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The Quietest Flight Home

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“You’re home. Welcome back to the United States.”

Our pilot’s voice echoed through the cabin as our charter flight from Egypt touched down at JFK on Friday afternoon.

And then…

Nothing.

Dead silence.

Not a clap. Not a cheer. Not even a cough.

I’ve been on flights where touching down after a little turbulence brings cheers and applause. This landing brought something very different—an eerie quiet.

I’ve heard louder reactions when Costco opens a new checkout lane.

Relieved?
Thankful?
Disappointed?
Embarrassed?
All of the above?

After canceling the remainder of their Egypt tours, our tour company arranged a charter flight for roughly 250 tourists. Just a few days earlier, we had expected to be sailing down the Nile.

Instead, we were flying home.

Before leaving for Egypt, Kris and I had moved out of our house of ten years. I had mentioned in a Facebook post that when we returned to Florida we would technically be homeless. We had a condo rented in Jacksonville Beach starting March 17, but now we were back ten days early.

This homeless couple needed a place to stay.

The response was incredible.

We received offers from friends in Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Kansas, Idaho, Washington, South Dakota, Maryland, Florida, North Carolina, and California.

Pretty amazing, huh?

Fortunately, we were able to check into our rental unit early, so we won’t be doing a barn-storming tour across the country. But it’s nice to know we could if we wanted to. One advantage of having moved around as much as we have is that we’ve built friendships in a lot of places.

While our Egyptian adventure didn’t end the way we expected, we still had a fantastic experience.

We saw everything we hoped to see in Cairo. The Great Pyramid was great, and the new Grand Egyptian Museum was truly grand.

What we missed was the Nile portion of the trip—sailing south through Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. Will we go back to Egypt someday to see those sights?

Quite possibly.

But for now, there are still a few places higher on our list.

After all, we’ve never been to South America… or Antarctica.

Over the next few days I’ll share some photos and stories from the incredible historic sites we visited in Cairo.

Our next adventure will be a little less glamorous. Kris is scheduled for her second hip replacement on April 2.

After that recovery, we’re planning to head to Europe for about six weeks starting in May. We don’t have the entire itinerary nailed down yet, but I’ll keep you posted—both on the hip and the travel plans.

Thank you to everyone who reached out with concern for our safety. It means more than you know.

We’re lucky to have friends like you.

Just Pete

Heading Back

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The remainder of our Egyptian tour has been cancelled, and Kris and I will be leaving on a charter flight to JFK in a few hours.

The decision affects the 20 people in our tour group, and we’re all disappointed. The strange part is that none of us feel unsafe here. Quite the opposite—our experience in Egypt has been wonderful.

Egypt has been Level 2-Exercise Increased Caution for quite some time. That has not changed.

So why was the tour cancelled?

Because of an X post (tweet).

Someone at the U.S. State Department lumped Egypt together with the rest of the Middle East. That single post changed the liability landscape overnight. Once the advisory went out, tour operators had little choice but to cancel remaining tours. From a legal standpoint, the risk suddenly became too great.

I’ll admit that before visiting Egypt, I also tended to lump it in with the rest of the Middle East.

But I don’t work for the State Department.

Let me share a few realities about Egypt.

Egypt’s last major war was in 1973. That conflict—the Yom Kippur War—ultimately led to the Camp David Accords in 1979. Since then, Egypt and Israel have maintained peace for more than four decades.

Today, Egypt often plays the role of diplomatic middleman in regional conflicts, including the ongoing tensions between Hamas and Israel.

In many ways, Egypt functions as the Switzerland of the Middle East—maintaining relationships with multiple sides and working behind the scenes to keep the region from boiling over.

Geography also works in Egypt’s favor. Nearly 95 percent of the population lives within a few miles of the Nile River. Beyond that narrow green corridor lies mostly natural protection: the Sinai Desert and the Red Sea to the east, the Mediterranean to the north, and the vast Sahara Desert to the west.

After spending time here, one thing has become clear to me: Egypt deserves to be judged on its own merits—not lumped into a regional headline.

Unfortunately, one tweet was enough to end our tour.

Pete

Egypt

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We’re currently in Egypt.

Before leaving, I told a few people I was heading over to bring peace to the Middle East. We landed Friday… so clearly I haven’t had enough time to pull that off yet.

For those who’ve asked — yes, we feel safe. If you didn’t follow the news, you honestly wouldn’t know anything unusual was happening. Life here feels normal. The people we’ve met have been welcoming and gracious, focused on their families and their work — not politics.

We’re heading to Aswan this morning to spend a week floating down the Nile before returning to Cairo. Being out on the river, surrounded by desert and ancient history, feels like a pretty good place to be.

We’re trusting our American-based tour company to monitor things and make any decisions if plans need to change. For now, we’re focused on the experience.

Egypt is extraordinary. The history is overwhelming in the best way, and the scale of what these civilizations built thousands of years ago is hard to comprehend.

