Harbour Island in the Bahamas was originally inhabited by Arawak, a tribe of the Lucayan Indians. Shortly after Christopher Columbus discovered this area in the Bahamas’ Out islands the entire tribe of Lucayans was wiped-out by the Spanish Conquistadors. By the middle of the 16th century Harbour Island was desolate, it remained uninhabited for over 100 years.
Presently, it appears there are more chickens on the island than people. Population as of census 2010: 1,762 residents. Number of chickens: growing daily.
The Marina office provided a good introduction to the colorful island, the six foot metalwork is a fitting tribute to the abundance of roosters wandering aimlessly through the streets.
Pink Sands
Today, the island is a wedding destination, known for the long pink sand beaches stretching along its eastern shore.
Remote Island Life
Cargo for the island arrives by miniature commercial ships.
Resourceful recycling – these repurposed wine bottles now serve as a retaining wall.
Yes, Mike Gillespie, you would have enjoyed the hot dogs on the beach.
Narrow winding streets are the island standard since the main mode of transit is a golf cart.
Tourists hale from far and wide. Can you find your home state plate?
Local pubs are the best!
Stairs to a waterfront pub, where the electrical work is “creative”. This photo is for Dale and Ann. Can’t wait to see you on the 19th!
It’s raining again, but Maddie doesn’t seem to mind too much.
This boat should be called Darwinian. The passengers are drinking and swimming in those underwater blue lights. Potential Shark Bait?
Reminiscent of our trip on the Great Loop, we pulled up anchor at the break of dawn, for an early morning departure. With roughly nine hours running ahead of us we were greeted by a spectacular sunrise. This sea day was completely surrounded by water, with no land in sight. The water was gentle, with slow rolling waves, and, we arrived in full light.
Spanish Wells
Starbucks served here.
Sashimi courtesy of Rick C.
He caught A Rainbow Runner!
Spanish Wells is an adorable seaside village.
Now that’s a great boat name, Radar Love.
Bandit
To navigate the Devils Backbone it is local tradition to hire a “pilot” to lead your boat through the windy route, well known for shoaling. It turns out, with modern charts and gps you could safely navigate the route on your own, but we were happy to support the beloved local grand daddy, aptly named Bandit.
Bandit leads the way for Tonto’s Reward, followed closely by Exhale and Rejoice.
Originally named Pirate Cay, after female pirate Anne Bonny from the 1720’s, the island was renamed “Parrot Cay” so it would not frighten away tourists. Hey – Ho! Wait a minute, that’s the story of the island in Turks and Caicos.
But we did see a pirate ship
With three little boats in tow, bounty perhaps??
Marsh Harbour
Marsh Harbour was a good place to get provisions, once the rain let up. A free boat wash. You would be proud, Rodger, we walked to and from the grocery store. Got our steps in!
Dinner at Wally’s with RickC, Deedy and Linda was exceptional. The bread pudding, shared by all, got a 10 from Rick C, not to be taken lightly. We were very thankful for the magic of this small sterno can, since the flies disappear immediately.
The Conch Marina in Marsh Harbour was a good stop, excellent staff and a delightful stay.
Tilloo Cay Anchorage
This “Chain silencer” was invented by Loopers, Reality. Thanks 🙏 so much Rodger and Lorrie.
We enjoy anchoring.
Maddie was exhausted from another day in Paradise
Scout and Inhale explored Tahiti Beach again, finding Thirsty Cuda buzzing with activity.
At Cavern Cay we found a castle, the dock said “Far Side”, we are on the lookout for Gary Larson.
Maddie was happy to visit Cracker Ps, another dog friendly bar.
At anchor with Tonto’s Reward, Exhale hosted a relaxing dinner with the Bernstein’s.
We were sorry to say goodbye to Linda Moynahan, Rick Crossland’s sister.
Happy Birthday Finny!
Next Stop: Lynyard Cay, anchoring out with Rejoice and Tonto’s Reward.
One of my favorite childhood stories is Marcia Brown’s “Stone Soup”. Three hungry soldiers convince the villagers to work together, each contributing the perfect blend of ingredients, to make a feast!
