One Year
I walked away from a steady job on April 7, 2006. It’s been over a year since I’ve had regular employment and a place to call home. The day I set out on this journey I knew I was doing the right thing, but I had no idea how fortunate I would be to make so many friends, to see remarkable sights and truly enjoy the voyage. From the studio, to the farm, and to The Lakes, this has been an amazing year.
One of the last recordngs I engineered at the Ordway Music Theater.
Getting to know the air seeder, and Bridgette the farm dog.
Trent, his brother Tyler, mother Deneise. This is the family who took me under their wing and taught me how to live and work as a farm hand, or “Hired Man”. A true leap of faith to take a stranger into their home.
Trent enjoys cameras.
Elgin and Esther - owners of the farm.
Max - the store dog at Carquest.
Gordie and Charlotte - friends, neighbors and encouragers.
I drove the Freightliner during fall harvest.
There were other semis on the farm, but Bessie was my favorite.
My first job with the Great Lakes Fleet was as a deck hand aboard the John G. Munson.
My second job was aboard the Roger Blough. I fell in love with the ship, the sights, and the people.
Shirley provided cakes, fresh pies, cookies and all sorts of decadent foods. It was not unusual for her to make a fresh batch of apple fritters and donuts just in time for the morning coffee break. She also kept tabs on the crew and mothered us without hesitation. She kept everyone in line.
Ryan was in charge of the kitchen and made meals that were fantastic.
Bryan - personable, quick witted, wildy inappropriate. Fun to work with.
Even though I was fascinated with life on the water, I never forgot my farm friends.
Every evening the sunsets were stunning.
After dinner, a spectacular show.
The ballast console kept me busy in the engine room.
Mike and Eric were with me on the Blough. Mike is a beast of a man with incredible strength. He enjoys talking like a pirate and has a laugh that lightens the work load. Eric is a mentor to me, an articulate man with intelligence to burn. Both of these men were also on winter work at Sturgeon Bay. This photo was taken in the control room of the Edgar B. Speer during the engine rebuild project.
John Lynch was the rebuild project director. A good man and a great friend.
James in Sturgeon Bay. Look in the archives (Feb 2007) to understand this photo.
The fun with diesel parts goes on and on….
Early morning in the shipyard.
We had plenty of company.
To hear a slice of fun from the rebuild project, click on “audio” in the list of albums at the top of the page.
This journey is far from over. I’ve enjoyed my time as a farm hand, a sailor, and most recently as a caregiver. The encouragement and support from family and friends has been sustaining, and will move me forward into a second year of exploration.
Thanks to everyone who has been kind, generous and supportive. I feel fortunate to know you.
Me with Dad. May, 2003
