might be baloney

Skagway

March 10, 2026 Bill PikeLeave a comment

Sorry to annoy you, but I’m up early.

I’m out on our balcony.

I snapped this photo at 4:29 a.m.

Final approach into Skagway (Photo Bill Pike)

We are on our final approach into Skagway.

Once the ship is docked, the first thing I notice is how a land/rock slide has impacted our departing the ship.

Later this morning, we will be boarding a tender(a small boat, holds 120 passengers) for a short distance to enter Skagway. Using the tender is a safety precaution.

The downtown area of Skagway is more compact. It possesses lots of charm.

Once off the tender, we reorganized and found our bus for a ride out of Skagway.

While waiting to board the bus, we explored a nice green space that provided lots of information about the Klondike Gold Rush National Park.

This included information about the U. S. Army arriving in 1942 because the Japanese had bombed Dutch Harbor and invaded Attu and Kiska Islands in the Aleutian archipelago. (National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior)

Once on the bus, we learned quickly that we had an exceptional tour guide.

The success of the tourist season in Alaska depends upon reliable people. Many of the guides return each summer to drive tourists around and share a bit about themselves and the town that continues to lure them back every season.

A combination of humor, local color, and knowledge about the area from a variety of angles is a plus for a guide.

Heading out of town, our guide told us about medical care, the successful K-12 school, graduating class of 7, and how Holland-America provides the prom for the high school age students. The prom takes place on the ship.

On the ride out of Skagway, it was interesting to note how the landscape changed. Our guide was going to give us a bit of a bonus, we were going to briefly re-enter Canada.

A pretty view outside of Skagway (Photo Bill Pike)

This was one of his enduring diplomatic accomplishments in showing us the border and how it works way out here.

My wife and I after our short bus ride across the Canadian border (Photo Betsy Pike)

Once back in Skagway, we found our way to the Salty Siren for lunch.

The restaurant was busy, but we found a table outside that could accommodate us.
I enjoyed my bowl of fish chowder which featured salmon, halibut, and Pacific greenling.

After lunch, we spent time exploring downtown. I think Skagway is a jewel. It has a unique spirit about it. The shops are not as repetitive, but the business district is smaller.

Certainly, the Arctic Brotherhood Hall will catch your eyes. This building was constructed in 1899, and its facade features driftwood pieces. The building’s history goes back to the Klondike Gold Rush.

Arctic Brotherhood Hall (Photo Bill Pike)

After the shops, Betsy, Dan, and I regrouped for a hike in Yakutania Point Park.

If you have the time, don’t turn down an opportunity to hike around this park.

To get there, we walked out of town, past the airport, and took a footbridge across the Skagway River.

We came across many pretty vistas as we moved through what is described as a moderate two-mile loop.

From Yakutania Point Park (Photo Bill Pike)

Part of the park is tied to Smuggler’s Cove, a tidal inlet. Apparently, this inlet was used by rumrunners during Prohibition.

We walked back to the ship. There we regrouped with our pals and worked our way to dinner.

This was Holland-America’s “Orange Party” day, a day to honor the cruise line’s Dutch heritage, and King’s Day in Holland. For dinner I wore an orange shirt. Someone from our group ordered this cocktail, I think it was named an Orange Mule.

In honor of King’s Day (Photo Bill Pike)

After dinner, trivia, a comedian, and a band leading a Holland celebration were a part of our rounds.

We had a good day, lots of variety.

Back at the room, I followed my nightly routine to sit out on the balcony for a few minutes.

Watching the subtle changes in the landscape and the water is enjoyable as the ship glides along.

I believe our itinerary has us sailing for two days. We are working our way into Glacier Bay National Park.

Still thinking about the extension of daylight on this cruise. This final picture of the day was taken at 10:06 p.m.

Another late daylight view (Photo Bill Pike)

So far, the beauty of the land and sea hasn’t disappointed us in Alaska. How lucky we are to be experiencing this journey.

How lucky we are for the Holland-America employees and the tour guides who continue to show up every season.

Juneau

March 6, 2026 Bill Pike2 Comments

I think my old body might be starting to adapt to the long span of daylight.

I think, I slept a little later this morning.

Although, I was up early, but maybe not as early as previous mornings.

The captain and crew are nudging the ship toward Alaska’s capital city, Juneau.

As we work our way toward the dock, I was greeted with by my usual shades of gray sky and gray water. But, that’s ok. There is still a stunning beauty in those shades.

A gray morning heading into Juneau (Photo Bill Pike)

Then slowly, the gray lifts ever so slightly, and the colors along the shoreline begin to appear.

A bit of color along the shoreline (Photo Bill Pike)

After breakfast today, we’ll be heading out to the Tongass National Forest. Our focus will be Nugget Falls, Mendenhall Lake, and Mendenhall Glacier.

