During our extended travels on Second Wind we’ve met many folks that have broken the 70, 80 and 90 “miles-an-hour barrier” and show no signs of slowing down.  The most recent example was Mr. Jimmy, a spry 93-year-old that moved to the little town of Belhaven, NC on the Pungo River just off the Pamlico Sound.   Jimmy spent his career in Charlotte managing construction for a growing hospital there.

On our sail south this week down the ICW we met Jimmy having dinner at The Tavern at Jacks Neck, where he showed us his latest vocation –  making jewelry that features wooden continuous link necklaces carved from solid walnut blocks.  He carves each solid wood link of the chain as a continuous loop, forming the interlocking links as he carves each to intertwine to the next one.  It’s painstaking work, but one that he has mastered through practice and patience.

It’s a pattern we’ve seen with many that are rediscovering life and themselves after their primary careers.  Folks finding time to master new skills, volunteer and give back to their communities, or working hard to keep doing their favorite activities, whether its running, dancing, or travel.   It’s redefining how many see retirement and aging.  Imagine the possibilities that come with an open schedule, an open mind, and a willingness to make an effort.

If you want to see Jimmy’s work, he’s not on the internet, so you have to make the trip to The Tavern, but the great food and drink alone make the visit worthwhile.

And while it’s never too late to learn, it CAN be too late to order your Laughing Pirates Air Freshener/Deodorizer, now available in a special stocking-stuffer size package in time for Christmas.   Please order by December 12 to make sure your choice of three fragrances is available to put into your boat-enthusiast’s stocking.

Fabulous sunrise off Adam’s Creek  south of Oriental, NC reminds us of the potential each day brings.

UPDATE December 12, 2017:

After a great trip down the ICW Second Wind is now at home in its winter port of Beaufort, South Carolina.  The bald eagle was spotted at the swing bridge just north of Charleston, and the “Breakfast Club” sharing in the hunt was in Back Creek off the Parrot River north of Beaufort.