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Letter from the Publisher
I looked up the meaning of my name one time to discover that Phillip means “lover of horses.” Certainly that is more aptly connected to our managing editor, Joanne, who might write solely about horses if she could. But, I like them just fine. In fact, I bought two horses from a neighbor once. I loved them, took them hay and water and gave them the kind of care due these beautiful creatures. However, it seemed to be a one-way affection. They busted out and went back home a time or two, and I patiently went after them each time and corralled them back at my place. But, third time’s a charm, and after that number three escape, trotting back to their first home, well, I just left ‘em there. There’s quite a difference between daily caring for horses and admiring their stunning grace and majesty from afar, and I am quite content with the latter. Joanne’s kitchen table doubles as our World Editorial Headquarters, and there I can sit through an entire meeting and admire her horses just off the back deck. Works for me. On a recent barefoot beach excursion, my 11-year-old daughter found her first live sand dollar. We weren’t sure what to do, so we searched the internet for how to transform it into the hard white ones found in beach boutiques. That entails putting the living sea creature in boiling water, then in bleach water and drying it. Looked like a teaching moment, so I passed the decision to my 6th grader. Wisdom prevailed in her young mind, and she was not at all hesitant to let it go, placing it delicately back in its natural environment in the ocean. Yeah, proud papa here. It’s a privilege to have been contacted to create and publish the program for Meeting of the Minds 2021 in Key West the first weekend in November. The 66-page publication is modeled like The Mango magazine with articles on Anuhea, Nadirah Shakoor and Peter Mayer
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of the Coral Reefers, Jesse Rice, Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana, the pros and cons of songwriting solo or in collaboration, the schedule and much more. If you can’t make it for the convention, you can buy a souvenir magazine-program for $15 including shipping and handling. You’ll find it at mango-mag.com, though it won’t be shipped until early November. There is a limited number available, so go ahead and order early. This time of year I always get an anxious feeling. Summer is coming to a close, school has started, and I wonder: Have I caught enough fireflies? Did I spent enough time in the pool and at the beach? What about the small carnivals that pop up here and there? I went to two, is that enough? How many warm nights did I stare up into the starry sky trying to spot a shooting star? I guess for me summer, my personal barefoot season, is never long enough. Creating this publication seems to help get me through the seasonal blues I encounter every year. I have created an endless summer with The Mango … hey, maybe that can be our new slogan: “It’s always summer at The Mango”!
Phillip Vaught Sept/Oct
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INSIDE 8
DESTINATION Isla Mujeres - Mexico
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PIRATE LORE Madame Cheng
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ISLAND TIME Oak Island - NC
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BACKYARD TIKI BAR Blank Canvas - Tim Maguire
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BOAT PROFILE 1978 Creekmore 34
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JEFF MELIA The Little Engine That Could 4
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September / October 2021
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AT THE CABANA Recreation’s Favorite Hut
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FOR A CAUSE A Horseback Ride Like No Other
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TROP ROCK SPOTLIGHT Jimmy and the Parrots
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IN THE OCEAN Sand Dollar - Souvenir or Sea Creature
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THE LAST MANGO In the Water and on Land
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DEEP TRACKS Blue Heaven Rendezvous mango-mag.com
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Vo l u m e 1 Is s ue 5
M A N G O - MAG.COM info@mango-mag.com
PUBLISHER Phillip Vaught Country Media, Inc. P.O.Box A Rich Creek, VA 24147 MANAGING EDITOR Joanne M. Anderson WRITERS Emily Alberts Joanne Anderson Emma Beaver Kameron Bryant Johnny Cate Krisha Chachra Jo Clark Karl Kazaks Nancy Moseley
PHOTOGRAPHERS Kristie Lea Photography Laura’s Focus Photography Corey Agopian Olivier Guillard David Troeger Alexandra Tran
Photo by thaaii la © 2021 Country Media, Inc. This publication is not affiliated with Jimmy Buffett or the Margaritaville companies. Features do not represent an endorsement by this publication. Content cannot be reproduced Mango without consent from Country Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 6 writtenThe
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I
Letter from the Managing Editor
I can’t say that I have a Bucket List, but I can unequivocally say that if I did, the American Heart Association Beach Ride [see page 44] would be at top! And kayaking on western N.C. waterways would be there. I’ve never ridden horseback on a beach for not having had the opportunity. Yet my all-time favorite thing to do on horseback is ride through water, cross creeks, walk up rivers, even plod through puddles. My horses actually walk through water of any kind, while half my riding buddies are often startled when their horses decide, at the last second, to jump over even a little puddle. Thus, I know Boaz, my main ride these days, a 24-year-old Thoroughbred, would do great at the ocean. He doesn’t mind getting his feet wet. Of course, there’s also the theory that he’s too lazy to jump, being an easygoing mount whose favorite gait is likely standing still. The horse in this photo is Noble, my trusty Thoroughbred for more than a decade; here he is 28 years old, two years before he cantered over the rainbow. If you cannot get to the AHA Beach Ride - like maybe you’ll be in Key West that same weekend for PHiP’s Meeting of the Minds 2021 - you could go another time and check out Seabrook Island Equestrian Center on Johns Island, S.C., not far from Charleston. They offer both beginner and advanced rides on the beach. One super fun horse experience can be found at the Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm. My sister and I did the 4-day trek in 2007. We checked in at Mad River Inn and met our horses the next morning. We rode each day to a different inn, with a van shuttling our overnight mango-mag.com
bags. It was an incredible adventure tolting at uniquely Icelandic pony gaits along dirt roads, through a covered bridge more than once, into and up through and out of the Mad River (“duck your head low when the ponies begin climbing the bank on the opposite side,” we were warned) and high up in the national forest. My sister, brother and I are meeting in Gettysburg in late August for one of my brother’s landmark birthdays. We are booked for one of the 2-hour battlefield horseback tours arranged by Hickory Hollow Farm. My sister and I both have horses. My brother is a good sport about riding with us occasionally. I’ll be on the lookout for a creek or pond to walk through. As the daughter and sister of men who served in the U.S. Navy and one who flies the American flag on my front porch post wherever I live, it’s a great privilege to be connected with Freedom Fighter Outdoors. Many volunteers, everyday folks like you and me, spend countless hours organizing events to whisk away injured vets for a day of fun, fishing and fellowship. They can leave their cares behind for a spell. Or, they can bring them along and share with other veterans who genuinely understand. It’s a win-win kind of event for everyone involved [see page 58]. For fun guided fishing excursions or scenic water tours by kayak, get in touch with Craig Gorton at Foundemfishing.com. He’s got a wonderful guide business out of Asheville, N.C.. He’s a certified Wilderness First Responder and very nice guy to boot.
Joanne M. Anderson
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Isla Mujeres the sunshine of Mexico
Text by Jo Clark Photos by Alexander Barnes and Chelsea Maccoll 8
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i
Isla Mujeres is a small island in
the Yucatan Peninsula, a short ferry ride from Cancún. It attracts tourists, but it isn’t
bustling like Cancún; it has a much more laid-back vibe. Nicknamed “El Amanecer de Mexico” or “the sunshine of Mexico”, it is the easternmost point of the country
and the first place the sun touches each morning.
The northern section of Isla Mujeres
is the touristy part with restaurants and
busy, white sand beaches with the clearest
water. Closer to the island’s center, you’ll find the locals. It’s more quiet with small, family-run cafés and ex-pat communities.
Further south, there is little development, small guest houses, turquoise waters and a historic Mayan site to explore. Chelsea
and
travel
partner
Alexander Barnes are technically Australian. “Technically” because it’s tricky to assign
a nationality to a couple who have been exploring the world as digital nomads for more than two years. mango-mag.com
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The island is also home to one of the most
Authentic Mexican Food
beautiful beaches in Mexico — Playa Norte. This palm-
“We haven’t eaten Mexican food since leaving
the island,” Chelsea explains. “The authentic stuff has
left us spoiled, and Tex-Mex just won’t cut it anymore.”
The couple enjoyed pozole, tostadas, mole, aquachile, tortas, flautas, sopa de lima, fajitas, queso fundido,
and, of course, tacos. They tried a different restaurant
every night and were never disappointed. Spit-grilled
pork, called Al Pastor, usually comes in a taco and is a staple food in Mexico. You will find this on the menu anywhere you go.
Caribbean waters is a vacationer’s dream come true.
Beach clubs abound on Isla Mujeres and offer
daily chair rentals. Choose a chair near the water and
get comfortable. Then spend the day ordering your fill of cold Cerveza (beer) and ceviche (fresh raw fish cured in fresh citrus juices); after all, you are on vacation.
Unique to Isla Mujeres are golf carts. There are
more golf carts than cars, and rentals are everywhere. It provides a fun, easy way to explore. About 1,500
years ago, Isla Mujeres was part of the Mayan province,
Ekab. The island was the sanctuary of Ixchel, the Mayan
Must-Sees
goddess of the moon, fertility, medicine and happiness.
In the center of Isla Mujeres is the town of El
Centro. You can lose yourself for a day by weaving your way among the shops, restaurants, bars and markets of its cute streets. 10
lined beach with soft white sand and clear aqua-blue
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The Temple, located at the south tip of the island, Punta Sur, was also used as the lighthouse. The ruins and rocky views provide spectacular scenery and photo ops.
A little-known museum is the Underwater
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Museum of Art [MUSA], a permanent
sculpture park in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There are 500 sculptures 130
feet beneath the sea. You can explore
the museum by diving, snorkeling or in a glass-bottom tour boat. It was created by a non-profit conservation organization based
in Cancun to encourage coral and sea life growth.