From our location, we are about twelve miles away from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor’s Center. The center was opened in 1962, and its dedication plaque contains these words: “To The Furtherance Of Knowledge And Enjoyment Of Glacial Phenomena.”

Clearly, there is lots to be learned and much to enjoy visually at this location.

We started with a two-mile round trip hike to capture a better view of Nugget Falls. With a measured length of 377 feet, the falls are spectacular. The sound of the water cascading down into Mendenhall Lake will clearly catch your attention. Another feature here is the beach. It allows visitors to roam toward the falls and the lake.

As we start the walk back to the visitor’s center, there are numerous opportunities to enjoy the beauty around you. Just a few steps to your right or left shows the lushness of the greenery on either side of the trail.

Additionally, a sheltered viewing stand is available to look toward the Mendenhall Glacier. Even on this cloudy day, we are impressed with the depth of its mass as it winds back into the Mendenhall Valley. The glacier is 13.6 miles in length, and as you might guess, the glacier is receding.

And one more tidbit, the glacier was originally named after the Auke Indians, but was renamed in 1892 to Mendenhall. This was in honor of Thomas Corwin Mendenhall.

Mr. Mendenhall was the Superintendent of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. Under his leadership, the international boundary of Southeast Alaska was surveyed. (US Forest Service/Tongass National Forest)

Soon, we were on our way back into Juneau.

We had lunch at the Twisted Fish. I enjoyed my perfectly grilled halibut sandwich and a well-made local Kolsch style beer. Noted on the menu were King Crab legs. A customer could order two legs for eighty dollars.

We spent the afternoon exploring Juneau.

There is lots of repetition among the shops with jewelry, t-shirts, and assorted trinkets dominating the store fronts.

We took a tram ride that was enjoyable. The cloud cover limited our view a bit.

Dating back to 1893, we came across the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. The church has roots to the Russian Mission Society who supported its founding. Its octagonal shape and gold dome make it easy to spot, and in 1973, the church was placed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Our wandering continued as we worked our way down the stairs of a steep hillside heading toward the city’s waterfront park. Getting there we came upon a small Veterans memorial, spied a juvenile eagle a top a streetlight, and admired the statue of a life size whale leaping out of the water.

Here we are in this pretty setting on the Gastineau Channel with the Canadian Coast Mountains overlooking the city, and just on the outer fringe of the waterfront park, we come across a singular encampment with a homeless person. Poverty has no boundaries. America, can’t we do better?

We continue our walk figuring out how to make it to the ship’s berth on the dock.

Once there, we re-enter, and then catch back up with our friends for dinner.

Seemed like we curtailed our post-dinner roaming this evening. Or maybe, the busy day, and the long daylight hours were catching up with us.

That bit of weariness seemed to be settling in on Marian. She wasn’t feeling well.

Before committing to sleep, I spent a few minutes out on our balcony. The local time was 9:30 p.m. I took a picture of the shoreline as we were departing Juneau. Back home in Richmond, it would be totally dark.

Ample daylight at 9:30 p.m. (Photo Bill Pike)

I really enjoyed our trip to the Mendenhall Glacier. Lots to take in between the energetic Nugget Falls, the placid Mendenhall Lake, with formidable, but shrinking glacier in the background.

I appreciate the respect that is being shown to preserve this precious land. I just hope we are wise enough to keep respecting and preserving it for our future generations.

My hope is tied to us always remembering the words on the plaque at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor’s Center: “To The Furtherance Of Knowledge And Enjoyment Of Glacial Phenomena.”

One more peak at Mendenhall Glacier (Photo Bill Pike)

Missing Pat Conroy, It Has Been Ten Years

March 4, 2026 Bill Pike4 Comments

Some of my favorite Pat Conroy wisdom comes from his commencement speech for the Class of 2001 at The Citadel.

Near the closing of his speech, Mr. Conroy tells the cadets: “because I want you to know how swift time is, and there is nothing as swift—and you know this from the day you walked into Lesesne Gateway until this day—a heartbeat, an eye blink. This is the way life is. It is the only great surprise in life.”

Mr. Conroy was correct about time and its swiftness.

It is hard for me to believe that we lost him ten years ago on March 4, 2016. Those “heartbeats and eye blinks” are relentless in their swiftness—“this is the way life is.”

In 2025, I made sure that I read Pat Conroy’s first book, “The Boo.” That was the only book in his collection that I had not read.

The book is about Lt. Colonel Thomas Nugent Courvoisie (The Boo) who in 1961 was hired as the assistant commandant of cadets at The Citadel.

In the preface for the book, Mr. Conroy wrote that when he approached the Lt. Colonel about writing the book, he told Mr. Conroy: “It has to be a fun book, Bubba, and it can’t hurt The Citadel in any way.”

From my reading, I believe Mr. Conroy accomplished that goal.

