Traveling is more fun with a book

Have you ever traveled to an exciting place and only later realized that you walked right past so many incredible wonders without even noticing them? It happens quite often, surprisingly more than you might think, leaving you with moments of reflection and wonder about what you might have missed. My recent trip on an Alaskan cruise, starting from the bustling and vibrant city of Seattle, was exactly like that. While my family was busy shopping for clothes, gadgets, and souvenirs, I found myself irresistibly drawn to the book shelves because reading has always been my absolute favorite pastime. It’s the perfect way for me to unwind, relax, and immerse myself in a new adventure, even while I’m constantly on the move and surrounded by the excitement of travel.

Having brought along an excellent book for the trip—Coming To My Senses, the Autobiography of a Sociologist, by George Casper Homas—it turned out to be the perfect companion. A significant portion of Homas’s life was spent on the water, which made his stories especially resonate during our voyage. From cherished family time spent on small schooners to his later years serving in the Navy during WWII as an anti-submarine captain, his experiences were profoundly captivating. The book was truly amazing. The deep introspection on social behavior fascinated me as we prepared to board the ship. Every crashing wave and every bell toll from the vessel seemed to echo the themes and reflections woven through the pages.

George Casper Homans - a true dynamo in the world of social science and organizational behavior.

Autobiographies are notoriously difficult to write well, and I would honestly go so far as to say that this particular book feels more like a memoir. The author chooses to focus primarily on certain specific aspects of his life rather than providing a comprehensive, detailed account of his entire personal history.

The refreshing part is that his wife is mentioned only a few times throughout the narrative, and any discussions of politics are deliberately avoided. He genuinely immerses himself in the career of a sociologist working in the early 20th century, focusing on the challenges and perspectives unique to that period.

An excellent way to settle in is with this book and a warm cup of coffee, or as shown in the picture, a refreshing can of water. I suspect this might be a cruise thing, but now that I’ve started noticing it, I see it popping up everywhere – the phrase “Be the original Ancestor, not the ancestor, or the descendant” really stands out and makes you think. What are you leaving for your legacy?

Next step, hover and click the image on the right and help a local bookstore with a purchase.

Prior to diving into social science and exploring early 20th century social etiquette, I also brought a great piece that offers valuable insights into understanding asset management through the lens of a life journey — Embracing The Journey, Finding Light, Purpose, and Peace Through Life’s Challenges by Elaine Hepley. Most of us in the world rarely know exactly what we want to do, and even less frequently do we get to do what we think we want to do. Life, with its unpredictability, often makes certain choices on our behalf. I would say this is true for the majority of people, especially as I learn more about the varied pasts of friends, family members, and coworkers around me.

This was a quick read, and the impact of unpredictable and challenging surroundings often leaves long-lasting trauma scars well into adulthood. Having grown up in some trailer parks, I never imagined that one day I would be on a cruise to Alaska with my family. Cruises were something I didn’t even consider, as money was always tight and such experiences felt out of reach. Elaine shares some similar traumas in her pages—traumas that never truly disappear but tend to fade gradually as confidence and strength grow over time. As a new author and a highly respected ally in maintenance, she has become a lubrication master in her field, showcasing both expertise and resilience. Starting the trip with this read brought me back to a place of gratitude and reflection. While family trips can sometimes feel daunting or overwhelming, the moments spent together are truly incredible and unforgettable.

Dealing with out trauma, and Embracing Our Journey

Elaine skillfully blends her extensive life experience into key takeaways that perfectly align with the reliability industry. For example, she often emphasizes concepts like “root-cause analysis” and the idea that “it’s not quantity but quality metrics” that truly matter. The most exciting part about process improvement is that its principles are universally applicable—they can be used to enhance virtually every aspect of work and life.

Finding her unique path and joining one of the friendliest industries I have ever had the pleasure to work in—the Reliability Industry—is truly a special moment. It’s not just about reaching a final destination, but about embracing a supportive partner we pick up along the way, enriching both our journey and our growth.

Next step, hover and click the image on the right and help a local bookstore with a purchase.

A little side detour, if you ever have a desire to take a cruise please do it. Save up and go. I’ve been on two so far and both have been remarkable. Truly remarkable.

The Exciting Cruise to Alaska: An Unforgettable Adventure Awaits

The Norwegian Encore was truly a remarkable and unforgettable ship. From exquisite ultra fine dining experiences to the thrilling go-kart races on the deck, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Our absolute favorite spot, however, was the VR lounge, where the kids had the chance to fully immerse themselves in the latest heart-pounding zombie action. We also took part in an exciting escape room adventure, where we had to work together to pilot a pirate ship out to safety, adding an extra layer of fun and teamwork to our trip.

