Friday, Sept 9, 2022. One day before “race” day. Friday morning, Anton stayed in the hotel room to finish up a few things on his laptop for work while the rest of us went exploring before the mandatory safety meeting at 1:00pm. We chose to drive south on the lone road that threads the length … Continue reading CH 3: Anne Beach and Amara Cay
Tag: writing
Weather Limbo
In the spirit of hurricane preparedness, we're ready but we're also doing normal crap like playing World of Warcraft and going to work tomorrow. While my bro Anton and I grew up in central Florida, we currently reside in Hillsborough County which is way closer to the coast than we're used to being for named … Continue reading Weather Limbo
CH 2: Point A to Point B
Thursday, Sept 8, 2022. Two days before "race" day. Reaching the general vicinity of the venue of the Swim to Alligator Lighthouse was an endeavor in itself. Seriously. I currently live in Tampa, FL. Our destination was the village of Islamorada in the Florida Keys. I won't give you a minute-by-minute account, but I woke … Continue reading CH 2: Point A to Point B
CH 1: Swimming Adventure in the Florida Keys
I participated in an open water swimming event this past weekend in Islamorada in the Florida Keys. The course began at Amara Cay Resort and took us 4-miles off the coast to Alligator Lighthouse and back. Anton (my brother) convinced Maddie (his girlfriend), Vanessa (our older sister) and me to sign up with him in … Continue reading CH 1: Swimming Adventure in the Florida Keys
Unsettled Spirits
A GROUP OF MONKS fled with the forest snapping at their heels. The forest itself squealed with bending tree limbs and groaning trunks; the deafening thrashing of lush branches grew wilder as the exhausted and despairing monks burst into a clearing. They prayed to be able to see the next village from the treeline. It … Continue reading Unsettled Spirits
Fish in the Water
Captain Hass was still laughing when the looming tower-like fin of a submarine glided alongside their lifeboats. For years, a hijacking operation targeted yachts and small ocean liners resulting in stolen ships and victims abandoned in lifeboats. Scores of lives and livelihoods had been disrupted and ruined to the degree of bankruptcy and suicide however, … Continue reading Fish in the Water
Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 15)
"Now please take the lady for a chat at a table that isn't mine so I can eat my breakfast in peace." I exhaled. "Thank you." Still seated, Zvonko stared up at me. "Mesa," he said in a low voice, "what are you doing?" I lowered my voice, too. "Something stupid out of blind panic." … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 15)
Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 14)
I sleep well anywhere. My cot below deck aboard The Constellation was no exception. I woke instantly when a steward made rounds for wake up calls at first light. I dressed and ducked out into the narrow passageway. Lally stepped out of his own compartment and we saw each other as we secured our respective … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 14)
Jail or Hell
"I hate you," grumbled the priest, seated in a dusty corner and handcuffed to a thick pipe. "I hate you more," growled the gangster. Despite wearing clothes easily worth more than $2000, he also sat on the floor as he was handcuffed same pipe. A detective looked at them from where she leaned over several … Continue reading Jail or Hell
Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 13)
The Bandit's captive surgeon Dr. Fourier knocked politely at the study door out of habit, earning yet another disapproving growl from the bull-like sailor guarding the door. The color drained from Fourier's face. "Apologies," he mumbled. He lowered his hazel-green eyes to the small cart of breakfast things intended for the prisoners being held in … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 13)