Lt. Colonel Courvoisie had a tough job.

He was basically like an assistant principal in an all male high school who was charged with keeping the cadets in line.

In the book, the cadets certainly put the Lt. Colonel and themselves in many difficult situations, but one thing was clear—The Boo always attempted to do what was in the best interest of the cadet in those challenging circumstances.

Yes, I laughed at the stunts of college boys away from home.

But, my heart was also touched at how The Boo worked through endless situations with cadets who made regrettable mistakes.

I think the words from writers like Mr. Conroy are supposed to tug at our hearts.

In his books, through his fiction and nonfiction, Mr. Conroy uses his gift to make the reader ponder life.
He knew living was a challenge, and he knew the power of a story could impact a person’s thinking.

I’m not sure if he ever fully anticipated how “The Lord’s Of Discipline” would impact his life and the school he loved—The Citadel. After the publication of this book, for twenty years, Mr. Conroy wasn’t welcomed at The Citadel.

Some of that disfavor of Mr. Conroy started with his first book “The Boo.”

And later he added to his disapproval, when he supported Shannon Faulkner in her pursuit to be the first woman admitted to The Citadel.

Even though, time moves swiftly, time can also bring reconciliation, a settling, and understanding. After those twenty years, there was a healing, and Mr. Conroy and the school found the way to move forward.

I’m glad this reconciliation took place. It represents another chapter, another story in Mr. Conroy’s life.

Because I was a teacher, my heart will always be drawn to “The Water Is Wide.” I could feel his passion in the work he did with his students.

In “ A Lowcountry Heart,” I love his respect for the teachers he met around America.

From page 102, Mr. Conroy wrote: “Teaching remains a heroic act for me, and teachers live a necessary and all-important life. We are killing their spirit with unnecessary pressure and expectations that seemed forced and destructive to me. Long ago, I was one of them. I still regret I was forced to leave them. My entire body of work is because of men and women like them.”

My stability in life is grounded in many factors, but I’m right there with Mr. Conroy—teachers impacted my life too.

Maybe it is because I grew up in the heart of the Atlantic Coast Conference, but as I was growing up, I had an early affection for basketball. I’m sure I could provide you with a long list affirming my present disillusionment with college basketball, but I’ll spare you my whining.

Clearly, I have said or written this before, but what I really want you to know is that Mr. Conroy’s book “My Losing Season” about his senior year of playing collegiate basketball at The Citadel is a must read for lovers of basketball.

For me, I believe that “My Losing Season” really captures the heart and soul of Mr. Conroy. At least once a week, I grab the book for a random re-reading of a section. Those re-readings can make me chuckle, moisten my eyes, or make me think deeply about life.

Mr. Conroy, I can’t believe that its been ten years since your passing.

I miss your writing and your ability to tell a story.

From “The Lords of Discipline” in Chapter 41, the words you wove into play related to the honor court reinforce your skills as a storyteller. Again, I could feel the passion you created in the characters on that brutal and tragic night.

Of course, I can’t write about Mr. Conroy without referencing his ability to expand my vocabulary.

In Chapter 29 from “My Losing Season,” Mr. Conroy recalls a conversation with his English professor, Colonel Doyle. Colonel Doyle asserts that Mr. Conroy “pilloried” him in a short story published in The Shako, the literary magazine of The Citadel.

Pillory means “to attack or ridicule publicly.” If he were living, I suspect that Mr. Conroy might have “pilloried” America’s current chaos.

On this day of your passing, maybe up in heaven you are holding court with writers you admired.

Maybe, you are interacting with members of your family.

Maybe, you and The Boo are chuckling over a forgotten story.

Or maybe, you are having a quiet conversation with a humble teacher hearing this person’s inspiring stories from the classroom of life.

Even though its been ten years since your passing, I want you to know like many others who loved your writing—I still miss you.

However, what I really want you to know is that the work of your life and your words continue to touch my rapidly aging heart.

Have a quiet day in that wild blue yonder.

If you bump into God up there, tell him our hearts need help.

The classic book cover, The Boo and Mr. Conroy (Photo of book cover Bill Pike)

Annual email: The Wind That Shakes The Barley

March 3, 2026 Bill Pike2 Comments

For most of you, I will guess that you do not receive a weekly email from one of the local craft breweries where you live.

But here in Richmond, Virginia, I receive an email from Ardent Craft Ales every Thursday.

The email tells me about new beer releases and special events at the brewery.

Ardent is located in the Scotts Addition section of Richmond.

Over the last several years, this neighborhood has undergone a rebirth. With old commercial buildings being transformed into housing, restaurants, and breweries.

Unfortunately, adequate parking didn’t match the explosive growth.

When our church first started our Pub Theology program, Ardent Craft Ales was our most gracious host.

This time of the year, I’m hopeful to receive an Ardent email announcing the release of The Wind That Shakes The Barley.

