River Trip Day 7 Manderin/S. Jax to Safe Harbor, Jacksonville

This huge ship nearly ran us down as we approached the Dames Point bridge in Jacksonville. It was coming through the bridge on a collision course with us (we were far outside the channel). Fortunately, the captain was able to make the sharp right turn to remain in the channel and we were spared. But for a few minutes that seemed like a lifetime, I thought for sure we were going to die. After our close call, we made it safely to Safe Harbor Boys Home where we visited with very dear friends Doug and Robin Smith. The Smiths have helped hundreds of teen boys (including yours truly more than 20 years ago) get their lives back on track. If you are looking for a charity to support this holiday season, I encourage you to consider providing gifts for the 11 boys currently living at this water-based facility. Details on their needs can be found at www.boyshome.com. For the record, I would not be the man I am today if not for their guidance during those formative teen years. Thanks guys!