Angie | Sailing For The Son

The Significance of Caesarea Philippi

In anticipation of my pilgrimage to Israel, I hadn’t expected Caesarea Philippi to be one of my favorite places. But it was; I was struck by it’s unique beauty. Israel is full of unexpected natural beauty: the Dead Sea (who would have thought?), the Jordan River, the Judean desert, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Sea of Galilee, to name just a few.

The allure of the terrain wasn’t at all on my mind before I arrived in Israel. I had most been looking forward to actually walking where my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ had walked on earth over 2,ooo years ago. And I did that! This picture shows me on the southern steps of the Temple Mount. The Bible records that Jesus taught from these very steps:

Now that I’m remembering that moment, I’m getting chills! I guess that will be my next article!

Twenty five miles north of the Sea of Galilee, at the base of Mt. Hermon, we arrived in Caesarea Philippi and I was immediately attracted to my surroundings: the waterfall and the large cave at the top, the intricate carvings in the immense rock, the sounds of the rushing water, and the overall serenity of the place.

This enticing place was not always peaceful, though. Between 200 and 300 BC this area was used to worship the half-man half-goat god of Pan. The cave was referred to as the “gates of hell” because infants were sacrificed there to the god of Pan. We get our word “panic” from this reference. Yikes. That is certainly a dark past. So why is this spot on our Christian tour of Israel?

The Gospel of Mathew records Caesarea Philippi as the place where God revealed the divinity of Jesus to the Apostle Peter. Mathew 16:13-18: When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and still others say Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you”, he asked, “who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

Wow, that was huge! God spoke directly to Peter. And then Jesus changed Peter’s name and gave him the keys of the church! No wonder I was drawn to this place! Scripture describes many times when God changes a person’s name to signify that God has a new mission or a new identity for that person. I wonder what Peter was thinking that day! I wake up most mornings knowing exactly what I plan to do that day. Most days I’m pretty close, but some days end up being total surprises. I’m guessing that Peter was pretty surprised in Caesarea Philippi.

The waterfall that originates at Caesarea Philippi flows into the Jordan River. I purchased an empty bottle from the gift shop and filled it with water from this river. My mom is Catholic and I knew it would be a good gift for her. I always remember seeing little bottles of holy water in my parents’ and grandparents’ homes.

Back on the tour bus, on our way to the next stop, I look over the pictures I just took on my phone and ponder what next big mission God has in store for me.

Thoughts From a Hammock

My thoughts while enjoying the ocean view of from a hammock in Key Largo.

The hammocks caught my eye as my husband and I enjoyed the beach at the Playa Largo Resort and Spa for our anniversary trip to Key Largo.

According to Dictionary.com the word ‘hammock’ originated in 1545 in Hispaniola. Hmmm…that must mean that millions upon millions of people have rested on hammocks throughout the ages. I assume the majority of them actually used hammocks like we use Serta Sleepers (or waterbeds in the 80’s). But I also assume lots of them simply enjoyed hammocks as a restful place to appreciate an ocean view. That’s my favorite!

Earlier in the week, my husband and I sat on these hammocks for a bit, and, as usual, I fumbled into the hammock kicking sand into the air. Why can’t I ever just get in and out of a hammock gracefully? Truth be told, my husband helped me out of the hammock that day, probably averting a face plant right into the sand.

Our last few hours of vacation, my husband watching the Tour de France in our room, I spent some time alone on a hammock. Miraculously, I settled into the hammock rather easily. Relishing the coolness of the morning, with a nice breeze, resting in the hammock, refusing to contemplate how I was going to eventually get out of it!

One of my first thoughts: I should have painted my toenails. It’s vacation, for crying out loud, why didn’t I get a pedicure? I’m 56 years old (shhh); I should pamper myself a little more. My husband is good to me though, he will rub my feet, or even give them a salt scrub, when I ask. He is a good man.

Thoughts of my friends flood my mind. I text a short video to Kelly and Yolanda, letting them know that I saved them hammocks right next to mine. They are such good friends. Then I realize that I can name more than a dozen friends that I would love to have chatted the morning away with on those hammocks. Wow, I am truly blessed.

