LURE OF THE HORIZON: Archive

Ch-ch-ch-changes

Having just returned from a few weeks in the Virgin Islands I am left today hungover. Not from alcohol, but from easily adapting to a lifestyle that suits me and then being thrust back into the real. I’ve neglected my blogs over the last few months due to the heavy undertaking of building ocean kayaks for the Virgin Islands trip. And today I find myself sitting in a chair in a silent room and...

Apr 19th

Houston, Texas

Similar to several of my other work trips, the cool weather and rain were waiting in Houston to greet me. I think it was a combination of the weather, the destination, and my personal outlook on things at the time, but I proceeded from airplane to shuttle to rental car with overwhelming lethargy. And, in keeping with the overall vibe of the day, when I called the contractor to inform him that I...

Feb 18th

I sometimes hate how much time I spend looking down for seashells to take home and remember the ocean that I’m not looking at.

Feb 10th

Reno, Nevada

I stepped off the plane about 9:00 pm Reno time (11:00 my time) to an empty airport. The bright gaudy themed slot machines greeted me like an old friend. I had never been to Reno before, and as expected, it immediately and obviously gave me the feel of Vegas. The money began to vibrate in my pocket as the magnetic pull of the slots triggered a spontaneous vacuum. I shoved my hand into my...

Feb 5th

Swing and a miss...

My part time (traveling) gig was discussing with me a job on Oahu, Hawaii in a few weeks. That fell through. Instead… St Louis, MO. …sigh.

Jan 12th

Surprise, AZ

I was scheduled to fly out mid afternoon which would have put me in Phoenix just in time to get my car, drive to my hotel, and watch the sunset into the desert. About 30 minutes before my flight the bubbly female voice came over the loudspeaker asking for volunteers to bump to a later flight in exchange for airline credit. …so I could spend an extra hour in the airport, for a flight I...

Jan 9th

“A man needs to feel the rhythms of the earth; he needs to have a hand in...”

– John Elderedge

Jan 8th

“Make a radical change in your lifestyle and begin to boldly do things which you...”

– Into The Wild

Dec 22nd

Memphis, Tennessee

Fifty eight minutes from wheels up in Kansas City to wheels down in Memphis, TN. I slept through the beverage cart sprinting by and woke just before the rubber hit the runway. Through the airport, into the rental car, and straight to the job. By 9 a.m. my “work” was complete and I had approximately eleven hours to take in as much as I possibly could. I picked up my...

Dec 22nd

Florida in Twenty Hours or Less

LOCATION: Ft Lauderdale, FL WEATHER: Upper 70’s / overcast/ sporadic rain A quick run through security, a brief St Louis layover, and a relaxing three hour southbound flight and, as I touched down in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, I could see the palm trees from my window seat. As I’ve said many times before, I know I’m where I want to be when I see palm trees. I saw palm trees...

Dec 20th

The itch...

Out of boredom today I have been cruising airline websites; daydreaming about taking them up on their fare sale offers. I do this often as a means of escapism as well as pending winter-stuck in Kansas-self torture. Typically, about this time of year, I wax nostalgically about airports and the potential they hold. A part of me truly loves airports. It could be a greater statement about my...

Dec 1st

Ooooooh-hio

My first “traveling for business” trip was EXACTLY what I had anticipated. …except different. I flew into the Cincinnati airport (which isn’t even in the same state as Cincinnati) and was immediately greeted with malaise. I don’t mean to bag on Ohio-uns, because I definitely feel your pain living in Kansas, but there wasn’t much to work with. I’m...

Nov 22nd

1 note

Nov 22nd

1 note

“As you’re reading this, your life’s getting shorter. It’s ticking away. I’m...”

– Mike Litman

Nov 18th

It's a Simple Dream Continued...

I had a conversation on a Florida beach one time discussing the things that I love to do. Among other things, one of my passions is travel. I love to experience new places and see new things. I have my favorite places to go and one of them is “someplace I’ve never been before”. I was told to find away to travel and have someone else pay for it. Since my dreams of playing...

Nov 18th

Bug Out Vehicles and Shelters by Scott B. Williams

Scott B. Williams is back with a companion to his previous offering Bug Out: The Complete Plan For Escaping Disaster Before It’s Too Late. Scott has become a friend, an inspiration, and an advisor to my literary pipe dreams. I have read most everything that he has put in book form and have yet to be disappointed. Bug Out Vehicles and Shelters: Build and Outfit Your Life-Saving Escape is...

Nov 3rd

Oct 17th

1 note

Sep 30th

Planning Virgin Island Kayak 2012

Although WAY behind schedule Frank and I have a plan in place to get our kayaks seaworthy within the next month or so. Over the course of the winter and early spring we are going to build the other two kayaks for the two suckers other participants who have asked to be a part of this trip. For those of you who are either familiar with the islands or have access to google, we are going to begin...

Sep 27th

“Don’t part with your illusions. When they are gone you may still exist but...”

