John Keatley

John Keatley

Florida
A native Floridian, John Keatley spent his youth playing outdoors, followed by a 33-year career with the Space Shuttle. Co-author of a dozen guidebooks with his wife Sandra Friend, he's an avid cyclist and paddler, car enthusiast, and museum-goer.
27
Sep
Rain splashing into a river

Disappearing Home

An old friend of the family retired a few years ago. Like me, his career ended earlier than he had planned. Without a reason to stay in the area, he loaded up all his belongings in a trailer and in the back of his truck. He relocated and started a new life.
2 min read
23
Sep
On the track at Indy

Cars galore at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Car lovers alert! The Hall of Fame Museum at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway showcases the winners over decades of running the Indy 500 and other races.
2 min read
28
Aug
Man sitting on log making dinner on a camp stove

Reflections on a Not Quite Thru

Every day I find myself thinking about our time on the AT, slowly realizing how it has changed me and my views of the world.
3 min read
25
Aug
Mountain ridges as seen from the Appalachian Trail at an overlook in the Great Smoky Mountains

Re-Entry

While our hike is over, the memories and feelings from special moments along it I will remember for the rest of my life.
2 min read
12
Mar
Downtown Sanford at Christmastime

Ears to the Ground

Our departure is soon! Putting everything in storage, we're camping out in Sandy's apartment with our AT gear.
1 min read
04
Jan
A sandy peninsula with a grassy point at an inlet marked with a post

Buffet on the Beach

Carney Island Conservation Area preserves a peninsula jutting into Lake Weir near Ocklawaha, Florida. Lemon Point is at its very tip.
3 min read