If you have an interest in snorkeling,
Parque Garrafon is the place to go. It is part
of the longest coral reef in the northern
hemisphere. Located in Punta Sur, it is a 10-minute taxi ride from the ferry to the island’s southern tip.
Stay Local Selina Isla Mujeres is a beachfront
hostel, complete with a beach club, cocktail bar, library, restaurant, communal kitchen,
cinema room, on-site SCUBA certification center, and a business center for digital nomads. Never a dull moment, it also holds
weekly music and social events, as well as group workshops on cultural topics. Accommodations
range
from
private rooms or shared rooms to teepee tents on the sand. Chelsea says: “I highly
recommend the tent for a more ‘earthy’ experience. Plus, they were a lot more economical.”
Historically, Isla Mujeres has been
a quiet, secluded fishing village. If you are
searching for an all-inclusive resort, the ones you will find here are smaller and more “boutique” in style than those in Cancún. A
couple of options are Isla Mujeres Palace and Zoëtry Villa Rolandi.
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Tie the Knot The island’s relaxed, bohemian vibe attracts travelers from
“Alex and I tend to prefer quieter, more
ideal for a couple looking for the perfect place to get married. After
about Isla Mujeres that made it one of our
a warm salty breeze on their skin, and the turquoise sea as the
~ Chelsea Maccoll
every corner of the globe. There are many intimate, secluded spots
untouched locations. But there’s something
all, who doesn’t want soft, opalescent sand between their toes,
favorite stops during our time in Mexico.”
backdrop for their wedding photos?
Safety Concerns People can be hesitant to travel to Mexico, and often for
good reason. But Isla Mujeres is a small, friendly island. Crimes tend
to be those of opportunity, so don’t leave your camera of bag on
the beach or anywhere unattended. “It’s popular and safe for both women and solo travelers,” Chelsea relates. “We felt nothing but good vibes for the entirety of our stay.”
Best Photos Ops In 2014, Isla Mujeres was part of the Sea Walls: Artists for
Oceans Project. Buildings around the island went from empty walls to canvases for artists from around the world. Their creativity left
colorful murals all over the island. They are fun to discover and
even more fun to pose in front of, using them for your own personal background.
Playa Norte is considered one of the most beautiful
beaches in the world, with incomparable colors and surroundings.
For perfect vacation photos in an authentic Caribbean paradise, there are few better places.
Nature and landscape shots are plentiful, especially
iguanas. Chelsea jokes that “Mexico’s national animal is the golden
eagle, although it should probably be a giant iguana. If you’ve ever been, you know why!”
Honestly, it’s a tropical island! Everything is photogenic. Just
walk around and discover the spots you want to capture through your lens.
Jo Clark retired from teaching to have more time for travel. She is ready to go on a moment’s notice and is living up to her Instagram handle: @JoGoesEverywhere. For this story, however, she had to stay home and experience Isla Mujeres vicariously through her friends Chelsea and Alex. www.HaveGlassWillTravel.com. mango-mag.com
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Madame Cheng
Text by Emily K. Alberts
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From Brothel Beauty to Buccaneer Boss You can’t help who you love, as was certainly
the case for Cheng Yih (aka Zheng Yi), a notorious Chinese swashbuckler who hailed from a family of
well-known pirates, with roots tracing back to the
Ming dynasty. Yih was the formidable commander of the Red Flag Fleet of pirate ships -- the biggest
pirate fleet ever seen in China -- and took many captives during his reign of piracy, but none quite as
noteworthy as a feisty prostitute by the name of Shih Yang.
For Yang, life was hard. Born in 1775 in
Guangzhou, China, she turned to prostitution and
endured a grueling career as a sex worker before
being captured by Cheng Yih. When he decided
he wanted to take a wife, the most beautiful of his captives were lined up before him, and he selected
Shih Yang as his bride. However, the moment she was untied, she LUNGED at him and clawed his face!
Despite this attack, Yih continued his efforts
total command of half his pirate fleet! Some say Yih
to persuade her by bribing her with jewels and fine
knew what he was doing, and that marrying Yang
But Yang was not just a pretty face or a
ruthless, a necessary trait to achieve legendary piracy
shaped her into a cunning businesswoman who
Whatever the reason, it worked, and together
clothing, as well as promises of power.
was a strategic move. Her upbringing had made her
prize to be won. The time she spent in brothels had
greatness.
possessed many secrets. She had learned how to use
they grew to such success that Yih even gave himself
and politically connected clients, and Yih was no
But just six short years into their illustrious
the art of seduction to wield power over her wealthy
a new moniker, King Cheng.
exception.
marriage, King Cheng mysteriously died, giving Yang
his love. Legend has it, he even burned down the
means “Cheng’s widow.” But this widow was no
force her hand in marriage.
schmoozing her in-laws and was so cunning that
the two were married in 1801, but their nuptials came
husband’s death. [If you read our MarchApril 2021
demanded HALF of everything Yih owned, including
you may detect a certain pattern here.]
She drove Yih to disturbing lengths to prove
a new moniker of her own, Ching Shih, which simply
brothel (a “flower boat”) where she worked to try and
grieving damsel in distress, she immediately began
In the end, his efforts were successful, and
some even suggest she may have had a hand in her
with a cost. Long before prenups were a thing, Yang
issue about the notorious lady pirate Rachel Wall,
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Not long after her husband’s passing, Cheng
Out of complete helplessness, the Emperor of
Shih married their adopted son (and former captive),
China granted her amnesty on her own terms if she
think Cheng Shih hitched her wagon to Chang Pao
three conditions:
Chang Pao. Talk about a cringey court battle. Historians
for a sinister reason: She had the upper hand in the
would just retire. In 1810, she agreed to retire under
relationship. He would be easier to control than any
o
That her husband could command part of the
superior. Plus, he was illiterate.
o
That she could retain her fortune
other man, as he had grown up thinking of her as his
At one point, Madame Cheng had nearly
80,000 pirates under her command. She ran a suffocatingly tight ship. Her code of conduct was
o
imperial fleet
That they were given a grand palace. After her second husband’s passing, she ran a
brutal – no plank-walking or beatings, if a pirate
gambling house and an opium smuggling ring until her
Pirates under her command weren’t the only
Afterall, one can never truly retire from a life of
disobeyed, he was straight up beheaded on the spot.
death in 1844 at age 69.
ones in danger of her wrath. She learned that she
crime.
traffickers. Though the captured women were treated
Emily K. Alberts thinks that if you’re going to be the best
could make a pretty penny selling captured women to with civility while onboard her ship, all bets were off
at something, try not to be the best at being the worst.
once they were sold into sex slavery. In this instance, beauty was most certainly a curse at the hand of
The Code
Madame Cheng. If a woman was too ugly to be sold, she was freed.
Of course, she had other less sinister ways
•
was expensive, she created reserves to use and even
•
earnings remained with the pirates who captured the
•
community fund to maintain the vessels. She even
•
pirates fed.
•
successful pirate in history (sorry Blackbeard, the
•
She, unlike many other pirate captains, was never
•
of making money. Given that maintaining her fleet instituted taxes on all earned goods. A portion of the
goods, while a large portion also went back to the
paid and protected farmers for food to keep her Madame Cheng is known as the most
greatest pirate that ever lived was in fact, a woman). defeated.
When the Chinese military attempted to
destroy her fleet and bring an end to her bloody reign,
they were brutally defeated. The Chinese emperor
asked the English military for help, but they too were
•
Any pirate giving his own orders or going against
orders was beheaded
Any deserters had their ears chopped off (I wonder
if she earned “a buck an ear!” Get it? Bucc-an-eer?!) Any pirate withholding booty was first given a
severe whipping, more offenses led to death Those who stole from the fund or from the
protected villagers were killed
If a pirate took a captive as his wife he must remain
faithful
Any pirate who raped or abused a female captive
was beheaded
If the relations were consensual, the pirate was
beheaded and the woman has stones tied to her feet and was drowned
Female captives deemed unattractive were set free
and the remaining were ransomed
defeated.
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Beach Drinks
FALL EDITION
Perfect Pumpkin Margarita
1 Tbl. sugar ¼ tsp. pumpkin pie spice 2 Tbl. fresh orange juice 2 oz. tequila 1 oz. Cointreau 2 tsp. pumpkin puree
Whisk together sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Coat rim with o.j. and dip in sugar/ spice mix Fill shaker with ice. Add rest of o.j., tequila, Cointreau, pumpkin puree Shake like you mean it. Strain into rim-coated margarita glass. Enjoy!
Awesome Apple Margarita 1 oz. tequila 1 oz. apple schnapps or liqueur 1 oz. apple juice ½ oz. sour mix 1 cup ice
On the rocks or blended. In blender, mix tequila, apple liqueur, juice, sour mix and ice until smooth. Pour into prepared margarita glass, garnish, enjoy. Apple slice for garnish Optional cinnamon-sugar mix for rim dipped in apple schnapps or juice
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Island Time
- Oak Island Style -- North Carolina, that is!
Text and photos by Jo Clark Long-time visitor Carrie Hayes has been vacationing on Oak Island a long time - first with her parents, then adding her husband, and as the years passed, five adorable children. Time brought other changes, and this year’s beach days are bittersweet without her mother. And that is the power of Oak Island; it hooks people and doesn’t let them go. During the summer, Oak Island’s population swells from around 7,000 to 30,000-50,000. In other seasons, the island settles down for warm days, golfers, anglers and shorter restaurant lines. The island barely towers but 14 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Shell seekers won’t be disappointed. The Atlantic tosses up lots of various shells. Keep your eyes open for the Scotch Bonnet, North Carolina’s state shell. Both of the beaches here welcome leashed pets all year, and they can romp off-leash between October and March. Oak Island has been a haven for solitudeseeking beach lovers since the 1930s. The longest 20
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and largest of the five Brunswick Islands, Oak Island consists of the towns of Oak Island and Caswell Beach. If you long to laze away your days in the surf, yet be within not too many miles of great food, shopping and golf, you’re in luck. The Oak Island Golf Club is a Southern dream come to life, with greens surrounded by century-old live oaks. Even if you don’t know a tee from a tea bag, you can partake of libations on the club’s patio and enjoy the view over the expansive Atlantic Ocean.
