Whenever I have the opportunity, I visit a lighthouse. It’s in my blood. My great-great-grandfather, Charles Greene Crane, was a member of the U.S. Lifesaving Service, the forerunner of the Coast Guard. He and his crew stood watch over the sea at Harvey Cedars, on Long Beach Island, New Jersey.  We grew up hearing stories... Continue Reading →

Driving the Ravenel Bridge over the Cooper River from Charleston to aptly named Mount Pleasant, I’m struck by the sunlight glinting off the bridge’s cables. “Looks like the Pearly Gates,” I say out loud to no one, creating an official theme for the day. Soon I’m sitting in the sun on the deck at Shem’s... Continue Reading →