Travel Maximus

I am a faithful believer of Karma. For better or for worse, it will always comes back. It came back to me in the best possible way this Memorial weekend.

A friend of mine, Joseph Mann, cordially invited me onto his Private island on Stockton waterway. I love being near, on, in the water. I could not pass up this kind invitation. I knew I would have a great time. I had no idea ‘how’ great of a jovial time this special day would bring.

Duke Joseph and Duchess Marika

Before I arrive to the Marina, the night before, Joseph sent me this picture.

Twilight of the Island. Needless to day, I could sleep after I viewed this picture.

In the morning, as I was preparing to head out to the Island, I received this picture from my friend.

Fantasy Island !! and it is only one hour away from my residence.

I arrived at the Marina and Joseph escorted me to the Fast Boat. The weekend fun begins!

Let the fun begins! No! don;t let this still picture fool you. We were shredding across the water at a shredding speed.

We are off! I am filled with Adrenaline!

Before I could come down from my ultimate HIGH, I was informed that we need to make a special run to Stockton town – by Fast Boat! I am so ready for another water-shredding adventure. Joseph, you have done a noblest treatment to a friend! The trip took about 30 minutes. I was not ready for what I was about to see next!

We arrived at Adam and Jule’s.

Deanna – the World War II Hospital Boat.

Deanna – Search and Rescue downed pilots during World War II.

I have a soft spot for history during this time and being a pilot, I wanted to know more. So Adam and Jule were so gracious enough to have Joseph show me around the World War II Yacht. It is in great condition as it has been well-cared for by Jule and Adam. Bless them for caring and honoring this historical piece of floating memorabilia. This hospital ship was used to search for downed pilots and provided medical assistance to the wounded pilots.

Yacht Kitchen.

Then the Pilot in me spotted something that took my breath away, a two-seater, floating plane that Adam is building.

Flugboot – Flying Boat. Wie schön! 

Adam and Jule’s Flying Boat

After a brief visit and tour of the beautiful Yacht, we hopped on to the Fast Boat and headed back to the Island. In a few hours, everyone will congregate there for the event that I had never seen not will ever see again.

This is the tranquil peace that I enjoyed for what about to happen in about two hours from this picture was taken.

Daravuth Fishing from the Island’s Pier. I caught two blue gills.

There are times and places for everything. The Forces of the Universe brought me onto this Island so I can meet some of the most interesting people I have ever had the great fortune to be blessed to meet.

Beautiful people from all over the World.

That is Joseph in yellow talking to Mike, a skilled and talented high-speed boat racer. His red boat can do 60 MPH plus. Jean Michel in cap is from Paris, France. Jean Michel’s friend is from the Philippine. Peter, holding a cold brew is from Germany. Jule is in red. She is from upstate New York, quiet, soft-spoken demeanor whose characteristics will fool any Shrink as she is possessed on the water in a speed boat. How is that for talent?

Adam and Jule’s Bullet Boats

And then Thunders unleashed on Stockton Waterway in front of the Island.

Adam is doing the ground effect trick where the boat literally flies above water with its propeller touching the water.

Mike, let’s just say if you look up the word ‘fast’ in the dictionary, it will say ‘See Mike”. Have anyone seen a Pontoon that fast?

Who says: “The Girl can’t race!” ? Jule is a quiet upstate New Yorker and her talent to command the pontoon racer is without equal – If Danica Patrick is on the fast boat, Danica will weep miles back in Shame. Impressive!

Noblest of people I know. From left to right, Marika (from Greece), Donna, Mike, Adam and Jule.

I traveled the world and I have always gravitated toward hard-working, decent, noblest of people. I am grateful to Joseph who brought me to be part of his world and that of these salt-of-the-earth nobles. C.S. Lewis once said: “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art. It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.” I could not agree more.