Fishing and Dining Oak Island boasts two piers for anglers. The longer one, Ocean Crest Pier, is midway along the island and the longest fishing pier along the Southern Cape Fear Coast. The very end is exclusively for fishing for kingfish, aka king mackerel. Anglers can pay fees for just one day, and equipment may be rented. You
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can book a fishing charter for trying your luck at deep-sea fishing. The pier isn’t just for fishing. Its unique walkway provides a peek at the ocean beneath. An hour walking along the pier in the sea air will surely whet your appetite. The KoKo Cabana Restaurant is right at the end of the pier, offering really good seafood, cool breezes and gorgeous views. If live music is your jam, the Lazy Turtle Bar & Grill next door has equally impressive views. Taco Tuesday and Fish Fry Friday are especially good days for a visit. With nearly 30 restaurants presenting choices from fresh seafood to tasty Southern BBQ, Oak Islanders don’t intend for anyone to go hungry. And the roadside stand boiling peanuts is an island landmark. It’s a Southern thing — try them; warm peanuts in a salty brine can hit the spot. When or if you need a beach break, check out the Oak Island Nature Center to learn about the island’s ecosystem. The Center offers educational exhibits of fossils and native animals, a walking trail and a dock. Or maybe taste-test the ice cream at six local parlors.
Photo Ops Oak Island has a unique feature for an east coast beach -- it faces south. This means you can get sensational shots of a sunset — a genuine treat for east coast beach bums. No visit to Oak Island is complete without an up-close visit to the lighthouse. Spotted on your way to the island and easily seen from nearby Southport, the Oak Island Lighthouse has the distinction of being the youngest lighthouse in North Carolina. This newbie was completed in 1958 and has illuminated Caswell Beach ever since. Neighboring “Old Baldy,” Bald Head Island’s Lighthouse, is the oldest, rebuilt in 1817. It’s fun to capture Old Baldy from the water during a boat tour. Be sure to boost the shutter speed to compensate for the motion of the ocean. You can also shoot the Oak Island Lighthouse from the vessel or the marsh walk near Southport’s marina. To get more up-close and personal, try the boardwalk across Caswell Beach Road. By squatting down, you can use mango-mag.com
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the wax myrtle to conceal the roadway and capture a picture-perfect postcard photo.
Day Tripping Bald Head Island is accessible by ferry from Southport and is the perfect day trip. The 20-minute ferry ride is half the fun. The island has bikes, golf carts, kayaks and surfboards, but no cars. There are 108 steps up Old Baldy for panoramic views and photos of the barrier islands. Less than 45 minutes away is the amazing Ingram Planetarium at Sunset Beach. This stateof-the-art, 85-seat theater offers high-definition digital projection and surround sound. Just across the Intracoastal Waterway on the mainland, historic Southport awaits. This charming town was named one of the “Best Coastal Small Towns” by USA Today and “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living Magazine.
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Tours with Southport Boat Rentals’ Captain Eli are part history, part tourist attraction, and part nature viewing adventures. Capt. Eli and mates Bryan and Camden point out familiar landmarks like Bald Head Island, Oak Island, the Oak Island Lighthouse and Fort Caswell. Battery Island and Bird Island are leased by Audubon and nesting rookery for white ibis, snowy egret, little blue and tri-color herons, American oystercatchers and brown pelicans. The osprey family finds a buoy the perfect spot for a nest—plus, it is easy to keep an eye peeled for a seafood dinner. The picturesque maritime town of Southport offers locally-owned shops, art galleries, history and art museums, restaurants and wine shops in an easyto-walk downtown. At the North Carolina Maritime Museum, you will hear tales of shipboard adventures and learn about the seafaring history of Brunswick County. As one walks these historic streets, it’s easy to imagine pirates, blockade runners and Southern
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belles. Never is this more true than when walking at dusk with Katie Boyd, Old South Tour Company’s owner. Sign up online, then look for the belle with a lantern at Whittler’s Bench on the waterfront, next to Oliver’s Restaurant. Since the tour starts at 8 p.m., there’s time for one of Oliver’s outstanding seafood meals. For 18 years, Katie has walked these streets and hidden paths that lead to cemeteries, haunted houses and the old jail. Southport has been home to seafarers (and their ghosts) since the 1500s. Walking and swinging her lantern, she enchants visitors and locals alike with her chilling tales of the haints (spirits) of Southport. mango-mag.com
Southport locations have appeared in movies and popular television shows such as “Matlock,” “Safe Haven,” “A Walk to Remember,” “The Secret Life of Bees” and “Under the Dome.” You’ll see why when you stroll around this charming, coastal town. Jo Clark moved from the Virginia mountains to a South Carolina beach 25 years ago and has never looked back. With sandy toes and salty hair—who needs makeup on Oak Island? She happily roamed the island and the streets of Southport, camera in hand. www.haveglasswilltravel.com
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Backyard Tiki Bar
From Blank Backyard Canvas to mini-Margaritaville in New England
Text by Joanne M. Anderson
Photos courtesy of Tim Maguire 26
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“What is odd is that in the midst of dealing with the grief and loss, I found Jimmy Buffett and got immersed in the lifestyle he sings about and what really matters. Something about his music really lifted me up when I needed it most.” mango-mag.com
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What do ghosts, The Freedom Trail, Jimmy Buffett’s music and a lady named Cathy have in common? They are all front and center in the life and times of Tim Maguire. Growing up in south Boston, Tim never had a backyard. He was not especially enamored with Jimmy Buffett’s music. He did, however, have a creative streak which saw a blank canvas in many interior and outside spaces - vacant places which needed filling. In his days working at the Boston Tea Party Museum, he would take a simple room and design it into a replica of a 1775 space. He calls is “theming” – Tim is compelled to develop a theme in an otherwise mundane space. Thus, about a decade ago, when Cathy came into his life, and he moved into her home, his mind whirled around the backyard with its kidney-shaped, circa 1960s swimming pool in an empty yard. “The pool was very old,” he states. “No one used it, and there it sat in this relatively vacant backyard. I had to create a theme to fill the space.” In 2015, Tim encountered one of the proverbial rocky patches in life’s journey. He lost his mother; then his best friend. “It was a difficult time for me,” he shares. “What is odd is that in the midst of dealing with the 28
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grief and loss, I found Jimmy Buffett and got immersed in the lifestyle he sings about and what really matters. Something about his music really lifted me up when I needed it most.” And that was no passing fancy. Tim engaged his theming skills, his vision for what can be, and he began to transform the yard into a mini-Margaritaville. First he built a small bar, but so many friends came that he had to enlarge it. “The pool never had any lights, so we bought green landscape lights at Walmart and placed them into planters on both sides at the middle of the pool. And we added some solar landscape lights, too.” There was no budget for this project, and they never put much money into it, Tim relates. The bar’s granite slab was found in a remnant pile of rock. The cabinet base of the bar was salvaged from an old boat. The TV is a $250 smart TV from Walmart, not an expensive outdoor television, but he can be found out there in the snow watching it. “The TV has been there three years now through Boston winters, and I’ve enjoyed it when there’s ice on the screen and a blizzard raging around me!” The tiki roof was shipped from Mexico because for that, Tim wanted the real
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thing.
worked in tourism all his adult life and owns his own business, which can make it challenging to get away. “Here we can take a vacation any day of the week, the ubiquitous staycation, yet we are transported to island time in a tropical setting.” And the ghosts? Well, there aren’t any here in Tim’s private Margaritaville backyard, at least not that he revealed, but he does ghost tours in Salem, famous for its 1692 witch trials, as well as custom tours on The Freedom Trail and other historical sites. Tourofthefreedomtrail.com is his website, and should you get up that way, check out the “Haunt and History Tour” and other night and day fun excursions. Tim has been to two Jimmy Buffett concerts at Fenway Park. For his upcoming 50th birthday, he and Cathy are going to Margaritaville Orlando Resort. Likely, he will return with more ideas for Med K, their backyard tropical escape (on a street which begins with the letter K). When they can’t get out of town physically, they can take a couple steps into a tropical enclave with margaritas, Jimmy Buffett music, TV and one old swimming pool now the centerpiece of a charming mini-Margaritaville.
Throughout the year, he and Cathy toss their pocket change into a bucket. When spring comes around, they take out the money and buy real palm trees and flowers. Since the palms are large by fall, Tim tries to find a hotel lobby to take them over winter, but that idea turned out to be easier said than done. During the theming process, Tim browsed magazines and remembered things he saw on trips to St. Maartin (or Martin), Aruba, Florida and Bermuda. Tobacco Bay in Bermuda is an all-time favorite destination with its pink sand. He has always loved the ocean, growing up on the south shore and hanging out at Carson Beach. Now, he’s more drawn to the north shore, living on the north side of the city, and spending time in Rockport, known the world over for its iconic red fishing shack dubbed Motif No. 1. “When service people, new friends or coworkers come to the house, they are always blown away by our backyard. We share lots of margaritas with our neighbors. New England is definitely not a tropical place, but the backyard is our vacation spot.” Both Tim and Cathy are busy professionals. Tim has
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A Lifestyle Based on the Love of
Sailing Text by Karl H. Kazaks Photos by Jo Clark
30
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R
Reconnecting is a theme which
weaves through Jim Edwards’ sailing career. He met his wife, Mahi, a Dutch native, in 2004 in Miami
as she was preparing to sail to the Caribbean and he was going to Mexico – they later reunited and
married. His current boat, the Miss Cassidy M, is a 1978 Creekmore 34 which he sold and then later
purchased again. And there is his connection to life on the water, which began in childhood and was relaunched after some years on land.