Let me just say, the feast we enjoyed in Hope Town was award winning.
Thanks to Chef Rick C who orchestrated the perfect menu of fresh conk and snapper, caught by Treble in Paradise; heavenly corn and edamame succotash, from Rejoice; delicately prepared Bahamian fried rice, from Tonto’s Reward; and fresh steamed broccoli from Exhale.
The delectable seafood was prepared outdoors by the men, highlighted by Rick Gs infamous slap yo mama beer batter – perfectly coated on the snapper! The conch was beyond tender, best ever. Thanks again, Treble!
What a feast 🙏.
Beaches
A dink ride to the beach for a relaxing swim with Be Glad, Inhale, and Scout (photo by Linda)
It was a popular beach, with abundant talent. Bob Marta, you were right.
Floral Beauty
Exquisite, brilliant colors – these flowers are abundant in Hope Town.
Hibiscus for Jamie.
Orchids for Gail
Electric Blue House for Mija. N Street colors!
The views are stunning
A new Project?
The ultimate tree house. What do you think, Capt Rick – a new project? We think this house plan has lots of potential, with natural shade, and the beach nearby.
For my little brother, Sam.
Local talent
Local artist, Chaka Blatch, created a customized shoe basket for Exhale.
With only a ten mile run (enough to make 60 gallons of water!!), to the next island, we elected to tow Inhale for the first time. Yes, I was stressed. Imagining all sorts of silly tragedies including swamping the little girl.
Although docking with the dinghy was a little more challenging, with a patient captain, it all worked out.
This is a quaint little island renowned for its bars.
A local institution worth the visit.
jenga game in progress, these boards were begging us to play
The water is so gentle, With the help of Rejoice and Be Glad, you can portage for miles.
Push me, pull me, it easy in less than one foot of water.
There is something truly comforting about swimming in water that is so clear you can see your toes, as well as any little critter that just might be swimming alongside.
Running with Be Glad (the dink for Rejoice) it’s as if they were floating on air
We have never experienced such phenomenal water.
Reunited with Gail, David and the Bernstein Bears, Bert and EJ.
At the infamous Tipsy’s, Maddie got to belly up to the bar.
It’s official. Maddie Sue was there, reminiscing of her Looper drinking buddy, Maggie, from Subject to Change. Hey June and Tim!
Time to go exploring!
Life is good when there is a little shade on your dinghy. Rest assured, Maddie is very appreciative of the mini Bimini. Another Excellent DIY project completed by Capt Rock.
Happy birthday Sue Gillespie (June 2) and Lorrie Swink (June 3).
On the fly bridge of Treble in Paradise, Faye Turke spoiled the crew of Tonto’s Reward, Rejoice and Exhale with an exceptional concert. With a range of 3 and a half octaves, her multi lingual talent spans all genres, from Classical Portuguese to Metallica. No doubt, their NP45 is perfectly named AND the fly bridge comfortably accommodated a total of 10 people with two happy dogs, in addition to her professional sound system.
We discovered this iconic bar at Green Turtle on the way out – unfortunately it was not open at 8 am. Yet, another good reason to return.
Happy birthday to Scott G (May 28) and Craig A (June 1)
A beautiful anchorage shared with Rejoice, Treble in Paradise and Tonto’s Reward.
Welcome greetings from Scout.
On the water today we met Slo Cruising. She’s a North Pacific 43. They were delighted to see our NP49, followed by Treble’s NP45! A super mini rendezvous.
It was a spectacular day on the water
Rejoice waiving hello – from the fly bridge and the bow – to Ray and Caryl, fellow Gold Loopers.
Thanks for hosting dinner Rick and Deedy C. The ceviche was more than yummy.
Hey Faye, Maddie loves the new UV protected shirt. Look Bert and EJ – Proud to wear the Ocean Reef logo.
First, a message to our followers – WiFi is not reliable in The Bahamas, so don’t be worried, Ray, if we don’t post on a regular basis.
Deep Waters
A new record, water depths exceeding 2500 feet!