I remember our 2015 trip to Aruba with good friends, Tim and Kelly. While walking the beach one night, we saw a hammock that may or may not have been on someone’s private property. Either way, it was irresistible, and soon enough the four of us were all sitting on the one hammock enjoying the starry sky. I think this was the night Tim looked at his tablet and announced that an entire planet had disappeared. I assume that it must have reappeared at some point because that bit of information never made the evening news.

Following a beach walk with Tim, Kelly, Gene and Marilyn in Costa Rica (February 2016), we all welcomed the restful hammocks, covered in shade. I can still taste the ice cold, zesty, grapefruit soda. Awwww…that hit the spot! I also recall that people used hammocks a lot in Costa Rica. I saw hammocks strung between trees for resting upon, spread on the beach to sit on, as well as strung in the trees proving shade. That’s when I decided we should buy a hammock!

This trip was in celebration of our tenth anniversary. Most days it doesn’t seem like we’ve been married for ten years, but when I think of how far we’ve come together, it doesn’t seem possible that we’ve squeezed so much into so short a time. When we married, we both worked full time, each owned a home, and each still had a teenager in the house. Not that it was always easy, but I’m so proud to say that all of our children graduated high school without pregnancies or drug problems and everyone of them is financially self supporting. Yay! Bill and I now find ourselves more in love every day, retired, living on our sailboat in The Sunshine State, so excited about what God has planned for us next.

Please be on the lookout for hammocks, and when you find one, even if it might be on someone’s private property, I hope that you will find rest and count your blessings.

I’d love to hear your thoughts from a hammock!

All Aboard for Alligators

On a recent trip to Key Largo, Florida, we took some time to explore the Everglades Alligator Farm. This little farm is home to alligators of all sizes, over 2000 of them! I really can’t explain myself, but I’ve always been kind of fascinated by alligators. Not the kind of fascination that leads me to want one as a cute little pet (I’m not really a pet person). But more the kind of fascination that makes me want to look at the disturbing things and learn more about them.

As a child, I would see one or two alligators every year at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska. As a young adult, I attended Immigration Officer’s Basic Training in Glynco, Georgia. I saw lots of “Beware of Alligators” signs, but I didn’t see any alligators on the training base. One weekend I caught a ride to nearby Jekyll Island, Georgia to spend some time on the beach and explore the historic island. I stopped to chat up a father and son fishing in the brackish water. After seeing another “beware” sign, I asked if there were really any alligators in the water. The guy told if that if I wanted to see one I could just dip my toe in the water. Not sure whether or not that was a joke, I thought it best to simply wish them well and head to the beach. It was a beautiful beach day!

In the early part of the 20th century, alligators were hunted to near extinction. Alligators have been sought after for their meat and skin since the 1800s. Alligator skin is used to make boots, belts, and saddles. However, after being listed on the Endangered Species Act, hunting prohibition and protection of their habitat enabled alligators to make a quick recovery. Although removed from the endangered species list in 1987, it remains illegal to kill or injure an alligator without a permit. Except in self defense, of course. Oh yeah, and they still won’t let you have one as a pet!

Enter Liz. At first glance she seemed like a reasonable person. She’s welcoming and friendly…

Then it turns out that she wrestles alligators for pay! What? Then she corrected my husband, she’s an “Alligator Handler”, not an alligator wrestler. Hmmm…that doesn’t sound any safer to me. Because I asked, she did say that her mom knows that she handles alligators for a living. But somehow that doesn’t make me feel any better.

Liz was confident, knowledgeable and entertaining. I learned that when alligator babies are born they are only about 6 inches long. Liz described them as the “chicken tenders” of the Everglades because just about any animal will eat a hatchling. Alligators are fiercely protected by their mothers for the first two years of life. They can live up to 50 years and grow to 15 feet in length, weighing almost 1000 pounds. I don’t think Liz wrestles the 1000 pounders, but she said this alligator weighs about 250 pounds.