Growing up in northwestern Alabama,
Edwards was first taken to the water by his father on a 27’ wooden single-engine Chris Craft powerboat, a boat which gave way to a twin engine Chris Craft
and other subsequent water crafts. Along the way, his father bought a Sunflower sailboat which Jim sailed on the weekends. He took sailing lessons at Culver Military School in Indiana.
But as a young adult living in Nashville,
Edwards was committed to his job, working too much and trying to get ahead. That’s when he realized
he needed to find a hobby, and he turned back to
sailing. “I found a 23-foot sailboat and fell in love with sailing all over again.”
The first place he sailed was Percy Priest
Lake to the east of Nashville. Like his father, Edwards graduated to a bigger boat, a 1968 Columbia 36 sailboat, which he trucked from Michigan to his parents’ place in Alabama.
It was that boat which Edwards first took to
the ocean – to a life on the ocean. Changes in his
workplace led him to realize his job wasn’t his dream job after all. So, on May 19, 1994, Edwards sailed his
Columbia down the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway to Mobile Bay. “I had sailed a good number of hours by then but never on the open ocean,” he recalls. “It was learning under fire for sure. I eventually figured
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out how to make things work.”
Lee Creekmore was the designer of the Miss
For the next 24 years, Edwards lived on and
Cassidy M, an early generation fiberglass sailboat
made a living from boats. Along the way, he lived in
which is heavily built, with the keel being encapsulated
Mexico and Miami, started a boat repair business,
rather than bolted on. They are the kind of boats
captained boats for delivery, tooled around the
Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, and had a son, Morgan, together with Mahi in 2007 when they were living on the Creekmore 34 in Miami. That’s just one part of
the long history he and his family have with the Miss Cassidy M.
When he first came in possession of the
which can survive – provided they receive the kind of care Edwards gives his boats. Creekmore let buyers purchase a boat at various stages of completion –
sometimes just the hull with mast allowing the owner to build out everything else. As a result, existing
Creekmores have a vast array of appearances. Miss Cassidy M has a lot of woodwork inside with teak
boat, it had been long neglected. Its engine was an
cabinets featuring louvered doors.
old Mercedes diesel which leaked oil. He replaced
“For a 34’ boat, it has a lot of storage area,”
the engine, put in a new water tank, and added a
Edwards points out. “It’s a very wide 34’ boat, with a
forward bulkhead, and the front deck was rotten. So he
great living space in the boat.” After selling it, Edwards
generator and air conditioning. Termites had eaten the rebuilt those. He added more equipment, eventually
replacing all the rigging, wires and sails. “Pretty much
everything on the boat I’ve either painted or replaced
lot of freeboard, which means there’s a lot of really
moved on to other boats – and eventually to land on the coast of South Carolina three years ago.
The person who bought the boat from
or repaired.”
Edwards contacted him a few years ago, offering to sell
traded the Creekmore 34 for a Montevideo 43, which
and didn’t need another project. But eventually he
The summer after Morgan was born, Edwards
he restored and sold. Edwards estimates he has restored more than a dozen boats. 32
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it. At first, Edwards declined. He was preparing to move agreed to buy it back and has owned it, this time, for
about two years. The boat had been used some after S e p t / O c t
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Edwards let go of it, but prior to him repurchasing it,
to getting a truck, moving to land and getting a
Today, aside from repainting, most of the restoration
and rigging, replace shafts and propellers and more.
it had been in storage, which meant another overhaul.
warehouse in South Florida. He would install engines
work is done. It has a Yanmar 4 cyl 45hp naturally
One time he anchored ship in the mangroves
aspirated diesel engine.
in the approach of Hurricane Isaac, then returned to
today is a 13’ Boston Whaler. He still works on boats –
survived through Hurricane Wilma, when it walloped
But the boat Edwards is most likely to take out
Florida to see the damage the storm had wrought. He
“twisting wrenches,” he says – and does deliveries, but
the Mexican coast, stripping mangroves, toppling
most of his connection to the water is safely stored
telephone poles and pushing 85’ steel fishing boats
in his memories, like the two years he lived on Isla
a quarter mile up the beach. “I’ve been through a lot
Mujeres near Cancún. [Isla Mujeres is coincidentally
of hurricanes.” And there’s the time he sailed through
featured in this issue on page 8.]
He spent 21 years working on boats in the
the Panama Canal, plus numerous delivery journeys
winter then taking off to the Bahamas or the Caribbean for months at a time. His boat repair business has
embraced quite a career progression – from showing up to work on a boat in his dinghy laden with tools
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between Florida and the Chesapeake Bay.
“I’ve got a lot of great memories,” he smiles.
“I can’t look back and say I didn’t do it, because I definitely did.”
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The Little Engine That Could Jeff Melia
and a man who proves “you can” … come home at 5 p.m. every work day and circulate a petition for a live Jimmy Buffett concert song and do other things Text by Kameron Bryant
Photos courtesy of Jeff Melia 36
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I think I can
If you read about the regrets people have as
focusing on degrees in surgery, and his desire to get
they age, you’ll see a common theme: “I wish I hadn’t
home shortly after five every evening has remained
spent so much time working”; “I wish I’d lived more in
possible. “I enjoy what I’m doing. I feel valued, and
the moment”; “I wish I’d allowed myself to be happier.”
what I’m doing is meaningful. I still don’t know what I
Less work, more play. While it’s near-impossible to
want to do when I grow up—some people follow their
escape all aspects of the daily grind—balance is
passions and dreams. My dream was to get off at 5
key. Even with all the self-help books about creating
o’clock.”
equilibrium between life’s work and play, it remains a hard balance to strike.
to leave work at five may seem simple. It may seem
Jeff Melia, 42, met his sweetheart, Laura, in
unmotivated. But digging below the surface, you
high school. They’ve been married for 16 years and
see he’s actually flipped the system on its head. He’s
have three kids. “I don’t find myself all that exciting,”
purposefully set up his life to have it all: A meaningful
Melia says, but what makes his story intriguing is
career along with the elbowroom for what brings him
that it seems he has achieved the work-life balance
joy . . . like Jimmy Buffett concerts.
that everyone else (usually) only reads about. And he
Melia’s first Jimmy Buffett concert was at the
didn’t just fall into this balance. He knew early on what
Nissan Pavilion (now the Jiffy Lube Live) in Bristow, Va.
was important to him and constructed a life with room
“I still remember my first show when I was back on
for work, family and play. In the interview that landed
the lawn, and I saw beach balls flying around.” What
Melia his job at a veterinary specialty organization, he
struck him was the vibe. The vibe and the crowd
told his now-boss:
stood apart from the concerts Melia had previously
I wanted to work Monday through Friday 9-5.
been to, and he found the silliness and fun infectious.
I wanted to be home on weekends. I wanted to be
“The fun people were having was so much different
home every day for dinner and coach my kids’ sports
than the standing around listening to music that I’d
teams. I wanted to know that I was going to be there
become accustomed to.” And Melia was no stranger
for family. I wanted to come to work and do well,
to concerts. With his diverse taste in music, he’d gone
and then go home and leave work behind.
to shows with the Cowboy Junkies, the Indigo Girls,
He’s been with the organization for nearly 16
Pantera, Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, and others.
years, serving as a guidance counselor for veterinarians
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To those caught up in the rat race, Melia’s aim
But the Jimmy Buffett concert was different. “I
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Jeff Melia was hooked on it pretty quickly.” Melia and his girlfriend
the group started off small, its following has grown to
enjoyed going to Buffett’s concerts. While the group
keep the BuffettNews people together,” Melia states, so
(now his wife) collected a core group of friends who all lasted for several years, eventually, it began to disperse. Just how many times are you willing to pay to hear
“Margaritaville”? But for Melia, going to Buffett concerts
was only one part of an experience. “When I go to concerts, it’s as much about meeting up with the friends I’ve made as it is about the actual concert.” Melia
began
circling
with
people
more than 36,000 people. “The original intent was to it was important to use the name “BuffettNews.” While Melia is not responsible for the BuffettNews website, he received permission from the creator of the website to
use the same name for the Facebook group. “In that regard, I kind of rode his coattails.”
Melia and the three other administrators of the
from
BuffettNews Facebook group work hard to differentiate
website’s discussion board and meeting with fellow
themed Facebook groups out there. “We try really hard
BuffettNews, becoming an active member of the parrotheads at shows. But even here, on a website
dedicated to all things Jimmy Buffett, the group began
to drift away with the rise of social media. Melia rolled with the tide, creating a Facebook group in an attempt
to reel the parrotheads back into conversation. While 38
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the group from the many other Buffett- and parrotheadto keep a specific focus on Jimmy Buffett and not be a
free-for-all, parrothead social group.” They accomplish this by curating news on Jimmy Buffett: “We’re going
out and trying to find interesting things and posting them in a central place.”
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meeting up with the friends While starting the group is impressive, Melia’s
proudest Buffett-related victory is a more personal
he saw (and heard) and result of his petition.
“I was standing on the lawn, all by myself,
one. In 2013, Melia wanted to hear the song “Nautical
and he’s up there playing this song for me. I felt like I
he’d never heard the song live. So he started a petition in
doing it for me; he’s doing it for me!’ ‘Sure he is, buddy.’
