Another summer is flying by, Samantha, and many American iconic spots, like the one I go up to tomorrow morning, are getting throngs of summer visitors, from presidents to toddlers (the toddlers are actually much less trouble on the whole).

When I was little myself, our family used to go to Myrtle Beach every summer for a week, staying at the same hotel right on the beach, but this was when almost all hotels were on the beach and before high rises, and when you could swing open windows for the sea breezes and hear the surf at night. I very much doubt I would even recognize the place being shown this Thursday, and like the Burt Lancaster character in the movie 'Atlantic City' I'd probably nostalgically say "you should have seen the Atlantic Ocean then." The New England beaches you got to play on when little may exist now only in your memories too, Sam, although I'm pleased to know hot dog stands do still exist in places you can reach today.

I hope you're having a most restful summer of your own, quiet and away from any microphones and cameras and cares. While I look mournfully at the stock market, I try to tell myself the tide can't be going out forever. It has to come back sometime, even if what's on the beach itself may change in time. And I only remembered today that I used to send a line in messages in bottles for seacoast settings (or landlocked too). I guess I didn't think it needed saying anymore, but if I was wrong in thinking that, let me send it to you now - always keep your spirits up, Ms. Brown. And have a wonderful summer in your happiness.

"Capt. Tuttle"

As my esteemed colleague points out, we each have little segments of our lives invested in so many places, such as Chinatown for me. If I may add to Samantha's recent adventure, the place is magical.

I've spent time at Austin 5-stars, the beaches and bars of Miami (well, West Palm Beach, actually), visit Las Vegas often, and am reminded that every individual's visit is memorable in a very personal sense. Who can say what is important and what is trivial? I suspect the Captain can tell us with certainty his favorite ice cream flavor of the last trip to Myrtle Beach.

As for me, it appears a Latin American adventure lurks on the horizon, with El Salvadore on the agenda. Won't say more - I can be hideously superstitious sometimes - but I promise to report back.

Sam, I hope you're having a great summer, no matter where your adventures take you.

My very best wishes,

Intl Doc