Cruising the Mediterranean

A shared passion for exploration. The Mediterranean trip of their dreams.
There’s no better time for adventure than right now.


Enthusiastic explorers Al and Sunny Lockwood treasure the challenge and excitement of travel. From train rides through the Smokies to campouts in Yellowstone, they’ve documented their travel adventures to critical acclaim. With retirement, they expand their horizons and ship off for a new adventure in the heart of the Mediterranean.

Come along with Al and Sunny as they experience the dazzling beauty of the Greek Isles, the mouthwatering delights of Italian cuisine, the unique calls to prayer chanted from Istanbul’s minarets.

You’ll hold your breath riding the sky-high Acropolis lift, marvel at the lacework canals of Venice, and lose yourself in the rich wares and aromas of the Grand Bazaar.

Their daily excursions will expand your mind and deepen your understanding as you find yourself immersed in the Mediterranean’s vibrant array of cultures and history.

In Cruising the Mediterranean you’ll discover:
– Personal reflections, insights and humor
– Intriguing facts about Mediterranean history, landmarks and cultures
– Tips for pacing your daily outings to conserve energy and maintain interest
– Ways to adopt an adventuresome spirit so that obstacles or disappointments
don’t ruin your pleasure
– The emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual benefits of travel and much,
much more!

Cruising the Mediterranean is a breathtaking travelogue for explorers who refuse to let
aging limit their adventures.

If you like warm personal stories, cultural journeys, and actionable tips for planning your own cruise adventure, then you’ll love Al and Sunny Lockwood’s inspirational memoir capturing the heart of the Mediterranean.

Buy Cruising the Mediterranean today and join them on a timeless, unforgettable journey!


Meet Al & Sunny Lockwood

Al and Sunny Lockwood met after he’d retired from engineering and she’d retired from daily newspaper reporting. They spent much of their time exploring California, Al with his camera and Sunny with her notebook and pen. But a serious car wreck changed their lives.

In 2012, while they waited at a red light, a driver paying more attention to her phone than her driving, slammed into them at 60 miles per hour. The collision totaled both cars and filled the Lockwood’s summer with doctor appointments, pharmacy visits, and endless wrangling with insurance companies.

The wreck also woke them up to the reality that life is fragile and there’s no guarantee you’ll have it for long. “We decided to stop putting off our travel dreams for some day in the future,” Sunny says. “We’ve made ‘someday’ today.”

Their first dream cruise was through the Panama Canal.

Next, Al and Sunny visited Amsterdam and cruised the Mediterranean, stopping at Venice, Athens, Istanbul, Ephesus, and various Greek islands.

Together Al and Sunny have visited more than 30 countries.

“We write to encourage people to make their travel dreams come true,” Sunny says. “We want our readers to know that travel enhances health and enriches life. So step out of your everyday routine and take a chance on adventure and fun.”

Finding Ourselves in Venice, Florence, Rome & Barcelona

Do you dream of riding a gondola along the canals of Venice? Tossing a coin into Rome’s Trevi Fountain? Join Al and Sunny Lockwood as they explore these and other fascinating cities, gathering travel memories for a lifetime.

Their informative, entertaining memoir shows how seasoned travelers can see the world while savoring all the excitement, romance and adventure they desire.

The Lockwoods capture magical moments as they travel on their own by foot, bus and train. Their enchanting, entertaining experiences prove that being young at heart is all you need to relish our beautiful world.

Whether you long to travel for enlightenment or escape or if you simply enjoy armchair travel, this warm personal odyssey will sweep you away to beautiful places and pleasure-filled adventures.

Along with the Lockwoods you’ll
* feel the mist on your face in early morning Venice,
* hear the deep, resonant church bells of Florence,
* walk where Colosseum gladiators once battled,
* savor intensely flavorful gelato,
* inhale spicy incense in a Barcelona fortuneteller’s shop,
* and discover what Al and Sunny learn: that exciting, transforming travel is not the exclusive province of the young.

These two find practical ways to see the world while shepherding their energy and travel funds.

Their refreshing, easy-to-read memoir will have you searching for your passport.

Grab your reading glasses and bon voyage!


Meet Al & Sunny Lockwood

Al and Sunny Lockwood have traveled by foot, car, rail, air and cruise ship. They’ve camped in national parks, photographed springtime flowers in Death Valley and wintry surf along the rugged beaches of Northern California.

They’ve ridden Scotland’s Falkirk Wheel, Norway’s Flam Railway, and Ushuaia’s train at the end of the world.

They’ve photographed Gibraltar’s Barbary apes and Gentoo Penguins frolicking in the surf on Falkland Island beaches.

Everywhere they go, they capture unforgettable moments with their cameras and notebooks, moments to share with their readers. Their award-winning work has been published in magazines and newspapers.

“We write to encourage others to travel, to take a break from their ordinary routine and discover the many rewards of traveling with your eyes wide open,” Sunny said.

Al added, “We also write to share the wonder of our own travels. To help you feel what it’s like to be on a cruise ship, or wandering the back alleys of Venice, Italy. We hope our books give readers a real sense of our travel adventures.”

Ice Escape

John wants to be part of the first family to fly around the world. Colin wants to stay at home, not sail out on a fishing trawler into the Arctic Ocean where his father drowned.
But one little accident leads to disaster, and that means the boys have to overcome their fears to meet far from home, in one of the coldest, harshest places on earth.

‘… a great yarn for intermediate age kids, both boys and girls … full of detail of life on both the plane and the boat …’ M.F. Crowl, review of the first edition.

‘… well written and full of suspense and drama … The book would suit those of all ages who like adventure stories.’ Dion Perry, review of the first edition.

‘A ripping adventure. Evocative. For all children under 105. I sat riveted from beginning to end.’ Carol S. Child, review of the first edition.


Meet Beatrice Hale

Beatrice Hale is Aberdeen born and bred, but now lives in New Zealand where she draws on the vibrant tales from her family history for her books for adults and children.

Atlantic Rock

cover

Life’s about being comfortable, isn’t it? You find what makes you happy and you stick with it for the rest of your days.

That’s what Jimmy Stephens thought. Routine was Jimmy’s best mate, until routine found another group of friends. Somehow stranded on the remotest island in the world, Jimmy was forced to make peace with a whole new way of living, and a whole new way of seeing things.

Jimmy’s tale is one of isolation, adaptation and inspiration, challenging the fundamentals of twenty first century life.