Wheelers” live. He’d been to at least a dozen shows, and
the form of a discussion-board thread on the BuffettNews website. He kept the thread active by posting “ridiculous
things—pictures I would make, silly stuff, just trying to keep it at the top of the board threads for the summer
couldn’t turn to the people around me and be like, ‘He’s
But the BuffettNews crowd had blown up the message
board and Facebook, everybody celebrating this small but personally significant victory.”
The fact that Buffett acknowledged the petition
leading up to show.” It wasn’t ignored—others jumped
on stage, that it wasn’t a coincidence, means the
thinking it would actually make a difference.
friends see Jimmy Buffett play “Nautical Wheelers” or
on board—posting fun additions or ridiculing Melia for
Melia had no idea if the scheme would work. “I
was certainly optimistic in a little-engine-that-could, ‘I
think I can’ type of mentality.” In the days just before the concert, Melia wrote to several band members, letting them know about the petition. And one band member brought the result of the petition to Jimmy Buffett’s attention.
“At the show, he came up for his encore and
petition still lives on. Almost 10 years later, when Melia’s they hear it from a trop-rock band, the Facebook posts
and messages come flying. “I don’t know what made me think it was possible for some guy who had no
connection to anything to pull it off, but just the idea that I was able to put my mind to something small, that
meant a lot to me—I was able to somehow make it happen.”
Why “Nautical Wheelers”? It all comes down
mentioned that he had heard about the petition people
to the lyrics in the song, which Melia found particularly
momentarily separated from the friend he arrived at the
Contented to be living and dying in three-quarter time.”
had to play the song, and then he played it.” Being show with, Melia was standing on the lawn alone when
PETER MAYER
JIM MAYER
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relatable: “That’s cause everyone here is just more than /
MR. UTLEY
BUFFETT NEWS
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At the Cabana history, style and function of recreation’s favorite hut
Text by Nancy S. Moseley 40
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It’s hard to imagine a time we didn’t
and elevated it to a level of art and socialization.
float on rivers, jump in lakes, sail the ocean
see and be seen and resembled what today we
gravitate toward water for recreation. We seas, usually all in the name of vacation.
However, water not only cleanses the soul, it also, conveniently, cleanses our crevices.
One of the earliest known public
baths, called “The Great Bath,” was built in the Indus Valley (present day Pakistan)
around 2500 BC. Many, many centuries later, the Romans adopted public bathing mango-mag.com
The bathhouses, called thermae, were places to
would associate with a health spa. Thermae often
included adjacent courtyards where patrons could easily while away a whole day watching performers
entertain. There were also libraries, sports facilities, ornate gardens and vendors selling food.
The bathhouses had dressing rooms with
cabinets so bathers would have a place to store clothing and easily transition from their hygiene Sept/Oct
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Image: Coolcabanas.com dip to lunch and a show.
stand proud as substantive status symbols in the center
grew in popularity, as bathing became more of a
scene alone is the stuff of movies.
As the years went on, recreational swimming
private, at-home experience. As more pools opened,
Chances are, if you’ve ever bellied up to a
the need for a similar location to change and store
body of water for a day of play, you’ve needed respite
were constructed.
beach clubs, high-end hotel pools, and oceanfront
clothing became apparent. As a solution, little huts We get “cabana” from the Spanish word,
cabaña, meaning cabin or indigenous hut. What were once humble, rustic huts, used only for operational realities, have elevated in popularity and style and now 42
of waterfront party life. The Hollywood pool cabana
The Mango
from the sun. Cabanas typically dot the landscape at resorts. They are freestanding structures with a roof and
some semblance of walls, usually with at least one side
remaining open facing the water. They provide a place
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Thankfully cabanas, like many things, have
advanced in engineering to easily support our on-the-go mentality. You no longer need to seek out accommodations that offer rentable cabanas,
you can now pack your own. Portability takes the function a cabana provides -- shelter and shade -and neatly packs it into a bag. CoolCabanas
markets
a
refreshingly
simple patented structure. Their website touts: “When designing the CoolCabana, it was extremely
important to us that one person could set it up.” Which is huge, if you’ve ever tried to erect
something fighting the lovely, but incredibly challenging-to-work-in, ocean breezes. They are open on all sides, available in fun patterns and rated
UPF 50+ sun protection. Even though the beach is the primary execution because it requires the use of sand to anchor down the posts, there is a “grass
kit” accessory for purchase for use at kid sporting
events or perhaps even camping. While this product doesn’t offer much in the way of privacy
for changing, the solo assembly is the main selling point.
It’s hard to talk so much about cabanas
without getting Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana” stuck on a loop in your head (you’re welcome). In Spanish,
copacabana translates to “glass house,” which is a fitting description for the function we understand: Somewhere that provides (in this iteration, the
allusion of) privacy, with views of water. In Manilow’s case, copacabana was a party scene, featuring Lola, the showgirl. to take a break, with or without fellow vacationers. The nicer
What started out as modest dressing
cabanas often boast a bed or luxury lounge chairs and rent
rooms and are now fancy structures to look rich
four posts, a simple roof and loose material that can either be
throughout society’s advancing desires. Next time
Cabanas as a permanent fixture can be designed to
and splurge on a cabana. Even if you don’t need to
out for a hardy sum. Common cabana construction includes
under, cabanas have certainly remained relevant
tied back or unfurled to form walls.
you’re vacationing at the water’s edge, go ahead
the nines, architected to match a main house or even act
change, it might just change your life.
have full electricity, plumbing and kitchen amenities or they
Nancy S. Moseley is a freelance writer who once got to be part of the Hollywood poolside cabana scene. She hummed Barry Manilow the entire time.
as an outside cottage where guests can overnight. They can
can pay homage to their hovel history and simply be a place to store and change clothes for swimming. mango-mag.com
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The Horseback Ride
Text by Joanne M. Anderson | Photos courtesy of Amslee Agency 44
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Like No Other
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You don’t have to own a horse or even dream
to eliminate horseback riding on the beach, so a local
often about horses to imagine riding one on a beach
riding group spearheaded by Jack Monroe came up
anywhere in the world. These magnificent equines
with the idea to get permission to ride on the beach at
have been to war, carried pioneers across our land,
least once a year AND raise money for the American
dragged equipment to break up the ground for crops
Heart Association [AHA],” explains Sara Nelson,
and transported royalty, outlaws, jockeys, cowboys
director of development for AHA. Monroe was a heart
and everyday folks wherever they wanted to go.
attack survivor.
This was not lost on the founders of the
About 20 riders participated in 1981, the
American Heart Association Beach Ride, established
inaugural year. Around a decade ago, Monroe
40 years ago. “The City of Myrtle Beach was seeking
stepped away from leadership, and AHA trotted in to
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take the reins. “From that point,” Sara says, “the event went from a regional word-of-mouth fundraiser to a national occasion to ride on the beach for four days and raise money for a great cause. Participants come from all over the country and Canada.” Cas de Rooy encourages everyone with a horse to put this event at the top of their bucket list. “It’s an amazing experience, a once-in-a-lifetime thrilling adventure with wonderful people, terrific horses and so much fun for such a great cause.” When his coworker, Susan Smith, discovered the ride online, she suggested they go. “We worked at LewisGale Hospital Montgomery in Blacksburg, Va.,” he relates, “and we both thought it was a great idea to do something good - with our horses!” So de Rooy made a pamphlet about this American Heart Association Beach Ride fundraiser, with photos of him and Harold (his horse), and left a few copies in the doctor’s lounge. “It worked like a charm! I raised all I needed and more in one day!” A retired executive chef, de Rooy began riding at age 7 in his homeland of The Netherlands. He took lessons there until age 18 under the tutelage of a topwinning Dutch jumper with a horse named Harold.
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Thus, when a sturdy Morgan-cross horse came into his life in the U.S., de Rooy named him Harold. Traveling with Smith, her horse, Tigger, and her husband Charlie, they formed a little convoy with the Smiths’ 3-horse trailer with living quarters plus their RV. “It was so well-organized,” de Rooy relates of the Beach Ride, “especially having experienced wranglers on the first day to ride on either side of me and Harold.” Many horses have never experienced the ocean with waves flowing in and out and all the open space and salt air. Experienced cowboys ride alongside many of the horses to acquaint them with the water and overcome any trepidation of putting their hooves into moving salt water. Most of the 1,100 horses in attendance [in 2013] were wonderful, as de Rooy recalls, but, of course, there were a few which did Sept/Oct
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friendship form fast and many forever last.
not think this was much fun for them [the horses]. Nelson
concurs
with
the
phenomenal
community support. “Everyone is willing to help with the horses, parking a trailer, fixing a bridle, lending a hand. The sense of community is heart-warming for being so strong and amicable among the attendees.” While the Smiths and de Rooy traveled more than six hours, he says there were real cowboys and others who traveled more than 24 hours to ride at Myrtle Beach. Lakewood Camping Resort, founded in 1959, hosts the event at its beachfront, 1,300-site campground. It’s the only time of year that horses are permitted on the beach. Horse celebrities like Julie Goodnight, a wellknown horsemanship clinician and TV host, observes: “Walking around the campground, it’s easy to see why so many people make the trek back every year. I thought it was all about the horses. But clearly, it’s about much more than that.” The horse folks can ride to their heart’s content on the beach the first three days, and then join the 20-mile ride on Saturday. There are vendors and entertainment each evening, and the bonds of 48
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Debby Rose of West Virginia returns this year to the ride with her paint horse named Splash. She is a full-time truck driver, mom to adopted kids, wife, daughter, friend and horsewoman. Her mother died from a heart attack in 2014, and on Debby’s first ride, she tipped the scales at 300 pounds. “The Beach Ride has saved my life,” she declares, being motivated in advance of the first ride to lose 45 pounds, learn about cardiovascular disease, blood pressure and heart health. ““I loved the Beach Ride and all it stood for. I loved the money raised; the technology it helps fund, whether you’re a newborn or not yet born or if you’re 100. I met so many people I did not know were heart survivors until I said I was raising money for the American Heart Association.” Rose went up and down streets raising money, determined to be the top winner. But her solo fundraising of $7,400 was not quite enough. The man who raised the most money won a new saddle. “He gave it to me,” Debby relates, “right in front of everybody at the Beach Ride award ceremony. Those people are just so giving!”