We did it! Crossing the Straits of Florida – 72 nautical miles in 9 hours – was a piece of cake compared to the overnight trek across the Gulf of Mexico we endured last fall!
And, Rick found a project while underway. You know, he loves to do projects.
Tonto’s Reward dubbed Capt Rick as “the radio whisperer”, attributing his quiet transmissions to his method of using the radio. It turned out there was truly a loose wire to blame. WWRD? Repair it, of course.
Clearing customs is an unpredictable experience. Sometimes the agents are very friendly and expedient, other times they seem to be very curious about the beautiful boats in their marina. Some of the group of four boats were processed quickly (Rejoice) while others took much longer (Treble in Paradise).
Now that we have all cleared customs, it’s island time.
Hello Rejoice!! So happy to be reunited with our gold Looper friends, beloved Nebo tracking maven, Deedy, and her hubby – fishing expert, and award winning chef – Capt Rick Crossland.
Memorial Day offers a moment to gather together, as a united nation, to give thanks for the blessed life we enjoy, in tribute to the men and women who bravely fought for the freedoms many of us now take for granted. On this day, I lament those that passed away, many of them far too young; including my dad and beloved uncles, who served during World War II. I also give thanks to living relatives and dear friends, men and women from every branch of service, who have dedicated their lives in every capacity imaginable to protect our country. Special thanks to David, Ray, Caryl, the Gill cousins, and all our dear friends, for your service.
“We must always remember that peace is a fragile thing that needs constant vigilance. “
President Ronald Reagan, 1986, Arlington National Cemetery
Thank you for keeping the peace.
Special Celebrations
Happy birthday Zach and Wyatt!!
On May 25, the Bernsteins celebrate their 45th anniversary! An early celebration included a truly special meal at the Islander, Ocean Reef.
Party goers included Rick and Mary, David and Gail, Tom and Faye, Roger and Connie.
Our sincere thanks to David and Gail Bernstein, who introduced us to their wonderful club in Key Largo. With heavy winds expected, we will be hanging out with Bert and EJ for a few days. It’s a beautiful life!
Ocean Reef
On board Connie and Roger’s dinghy, we explored the mangrove lined canals.
Ducking under two fixed bridges, a warm reminder of the beloved canals in Belmont Shore.
Hey Mo, Rick said thanks for sending the Bentley, if only it was the dark blue one.
Tonight we will enjoy fresh snapper, thanks to Capt Tom and Faye, Treble in Paradise, they caught 5 fish on the way to Key Largo.
Tom said this was the smallest fish …. No matter, with a little beer batter and Slap-Yo-Mama cajun seasoning, prepared perfectly by chef Capt Rick, it was absolutely yum-a-licious.
Now for a few fun boat names:
Hummingbird
VaMooseIn Conch-nito
When the weather allows, our next stop will be Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale.
Traversing from Marco River to Marathon, Exhale was underway for 10.5 hours, a distance of 91.3 nautical miles, with a max speed of 11.9 knots (whoooo hooo) she averaged 8.7 knots per hour. Thats super cruising!
In Marathon, we happily reunited with our newly retired friends Faye and Tom. Treble in Paradise, it feels so good!
Nice Yard, Sandy Cocoa Puff! Yes, that’s a beautiful North Pacific.
Fishing time
Docked next to Exhale, Capt Joe caught and released this little tarpon in less than five minutes.
Life is good for this boat dog. Captain Rick said Maddie is “Anticipating swimming with the piggies”.
May 20
Departed Fort Myers. Morning rendezvous with Tonto’s Reward at channel marker 73. Beautiful weather, gorgeous calm waters. Running together at 8 knots per hour. Bahamas here we come!!
The well seasoned crew begins a new adventure on the 20th of May 2019 as Exhale departs Fort Myers, FL, destined to “loop” the Bahamas.
Along the way we plan to connect with beloved Gold Looper, Rejoice; North Pacific friends, Treble in Paradise; Fort Myers friends Tonto’s Reward, Janine Marie, Li’l Sum’n Sum’n, Yippee-Ki-Yea, Moonshadow, plus a few special guests.
