The internet, I think, reduces that six degrees of separation theory by about half. I've been online buddies with Captain Richard Rodriguez for a few years now. I followed his BitterEnd blog (http://bitterendblog.com) and have kept up with him via social network sites for a while. Yesterday we met over coffee in Bellingham, Wash., face-to-face for the first time.
Richard has one of those, grab-life-by-the-horns stories. He started out with a degree in non-profit management and worked for the Boy Scouts of America for more than 20 years. Then one day he decided he needed a change, bought an RV and drove around the country until he finally ended up in the Pacific Northwest (Port Townsend, Wash.). There he started sailing and decided to get his license, "just to know more," he said. He ended up knowing a lot more! He has a 100 ton license and now teaches mariner courses. In the summers he also works about 20 hours a week towing boaters in distress to safety.
When we met up for coffee, Richard was in Bellingham to teach one of his courses. He travels all around the greater Seattle area to teach the eight week class and is certifiied to administer the Coast Guard exam as well.