JimH wrote:
"JimH" wrote in message
...
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.../NEWS/50302012

It always makes sense to pack enough beer for a 20 mile crossing in
a
14foot rowboat.


http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pb.../NEWS/50302012

Glad you are abiding by your promise, Jim, that was a damned good
article! Beer will now be a part of my survival gear.