Independence Day – It’s not something to be taken for granted.

Today’s a great day let someone in the military know just how much you appreciate their ongoing role in helping to protect our freedom!

Here’s one individual’s way of showing it. 

Find this flag flying at 32˚ 40′ 46″ N, 117˚ 10′ 13″ W

Many years ago when I would have a stressful work day, my "cure" was often a long run. During the run I’d often repeat to myself "When the going gets tough, the tough get going". It was effective psychological training for the stresses of the day.

Around ten years ago I bought a sailboat, named it "Downtime", and well, slightly changed the slogan to reflect what turned out to be a much more relaxing pastime.

Since purchase, I’ve logged nearly eight thousand miles of fun and adventure in and around southern California waters. I’ve lost count of the number of friends and business associates that have joined for an afternoon outing.

Has the boat been a good investment? Certainly not on purely an economic level, but as a networking tool and a means of decompressing after a tough week, the boat has been priceless. Would I recommend to others to buy a boat…likely not, but it’s good to have a friend with one!

Downtime’s also been a fantastic family venue, my daughter now practically having grown up on the water.

Here’s a couple of video clips that I took on a recent trip back from Catalina – not great photography, but fun….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWi-moa5iqg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nL8mAodA9t8

Stay tuned for more adventure details….yet another family trip to Catalina is being planned for this summer.