Blue to Beyond

Category: Swimming

  • Reel-y Good Times

    Florida vacation St. George island

    Just got back from an incredible four-day escape to St. George Island, and let me tell you, it was exactly what the soul needed! After years of the corporate grind, these adventures are what I live for now, and this trip delivered in spades.

    The plan was simple: sun, sand, and plenty of fishing. What we got was even better. From the moment we crossed the bridge onto the island, that distinct “Forgotten Coast” charm enveloped us. The air was fresh, the pace was slow, and the Gulf stretched out, an inviting canvas of blue.

    And oh, the fishing! My trusty rod and reel were practically singing. Over the four days, whether casting from the shore, wading the flats in Apalachicola Bay, or even trying our luck off a local pier, the fish were biting like crazy. We lost count a few times, but conservatively, we reeled in a staggering 50 to 60 fish! Catfish, whiting, 2 stingrays, and 1 feisty lady fish – the variety was fantastic. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a tug on the line, the fight, and the satisfying moment of bringing in a beautiful catch. Each fish felt like a little victory, a testament to the island’s abundant waters.

    But as much as I love the thrill of the catch, this trip was about so much more than just the numbers. It was about sharing those moments with the people who matter most. My family and friends were right there with me, enjoying every sun-drenched second. We laughed, we told stories, we navigated tangled lines (mine, mostly!), and we celebrated every nibble and every landed fish together.

    Beyond the fishing, St. George Island offered the perfect backdrop for pure relaxation and connection. We spent mornings strolling the pristine, uncrowded beaches, collecting shells and watching the dolphins play in the surf. Afternoons were for leisurely lunches, enjoying fresh seafood at local spots that truly capture the island’s laid-back vibe. Evenings were reserved for breathtaking sunsets over the Gulf, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, followed by stargazing that reminded us just how vast and beautiful the world is beyond our daily routines.

    It’s these moments of shared joy, the simple pleasures, and the undeniable beauty of nature that truly define my new adventures. St. George Island, with its incredible fishing and family-friendly atmosphere, was a perfect reminder that leaving the corporate world was the best decision I ever made. The reels are still humming, but now, it’s a different kind of freedom they sing of.

    If you’re looking for a place to unplug, cast a line, and reconnect with loved ones, put St. George Island on your list. You won’t regret it. I’m already dreaming of my next visit!

  • God Winks

    What started as a simple stroll with my daughter, Hannah, along the Ivy Creek Greenway in Lawrenceville, GA, quickly unfolded into a day filled with those magical, unscripted moments Hannah refers to as “God Winks.” The air was crisp, the birds were singing, and the dappled sunlight filtered through the trees, painting shifting patterns on the path ahead.

    As we meandered, taking in the peaceful surroundings, we came across a turtle contentedly sunbathing on the path, its ancient eyes seemingly observing the world with a calm wisdom. A little further on, a small caterpillar was making its determined, slow journey across our path, a tiny reminder to appreciate the unhurried pace of nature. Then, the real “God Wink” of the morning unfolded. Rounding a bend, we spotted three graceful deer, their coats a warm brown against the green foliage, quietly enjoying their day, completely unfazed by our presence. Hannah, with her keen eye and joyful spirit, whispered, “That’s a God Wink” and it truly felt like a special acknowledgment of our shared moment.

    Our walk also offered a breathtaking view of the Woodward Mill Dam, a tribute to both nature’s power and human ingenuity, its steady flow a soothing soundtrack to our morning.

    After our invigorating hike, the warmth of the afternoon called for a different kind of refreshment. We headed to the pool, where the fun continued with my son, Dylan, his wonderful girlfriend, Madison, and of course, Hannah. The water was a welcome embrace, and the laughter and splashing filled the air as we enjoyed a perfect interlude of family time, punctuated by cannonballs and cheerful banter.

    As dusk began to settle, we made our way to the grand finale of our day: fireworks in Auburn, GA. Finding a great spot, we settled in as the sky transformed into a canvas of brilliant light and color. Each burst and crackle was a punctuation mark on a day already bursting with joy and connection. From the quiet “God Winks” of the morning to the explosive beauty of the evening, it was a reminder of how simple pleasures, shared with loved ones, create the most vibrant and lasting memories.

    What “God Winks” have you experienced lately?