There are numerous little places to explore in the Florida panhandle. In fact, our early loop plans contemplated nearly a month meandering slowly down the west coast of Florida. #1 lesson learned on this journey: all plans are subject to change.
ClearWater, Florida
Still fueled by the adrenalin rush of crossing the Gulf of Mexico, we realized we could reach Fort Myers in just two long days. Unanimous vote by the crew, let’s go for it!
Crew Member Dave Floyd ready to depart at day break.
Sunrise over ClearWater.
Venice, Florida, November 10th
Thanks Capt Rick for arranging the most decadent of dinners at the Crows Nest in Venice. When we docked at the restaurant, we were met by two of the most capable marina hands on our journey who tied us up, lick-it-ee split. Thanks Brad and Aaron!
Our niece, Austin Maurer, born on the 11th hour of the 11th month of the 11th year (November 11, 2011 at 11 am).
Austin turns 7.
Today is the day Exhale will cross her wake. In our final leg we celebrated a golden sunrise, for a gold looper day.
Familiar Waters – the canals of Town & River
It was a little bittersweet as we entered our home canal. The bucket list adventure was quickly coming to an end. For some on board, the journey was ending too soon. One crew member was more decisive; Admiral Maddie Sue was eager to return to her grassy yard.
Fort Myers Arrival – Crossing Her Wake
As the house came into view, we could see fellow boaters and land lubbers awaiting our return. Thank you Steve Jones, friend extraordinaire, for orchestrating the warm homecoming!
Upholding a glorious mariner’s tradition, we were greeted by a Canon Salute!
Fire in the Hole – Capt. Anders Liljequist. Former owner of Meanders, NPY’49
Friends at the dock included
Donna and Steve
Joe and Chris
Exhale Crew
Loopers Roger and Lorrie Swink
Anders, Marty and Rick!
Raising the Gold Flag
As Capt Rick has said, numerous times, the best part of this journey is the people we met. We made many new friends along the way, friends for reasons, friends for seasons, and a special few, who we believe, will be friends for a life time.
A proud and beloved fish shirt finishes the Loop!
Thank you everyone, for sharing in this journey.
Capt Rick, First Mate Mary, Admiral Maddie Sue, Lorrie Swink, Roger Swink, Dave Floyd, Capt Marty Liljequist, Donna Wallace, Capt Anders Liljequist
This is the PC Exhale, Gold Looper 2018, signing off for now.
Great Loop Final Stats
Nautical Miles (NM): 4,908, Average speed: 6.30 knots, Fuel Consumption Per Hour: 3.46 gallons, NM per gallon: 1.82, Avg Nautical Miles per travel day: 35.3
Statute Miles (SM): 5,648, Average Speed: 7.25 MPH, SM per gallon: 2.096, Avg Statute Miles per travel day: 40.6
Engine Hours: 779
Total Days to complete Loop: 256, Travel Days/Stops along the way: 139
Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama (18)
Canada Provinces (June 10 – August 9): Quebec, Ontario (2).
Side trips (via train, plane or automobile):
Los Angeles (MS [3 – April, May & Sept], Rick [5 – May, June, July, Sept, Oct] & Maddie [2 – May, Sept], Cleveland (RMG, MS & Maddie [2- April and July], Craig [April]), St. Charles, St. Louis, and Chattanooga (with B & B), Lookout Mountain & Missionary Ridge, TN by train (with B & B), MS road trip from Orange Beach, Alabama to Fort Myers with Maddie, drove from Fort Myers to Orange Beach with Dave Floyd
Boating can be spectacular – it can also be treacherous. We cannot emphasize enough – Weather Advisories must be taken seriously – as Mother Nature has no pity for fools. Be Smart. Plan for the worst, establish a safety plan, and travel with a known boat buddy (someone you trust, and care about). When there is a weather window – Go, Go, Go!
