In Search of the Elusive Roseate Spoonbill

In Search of the Elusive Roseate Spoonbill

Many years ago, I saw my first roseate spoonbill in the Atchafalaya Delta, South Louisiana. I wasn’t a birder at the time. In fact, the spoonbill was pointed out to me by my mentor, Ivor. Ivor spent years researching natural processes in the Atchafalaya, including its...
Dodging Dangerous Summer Storms

Dodging Dangerous Summer Storms

Anchored in north-facing Manjack lagoon, Spartina began to roll occasionally on random ocean swells. By midnight, the rolling became regular. Swells, from tropical storm Chris off the Carolina Coast, had found us in Abaco. It was mid-July and time to leave the...
Uncle Charlie’s Beach

Uncle Charlie’s Beach

We anchored Spartina in 15’ of water near a narrow beach just west of Lynyard Cay. I snorkeled over the anchor to make sure we had a good set. After that, Grace (the dog), Julia, and I dinghied over for a walk-about. The roughly 100-yard long carbonate sand beach was...
Good Morning Abaco

Good Morning Abaco

The mailboat idled by Spartina at 5 a.m. as we sat moored in Settlement Harbour, Great Guana Cay, Abaco. Deck lights illuminated two Bahamians securing gear as it exited the harbor. Left behind on government docks was a mountain of dry goods, hardware, and the mail....
Big Bertha’s Close Call

Big Bertha’s Close Call

We left Nassau the first week of July 1996 aboard Sailing Vessel Royal Affair, bound for New York City. I’d never been to New York and was excited about the visit. The 90-foot charter sailing yacht was one of two owned by my employer — we’ll call him Homer. I took...

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