Dawn Comes to Vejer

The start of the day is my favorite time. I am a morning person, my wife likes to remind me. Before the sun comes up, I’m already prowling. We were on a trip to Spain with friends and found ourselves in Vejer de la Frontera in Andalucia. This is one of the pueblos blancos, that is the white towns. Of course I was up early, walking the streets, greeting the odd stray cats, and looking for good story material. Here’s a view from the town into the valley below.

The fog rolls in from the sea, shrouding the entire valley from view. Then, as the sun rises, it gradually burns away the veil, leaving a beautiful view from the road that climbs up to Vejer. Driving from town to town in Spain is a favorite activity of mine. They have similarities, but each one has unique characteristics, such as their own style of church, a different type of fountain in the plaza, or a clever group of shops arranged along a winding street. Invariably the people are both hospitable and genuinely pleased to meet the traveler. Of course, the food is beyond excellent, which is why I always wear my expandable pants when I venture to Spain.

Where is your favorite drive? Let me know.

Published in: on July 9, 2008 at 1:36 pm  Comments (2)  
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Sinking of the Red Oak

The Red Oak was a United States Coast Guard buoy tender. As mentioned in previous posts, I used to build artificial reefs by sinking ships and other materials off the coast of New Jersey and Delaware, USA. The Red Oak was stripped of all re-usable equipment, including her engines, generators, and other machinery. All fuel, oil, and floatables were also removed. In the end, she was a steel hulk that looked like this:

We towed her from Baltimore to a spot just off Cape May, New Jersey. Once anchored, I went below and cut several holes at the waterline using a standard cutting torch. Water lapped into these holes and to accelerate the process, I removed two covers from the stern tubes that were well below the waterline. It took about half an hour until the hull heeled and took solid water over the deck like this:

It was strange how this vessel sank. The holes were in the stern, but it went down bow first. There was less space forward and thus less water was required for the area to lose buoyancy. However, the stern was definitely heavier and should have pulled itself down first. No matter, soon the scene looked like this:

I’ve heard that the wreck is an excellent dive and fishing spot. Given that it is close to Cape May, I’m not surprised. There are any number of good charter operators who take people fishing from the various marinas most every day the weather is good enough. The artificial reef program in the United States has done wonders for the sport fishing community and the environment. It is an effort that deserves continued support. Please enjoy our marine resources responsibly.

Now, if I could only get my friends in Aruba to do this. Aruba has ideal conditions to sink wrecks for both diving and marine habitat enhancement. One more thing I have to work on there.

Published in: on July 9, 2008 at 3:52 am  Leave a Comment  
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Please, Ring the Bell!

My favorite daytime hangout in Aruba is Charlie’s Bar on Main Street, San Nicolaas. I’ve mentioned it before, talked about Charlie and said a few other things as well. This time, let’s take a look at a few detail shots of the place. In the first place, there is the bell hanging in the middle of the bar. Please, ring the bell, especially if you see me sitting there. You’ll have the pleasure of buying everyone seated at the bar a drink. In due course, someone will return the favor, until… hmm…. we’ve all taken a turn. Here’s the bell.

 You would be surprised at the effectiveness of this action when it comes to making friends. We’ll all cheer. We’ll all salute your generosity, your good looks, and the brilliance of your children should you have any. You will have joined the company of legions to have passed through this place and had a similar honor. Seriously now, there’s nothing wrong with having a few beverages among strangers that share the company of a good story or two. Besides, no harm done, aside of a little ding to the wallet.

Around the bar you’ll find quite a lot of junk and I use that term affectionately. Among the various objects you’ll find a large bulletin board like structure that holds patches from just about every fire department, law enforcement agency, prison, plumber and tradesman. Here’ a look at that.

That totem pole, wacky T-shirt, and old license plates will also hold your attention for hours if you’re not careful. And then there is the honeymoon sauce as advertised by this sign hanging from the ceiling.

Please note the warning below. The sauce is great for eggs, steaks, anything you want to put some zing into. People gobble it up while dining at the bar. A little goes a long way.

Finally, there is my beverage of choice. It is a simple one that I alternately call agua bendita (holy water) or tooth varnish. Jack Daniel’s mixed with club soda and plenty of ice. That hits the spot when I’m not in the mood for an ICE COLD Coca-Cola. A photo, just for the memories.

 What’s your favorite beverage while on vacation or simply to relax? Let me know. Don’t forget. Please ring the bell!

(By the way, did you ever see a 25 – denomination note for another currency?)


Published in: on July 8, 2008 at 9:34 pm  Comments (2)  
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One Anchor, Many Souls

On the southeast tip of the island of Aruba, there stands a giant anchor, serving as a memorial to all the sailors who ventured to sea. My friend Charlie Brouns, Jr. had the anchor placed there. Upon Charlie’s death, his dear friend Mr. Speiziale had the anchor repainted bright red, Charlie’s color of choice. Here’s a photo taken early on a hazy morning:

As much as sailors love the sea, they still long for the comfort of terra firma, especially after a particularly long or arduous voyage. And then there are those who die in the clutches of the ocean, lost forever to the deep. A character in my novel, An Island Away, finds himself adrift in the Caribbean after his tugboat sinks at the edge of a storm. He comes within sight of this spot and is nearly cast upon the rocks by the driving waves. Salvation seemed to be at hand, only to be snatched away. Ultimately, he makes it to a beach some distance from this spot, but he’s nearly dead.

Many of us may not realize the risks taken by people such as members of the merchant marine. Even in this modern day, the sea claims its share of casualties. Products ranging from crude oil, to fruit, to automobiles, to computers are all transported aboard ships before they reach our homes. And there are still pirates out there, cut-throat misanthropes willing to kill for profit instead of earning an honest living. Now there’s an idea for a story: someone attacked or kidnapped by these recent additions to the shameful list of pirates. The plot could be one of violent intrigue surrounding a valuable cargo that must be recovered for some important reason. Hmmmm…. have any ideas?

Published in: on July 8, 2008 at 3:37 pm  Leave a Comment  
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