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For five days in November, it’s my time with my second family – those who share the sand and the passion of the Beach Ride! ~ Debby Rose
“God keeps me going,” she continues. “Things happen in life, and you can be either negative or positive. I keep putting one foot in front of the other. I talk to God and keep going with my exercises and helping at the Beach Ride.” Debby and Splash will again ride this year, but this time, Rose weighs one hundred thirty-eight pounds. Oh yeah ~ 138! Mega kudos, Debby Rose!
40th Annual AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION Beach Ride Nov. 3 – 7, 2021 www.ahabeachride.org
If you think year 2020 might have been a bust for the covid circumstances, think again. “It was our largest fundraiser yet,” Nelson declares. “Because horseback riding and camping are naturally sociallydistanced, people came. We had fewer riders, just under 1,000, and raised the most money at $400,000!” This year’s goal is an astounding $500,000, and all The Mango readers can participate with a donation of any size. As this issue goes to press, nearly $200,000 has already been raised. After all, we all need a good, beating heart, and the American Heart Association is dedicated to its mission: To be a relentless force
~ Donations Welcome ~ www.ahabeachride.org Click on Donate at the top
for a world of longer, healthier lives.
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All in the Family
Text by Nancy S. Moseley Photos courtesy of Jimmy and the Parrots 50
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an island rock band that keeps the party alive
From the looks of his name, one might think Jimmy Maraventano was destined for a different career path. He even composed an original song entitled, “James Gandolfini.” But fortunately, the family, of Sicilian descent, was versed in far less ... illegal ways. “Growing up in the ‘60s, we went to our country house and my uncles would always have mandolins and guitars lying around. I would pick up a guitar and try and try and try, but no one would ever let me play with them because I wasn’t good enough,” Jimmy laughs. “Now I keep a guitar beside my couch. I don’t think a day goes by where I don’t pick it up.” Maraventano, lead singer of island rock maestros Jimmy and the Parrots, was born in Manhattan with subsequent moves to the Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island before settling in western New Jersey where he lives today. Music was always around, he says. Early
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influences are diverse, with specific touts to the Beatles, Paul Simon and James Taylor, along with the genres of bluegrass, country, island music and 1940s swing. He even cites “Deliverance” and “Beverly Hillbillies” for his bent toward the banjo. “I find the banjo a fascinating instrument. My brother had one he didn’t allow me to play, so when he wasn’t around, I would put the records on and listen and try to play. I wasn’t good at it, but I had fun.” His first public opportunity came at the age of 17 when he partnered with his brother and a school friend to lead after-dinner singalongs in resorts of the Catskills. Those gigs lasted several years. Maraventano eventually attended Staten Island Community College before entering the workforce. Shortly after, he met his wife, Kris, at a bar. “I was nervous wreck, I had absolutely no confidence,” he recalls. He invited her to see the movie “Jaws,” which had just been released, but she never Sept/Oct
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showed up. “I went home and sat between my mother and my father and watched ‘Happy Days.’ If I had had another girl’s number, I might have tried that. But of course, I didn’t, so I called Kris, again.” More than 40 years and two children later - a daughter, Nicole and a son, Jimmy - he still claims to be the luckiest guy in the world. One fateful day when the Maraventano family threw a luau-themed party, someone suggested he add Jimmy Buffett to the playlist. After purchasing Buffett’s “Songs You Know By Heart” greatest hits album, he realized the tunes weren’t terribly complicated in composition, so he started figuring out how to play them himself. Then there was a family vacation to Universal Studios in Florida. By complete circumstance, he saw signs that Jimmy Buffett was filming a video for his song, “Fruitcake.” They happened to spot Buffett walking back to his trailer for a break and decided to
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take the risk and approach him for a picture. “It was horribly hot and the poor guy was trying to get a break, but he was so cordial and so nice. He put his arm around us and talked to us at length. We came home and bought all of his CDs and from that moment on I was in love with Jimmy Buffett.” Maraventano started looking up Parrothead clubs in the northeast and found a cover band playing in the Poconos. “We went to see them and I knew all the chords! I thought, we could do this. And the rest is history.” The “we” initially was just Maraventano and his son, who had also picked up the guitar due to simple proximity and parental influence. Father and son booked a few shows as a duo, but it wasn’t long before other musicians started to approach them. Currently, the band is composed of lead singer Jimmy Maraventano on the guitar and banjo, Jimmy Maraventano, Jr., vocals and electric guitar,
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Mark “Big Daddy” Leimbach, vocals and electric guitar, Fred Saunders on the bass, and drummer Mark Sacco. Jimmy and the Parrots have a heavy concentration of performances in the northeast, including the Jersey shore, Long Island, New York City, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. They have traveled across the United States and internationally throughout the Caribbean, Canada and Ireland. They play small town festivals and county fairs and bigtime Parrothead events, like the annual Parrotheads in Paradise Meeting of the Minds. Occasionally they will play in the parking lot before Jimmy Buffet shows. In 2022, they are booked as the house band on a cruise departing from San Diego headed to the Mexican Riviera. Fans will hear everything from Led Zeppelin and Sublime to the Beach Boys and Harry Belafonte. Depending on the audience, they’ve also been known to pull out hits from the ‘20s and ‘30s, mastered thanks to Maraventano’s father’s album collection. Two CDs worth of original tunes, and more waiting to be recorded, often round out each show. “But,” he says, “the Jimmy Buffet thing launched us. We’re very, very fortunate to fall into this.” It’s the contagious nature of escapism and the chase toward perpetual vacation that keeps everyone coming back. “It’s all based on this whole idea of living a Margaritaville lifestyle. We all benefit from running on his coattails. The camaraderie is amazing. People are ready to have fun. They’re looking to escape. They are ready to party.” Maraventano wrote an original song entitled, “We Owe it All to Jimmy.” The lyrics send one big “thank you” to everyone who makes the fandom work, mango-mag.com
from the event planners and stagehands to those who book the plane tickets and provide the catering. Of all the amazing people he has met along the way, he laughs: “I wrote another song that hasn’t been recorded yet called, ‘Please Tell Me Your Name,’ because I can never remember what their names are!” After all the live shows, the travel and the frenetic schedule of being a widely popular, remarkably talented band, it’s really, simply, all about the music and the family of fans it engenders. “We always want to please the audience. It’s not about what I want to play. I want to make the crowd have fun and as a result we have fun. It circles around. I want them to feel like we’re all at one big party.” Maybe in our attempt to escape, we end up connecting instead. And while so much of the material has been written, maybe the legacy worth leaving is rooted in the originality of what each person, or performer, brings to the stage. “We Owe it all to Jimmy” muses: “It’s about all the great friends we have come to be.” It’s the idea of fostering a different, but equally pivotal, family with whom you journey. Or family still out there, just waiting to be met. Nancy S. Moseley is a freelance writer who desperately wishes
her family had passed down even a footnote of musical ability. Though she is quite skilled in listening to music.
For an upcoming tour schedule visit
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Souvenir
or Sea Creature? a close look at sand dollars Text by Emma Beaver
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On a still afternoon on the coast, you may
Living sand dollars are invertebrate marine
stroll along the shoreline, letting sand and shell
animals, closely related to sea urchins, that use
recedes with each wave. You’ll likely find shells and
sand. They are filter-feeders, slowly passing food
fragments brush across your feet as the water
seaweed washing ashore, and if you’re lucky, you
may stumble upon a sand dollar peeping out of the wet sand or bumping against your toes.
The sand dollar’s notorious petal-like
pattern and disc shape make for an especially eyecatching find. While a sand dollar’s unique shape
their small spines to move and burrow beneath the into their mouth in the center of their body with
five “teeth” to ingest the food. The pristine, sunbleached white sand dollars that often come to
mind are actually the exoskeleton of a sand dollar, and living sand dollars are darker in color.
Surprisingly, sand dollars live six to 10 years,
and pattern are fascinating, they are also part of a
and rings on the remaining white exoskeletons can
from beneath the waves are alive. In fact, some
Sand dollars lay fertilized eggs that become larvae
vibrant ecosystem. Many times, sand dollars pulled beaches regulate harvesting the creatures to protect the local biodiversity.
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reveal their age — similar to an old tree stump. then metamorphose into small sand dollars.
Sand dollars of various species inhabit
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different coasts. Among the common species
Regardless if beach-goers snap a picture and
are “eccentric” sand dollars found on the Pacific
quickly throw the creature back into the ocean or find
and Caribbean Sea and “keyhole” sand dollars
it’s thrilling to observe a sand dollar’s complexities. “I
Coast, “sea biscuits” found in the Atlantic Ocean
its bleached exoskeleton to take home and treasure,
found in tropical waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and
guess it’s special to find a sand dollar because they’re
the Caribbean Sea. Wherever beach travelers find
so well camouflaged, and it’s pretty rare to find
themselves, sand dollars are likely living just below
whole ones that haven’t been broken by the waves or
their feet.
stepped on,” Jacobs adds.