On Thursday, February 26, 2026, the email arrived that confirmed The Wind That Shakes The Barely would be available on draft in the taproom.

This Irish oatmeal stout has become a favorite beer of mine.

Last year on the afternoon of its release, I convinced my wife to go with me to Ardent so I could have a pint. She had a glass of wine and we split an hors d’oeuvres.

This year, I missed the opening afternoon, but I was able to have our son tag along with me on Saturday afternoon.

On this last day of February that felt like a spring day, Ardent was busy. Inside the taproom, customers formed two lines. To the credit of the cashiers, the lines moved quickly.

By the time we received our stouts, most seating on the outside deck and inside the taproom were taken. But, we found a couple of chairs at a table and sat down.

A teasing pre-Spring sun came through the window, and it was a perfect afternoon to enjoy a classic Irish brew.

This year’s version of The Wind That Shakes The Barley didn’t disappoint. The brewers made a quality beer.

I don’t possess a sophisticated beer tasting palette so notes of “baker’s chocolate and caramel” don’t register with me. However, I do agree this is a “light-bodied” stout, not has heavy as some stouts might be.

So, I must confess. I love, love the name of this beer. I think The Wind That Shakes The Barley is a perfect name for a beer.

I can imagine the golden field of barley that an Irish farmer has put his heart and soul into with a gentle wind rustling through the thickly planted grain.

According to several sources, The Wind That Shakes The Barley has quite a history in Ireland.

In 2006, this was the title of a successful film about two brothers who join the Irish Republican Army to fight for Ireland’s independence from England. The plot takes an interesting twist as the brothers are on opposing sides during the Irish Civil War.

But the title of the film, actually comes from the song written by Robert Dwyer Joyce. The song is tied to the 1798 rebellion in Ireland.

Mr. Joyce wrote this Irish ballad as a poet and English professor. I listened to several recordings of the song. Each rendering captures the heartfelt passion of the history and the young man and woman portrayed in the tune.

I checked to see if barley is referenced in the Bible, and yes, it has quite a presence. I like this citing from Deuteronomy 8:8: “a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey;”

So barley has been providing for us for a long, long time.

I hope the wind will continue to shake the barley in the fields of farmers around the world.

And, I hope the brewers at Ardent Craft Ales will brew this favorite beer of mine in 2027.

In fact, I hope they never stop brewing this annual beer.

And, I hope, I’m around to enjoy another pint next year.

The Wind That Shakes The Barley (Photo Bill Pike)

Ketchikan

March 2, 2026 Bill PikeLeave a comment

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 Day Seven Ketchikan

Ketchikan by Bill Pike

Per usual, I’m up early.

At 5:05 a.m., the ship’s foghorn sounds every two minutes.

A gray fog is trying to conceal the Alaskan coastline. The water is a darker shade of gray.

Foggy morning as we head into Ketchikan ( Photo Bill Pike)

We are scheduled to dock in Ketchikan at 6:30 a.m.

I always enjoy the last few miles of the approach into a port. A few minutes ago, a small, sturdy boat departed from the back of the ship. This is all guessing on my part, but I’m assuming, this was to drop off a local captain to help guide the ship into the Ketchikan harbor.

Our group is excited about exploring and touring around Ketchikan. We have a window from 8:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Closing in on Ketchikan, the visibility begins to improve. The hills and mountains that form the backdrop for the town are still shrouded with fog and low clouds.

Our first bald eagle is spotted. The eagle was resting on top of a singular docking pole.

As we inch closer to our docking berth, I notice a massive yacht complete with a helicopter, Coast Guard station with three ships, and a NOAA ship.

It is interesting to watch the landing crew on the dock doing their final preps. A safety perimeter is set using cones and rope.

For the two gangways, a separate crew is present. With finesse and precision, they connect the ship to the dock.

Looks like some of the merchants closest to the dock are already open for cruise ship traffic. The store fronts look inviting.

The Commander and I hustle to breakfast. A few minutes after 8:00 we are off the ship.

I’m fortunate to be with a savvy tour guide. We want to take in as much of Ketchikan as we can before our scheduled excursion out to Totem Bight State Historical Park.

Our feet push us off, and we quickly come across Ketchikan Creek. This pretty creek runs through sections of downtown.

We skirt through a section of shops on historical Creek Street. Following the creek bed, we notice an emphasis on salmon. A salmon ladder is part of the creek.

With the creek as our guide, we work our way to the Deer Mountain Fish Hatchery. Apparently, we were too early for any peeks at fish or tours.

Near the hatchery is City Park, a very pretty park that is part of the Ketchikan Salmon Walk. This is a very doable 1.5 mile walk that winds along the creek and some quiet neighborhoods.

From City Park, it is a short distance to The Totem Heritage Center. This museum dates back to 1976. While totem poles are the main feature, the museum also has contemporary art that is linked to local culture and heritage.