Apalachicola, Florida
But First, a scrumptious meal with Unfettered & Gypsy at Up the Creek Oyster Raw Bar. Rick and I agreed, it was possibly the best shrimp we have ever eaten! We also said a tearful but happy “See Ya Later” to Gypsy. Don’t worry Susan and Jim, we will connect again (Jim, there’s still a Gin Smash in the fridge awaiting your return).
Gulf of Mexico Crossing Schedule
Departure: Thursday, 11/8/2018. Time: 1100 hours
On Board: Flotilla commander – Captain Rick; First Mate – Mary; Seasoned Crew, Co-Pilot, Chef, and Bridge Measuring Tall Guy – David Floyd; Admiral, Safety Officer – Maddie Sue.
Float Plan: Depart Apalachicola, FL at 1100 hours, Crossing the Gulf of Mexico. Approximately 171 miles. Average Speed 7 knots. Lead Boat is Exhale followed by Unfettered. Cavara to fall into rank en-route. Rendezvous with Bushranger roughly 1400 hrs (2 pm). Roll Call includes 1) Exhale, 2) Bushranger, 3) Unfettered, 4) Cavara. Destination: Clearwater, FL. Estimated Travel Time – 24 hours.
Crew Shifts: 2.2.2
Over the period of 24 hours, Three crew member shifts, scheduled as follows: 2.2.2 Two hour nap, Two hour “on watch” in co-pilot seat, two hour as boat pilot, repeat. Subject to change, or as vetoed by the commander, of course.
Captain’s Log: Thursday, Nov 8, 1124 hours (11 am), Apalachicola
Departed with Buddy Boat, Unfettered.
Unfettered. Shoeless Corey, aka “on the threes”, running up top
Rendezvous with Bushranger successful. Package handoff completed.
Cookies transferred (not tossed). Boat Bread received.
Captain’s Log: 1414 hours, Flotilla roll call complete.
Captain’s Log 1500 hours.
All Looper’s in position. Water slight chop. Roll call and hourly report from Flotilla, all is well, more or less.
Crew Report: Nap in bow cabin failed attempt, water felt like a bucking bronco.
Crew Report 1600 hours Commander at helm station, taking catnap.
Safety Officer, Maddie Sue, on guard.
Crew Report: 1700 hours – Crockpot filled with beef stew, courtesy of Chef David.
By the way, thanks again Marty & Anders! We used this baby many, many times.
Captain’s Log: Thursday, 1730 hours (5:30 pm), sun setting on the Gulf of Mexico
Photo by David Floyd
Captain’s Log: 1800 hours.
Running Lights are on. Flotilla is in position. Gentle Rolling Waves. All is well.
Bushranger, Unfettered, Cavara
Friday, November 9, 2018
Crew Report: Friday, November 9, 0100 hours (1 am). Commander sleeping. Dolphins observed playing starboard, alongside the pilot house cabin door, as if to say “hey”!
Bushranger set a course to Tarpon Springs. Travel Safe Aussie’s
Unfettered, Cavara
Captain’s Log: 5:58 am – Crack of Dawn
Friday 5:58 am
Captain’s Log 6:10 am – Here Comes the Sun
6:51 am, Gulf of Mexico
6:53 am, Gulf of Mexico
Arrival in Clearwater: Friday, November 9, 11:10 am. On Schedule (Yep, 24 hours!)
WE DID IT!
Thanks Commander Rick for the phenomenal planning, level headed guidance, exceptional buddy boat skills (adjusting speed for the turtle boat) and perfect timing for the weather window; it was a course well set for all! Thanks to everyone in the flotilla, the hourly check-ins by all boats kept everyone entertained and awake, thanks to Capt Rick (and watch dog Maddie Sue), we all arrived safe. And, thanks to David Floyd for making the 11 hour road trip to join us on the final leg.
Clearwater, Florida. Little Toot
Enjoying the timing of this little boat. In my head: I think we can; I hope we can; I know we can; oh YES, we did!
Turtle Tribute
For all the Turtle Boats
For those of you unfamiliar with the Gulf of Mexico Crossing, here’s our Nebo Log, complete with a map showing the route and speed intervals over a period of 24 hours. Let’s be clear – crossing the gulf of Mexico in the dark of the night, with no land in sight, was a BIG deal!!