Liz’s performance was captivating. Thank goodness it only lasted ten minutes because I don’t know how much more excitement I could take!

Next up: Sheridan. Sheridan was our airboat tour driver. I had never been on an airboat, but it’s a classic Everglades activity, so of course we climbed onboard! Before we were underway I asked Sheridan if this was his first day on the job. He assured me that it wasn’t, but that it was his first day back to work after the accident. I think I really need to quit asking people so many questions.

The ride was exhilarating! Sheridan started out slow, meandering along the shallow river, past the “Please, No Swimming” sign. I’m not always a strict rule follower, but I won’t be testing the limits in this swamp!

Midway through the airboat ride, I think Sheridan got lost, at least, well, I know we were no longer following the road. Ok, maybe I shouldn’t speak for Sheridan, but the multiple high-speed 360’s, muddy water flying, had me screaming with my eyes closed, so I just figured we were lost. Good thing I was wearing my safari hat!

This was a fun-filled day. I’m glad that we went on the airboat ride, and happy to see so many alligators and learn more about them. No worries, I didn’t take any of these little cuties home with me!

What was your last animal encounter?

Sweet Rest

For the Love of Manatees

September 2020 found my husband and I in Key Largo, Florida. We stayed the week at the Playa Largo Resort and Spa-a truly beautiful place. From day one we kept hearing that a manatee regularly meanders through the swim area of the resort. A bonafide Florida resident for five months now, living on a boat, and always on the lookout for manatees, I think it’s my turn to actually see one!
Day one: no manatee sightings. Day two: a trip to the Everglades followed by swimming off the beach at the Playa Largo, no manatee sightings.

Day three: sailing on a Hobie Wave and swimming off the beach at Playa Largo. My husband said he saw a manatee peek his head up, but I didn’t see it.

Day four: a trip to the Everglades Alligator Farm. This is an awesome “must see”, but no manatee sightings. I vow to swim off the beach at Playa Largo until I see a manatee. Hours later, and a little sunburned, no manatee sightings. Day five, my husband and I did a three mile stand up paddleboard ride, no manatee sightings. Now I’m starting to wonder about the existence of manatees. Maybe there isn’t even such a thing and people are just messing with me! People do that sometimes. My friend, Jan, once told me that she swam with the manatees in Florida. But she fancies herself a standup comic, so why should I believe her? Ready to give up the ghost, we decide to shower, change, and enjoy the Eventide sunset celebration at the Sandbar.

Now settling into the perfect spot to enjoy our last night at the resort, I’m ready to order an umbrella drink when Bill shouts, “there it is”! He grabs my hand and pulls me along as we run down the entire, and I really do mean “run” and “entire”, beach and out onto the boat dock. Bingo! Jackpot! They really do exist!

There is one water hose on the dock that doesn’t turn all the way off and this manatee was sure enjoying a cool, refreshing drink of cold water! And then he turned over, as if he was asking for a belly rub!

I thought that was the cutest thing, until his friend showed up to the party!

Standing on the dock, careful not to disturb them, Bill and I must have watched these two play under the trickling water for the better part of an hour. We missed the sunset celebration, but really enjoyed the show!

Now that I’ve seen them with my own eyes, I am reminded of the phrase from the 1897 editorial in the New York Sun “Yes, Virginia, there is a manatee”. Ok, so maybe I paraphrased a bit…

What is true, though, is that manatees, previously listed as “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act, are currently classified as “threatened”. There are estimated to be only about 13,000 alive today. Harassing, touching, or even feeding manatees is not allowed, as interaction with humans has been proven dangerous to the animals. Manatees are herbivores, and their marine environment provides plenty of sea grass, algae, and other vegetation allowing them to grow to between 5 and 10 feet long and weigh almost 1000 pounds. That makes me wonder if eating a salad for dinner really isn’t the best diet advice ever given!

The bottom line: just like Santa Claus, manatees do exist, but don’t give them hugs, kisses, or cookies.