– Following the Equator

Sep 27th

Second To The Right And Straight On Til Morning

Admittedly, as a kid I read very little. What few books I did read were all the wrong ones. The only consistent reads were “Choose Your Own Adventure” books (which now, looking back, proved to be prophetic because that’s kind’ve the way I live my life) and a few selections from a series about World War II that I was turned on to by friends. We were in grade school and...

Sep 7th

A Simple Dream

In one of my varied deep conversations with a loved one a year or so ago we were on the topic of the future and goals and dreams, etc. No matter what I seemed to conjur up for my personal wants and desires I was met with the same reply every time… “it’s a simple dream”. I cannot fathom the right-ness of that statement! I don’t expect to ever walk on the moon or...

Aug 22nd

Mia Culpa

I’m sorry Lure of the Horizon. I have SEVERELY neglected you! …I’m back.

Aug 22nd

Getting Out Alive: 13 Deadly Scenarios and How...

I found myself once again reading the latest offering from Scott B Williams. Getting Out Alive: 13 Deadly Scenarios and How Others Survived is a unique blend of fiction and fact. Williams walks the reader through thirteen different life threatening situations (surviving a plane crash, stranded on a deserted island, lost in a rain forest, etc). Survival books are nothing new. What makes this...

Apr 20th

5 notes

Back to the Island

Well, in the never ending juggle between personal responsibilities and adding new pins to my “been there” map, I have the opportunity to visit the Bahamas tomorrow. This is special for a couple of reasons. First of all, I’ve never been there and therefore am excited and intrigued. Secondly, this will be the first opportunity for my three sons to see the crystal clear waters of...

Mar 9th

5 notes

Getting Out Alive

I just received my copy of Scott B Williams’ brand new book Getting Out Alive. If you are checking in on this blog I will assume you have some interest in adventure. If that’s the case I recommend you pick up a copy of any of Scott’s books. Scott is the real deal and brings it with every book he publishes. I’m sure this one will be no exception! Getting Out Alive:...

Feb 28th

2 notes

Sailing

The first time I found myself under sail was near Fajardo, Puerto Rico. I remember seeing the giant sheet climb the mast and grab the breeze. I was taken by its primal simplicity. Men have been riding the wind for thousands of years and the basics of sailing remain relatively unchanged. Since being propelled by the elements that day I have an unmistakable attraction to sailing. In fact, one...

Feb 6th

6 tags

Jan 29th

3 notes

5 tags

It's Not a Vacation. It's an Adventure - Day 3

I woke to the sound of a door being unlocked. That door was about a foot from my head. I rolled from my stomach to my back and can only imagine how my squinted confused face must have looked to the giant man who was upside down and peering back at me. The left side and the right side of my brain struggled to connect as the fog lifted and it occurred to me that I was laying on a stranger’s...

Jan 28th

8 tags

It's Not a Vacation. It's an Adventure. - Day 2 pt...

We made sure Kent was okay and he agreed to go the ER for stitches only after we were done tubing. A man has priorities, right? One by one we eased in to the frigid water pretending to enjoy it. Okay, admittedly, after a few Miller Lites (“blue yummies” – Stan) we really did enjoy it. …most of us. The current was strong enough to make it difficult to traverse the creek, but not so strong...

Aug 25th

10 notes

It's Not a Vacation. It's an Adventure - Day 2...

As morning drew closer anticipation of the sunrise climb was negating any chance at rest. Around 4:30 a.m. I was at the threshold of actually succumbing to sleep when Kent began to stir. I was able to ignore that but apparently Brian could not. From the other side of me, in the loudest whisper I have ever heard, came, “Kent. …Kent are you awake, Kent?” Aggravated silence. From the other side...

Aug 14th

4 notes

10 tags

Watch

Boulder Creek - Boulder, CO

Aug 12th

2 notes

10 tags

It's Not a Vacation. It's an Adventure - Day 1

“It’s not a vacation. It’s an adventure.” - Kent Usually the best adventures/bad ideas are born while leaning on a dirty bar table decorated with several empty glasses and a fresh round on the way. It typically begins with a few moments of silence followed by, “You know what we should do…” Well, this particular trip came to life long before I was a part of it so I can...

Aug 7th

If you feel like channel surfing...

Since my adventure has stalled considerably and I haven’t had much to post I started a second blog. It’s less writing and more of just a random collection of thoughts, pictures, etc. There is nothing there that will alter your life, change your views, change your oil, mow your grass, or help you with your poor wardrobe choices. It is more the fleeting garbage that floats through my...

Jul 18th

This song makes me feel better. …and worse.

Jul 17th

Bug Out

Recently I received a copy of the new book by Scott B. Williams. (You may remember my mentioning of Williams in a previous post or two) The book is titled Bug Out: The Complete Plan for Escaping a Catastrophic Disaster Before It’s Too Late. From the title, one might think this is a handbook for paranoid survivalists. Bug Out is far from it. Early on Williams states that this book is...