Gulf crossing commences with smooth waters, Nov 8, 2018.
Breaking News: 24-hour gulf crossing in progress, November 8, 2018.
If the water is smooth, it should be approximately 24 hours. Yep, 24. From Scipio to Clearwater is 171 nautical miles. To save you the math, that means 7.125 knots per hour, on average. We left the dock at 11 am, so we plan to be in Clearwater by 11 am on November 9, 2018.
Breathe deep everyone, we got this! We are traveling with three buddy boats, Bushranger, Unfettered and Cavara.
First, Let’s Get Caught Up.
Orange Beach, Alabama
We left off in Orange Beach where we had an Aussie good time with Bushranger
Mark and Heather Rutherford in Orange Beach, Bushranger.
Utopia crosses its wake
Congrats to our fabulous dirt neighbors, Ann and Dale for crossing your wake!!
Road Trip to Fort Myers, FL
Exhale was docked in Orange Beach while Rick flew to LA and Mary and Maddie drove to Fort Myers.
Maddie is happy to be in Fort Myers where couch patrol resumes.
It was a great time to catch up with friends (Hey, Donna!) and meet with nonprofit clients, including Southwest Florida Community Foundation, Wildlife Education Project and Eva’s Closet.
Happy Halloween from the SWFL Yacht Club
Happy Halloween!
Alaska style Halloween. Alice, Mary, and Frances. Notice the costumes over winter wear! ~ 1965
Hello to our yacht club friends.
Bolder Boards with Dan Pallotta
From an inspirational Long Beach CA TED Talk in 2013, to a personal meeting with Dan Pallotta. Living a Dream.
Meet Dan Pallotta. Charity Case. I’m possible. I am overhead. Thanks for listening, Sarah.
Working with my favorite nonprofit, SWFLCF – Dan Pallottaat the Collaboratory. (thanks, Sarah, Sydney and Erica. The Art of Thank You.)
Wildlife Education Project
Meet another nonprofit client, Dot and Trooper from WEP, taking care of business at Bank of America.
Eva’s Closet
Dear friend, and former colleague, Danielle Visone, strategy chat with Board member of Eva’s Closet.
Thanks for Voting!
For all of you who got out and voted, no matter what oval you filled in, THANKS!
Te Amo, Mija.
Sunrise in Fort Myers
An early departure, Dave joined us for an 11 hour car ride with Maddie from Fort Myers to Orange Beach.
Traveling with Friends
Dave Floyd is back on board, he’s doing the crossing with us. Hooray! And, thanks.
Reunion with Gypsy – Welcome to Florida
It is great to travel with Gypsy. They inspired us to run from the Fly Bridge. So awesome.
Florida State Line
Welcome Committee
Hello from the Florida girls.
Fort Walton Beach, FL with Gypsy
Standing Proud in the face of Hurricane Michael
Ever wonder where those tarps come from? Operation Blue Roof by the Corp of Engineers is well underway.
Here we go – may the waters be smooth and the weather gods kind.
Traveling with Unfettered, Cavara and Bushranger. Flat waters so far. Taking turns staying awake!
We just met Bushranger on the water! The exchange: boat baked bread from Heather for boat baked oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, packed in a water tight bag in case the handoff (in motion) gets soggy. Yum!
Next up: Chill the Champagne, Exhale is about to Cross her wake in Fort Myers!
Where Have We Been So Far? Thanks for asking :-)
Nautical miles traveled as of November 8 (before the gulf crossing): 4,609, fuel consumption: 2,543 gallons
Total Locks completed = 150
Florida – Lake Okeechobee area: 7
Virginia – Great Dismal Swamp: 2
New York – Troy & Champlain Canal: 12
CANADA – Chambly Canal/Quebec: 9
CANADA – Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway: 5
CANADA – Rideau Canal/Ontario: 47
CANADA – Trent-Severn Waterway: 44
Illinois – Calumet, Illinois and Ohio Rivers: 8 locks plus 2 dams (wickets thrown down)
Kentucky – Kentucky Lake Lock and Dam: 1
Tennessee – Pickwick Lock and Dam: 1
Tenn-Tombigbee Waterway: 12
States and Provinces traversed on the water, commencing March 1, 2018:
Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama (18)
Canada Provinces (June 10 – August 9): Quebec, Ontario (2).
