days in Italy. It should be noted that despite my complete absence from the entry, I […]
When in Rome …
Within 15 minutes of arriving in Rome, we were robbed. In all my years of traveling, I have never had anything stolen, but less than 24 hours after touching down in Italy, Megan’s wallet was snatched. Occurring so early in our trip, the theft tended to negatively color our impressions of the eternal city. Seen […]
A Long December
A lot has happened over the past couple of months. During the month of December, I did not spend a single weekend in California. My travels took me to Columbus, Ohio, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Onset, Massachusetts, and Omaha, Nebraska. As usual, I have been negligent in posting regular journal updates. So, in an attempt to […]
Thanksgiving in California
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. Along with July 4th and Christmas, this is the time of year when I am usually surrounded by family. Considering how frequently both my family and I tend to move, this holiday often involves travel. Over the years, I have spent Thanksgiving in Denver, Memphis, Kentucky, […]