Jun 10th

Dime Store Philosophy: Inspiration

I was thinking this morning about inspiration; where it comes from and how it affects us, or more specifically me. There are some days where I think my sole purpose for the day is to simply survive and make it through until tomorrow. Other days I am bursting at the seams. I am consumed with creative energy and feel like Clark Griswold atop the Eiffel Tower who said, “My juices are…I...

May 4th

Coffee House Introspection

There is just something about sitting in a coffee shop and typing on a laptop that makes me feel creative and yet despise myself at the same time. By the simple fact of being here I am one of “them”. I am sitting alone with my computer and coffee. Despite my attempt to look at home here I feel a touch underdressed in my jeans and Where the Wild Things Are t-shirt. I don’t have a beard, pensive...

Feb 26th

The Secret to a Warm Outlook in Cold Weather: A...

I have lived in the midwest my entire life. And every year at about the same time an interesting series of events occurs. It begins with the lush landscape. An evolution takes place where yellow, brown, and red leaves displace the dominant shades of green. Many people have been known to travel great distances just to see the majesty of the fall colors. I am not one of those people. I live...

Jan 3rd

13 tags

Virgin Island Kayak Liner Notes

I have been asked where the idea was born for three guys from Kansas to attempt an ocean kayak trip. It was a combination of a couple of crucial ingredients that all came together about the same time. I don’t recall exactly where, but I came across a review of a book called On Island Time by Scott B. Williams. Scott is an author/adventurer (sound familiar? - except his business cards...

Dec 3rd

13 tags

Epilogue

It is now mid November. I am sitting in my home in Kansas closing out this story of my trip to the Virgin Islands. Outside the temperature is hanging in the thirties, raining, and by looking out the window I am overcome with lethargy. One month ago I was on the beach in the Caribbean just coming off of one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Writing this blog has helped maintain my inner...

Nov 17th

13 tags

Day 6: The final chapter

I woke to the bright glow of the sun shining down through the trees. It was about 5:30 a.m. It was amazing how exhaustion aids in a getting a good night’s sleep. I immediately hopped up, grabbed my knife, put on my flip flops and headed down to the beach to take inventory. My boat was right where I left it! I stopped, looked at it, and took a huge sigh of relief. My boat and I made it...

Oct 13th

13 tags

Day 5: The adventure takes a serious turn

Under normal circumstances waking to the gentle tapping of rain on the roof is enough to induce a sleepy smile, a deep sigh and maybe a body reposition that is conducive to returning to sleep. When on a small island in the Caribbean and your day is dictated by the weather, the morning rain can cause stress and trepidation. I don’t know who woke first, but as usual, the three of us roused...

Oct 12th

1 note

13 tags

Day 4: Against logic and common sense our heroes...

The anticipation of breaking camp, loading the kayaks, and heading out to sea proved to be greater than any thought or desire to take advantage of a perfect vacation morning by sleeping in. Once again we all crept from our tents earlier than anyone on a “vacation” should. Without speaking a word we individually took a mental inventory of our own supplies and analyzed the water of the...

Oct 12th

13 tags

Day 3: Why do all of the locals think we're...

Day three of the trip began with me waking to the sounds of barely audible conversation outside of my tent. Frank and Hef woke before me and were already discussing the previous night and the day ahead. Being the morning person that I am (not at all), I unzipped my tent and crawled out grumbling and wearing a scowl that is typically reserved for snowy Kansas mornings and inept waitresses. It...

Oct 10th

1 note

13 tags

Day 2: The boys and boats are all finally...

I woke to the faint glow of tropical sunlight creeping through the cracks in the curtain and the soothing sounds of waves lapping up on the shore. …actually, the waves kind’ve sounded like an angry fly trying to escape through a window. As the fog lifted from my brain I realized that it was my cell phone dancing on the night stand. It was Hef. He had arrived safely in St Thomas...

Oct 9th

13 tags

Day 1: KC to Dallas to Miami to St Thomas

For my “travel day” from KC to St Thomas I decided that rather than waltz you, the reader, through my day using witty puns and verbal ornamentation that is humorous yet compelling I decided to use simple notes and random thoughts. Although instead of embracing technology I opted for a good old fashioned pen and notebook. I like to refer to it as “roots” Twitter. Enjoy. ...

Oct 9th

13 tags

2009 Kayak (mis)Adventure: The Virgin Islands

In late 2008, a few friends and I began plotting a vacation/adventure that would be based on kayaking through the Virgin Islands. Another guy and myself had been there before and shared a common love for the islands. We investigated many options but found the only way to achieve what we wanted to accomplish would be to build our own “folding” kayaks (kayaks that could be broken down...

Oct 7th

1 note

Back to the Island (barrier that is)

For the last couple of years I have had the opportunity to spend a few summer days on the Florida shores along the Gulf Coast. Depending on your perspective, I am either one the of those fortunate people who “knows someone” or I am the jerk who gets a cheap vacation because he “knows someone”. Whichever side of the fence you reside in forming your opinion of someone like...

Jul 31st

“Once you’ve traveled, the voyage never ends, but it is played out over and...”

– Pat Conroy (novelist)

Jul 9th