A Sand Dollar Memory
A Token of Beach Life
Mary Anne Jacobs, a Virginia native who
Sand dollars are picture-worthy finds and
owns a condo on the South Carolina coast with her
a staple of beach life—depicted in everything from
shells in Isle of Palms, S.C., years ago when she found
of sand dollars abound in all things coastal. For
husband, frequents the beach. She recalls collecting
some sand dollars in a tidal pool. She enjoys strolling along the sand in the afternoon sun hunting for
shells. She was surprised when she spotted the more unusual sand dollars. They were partially buried, and
beach-themed paintings to home decor. Photographs beachgoers who find the iconic exoskeleton, the sand dollar can become a reminder of a trip to the shore and the beauty of ocean life.
The sand dollar is also often thought to hold
she reached into the water to examine them.
deeper meaning. Its detailed makeup has led to “The
the prickly spines moving on the bottom of it,” she
faith. The legend says that the petal-like pattern
“I remember picking one up, and I could feel
recalls. “It was alive, so I put it back in the sand. I have only kept ones that weren’t alive.” A decade later, she still vividly remembers the feel of the small creature moving in her hand.
When removed from water, sand dollars can
only survive a few minutes. Before beachcombers throw sand dollars into their shell buckets, it’s
Legend of the Sand Dollar,” a symbol of Christian represents the Star of Bethlehem, and its narrow openings are said to represent Christ’s wounds.
Inside, the sand dollar’s five “jaws” are thought to represent “doves of peace.” One legend says that
sand dollars are mermaid coins. The folk lore shows that the sand dollar’s tiny features are so complex that they can give way to rich metaphors.
important to inspect them closely to determine if
From their intricate pattern to their
they are alive. If so, they need to be returned to the
symbolism, sand dollars are a gem of the ocean. And
may serve as a sweet memento of a vacation. Like
than meets the eye when it comes to sand dollars.
water quickly. If one is just the exoskeleton, then it
Jacobs described, people can feel the spines moving in their palm if the sand dollar is alive. The white,
brittle exoskeletons are just like a seashell and can Additionally, it’s important for travelers to know the
laws and regulations surrounding collecting shells on
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With some facts about sand dollars tucked away,
you’ll be ready to head to the coast, dip your toes in the water and hunt for sand dollars.
be taken home without disturbing any ocean life.
different beaches.
as beautiful as they are at one glance, there’s more
Emma Beaver is a Virginia-based freelance writer who will look very carefully for sand dollars on her next beach adventure. She’s hoping to find the exoskeleton for a keepsake, if the beach regs permit it.
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Beach regulations on sand dollars ~ know before you visit Before you take a new sand dollar or seashell souvenir, know if your sand dollar find is alive or not and be familiar with the beach’s regulations on harvesting sand dollars. Look online before you go and/or ask a local authority. Many travel websites for beaches include information about the local species of sand dollars and guidelines on handling sand dollars. While many beaches do not regulate sand dollars, visitors are encouraged to respect their beaches and marine life.
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Tales from the
Last Mango
~ on water
Text by Joanne M. Anderson Marinas around the world are wonderful places
to meet people, make new friends and schmooze with
year in June.”
The details are organized months in advance,
old pals on boat decks and over ropes, piers and pylons.
and while some of the same veterans come, there are
Montauk Anglers Club and Marina for 30+ years, met
coordinators are present to engage the vets and
Thus it was that Bob Deviglio, service manager at the Vinnie LaSorsa, captain of Jimmy Buffett’s sport fishing boat, Last Mango, more than a decade ago.
Both gentlemen share a common gratitude for
veterans who served our country and a common desire
to give them something, like a fishing day on the high
always new ones tentatively showing up. Outreach get everyone talking. Knowledge of wheelchairs and
limitations are identified and prepared for in advance,
so everyone fits in, everyone participates, every veteran feels comfortable and appreciated.
Meals, lodging, boats, bait, fishing equipment,
seas. “It started with taking four veterans out for a day of
life preservers, snacks, drinks, prizes and all they need
up, and it morphed into a Tuesday to Friday event every
on hand. Wednesday morning, they head out to three or
fishing,” Bob recalls. “Then we got the idea to change it
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are donated. Arrival is on Tuesday with a barbecue dinner
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Bob Deviglio & Jimmy Buffe
tt
four or five or six fishing vessels to climb, walk, wheel or
donated by Charlie Boardson. Another day of fishing on
other activities for Thursday, but since most loved the
stories swapped, more friendships forged, more bonds
otherwise get on board. Early on, the organizers offered fishing, now they fish both days.
“It’s a great time of year,” Lisa explains. “The
Thursday yields not only more fish caught, but also more strengthened.
When Thursday night rolls around, the group
season isn’t quite up and going full swing, so the charter
heads over to Sal and Jen Zatowski’s home for another
opportunity themselves to offer this fishing adventure to
comes in. Everyone sings the national anthem, and
boats and their captains are totally available and love the
the vets.” Since she drives a school bus part-time, Lisa is able to borrow it for transportation all week.
Wednesday night is a surf ‘n turf dinner at Bob
and Lisa’s home. They host some 75 people setting up
tables and tents and serving lobster and steaks, the latter mango-mag.com
dinner and more camaraderie. The U.S. Coast Guard awards are given out with donated prizes. It’s a fun-
filled, laughter-laden evening finding out who caught the biggest fish, the smallest one, the weirdest fish, who traveled the farthest and more.
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One tale recalls a young vet who was basically a
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torso with arms. He didn’t have enough leg to attach a
Buffett himself! He personally thanked all of us for our
up in the tower of the boat,” Bob states. “I said ok, we
It was Nate’s first time offshore fishing. “I couldn’t
prosthetic, so he was in a wheelchair. “He wanted to go
service.”
can get you up there, and before I knew it, the guy was
believe boat captains would go out of their way to take
and started spotting him. A vet with one leg got below
gifts and an award. I fell in love with being on a boat,
climbing up the tower arm over arm. Other vets noticed him on the ladder. Another vet with no physical injury
but PTSD slipped in behind him.” What never leaves the mind of a veteran is having the back of another.
Former OEF combat veteran with the U.S.
us out on their own time. I caught many fish and won
and I went out and bought one!” The evening with a live band stands out in his memory for the grown man in an American flag Speedo singing karaoke!
Then there was a time when the fishing was
Marine Corps Jarrod Scandle loves being around other
slow, nothing was biting, so a mate jumped into the
also a self-described Landshark lager and Jimmy Buffett
than one way to assure some fish get from the water to
veterans because they understand one another. He’s
connoisseur. “My friends here joke about the amount of food I eat in Montauk and my love for Landshark attire,”
water and shot a bass with a spear gun. There’s more the boat deck.
As the vets head home on Friday, there’s a
he laughs. One of those friends is Nate Rhodes. The two
sense of renewed hope and refreshed spirit. They’ve
They are best friends who work at the same company.
and challenges, the peaks and valleys that are bundled
served in the Marines, fought and were injured together. “Little did I know,” Nate relates, “that going to
Montauk was going to be the best time of my life. It was the start of a new family meeting veterans from
around the country. We ate at Rick’s Crabby Cowboy
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been with peers who really understand the emotions
into a veteran’s life. And while each veteran appreciates all that comes together to honor them, everyone pulling
it together is deeply grateful for the freedom in our
land – home of the free because of the brave and the freedom fighters who have given so much more.
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Tales from the
Last Mango ~ on land
Meanwhile over on terra firma in Georgia
and Pennsylvania and other places, Freedom Fighter
people who understood my struggles.”
Once back home this time, Bruce engaged in
Outdoors [FFO] hosts veterans at hunting events
a new kind of action - contacting sponsors and donors
combat engineer in the U.S. Army in the early 2000s. He
hosting social outings and hunting events. “We have
organized by Bruce Carpentier. Bruce was a sergeant and
voluntarily extended his contract to serve with his unit in Iraq before returning stateside to start a family.
“We deployed in the early stages of combat and
traveled to nearly every border of Iraq,” he recalls. Once back home, Bruce struggled for years with a consuming
guilt which propelled him to set a course to do something
and running his own fundraisers. That evolved into gone to Georgia on wild hog hunts and organized
guided hunting activities in central and northeastern
Pennsylvania. Collectively, we have access to more than 2,000 acres of private land that is only allowed to be hunted by veterans associated with FFO.”
Nate Rhodes is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran
meaningful for veterans. “I discovered Freedom Fighter
who served in combat roles in Afghanistan and the
an event. I did not feel that I deserved to be there, but
have shot more in the air than hitting any birds, but it
Outdoors when two vet friends convinced me to go to
what a life-changing occasion it turned out to be! It was
the first time in many years where I was surrounded by mango-mag.com
Horn of Africa. “On my first pheasant hunt, we might
was incredible meeting veterans from other parts of Pennsylvania.”
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His buddy in the service and in life, Jarrod
sponsors, business owners and individuals. All kinds
rabbit hunting, as well as the Tango Yankee can release
veteran is comfortable and can fully participate no
Scandle, has attended FFO events for pheasant and
[see sidebar]. “These events provide us veterans an opportunity to talk to one another about our service and
issues we may have secondary to our service. A veteran
understands a veteran. It’s not only a great outlet, but
of accommodations are prepared in advance so each matter what mobility or other challenges s/he might have. Veterans return home with fresh meat, which is processed and packed by volunteers.
But more so, these freedom fighters return
also a great resource to learn about the programs
home with hearts full for the time spent with men and
not know about.”
and soul of a veteran who has served the country in
available to veterans that some who have served may
Most of these land events are one day affairs,
but veterans are offered free lodging if needed. Meals, guide services and other things are provided by
women who really understand the nature of the mind a variety of – ahem – circumstances which most of us never see, experience or endure.