Side trips (via train, plane or automobile):
Los Angeles (MS [3 – April, May & Sept], Rick [5 – May, June, July, Sept, Oct] & Maddie [2 – May, Sept], Cleveland (RMG, MS & Maddie [2- April and July], Craig [April]), St. Charles, St. Louis, and Chattanooga (with B & B), Lookout Mountain & Missionary Ridge, TN by train (with B & B), MS road trip from Orange Beach, Alabama to Fort Myers with Maddie
The hateful synagogue massacre, killing 11 innocent people could not be ignored.
On this journey we have been greatly detached from the news. In some cases it is the lack of transmission, in other cases we have chosen to unplug. This week the hateful synagogue massacre, killing 11 innocent people could not be ignored.
This time, it’s personal
Many of you know, Rick was born in Pittsburg. His parents were born and raised in Squirrel Hill, the home of Tree Life Congregation. The synagogue is located “right up the street from Grandma’s house.” Yes, the Ginsburgs still have family in Squirrel Hill.
For a while Rick’s parents lived in Latrobe, PA, a city in Westmoreland County, part of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. Think small town USA. In 2017 the population was ~7,900. Home of the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp, Latrobe was also the residence of comedian Jackie Mason, iconic golfer Arnold Palmer and America’s beloved sweater wearing neighbor, Mr. Rogers.
Tree of Life Congregation, or L’Simcha, is where Rick’s parents were married, and where Rick went as a young child. The tragic news of a mass murder struck hard.
Life in a Small Town
Most big cities are really just a lot of little neighborhoods. So, just focus on your little block, your little corner of the world. In Latrobe, PA, a town where the Banana Split was created, for real, similar to small towns in Alaska, and in Squirrel Hill, everyone felt like extended family. Growing up in a small town gives you a sense of belonging, and of accountability.
Remember the Lost Souls
Perhaps it is easy to click off the news, on the radio and on the tv, to continue with your life as if nothing happened, again. Please, don’t. Don’t bury your head in the sand, and don’t forget the eleven who died:
David Rosenthal, 54; Cecil Rosenthal, 59; Richard Gottfried, 65; Jerry Rabinowitz, 66; Irving Younger, 69; Daniel Stein, 71; Joyce Fienberg, 75; Bernice Simon 84; Sylvan Simon, 86; Melvin Wax, 88; and Rose Mallinger, 97.
You can make a difference:
No matter what your religious beliefs or political persuasion – in our house we are a little of everything – we must stand together. We must have a zero tolerance for hatred and violence in all forms. We must treat all men and women with true equality AND we must honor the human rights of all the people on this fragile planet we call earth.
We can agree, or disagree on so many things, but violence cannot be tolerated.
Contact your elected officials, often. Remind them of their fiduciary responsibility to the citizens who elected them. Demand they act on behalf of the families they represent, and that they take a stand. Hold them accountable.
A lesson from Mr. Rogers, “Won’t you be my neighbor?”
So here’s a little challenge: If you don’t know your neighbors, go next door and say hello. You might make a new friend. And if you do know your neighbors, go check in. Form your own little neighborhood watch.
Just for fun, wear a sweater.
A message from Rabbi Harry Rosenfeld
Finally, in the words of my beloved rabbi Harry Rosenfeld (formerly from Congregation Beth Sholom in Anchorage, AK):
“We need to step out front and change our world for the better. Building a fortress and locking ourselves in does not make us safer. It lets the hate grow and ultimately win. Take positive actions. Voting, teaching kindness, and standing up for what is ethical is positive action.”
Next week we will continue with our journey on Exhale.
And, Rick found a project while underway. You know, he loves to do projects.
Nice Yard, Sandy Cocoa Puff! Yes, that’s a beautiful North Pacific.
May 20
Exhale on the Water 