From the Totem Pole Heritage Center, we walked back into town. We spent time exploring a few of the Creek Street shops and learned a bit about its history. At one time, this was “early Alaska’s most infamous red-light district.”

Before heading back to the ship, we stopped at the Arctic Bar. This famous bar opened in 1937, and it appears to be just as popular today as when it first opened.

We regrouped with our pals and boarded the bus to Totem Bight State Historical Park.

A young lady, a college student was our bus driver and tour guide. She was outstanding.

On the drive out to the park, she provided a trove of local information with facts and humor.

At the park, she capably toured us around with a balance of stories related to the culture and totem poles.

Points of emphasis were made about the location. Basically, we’re in a rainforest. Five species of trees make up the core of this region, and we also learned about the skunk cabbage, and salmon berries (similar to raspberries).

Created in 1959, the park consists of 33 acres in Tongass National Forest. The park also presents views on the Tongass Narrows waterway.

Tongass Narrows Waterway (Photo Bill Pike)

A variety of totem poles are on site. The park also includes replica of a traditional chieftain’s house. The low, oval entrance will catch the attention of visitors.

Inside Chieftain’s house (Photo Bill Pike)

For me, my takeaway on the totem poles is that each one tells a story. Woven into those stories and the carved displays are the eagle, frogs, the mystical thunderbird, ravens, bears, beaver, watchman, and blackfish or killer whale.

With an eye on the clock, our guide gave us time to work our way back to the bus before our departure.

We made it back to the ship on time. Facial recognition was used to speed up the pace for getting us back on board.

After a late lunch, we watched the pushing away from the Ketchikan dock. Lots of activity was waiting for us during this departure.

From the top deck of the ship, we had a good observation spot.

Our main point of interest was the Ketchikan airport. Access to the airport comes via a ferry that runs every thirty minutes.

This afternoon, we were treated to float planes landing and taking off, and commercial jets landing.

From the top deck, we departed to attend an information session about our upcoming transition from sea to land.

After this, we regrouped and made ourselves ready for dinner. The dinner hour on the ship amazes me as the staff works to meet the needs at every table with perfection.

With dinner over, we tried our luck in trivia with 80s music, attended an Irish sing-a-long, took in a comedian, and spent a bit of time with a jazz trio.

Maybe to try and rejuvenate ourselves, we took one walk around the ship with a cold, brisk breeze hitting us. For some reason that walk pushed us to needing some sleep so, we headed to our rooms.

I enjoyed Ketchikan.

It was interesting to experience the pride from the original Alaskans related to their culture and heritage. Like the stories found in a totem poll, the stories in the history of these people is fascinating too.

And yet, here I am, far away from the troubles of the world.

I wonder if the troubles of the world could be solved by revisiting the stories of our troubled pasts? Might we be able to say to ourselves— we’ve been down the tragic road before, why do we want to go again?

Looking forward to Juneau tomorrow and a visit with a glacier.

Sun setting after a good day (Photo Bill Pike)

A rejected scripturient

February 28, 2026 Bill PikeLeave a comment

Word Daily shows up in my email everyday.

I guess someone believes I need to improve my vocabulary.

I agree.

I don’t believe the words sent are sticking to me like pine tree sap, but I do hang on to a few of the words.

Recently, the word—scripturient was sent.

Scripturient is defined as “having a strong urge to write.”

Rightly or wrongly that is me.

As a scripturient, I have learned that rejection is part of the territory.
I hope with every piece I submit to a publication that it might make the cut.

At least I know if the piece is rejected, I can share the failed writing with you on Might Be Baloney.

So today, I share with you two rejected letters to the editor.

I know they aren’t perfect, and that’s ok.

I tried.

In William Faulkner’s acceptance speech for the Nobel Prize in literature, he wrote: “I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance.”

For America, I hope Mr. Faulkner is right.

This letter to the editor was written solely by Bill Pike. It is exclusive to the New York Times. Submitted 2/3/26

Everyday, reporters from the New York Times write stories about America’s leaders and the decisions they are making in Washington, D. C.

Doesn’t matter if it is the closing of the Kennedy Center, the chaos and tragedy created by ICE personnel in Minneapolis, or the removal of a slavery exhibit at Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, America is eroding.

From “sea to shining” sea, this erosion is grounded in a President who is more attuned to greed, disrespect, incivility, selfishness, abusive power, vindictiveness, and a complete disregard for the truth.

Clearly, Mr. Trump has a heart beating inside his chest, but the President’s heart has no understanding of the compassion needed to lead our country. His heartless leadership is hurting America.

In 1962, James Baldwin wrote in an essay for the New York Times: “Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”

America, our shortcomings, including the President’s cold-hearted, ruthless leadership are overdue to be faced.

