ONLY  IN AMERICA   

Critique (continued)

However, there is nothing easy about this trip as the guys and their sometime passengers encounter large intimidating alligators, large intimidating yachtsmen or disapproving yachtswomen (who are invariably won over by the guys' Southern Cal charm), horrendous storms, poisonous snakes, all of which is offset by more beautiful girls than you can count who try to steal their hearts (and in a couple of cases, succeed!), and lots and lots of glassy water, perfect for skiing. A few real dangers add to the pulse-pounding suspense as the guys encounter some Perfect Storms that no one had predicted!

Despite its sly and sometimes over the top humor, this book is a profound and personal celebration of America, its rivers, shores, forests, but most of all, its people. As the guys navigate through the waterways, they find their way into the lives and hearts of the Heartland Folks, from all walks of life.

Among the people they encounter (vividly drawn in the author's words) are a former biker and small-town mayor named Red; a beautiful bartender whose face launched at least one ship--The Whaler; Billy, who is constructing a castle in a "haunted forest," hand-hewn from coquina clam shell "cemented" into bedrock by the ages; a colorful and warm-hearted Yacht club lady with black bouffant hair who becomes a temporary Den Mother; a waterside character whom they nick-name "Gosh-Darn Earl"; a bevy of Southern Belles; a local multi-millionaire whose daughter they save from being swept over a dam, and a whole host of other unforgettable characters.

Every time the guys meet with some amazing instance of kindness, trust, hospitality, and just plain warmth, the author states the motto of the trip: "Only in America," a concept coined by his dad. It takes a nation to make a voyage like this one possible, and the American people come through every time, with food, lodging, engine repairs, and above all, unconditional friendship. This story had me smiling, chuckling, and laughing out loud as I read it! Jump into The Whaler with the John, John and John for a trip you'll never forget: Fun, fun, fun!

Roberta Tennant

Editor, Falcon Books

Trip Logo

St. Agustine Journal, St. Augustine, FL. Marty Burke, a friend from home traveling with us for a couple weeks, is in the bow.

Somewhere down Tennessee / Alabama way.  Approximately 5,600 miles down with only 500 more to go.

Photos Referenced In The Book And More

Here's the photo with the Waterway Patrol And The Billabong Sticker referenced in the book on Page 99. And, yes, Billabong loved the photo(s).

Below is the photo with the Mayor of St. Johnsville who graciously donated $10.00 to our adventure, referenced in the book on page Page 172.  From left to right, John Mirassou, John Bertsch, John Cameron.

The Whaler locking through on the Erie Canal. At every lock you are able to get out of the boat and walk up (or down) the steps.  John Bertsch ascended to the top of the lock and took this picture of Cameron climbing the ladder and me . . .watching him do it.

The article which appeared in the Los Angeles Times prior to leaving Redondo Beach, CA and towing The Whaler across the country to Ft. Lauderdale, FL.