Where Evening Fades

Protected: Fun with Student Captains

God’s Glory over Jacksonville

Costa Rica Wild

February 2016 found my husband and I vacationing in Costa Rica with friends. This was the first trip the 6 of us had taken together, but I hope it’s not the last. Gene and Marilyn planned the trip and they couldn’t have picked a better get away. Tim and Kelly, as well as Bill and I, jumped at the chance to join them because we all love adventure. And, well, I’ll pretty much go anywhere with Marilyn. It was awesome for the six of us to enjoy so much time together relaxing and exploring. Costa Rica is known to be the country with more monkeys than humans. And oh man, saw a crazy number of monkeys!

I grew up in the Midwest where it is common to see black squirrels in the trees, in the yard, running long the fence tops, or just about everywhere else outside. Once, while sitting on the back porch, I watched as squirrels carried nuts from the backyard through the clothes dryer vent and into the vacant house next store. The homeowner later found that the squirrels had filled a hall closet half full of walnuts. Evidently they were planning to winter in this nice three bedroom home!

Black squirrel in Iowa eating a black walnut

I know about squirrels, but monkeys-nope. I have to say that seeing monkeys up close, without a zoo cage between us, was a new experience for me. And it was fascinating. Still, I refer to the experience by saying that Costa Rica has monkeys like Iowa has squirrels-they are all over the place!

Costa Rica has four types of monkeys: Howler, Capuchin (White face), Squirrel and Spider monkeys. I believe we only saw the Howler and the Capuchin monkeys. The Capuchins were so fun to watch. They were very playful with each other, and rumor has it that they can be mischievous, as well. We stayed at the Conchal Hotel in Playa Brasilito, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. This boutique hotel was charming. The rooms featured local decor and were always spotless. The pool was refreshing. The restaurant was the best in town, featuring seafood and tasty umbrella drinks. I highly recommend it. The owners were ever-present and offered a treasure trove of local information. Including that they had recently reroofed the restaurant and trimmed back the trees. Previous to this, the monkeys would wait on the rooftop, watch the guests in the pool, and jump down to steal away their belongings if left unattended too long!

Another animal we saw was not nearly was fun to watch….

Costa Rica is home to 600 types of birds. Not the kinds of birds I grew up seeing in the Midwest; Costa Rica has big colorful birds. Some pretty birds even like to get up close and personal:

The local children are skilled at sighting wild Macaws. One hot afternoon, we even paid a child 50 cents for pointing one out to us. I don’t have a picture of it, and I can’t swear that I really even saw it, I only know for sure that Costa Rica has beautiful Macaws and that we paid to see one!

The six of us enjoyed our fair share of beach time. Marilyn learned to snorkel on this trip. Then she proceeded to search for local fish, dolphin, sea turtles and humpback whales!

I will forever remember this beach as the beach where Kelly refused to get off the massage table. You see, every day two local entrepreneurs walked back and forth advertising massages. Ten dollars for 30 minutes, twenty dollars for an hour. I went every day for a twenty dollar massage and thoroughly enjoyed every relaxing minute of it. I kept asking Marilyn and Kelly to join me, but they kept declining. About day four, Kelly finally decided that she would do a 30 minute massage for ten dollars. On massage tables next to each other, I closed my eyes readying for an hour of luxury. Thirty minutes later Kelly’s beach massage lady gently told her that her massage was over. No movement and no sound from Kelly. A few moments later the kind lady again reminded Kelly that her time was up. No movement and no sound from Kelly. I didn’t want to interfere, but I began thinking to myself “oh man, Kelly isn’t going to get off that table”! After the third reminder, Kelly finally announced that she would be staying for the full hour! I cracked up! I knew it! I mean, seriously, who doesn’t want a full hour massage on the beach?

The sweet fellowship of breaking bread together with friends is always a blessing.

I really meant dinner at Papayas, Conchal Hotel

And of course, all evenings ended with a beautiful sunset. I am thankful for great times with cherished friends. What are you thankful for today?

Author: Angie