This letter to the editor was written solely by Bill Pike. It is exclusive to the Washington Post. Submitted 2/5/26

As reported in the Washington Post, I’m disappointed, but not surprised that the owner, Jeff Bezos, gutted the newspaper of 300 employees.

When Mr. Bezos made the purchase of the Washington Post in 2013, he didn’t do his homework.

With 76 Pulitzer Prizes, Mr. Bezos purchased one of the most prestigious newspapers in the world. However, did Mr. Bezos know of the downward spiraling of newspapers that began in the 1990s?

Was he aware of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism’s report that found between 2005 and 2025, we lost 3,400 newspapers in America.

More importantly, people like Mr. Bezos, with gobs of money, but who know nothing about the day to day operation of a newspaper shouldn’t be allowed to buy one.

From this latest announcement, I suspect the U. S. Geological Survey detected numerous seismic shifts sparked by previous Washington Post editors and reporters rolling in their graves.

Unfortunately, I don’t think we’re done with newspapers dying in America.

And yet, we live in a time where we desperately need the courage of editors and reporters to be accountable in reporting to readers the truth—“nothing, but the truth, so help them God.”

President Trump’s disdain for the truth and the newspaper journalists who diligently pursue the truth in their work is adding to the erosion of America.

I’m no expert on newspapers, but in hindsight, I believe newspaper editors will look back with regret that they didn’t do a better job of reporting to their subscribers the operating challenges they were experiencing.

In his book, “The Paper: The Life and Death of The New York Herald Tribune” Richard Kluger wrote: “Every time a newspaper dies, even a bad one, the country moves a little closer to authoritarianism.”

This is urgent, we can’t let the Washington Post die.

The desk of scripturient (Photo Bill Pike)

Alaska Sailing The Inside Passage

February 27, 2026 Bill PikeLeave a comment

I think I could be dead and still wake up early.

My internal clock has me pegged as an earlier riser. No alarms set. I just wake up.

Today, Monday, June 30, 2025 is no different.

Overnight, our Holland American ship has been sailing the Inside Passage. On Tuesday, July 1, we are scheduled to arrive in Ketchikan, Alaska at 6:30 a.m. That will be our first port stop.

Today, all of our activities will be focused on what the ship offers.

Out on our balcony, I’m surprised at how close we appear to land. Scattered low clouds and a speck of color from the rising sun make for pretty scenery.

Quiet start to the day. (Photo Bill Pike)

This morning, I’m going to the gym to workout. My goal is to ride a stationary bike and use some light weights.

With a couple of wrong turns, I make it to the gym. The equipment is nice and available for me to use. The room is equipped with good windows perfect for watching the water and the coastline.

After the workout, we gather for breakfast. The options are overwhelming. So, I keep it simple—oatmeal and the European spin on muesli. I love the muesli.

At some point after breakfast, we were notified that the Captain of the ship had made a navigational shift pushing the ship out into the open sea. Not sure of his reasoning, but he knows more about these waters than I do.

At some point, we lose the snips of fog and gray cloud cover for blue sky.

We took another stroll along deck three, and as the morning progressed we immersed ourselves in the following: a cooking demonstration, a stringed duo who perform on viola and cello, general knowledge trivia, stretch class, lectures about upcoming stops.

Had a hotdog for lunch. Then took it easy for a bit.

The guys regrouped and attended a beer tasting session. For the beer tasting, Peroni from Italy, Guinness from Ireland, and an amber ale and an IPA both from the Alaska Brewing Company in Juneau were featured. Butch, Dan, and I enjoyed the tasting and the comments from the staff.

Also in this afternoon rotation was a Dutch tea. There was quite an offering of food with this event.

After the tea, the remainder of the afternoon passed quickly. Before we knew it, we were working our way back to the dining room for dinner.

Stuffed from the dinner, for the remainder of the evening, we roamed around the ship.

We walked through the casino. This seems like a waste of space to me.

Music attracted us to a solo pianist and then a cover band. It was clear these musicians had a real passion for music.

At some point, our collective body clocks reminded us that sleep was important. Roaming stopped. Our rooms were calling. We said good night.

Before drifting off, I think about the Inside Passage.

This thousand mile route runs from the coast of Washington state to Skagway, Alaska.

By comparison, back home the Intracoastal Waterway runs from Massachusetts rounds the tip of Florida, and meanders along the Gulf of Mexico coastline ending in Brownsville, Texas.

Both the Inside Passage and the Intracoastal Waterway provide cruise and commercial ships, and pleasure boats some protection from the open ocean waters.

I wonder what the early explorers of the Inside Passage thought as they traversed these beautiful waters?

Did they think it would ever have an end point?

I wonder how tempted they were to pull ashore on any of the remote islands or coastlines on either side and explore.

As they progressed did they stare in amazement at a soaring eagle, the sighting of a whale, or a ginormous grizzly bear feasting on the shoreline?