The cruise itself was absolutely spectacular, and the sites we visited were truly terrific. I had the incredible opportunity to see a massive iceberg up close, which was something I had always dreamed of and was finally able to check off my bucket list. It was amazing—and honestly a bit surreal—to witness lush greenery at sea level, and then right beside it, this towering iceberg gleaming in the sunlight. The contrast between the two was striking. The entire ecoscape felt absolutely incredible and unlike anything I’d ever experienced before.

I also strongly recommend using a travel consultant. It can make the world of difference when planning and in the vacation.

I’m really writing today, not just to share an interesting story, but to showcase how I could have only just escaped with my life. Seattle felt just as vibrant and exciting as I remembered from my days in commercial dive school, now with a few thrilling new additions like robotic coffee shops serving fresh brews and the ever-famous Voodoo Donuts on the corner—both fantastic touches that brought a fresh twist to the city’s charm. Our family also took a leisurely stroll through the historical Pike’s Market, where we delighted in watching the lively, energetic tossing of the fish and admired the quirky, glorified Gum Wall—truly amazing and unforgettable sights to behold! Little did I know, as I casually wandered through these bustling, crowded streets filled with life and laughter, that I was actually moving through a well-known zone shrouded in eerie rumors, said to be haunted by restless ghosts and mysterious monsters lurking just beneath the surface.

Walking through these vibrant spaces, enjoying the joyful laughter of my kids as we delighted in the monorail ride, marveled at the iconic Space Needle, played on the giant chess boards, and savored delicious fudge, we were actually standing on what was once a sprawling wooden city. This city had a colorful and sometimes dark history marked by death from bootlegging, the chaos of Prohibition, mobsters running the streets, and even mysterious Bigfoot sightings. Yes, you heard that all correctly. My family passed by elegant hotels and towering financial buildings, only to discover later, while reading at home about Seattle’s Prohibition era, that we had actually walked past one of the largest brothels in the entire northwest region. Nearby were docks where hundreds of men and women were “shanghaied”—kidnapped and forced into slavery to work on ships bound for Alaska and China. Interestingly, the act of shanghaiing wasn’t illegal at the time, though it certainly is now. Just imagine how many people were struck on the head one night, waking up the next morning hundreds of miles away, sailing toward China without any warning. If there’s ever been a strong cautionary tale about the dangers of drinking too much or venturing into places you shouldn’t, this is it.

Seattle Prohibition: Bootleggers, Rumrunners, & Graft in the Queen City, by Brad Holden

Discovering this new hobby of reading about the history of a place before I visit has only just begun for me. I’ll admit, it’s a bit late in life to start, but the enjoyment I get from it is absolutely perfect and adds a whole new layer to my travels.

Knowing that I walked past a pier that had burned to the ground not once, but twice, and now stands as a beautiful dock and thriving part of the city is truly incredible. It’s fascinating to reflect on the layers of history behind such a place. Alongside this transformation, there was significant political turmoil between believers and non-believers, with some individuals seizing opportunities amidst the chaos in ways that were both cunning and disheartening. I love writing about entrepreneurial ventures, especially when it involves the time, money, and brainpower people channel to outsmart regulations—that aspect is always intriguing. Of course, breaking the law is not something to endorse, but the whole saga—from drinking, to prohibition, and then back to drinking again—raises interesting questions. In the end, what was really gained from all that turmoil and back-and-forth?

Trouble in the northwest doesn’t stop there. No.

Next, add in the intense political bustle and the often harsh cruelty exhibited by those who are power-hungry and barely qualified to serve in law enforcement. This aspect alone should be featured as a cautionary tale in law classes, illustrating why double agents and undercover operations must be monitored carefully by independent committees rather than being controlled by lone career politicians with their own agendas.

Stories about James “Two Guns” Johnson and the intense rivalry between the mayor and the federal agents had my mind spinning with fascination and curiosity. I found myself postulating how life must have been for a simple citizen caught in the middle of this chaotic tug-of-war. The city was constantly whiplashing back and forth from one new law to another, leaving people confused and uncertain. The idea that bars and saloons would be shut down, only to reemerge disguised as pharmacies stocking liquor for “illnesses,” painted a vivid picture of the clever ways people adapted to the restrictions. It was a time of grit, resilience, and constant change, shaping the everyday struggles and survival tactics of those living through it all.

Brad Holden has done a truly phenomenal job illustrating the intricate complexity of life during the prohibition era in this wonderful city. Fast forward to the present day, and it’s clear that alcohol still causes some pretty substantial damage to our lives and communities. If prohibition were to be enacted now, I can only imagine how drastically different the underground world of high-stakes alcohol sales would look, likely shaped by modern technology and new challenges.

Danger-click here!

Prohibition and political headstrongness are really only relevant to the specific situation that I’m about to share. Beneath the well-known stories of bootlegging and shanghaiing lies an entire, hidden underworld—an even darker, more dangerous realm filled with true monsters!

