The Idea . . .

The Great Circumnavigation Adventure!

Why? 

Like so many advetures the idea rose spontaneously from being casually mentioned during a conversation over drinks with friends at Chuck's Place.

It quickly took on a life of its own.

Why set this particular goal? There is so much I have given up. So much I use to do I am not able to do now. I am a former adrenaline junkie who still needs a fix now and then. The doses are much smaller and they have to last me much longer. But once an addict, always an addict. 

I have no fears about the trip. Not now anyway. And I don't think there will be along the way. You block your dreams when you allow your fears to grow bigger than your faith. 

What do I fear? I fear sitting back and watching the world pass me by. I fear not feeling my heart beat. I don't fear dying. I fear being alive and not living. 

This Great Circumnavigation Adventure is just another way to prove to myself that I am still alive. That I am still living! 

"Life is either a great adventure or nothing". 

~Helen Keller

Chuck's Place!

I grew up in a family where everybody was a storyteller, but nobody wrote. It was that kind of Celtic, storytelling tradition: everybody would have a story to be shared at the local watering hole - a gathering place where folks relaxed at the end of a long hard day over a pint with good friends.

Chuck's Place is one of those places - where stories and spirits both flow freely. This is a quintessential old-time northwoods bar with mounted hunting trophies and a pool table with a slight lean that sits in the middle of the floor, surrounded by old tables. A dart board hangs on the wall, next to a big screen TV that continually broadcasts sporting events. Signed dollar bills adorn the walls - testimonials to those that have stopped by to enjoy the commaradrie and great food.

And while the end of the week might mean heading to the Northwood for Fish Fry Friday - the start of the week can only mean one thing. Time to take a break and head to Chuck's Place!

Monday nights on Drummond Island translate to “let’s meet for tacos.” You just put in a long, bone-tiring start to the work week and tomorrow will bring nothing but more of the same. Nothing lifts your spirits like walking into Chuck's and seeing the tables filled with friends and neighbors. The weight of the day's toll rolls off your shoulders. For a wee bit of time you can forget that Tuesday is just around the corner.

John Hillaby once wrote; "Few things are more pleasant than a village graced with a good church, a good priest and a good pub.”  He was surely writing about Chuck's!