Tango Yankee is a cream ale with vanilla developed
by Rusty Rail Brewing in Mifflinburg, Penn., or as they say it: “Brewing boldly in the heart of Pennsylvania”. The company was founded in
2013 by passionate craft beer drinkers with a dream. And to them:
“It is just as important to put a smile on your face as it is to put a beer in your hand.”
This super special brew was released in 2018 and 2019, and
a portion of sales goes to help sponsor a veteran to attend one of the Freedom Fighter Outdoors events. Rusty Rail beer can be found in several places in Pennsylvania, western New York, parts of
New Jersey, Delaware, Ohio and Maryland and maybe more when
you read this. Look for it. American small businesses which love our veterans are worth patronizing as often as possible.
k c a B g n Givi
Lastmangoboatworks.com What started as the name of a boat has turned into a simple way to make a difference; you purchase apparel and we give the proceeds to charity.
USE COUPON CODE: MangoMag15 to get 15% OFF your next order! 62
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Last Mango gear is inspired by our adventures and where the boat takes us. Every product available online is something we would use whether we are chasing sailfish off of south Florida’s coast or walking the beaches of Montauk.
Currently supported charities: Singing for Change Freedom Fighter Outdoors
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Bristow - August 7
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Living and Eating Well in
Charleston, S.C. Text by senior writer Krisha Chachra
T
There aren’t a lot of cities in the Southeast that are synonymous with a great food destination, rich history and a stone’s throw away from the water – but if one comes to mind, it should be Charleston. This coastal city boasts dozens of James Beard nominated chefs and restaurants. Most are clustered in an area with cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and a mix of African, Caribbean and European cultures. The early beginning of Charleston was based on religious freedom and diversity when other colonies were not as tolerant. Hence, Charleston became known as “The Holy City” and attracted immigrants from all over the world. Agricultural techniques from West Africa were adopted to grow food and indigo. The biggest crop in the state was Carolina gold rice – a staple abundant in flavor which is still used in Charleston restaurants. Before tasting the delectable dishes of Charleston, you’ll need somewhere to stay. The gorgeous Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina is a short drive from the city over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. The resort is the only place on the harbor with a private sandy beach (although no water access to swim) and a
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30,000-square-foot tropical deck with multiple pools, a tiki bar and unforgettable views. Rooms on the higher floors of the newly renovated Beach Club side offer views of cargo ships coming into port, carrying containers from all over the world. The resort has an onsite latenight hang-out called the Reel Bar and another signature restaurant, the Fish House, that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Even if you don’t have a reservation, visit the Bridge Bar upstairs to enjoy expansive views of the USS Yorktown and the bridge. The Beach Club pool area has cabanas for rent and poolside service from a friendly staff who are willing to fetch food and libations from the tiki bar. When you’re done dipping, walk out to the marina and stroll down the boardwalk to watch the sailors slip out to sea. Keep going until you get to the magnificent USS Yorktown which served in the Pacific offensive during World War II. Back at the resort, the staff offers themed camp days for kids while parents can hop on the water taxi and make their way to Charleston. And here are some ideas for meal times. Husk Restaurant - The must-do experience
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made famous by culinary legend Chef Sean Brock lives up to its hype. The food incorporates elegant combinations of ancient Charleston flavors, and drinks are crafted with care and respect for ingredients. Husk in Charleston offers an ever-changing menu of locallysourced Southern dishes served in a restored Victorianera home. Tip: Table #12 in the main dining floor faces the artwork of John Thompson and in the mirror, you’ll have a direct view of the chefs at work behind the wall. Dinner reservations highly recommended. FIG – This dark décor restaurant has an aptly named acronym – Food Is Good. Ricotta Gnocchi is a great starter, and Cast-Iron Coulotte Steak with the kale and marrow bread comes with roasted carrots that melt in your mouth. The chocolate pudding infused with caramel and coffee crema is a wonderful dessert. Tip: Booth #50 or #51 are private even with a whole view of the restaurant. Dinner reservations highly recommended. Vicious Biscuit – The breakfast lines are long and move fast at this dive turned legend. Observe the many happy and satisfied faces as they eat in silence, mango-mag.com
lost in the goodness of these homemade biscuits. Just go for the signature Vicious Biscuit, a cold brew and a shareable plate of fried donut holes. Tip: Until they buy the lot next door, grab a seat wherever you can, even if under a tent in the parking lot. Rodney Scott’s BBQ – Rodney Scott is featured on Chef’s Table BBQ on Netflix. You might have to stand in line here, too, for his whole hog, melt-in-your-mouth BBQ. Locals call ahead of time and pick up at the side entrance, but the line moves fast and don’t be afraid to over-order. This joint celebrates all meats and sides the soul of the South has to offer. Tip: Note the disco ball inside that catches light from outside and scatters rainbows all over the floor. It’s like having your own party as you celebrate the best eats and living well in Charleston. Krisha Chachra is a freelance writer who recently took a food tour in Charleston, SC. She has traveled to over 50 countries and 6 continents and currently resides in Charlotte, NC. Visit her at Krishachachra.com or fb/insta @destinationsanddelish
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DEEP TRACKS
Blue Heaven Rendezvous
“This one’s for all you lovers out there...”
One can almost hear the DJ’s smooth baritone over the Bel-Air radio in Key West just before he spins this mid90s Buffett deep track of your dreams: Blue Heaven Rendezvous. From smack-dab in the center of Jimmy’s 1995 record Barometer Soup, Blue Heaven Rendezvous is a cabaret throwback that finds Jimmy playing in romance—and, as always, maybe something a little deeper. Let’s take a listen.
Text by Johnny Cate
Blue Heaven is a real restaurant in Key West with a storied history. Jimmy, being a born storyteller, uses the setting to spin a hallucinatory little romance that plays on nostalgia to draw the Parrothead’s heart right in. Fantasy and reality are found commingling in the first verse, where music plays from “blue light guitars” and even surrounding nature participates in the romance playing out. Hummingbirds mime the words As they dance in the trees...
Blue Heaven Rendezvous begins with an unexpected, lilting string arrangement that’s perfectly dreamy. So dreamy, in fact, that it’s almost impossible not to think of “When You Wish Upon a Star.” These opening strings set a unique mood for the tune, as if to hear it you have to be somewhere between reality and fantasy.
The lines are already getting blurred as even the hummingbirds are drawn into harmony with the song and the singer’s vision of what’s taking place around him. This is a fairy tale type of idea—nature is not separate from us, but close and aware and benevolent.
And in fact, that’s exactly where the song places us— between reality and fantasy.
By the end of the first verse, though, we know this isn’t a song for the young, so to speak. “It’s a throwback kind
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of crowd,” Jimmy sings, and suggests a rediscovery of passion after a significant period of time by using the setting: “There’s still some magic left / In this tourist town.” The chorus confirms this: Those crazy days and crazy ways We never want to un-do The couple caught in this dreamy moment has a lot to look back on—they’ve lived their crazy days and they have no regrets. But here, the ideas start to go a little deeper than grown-and-sexy romance. We’ll be together now and forever At the Blue Heaven rendezvous This idea of being together “forever” begins to play on the fact that we’re at the Blue Heaven—Heaven referring specifically to an afterlife paradise. Is this “rendezvous” happening not only between dreams and reality but also, perhaps, between life and afterlife? These ideas are further suggested in the second verse. We were weird roman candles Burning bright at both ends At the end of the road Is where this story begins Where the green of the gulf Meets the blue of the sea The characters have lived their lives. They “were” roman candles, and they burned bright, but this story begins “at the end of the road.” It’s a theme in Jimmy’s music and art in general that the sea represents eternity. It’s fairly explicit here what’s being said in this song, as the “green of the gulf” is meeting “the blue of the sea.” Life is giving way to afterlife. We could even revisit the image of the hummingbirds here and recontextualize it—the idea that barriers between nature and humanity will be broken down is a heavenly idea. This is a beautiful and peaceful idea of what we could hope to find in later years, and the last verse further illuminates the peaceful quality of it:
If these walls could talk I don’t know what they’d say They’ve seen some accidental masquerades But it’s no surprise Dances till dawn, heroes long gone Just let that guitar play There’s a mysterious quality to these lines, punctuated by the poetic “accidental masquerades” idea, which could warrant more attention than I have room for in this piece. However, a familiar Buffett thought process reemerges here—the idea that there are some really heavy things to consider, but considering them is hardly worth the stress. Walls that could talk. Accidental masquerades. Heroes long gone... ah, but just let that guitar play. So much has happened, but now, here where the land meets the sea, all is right, and all happened for a reason, even if that single reason was to bring these two lovers to their final rendezvous at the Blue Heaven. The beauty of Blue Heaven Rendezvous is that it’s not a sad song in any way. It deals with the reality of later life, even the consideration of afterlife, but it does so in a way that’s incredibly soft and hopeful— Who wouldn’t want to spend eternity in Key West, slowdancing as the blue light guitars play at Blue Heaven? Sounds good to me. Johnny Cate is a poet and advertising consultant based in Asheville, N.C. He daylights as a writer in association with Chameleon Collective, and moonlights as an authority on Jimmy Buffett’s lyrical catalog. DEEP TRACKS takes a forensic look at a Jimmy Buffett song, usually one considered a “deep track” or non-hit. It’s for Parrotheads, not posers. Johnny Cate rolls back through Buffett’s huge catalog, chooses a song and offers a creative analysis. One goal is to introduce new thoughts on Buffett deep tracks and bring joy to Parrotheads all over the world. But this is not really to provide answers as much as ask questions. This column is meant to be suggestive as much as it is conclusive. It has a stoner vibe, though Johnny is not stoned. And conveniently, “deep” is a great word for a column in a mag about oceans and deep waters.