Researchers believe they have found the wreck of Captain Kidd’s ship, the Quedagh Merchant. Charles Beeker, the archaeologist who made the discovery, said it will take about two years of careful excavation to confirm the vessel’s identity. The team is hoping to find some intact woodwork. Before his death, Kidd bragged to a British nobleman about the special joinery work on his boat, so some samples could prove the case.

National Geographic: Wood May Be Key to Confirming Captain Kidd’s Ship

Captain Kidd is one of the most famous pirates of all time. But perhaps the true story is different. The well-researched book The Pirate Hunter makes a convincing case that Kidd was one of the good guys — in fact a pirate hunter, rather than a true pirate himself. Whatever the truth, he came to an unfortunate end, executed in London in 1699.

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We’ll be heading out on another British Virgin Islands sailing trip in January. The area we sail was a popular spot for pirates, centuries ago. Whenever I run across something interesting and related, I’ll post it in our BVI category.

Years ago, I did a profile of Robert Mondavi as part of my MBA. What an amazing man! Wine drinkers will recognize that name — one of the most influential people ever in the California wine industry. When I ran across his autobiography Harvests of Joy, I had to find out more.

It’s enlightening to see how much difference one person can make. He didn’t do it all by himself, but nobody can deny that he was a major force for change. Napa and California (and possibly all of the US wine industry) would not be what it is now without Robert Mondavi. And to think he started his own winery at the age of 52, after being kicked out of the family business. (Yes, all the stories are told in the book!) There’s no such thing as starting too late! It certainly gives ME hope.

If you’re thinking of visiting Napa, it’s also fun to read about how Napa was a few decades ago. My, how things have changed. Not the sleepy little farm towns anymore.

The other thing I find inspiring is the spirit. He shows his hard-driving business side, and admits that had some serious impacts on his family and those around him. But there’s a level of joy throughout, too. How many business owners view their endeavors as “harvests of joy”? I love it!

Recommended for:
- Anyone who wants to follow their dream,
- People visiting Napa Valley.

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We do a Napa Valley tour for women each fall at harvest season. It’s a stunning place - beautiful and sophisticated. Funny to think how different it was, not so long ago…