We will start with the hauntings – the Graveyard of the Pacific – the rugged and mysterious coast of the northwest. It is said to be the burial site of some 2,000 ships and merchant vessels that once bravely sailed its treacherous, stormy waters. If there is any stretch of coast in the world that should be haunted by unsettled souls and whispers of the past, it would certainly be here. Even as I walk with my family around the quiet city streets and bustling, salty docks, and prepare to board a massive cruise liner, I can't help but feel a subtle twinge of worry about which ghostly spirit might choose to haunt us during our journey. With the countless sailors and wanderers who have passed by sunken ships or faced wild, sharp-toothed sea monsters lurking beneath the waves, it’s almost certain that we will encounter, or at least sense, the presence of a lost soul wandering endlessly along the shore. I’m truly glad I read the masterpiece of a book - Pacific Northwest Legends & Lore by Ira Wesley Kitcher, with captivating illustrations by Jason McLean - after I was safely back home, reflecting on the eerie beauty and haunting history of those waters.

Let’s start this image with the age-old knowledge that voyages traditionally should not start on Fridays. It was widely believed for generations that since Jesus died on a Friday, no ship should set sail on that day to avoid inviting bad luck. Fortunately, I think my cruise actually left on a Sunday, so we were well and truly in the clear from that particular superstition. Another old belief was that having a woman on board would anger the sea gods—oops, well, we definitely had a bunch of females on the ship, so we were probably tempting fate! Lastly, if a ship’s name ended in an “a,” it was considered a strong sign of bad luck at sea. Phew, The Encore ends in “e,” so thankfully that superstition didn’t apply to us either. These dangerous superstitions may not even be superstitions at all; fairly recently, as reported in 2007, many right feet belonging to unidentified persons were washing up on shore, with no leads ever found. Yet despite all these eerie tales, my family had a great time and managed to avoid curses, sea monsters, and the infamous Cape Disappointment—where the ghost of Mary Pesonen has reportedly been seen—along with the challenges of Dead Man’s Pass, where the life of a Lighthouse Keeper is notably hard and full of mysteries.

Make it stand out

Living in fear or curiosity, Ira Kitmacher has done an exceptional job of sharing the mysterious in a factful and engaging style, all while remaining a true believer. The mysterious world just beyond our vision—or just outside our everyday reality—is far more frightening and complex than we often imagine. His work invites us to explore these hidden realms with both open eyes and a cautious heart.

Too many people have witnessed the unexplained or unexplainable phenomena, and the stories presented in this book are just as real and fantastical as they are meant to be. Are these stories shared to warn and keep people away, or are they told simply because they are true? Only those who have encountered the beasts and ghosts firsthand can truly say. Others turn to science for answers, but even there, the explanations are few and far between.

The author shares Thomas Edison’s insightful statement about “not knowing a millionth of one percent about anything,” emphasizing that this humble perspective is far more believable and realistic than the idea of thinking we know everything about everything. This viewpoint encourages curiosity and continuous learning rather than complacency.

I cannot wait to read the other books by Ira and discover even more about a fascinating world that I may not fully see or understand very well. Just imagine wandering down a quiet sidewalk and suddenly spotting a Slenderman or a Bigfoot lurking nearby, or getting unexpectedly shanghied into an adventure. Our current everyday lifestyles are so much safer during the day compared to the mysterious places where these monsters and creatures hide and roam.

Love to Travel, or Afraid!

As the trip finally came to an end and everyone returned safely to the warm, familiar comforts of the Midwest—far away from the mysterious sea-monsters we had once imagined lurking beyond the horizon—I found myself pondering what kinds of monsters might actually be hiding closer to my own home. Now, rather than just daydreaming, I find myself following a new and curious path—one where I dive deeply into reading extensively about the vacations we plan before we even leave. But it’s not just the usual information about must-see sights, best ice cream shops, pizza joints, or where to find the perfect bloody mary. Instead, I’m immersing myself in past accounts filled with chilling tales of illegal activities, strange local monsters, and eerie folklore traditions, all of which serve as important warnings to protect my family and, when necessary, help us wisely avoid certain places that could be trouble.

Disclaimer: I write blogs and read books, and sometimes I enjoy putting these two passions together in creative ways. My deep love for reading and storytelling is something I genuinely enjoy sharing with others, as it brings connection and inspiration. I absolutely love visiting libraries and local bookstores, where I get to talk with everyone I can about a wide range of topics. Other times, I simply go to savor the quiet moments and reflect on the fascinating stories I’m currently exploring. Occasionally, I also dive into a bit more research on subjects that pique my interest. The links you'll find in this blog, as well as others of mine, are provided through Bookshelf—a wonderful group dedicated to supporting local small bookstores. With each purchase, a portion of the sale goes directly to helping small bookstore owners thrive in their communities.