CHARLOTTE COUNTY -- Search and rescue teams this morning found a North Fort
Myers man who was reported missing several days after he set off on a
rowboat trip, with little more than a case of beer to sustain him.

A Charlotte County Sheriff's helicopter spotted Ronald S. Kimball, 44, and
his 14-foot fiberglass Dixie Craft boat on a mangrove island near Pirate
Harbor. A Sheriff's marine patrol boat brought him back to the city.

Kimball told Punta Gorda police that he left Saturday morning and rowed to
Pine Island, about 20 miles away. He told authorities that he wanted to
think through personal matters.

But strong winds slowed his trip back to Punta Gorda. According to police,
he resorted to eating seaweed and grasses.

His wife reported his disappearance Tuesday afternoon.

Kimball, who brought no cell phone, marine radio or other communication
device on the trip, was embarrassed that his disappearance had sparked a
widespread search effort. He still planned to complete the trip.

Upon his return to Punta Gorda, Kimball volunteered for examination by
mental health professionals.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pb...============It always makes sense to pack enough beer for a 20 mile crossing in a 14foot rowboat.