Mike Gladysz...A Friend That will Never Be Forotten, Missed Dearly

I would be remiss if I did not look back two years ago, on this day, when mike Gladysz was suddenly taken from us. No long or overdone speeches, just, we miss you Mike and will always love you and your style.

Mike, in his favorite environment, on the water!
This was taken aboard Lee Marie
His three children were with him enjoying a peaceful sail.

Weekend In The Adirondak's

Last weekend two of my riding buddies and me took a motorcycle trip to the Adirondack Mountains. We started in Jackson, NJ and by way of the NJ Garden State Pkwy, NY Thruway, Hwy 28 West and finally 30 North we arrived in the Adirondack Park, however, not without paying the price of riding in the rain for two and a half hours. When we started on the Parkway, at mile marker 100, it was just overcast, that soon changed to pouring rain at mile marker 105. From 105 to Albany NY, before heading West to get out of the weather system, we rode in very unfriendly biker conditions. Once on Hwy. 28 West we soon left the rain for some very nice riding conditions that stayed with us for the remainder of our weekend ride.

We arrived at Tupper Lake about six PM,stopped by a local watering hole for a beer then headed to the Woodhaven Cabins, where we planned to spend the night. After a good meal and a cigar we hit the sack only to wake up to 45 degree temperatures, great for sleeping. The night time temperatures were soon replaced by a warming sun that moved the thermometer up to 77 degrees, perfect for riding and a wonderful change from the sweltering heat that we left in NJ. Our plan for the day was to have breakfast then head to Lake Saranac then on to Lake Placid. After a fuel stop in Saranac, we rode to Lake Placid only to find that the tiny town was playing host to a very popular and well attended Iron man competition. There were literally hundreds of athletes from all over the country, running or biking, getting in their last practice before the competition the next day. Because the town and all the surrounding roads were scheduled to be closed for the competition, we elected to keep going. Next stop Lake George and surrounding area.
The roads were empty and the rolling hills and curves made for some great riding and sight seeing, exactly the reason we made the trip.

Scott Senter in front of our cabin in the Adirondack Mt's.

Wood haven Cabin's

45 degrees in the am

Lunch time rolled around and after stopping by a local Harley Dealer, we looked for a place to get a bite to eat, we finally settled on a place called the Boar's Nest. The Boar's Nest is an off the beaten path Tavern, where we found not only cold beer but a nice lunch. Nice stop. After lunch we planned to arrive at our next overnight spot early, the riding, which was almost non stop had tired us and we wanted to spend some down time before the ride home the next day. Well, we stayed on the road a little longer than we planned but it was worth it to see some of the most beautiful lakeside scenery in the mountains.

Bikes parked outside the Boar's Nest

Belly up to the bar for a cold beer and a meal

Tom Renae and his Harley, Road King

Our final stop for the evening was a small town on the edge of the park, called Johnstown, where we found a nice motel and a great place to have dinner. Sam's Seafood and Steakhouse provided us with top notch dinner of Seared Sea Scallops, Grilled striped Bass, and one of the best Bombay Sapphire Martini's I've ever had the pleasure of sharing with my stomach. Choosing this town put our ride the next day at a comfortable distance from home. After the traditional Continental Breakfast of junk we headed home, arriving in time for an early dinner and opportunity to unpack.

The trip turned out to be better than expected, in spite of the rain. When all was said and done, we covered almost a thousand miles, most of which were ridden on back roads through the Adirondack Mountains. Great stuff!

This Chef really knew how to cook the Striped Bass

Our waitress Sarah, she made dinner even more enjoyable

Bombay Sapphire Martini
Shaken, not stirred

New Posts Coming.

Last week I took a motorcycle trip to the Adirondack Mountains, this week Frannie,  me and some friends took a trip to Padanaram, Mass., for the  fiftieth Anniversary of Marshall Marine and to participate in the annual Padanaram Sailing Regatta. Since it has been such a busy two weeks, it will take some time to post the best of the best. Thanks for waiting....a teaser....



Catboat parade through the Padanaram Village Bridge.

Mike Gladysz Revisited!

Just because you tragically lose a friend, it doesn't mean you ever forget them, this is the case with Mike Gladysz. 



We all miss you Mike



Tomorrow marks the second year of my friend Mike Gladysz's passing, I will never forget his zest for life, his unconditional love of his children and the affection and dedication he felt toward his mother and father. His laughter and willingness to help everyone was contagious, he was always the one with the positive attitude and nothing was impossible to achieve

Sunshine Charters, St. Thomas and The Chesapeake

Two of my former students, from my teaching and coaching days at Jackson Memorial HS, have recently begun a 43" Catamaran Charter Service in St. Thomas, VI.  Last fall Michelle Emmons and her partner Capt. Bill Wilson  re-commissioned a 43' Leopard Catamaran he purchased in 2006, built by Robertson and Caine, with the intent of chartering her for six months in St. Thomas and six months on the Chesapeake. "Steppin Up",  as the vessel was named, is a beautifully laid out Catamaran that features spacious accommodations, shaded dining and seating areas as well as a comfortable bow Hammock for relaxing as the boat glides across the sea. As Capt'n Bill's resume indicates, he has sailed in the South Pacific, including Tahiti, Bora Bora and Croatia. His experience sailing in the Southern Caribbean this past winter has served to enhance his ability to deal with any condition the sea has to offer in that Idyllic environment. Luckily, I have sailed in some of those same waters, not as a Captain, but rather as a guest aboard a beautiful ship.

Capt'n Bill Willson and Michelle Emmons
Sunshine Charters

This fall will be their first active season and with Captain Bill's reputation as an accomplished sailor, Michelle's knack for preparing wonderful on board meals, and a variety of exciting adventures available, I'm sure that their efforts will be greatly rewarded. I have provided a link to their Website that will answer any questions about the vessel, pricing, destinations, accommodations and activities. You can follow the sailing adventures of Michelle and Capt'n Bill Wilson on their Blog @ http://sunshinesailingcharters.wordpress.com/

http://sunshinesailingcharters.com/Sunshine_Sailing_Charters/Ahoy%21.html

This summer Michelle and Capt'n Bill used their time, aboard "Steppin Up', to sail from St Lucia, to NY Harbor. During their voyage they visited almost every Southern Caribbean Island, including the Windward, Leeward and the Lesser Antilles Islands then on to the Bahama's before arriving in North Carolina, their home Port. Without much down time, Bill and Michelle headed their vessel North, with the idea of stopping in NJ to visit with friends and family, having done this, "Steppin UP"and her crew will head back to NC, and make last preparations for the return trip to the Caribbean in early October.

Steppin Up visiting friends in NJ
Barnegat Bay

In light air Steppin Up relies on two 40 HP diesel engines to power her.

After the NJ visit she'll head back to NC then to St. Thomas.

Relaxing aboard Stepin Up

Michelle and Bill chilling with friends

Storm developing off Sandy hook

Never a good thing to see
Lightning strike off  sandy Hook

Dan Black and his wife Vickie aboard Steppin Up.
You can never have enough friends




I wish all the best to Bill and Michelle and hope their endeavour is safe, happy and successful.

Fair winds