I’m not sure, but I know my old eyes have enjoyed the stunning scenery today, and I look forward to more as we come into Ketchikan in the morning.

Churned up waters from our ship (Photo Bill Pike)

Tightening A Loose Screw

February 25, 2026 Bill Pike4 Comments

In the Eaton Hall mechanical room, there are two boilers. A hot water heater. A couple of air handlers. All kinds of electrical panels—some dead, some living.

There are pumps, pipes, conduits where phone and communication lines merge and disperse.

We even have a tunnel.

A crawl space that connects the Eaton Hall mechanical room to a small mechanical room in the basement of the Preschool.

Maybe, the youth should forget about selling pumpkins in the Fall. Consideration should be given to transitioning to a haunted bowels of the basement tour at Trinity during Halloween.

Who knows Chip and Flip could make cameo appearances as the sump pump mudmumblers or the boiler buzzards with a guaranteed admission discount slashed from $39.95 to $19.95.

Mechanical rooms in this old church building make me weary.

Financial disaster, in the form of a piece of equipment failing is always lurking in a mechanical room. Its the law of the darkness— where deep inside a pump a worn coupler shreds, fails. The pump squawks and shrieks in its mechanized death until the power is cut.

For months, we’ve been carefully monitoring two sump pumps in a well deep in the concrete floor. These pumps perform a critical function—they remove intruding ground water.

On Tuesday, a skilled technician who is familiar with cantankerous sump pumps came back to install a new switch for a supposedly faulty one.

In preparing for this installation, the technician discovered a loose screw. This screw was impacting the proper operation of that pump.

The technician simply tightened down the screw. Following this reconnection, he adjusted a float mechanism, and turned back on the electricity. In a matter of seconds, the pump was engaged and working properly.

When the technician reported his findings, I was relieved to hear this good news, and yet, I wondered why can’t the complications of daily living be so simple?

How different this world might be if it simply came down to finding and tightening a loose screw.

James Taylor is a gifted songwriter, singer, and musician.

He is also a survivor.

At some point in his career, Mr. Taylor had to tighten the screws of his lifestyle in order to make it to another day.

In the third stanza of his song “Fire and Rain,” Mr. Taylor wrote:
“Won’t you look down upon me, Jesus?
You’ve got to help me make a stand.
You’ve just got to see me through another day.
My body’s aching and my time is at hand,
And I won’t make it any other way.”

In this chaotic world, at this very moment, there is a human being who is hoping that Jesus is looking down upon them. That person no matter his/her circumstances needs help in making a stand.

What does it take to be seen through another day when no other options seem possible?

What are the chances that the right person with the right screwdriver will arrive and tighten down the loose screw for the person in need?

Might that screw tightener be you, me, we, us?

The other day, I stumbled upon this line of scripture: “Let me alone, for my days are a breath.”

Those words came from Job chapter 7 verse 16.

“For my days are a breath” reminds me of how quick time moves.

For that person who needs a screw tightened his/her time “is at hand.”

How will I respond if it is up to me to help that person to “make a stand?”

Making a stand is a “breath.”

So is tightening a screw.

Stanley Park, goodbye Vancouver

February 24, 2026February 24, 2026 Bill PikeLeave a comment

On the morning of Sunday, June 29, 2025, Betsy, Dan, and I were up early.

In a few hours, our group would be leaving the Sylvia Hotel and transitioning to a Holland America ship.

We wanted to explore Stanley Park a little more before departing.

A quiet, bright blue sky greeted us as we left the hotel.

Stanley Park opened in 1888. It is Vancouver’s “first, largest, and most beloved park.” (City of Vancouver) I can tell you there is much for residents and visitors to love about this park.

The size alone, 400 hectares, adds to this wonderment. A hectare is larger than an acre. A conversion to acres is 988.

Situated in a natural West Coast rainforest as you might expect there is lots of green to see.

And of course there is lots of water to view too. Visitors are aided by the Seawall trail for stunning panoramas of English Bay. “This seaside greenway is the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path.” (City of Vancouver)

A pretty harbor off Stanley Park (Photo Bill Pike)

With the guidance of Betsy and Dan, we secured our bearings and started out.

One of the first places we came across were the gates to the HMCS Discovery. Located on Deadman’s Island, this naval reserve facility also features a naval museum.

Gate entrance Deadman’s Island (Photo Bill Pike)

Next, we came across a section of totem poles. Some were singular others formed a group. All were unique and colorful.

Group of totem poles in Stanley Park (Photo by Bill Pike)

The water views capture everything from a statue of a girl in a wet suit to cargo ships passing under a suspension bridge.

Girl in the wet suit with a large ship docked in the background. (Photo Bill Pike)

Additionally, there are assorted historical memorials positioned throughout the park.

My favorite is Governor General Lord Stanley from October 1889. Inscribed at the base of the statue are these cherished words: “To the use and enjoyment of people of all colours, creeds, and customs for all time. I name thee Stanley Park.”

With an eye on our watches, we worked our way back to hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, we attended to the final details of our packing. This was followed by checking out and waiting for our two Uber cars to arrive.

We experienced no traffic snarls in getting to the terminal. Our check-in on the ship was trouble free too.

No time was wasted in finding our rooms. We completed the mandatory safety orientation, found our way to lunch, and started exploring the ship.

The crawl for the big ship out of the harbor was slow, but there was lots of activity with float planes and other watercraft in motion.

Float plane prepping for take off (Photo Bill Pike)

Seemed like the afternoon rolled by quickly, and we were back in a dining room for dinner.

After dinner, we took a walk on deck three for a couple of loops.

I guess we weren’t too weary as we found our way into a 60s music trivia contest. Our team tied with another team for first place, but we lost in the third tie breaker.

We shook off this setback with more exploring of the ship and stopped along the way for assorted live music.

When we returned to our room, we sat out on our balcony to enjoy the sunset and some unexpected whales. Passengers who were outside cheered their brief appearance.

Nothing like a sunset on the water (Photo Bill Pike)

I wonder what tomorrow will look like.

I think to myself, how lucky I am to be here.

I wonder more about the inscription on Lord Stanley’s statue. That was in 1889. I loved his inclusion.

Why is this concept still a struggle for us today?

Vancouver treated us well.

Thanks for your hospitality.

More Exploring Vancouver

February 21, 2026February 21, 2026 Bill PikeLeave a comment

We gathered for breakfast at 8:15.

However, it wasn’t long before our Uber arrived to drive us out to Lynn Canyon Park.

Vancouver has many options for tourists, but while you are visiting do not turn down the opportunity to visit Lynn Canyon Park. This is one special place.

You will take lots of pictures in Lynn Canyon (Photo Bill Pike)

For sure the highlight of the park is the suspension bridge, but that bridge is only part of the story. The park is stunning from the tops of its massive canopy of trees to water running through creek beds—visitors are in for a treat.

The original suspension bridge dates back to 1912. That version of the bridge featured no railings to hold on to as a person passed over Lynn Creek. Not to worry, now the bridge has all the required safety features including hand railings.

Some of the cabling for the suspension bridge (Photo Bill Pike)

No matter where our feet took us on the well maintained trails, we saw nature at her best in this coastal temperate rain forest. A variety of trees, assorted mosses, large ferns, and unique birds make up the park.

Good growing environment for ferns (Photo Bill Pike)

At some point, the trail will bring you to the edge of a neighborhood, and you will want to make a stop at The End Of The Line General Store.

Looping back to our point of entry, the scenery did not disappoint us.

From Lynn Canyon Park, we took a Uber to Queen Elizabeth Park.

Some of the well-maintained grounds at Queen Elizabeth Park (Photo Bill Pike)

Queen Elizabeth Park is 130 acres of more beauty. The park was formally dedicated in 1939 by King George VI.

The park offers much for visitors to see from the Arboretum, the Blodel Floral Conservatory, fountains/plazas, and statues.

One of the stunning flowers (Photo Bill Pike)

On this Saturday, the park was host to multiple weddings.

Additionally, we had the good fortune of eating lunch at the Seasons In The Park restaurant.

Back side of Seasons In The Park (Photo Bill Pike)

Back in April 1993, Bill Clinton and Boris Yeltsin dined here during the Vancouver Summit.

After lunch, we continued to explore the grounds. Again, no matter where we walked, we enjoyed the displays and the landscaping.

At some point, we requested an Uber.

The driver showed up in a Tesla. Nice car, but there was no way six adults were going to fit in this car comfortably.

Butch and I made the sacrifice and squeezed ourselves into the very back of the car. We were as tight in that space as vacuumed packed Vienna sausages in a can.

We laughed all the way back to the Hotel Sylvia. Maybe the laughter covered our fear. We knew if the driver made a mistake, this might be our last ride.

This was a beautiful day in Vancouver. Lots of people were out and about around the beaches and open vistas along English Bay.

We spent the remainder of the afternoon prepping for the transition to the ship on Sunday.

Before dinner at the hotel, some of us took a short walk along English Bay.

I loved my grilled halibut for dinner. Fresh and perfectly cooked, I’ll remember and miss this meal when I return to Virginia.

After dinner, with lots of others we were able to see a very pretty sunset.

Before drifting off, I thought about Boris Yeltsin and Bill Clinton dining at Seasons In The Park.

I wonder if the chef prepared a special dinner? Maybe Boris gifted Bill with a case of the best Russian vodka.

That was thirty two years ago.

Regrettably, America and Russia, still struggle

Too bad we can’t trust each other and become friends.