I’ll save the full storytelling for when we’re home — or when the world settles down a bit — but for now, here are a few photos from our first three days.

Pete

HIP, HIP, HOORAY!

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For quite a while now, Kris’s hips have been giving her trouble. Yesterday, she took the first big step toward putting that pain behind her—she had her right hip replaced.

The whole thing was astonishingly efficient. The surgery itself took about an hour, and five hours later she was back home, relaxing in her own chair. Modern medicine is incredible.

She’s dealing with some discomfort—both in the hip and in her back from the spinal block—but overall, she’s doing remarkably well.

Her left hip is scheduled for replacement on April 2. That means the Florida Trail hike I had planned to kick off on January 1 is officially on hold. Kris didn’t ask me not to go. I just couldn’t imagine heading out on a long trek while she’s working her way through brand-new joints.

But don’t worry—we’ve replaced one adventure with another. Instead of walking across the state of Florida, we’re heading across time. Egypt, here we come! In late Februaty, we’ll cruise down the Nile, stand in the shadow of the Great Pyramids, explore the new Grand Egyptian Museum, and wrap it all up with four days in Alexandria. If you’re postponing a hike, you might as well upgrade to a bucket-list journey.

In the meantime, we’ll be focused on getting Kris back to full strength. She’s already in great physical shape, which gives her a huge advantage, and she’s got an all-star support team behind her—especially our grandchildren:
Reagan (26 months) and Quinn (3 months) Snyder, and Carson Bonner (19 months). If love and tiny cheerleaders could heal bones, she’d be jogging already.

Just wanted to keep you posted. Life throws curveballs, but sometimes those curveballs take you somewhere amazing.

Just Pete

Keep Smiling — and Be a Corky

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First off, a huge thank you to everyone who’s left a review for It’s Just sMiles on Amazon. We’re up to 10 reviews! Shout out to Baxter, Victor Fransen, Jane Howard, Jim Harper, Bob Murphy, and Susan — you rock!

Your words truly matter. They help more people discover the book and, more importantly, keep spreading the message behind it.

Speaking of that message, I want to share a story that made my day…

My friend Corky was having dinner with a friend in Asheville, North Carolina. As they approached the restaurant, they noticed a man sitting alone on the sidewalk — someone who looked like life had been a little rough on him.

Corky stopped, smiled, and talked with him for a minute or two while his friend waited by the door. When they finally went inside, his friend asked, “Why did you stop?”

Corky smiled and said, “I just read this book — It’s Just sMiles — that reminded me how much difference a smile and a simple hello can make.”

After dinner, the man was still there. This time, they both stopped to say hello. The man’s face lit up. He was grateful that someone noticed him. And Corky and his friend walked away feeling good.

A win-win… for everyone.

Be a Corky.
Take a minute to smile, to say hello, to connect. It costs nothing — and you might just make someone’s day a little brighter… including your own.

And if you’ve read It’s Just sMiles and it made you smile, please take a moment to leave a short review on Amazon. Those small acts — just like Corky’s smile — make a big difference.

For more smiles: https://www.amazon.com/Its-Just-sMiles-Santiago-Adventures/dp/B0FNX7CQ9H/ref=sr_1_1?asc_source=01HFY6QA7FYP0YEFD1ZY3XMFP8&tag=snx78-20

Keep smiling,
Just Pete

The Camino continues… and I need your help.

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IIt’s Just sMiles has now been out for six weeks—and like any good Camino walk, it’s been full of excitement, reflection, and a few unexpected blisters. Sales have been steady, but slower than I’d hoped.

If you’ve already read it—thank you from the bottom of my heart (and my slightly sore feet). If you haven’t… what are you waiting for?

It’s Just Walking surprised me with how well it’s done. It still brings in enough each month to pay for a couple weeks of Budweiser. I’m hoping It’s Just sMiles can cover the rest of the month.

But here’s the thing: on Amazon—where about 85% of book sales happen—reviews are everything. Once It’s Just Walking reached 40 reviews, something magical happened: Amazon started recommending it more, and sales took off.

It’s Just sMiles has seven reviews so far. That’s on me. I haven’t asked until now.

So here’s my Camino request to you:
If you’ve read It’s Just sMiles and it made you smile (or laugh, or maybe tear up a little), would you take two minutes to leave a short Amazon review? Just a few sentences or even a line helps more than you’d imagine.

If you haven’t read it yet, I hope you’ll grab a copy, take a virtual walk with me across Spain and Portugal—and then let me know what you think.

We’re all on a pilgrimage. It’s called life.
Thanks for walking with me.

Just Pete

It’s Just sMiles is Here

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Today’s the day—I’m thrilled to announce the release of my new book, It’s Just sMiles: Just Pete on the Camino de Santiago.

What began as a journey measured in miles quickly turned into one measured in smiles. In 2019, I walked more than 800 miles across Spain and Portugal on the Camino de Santiago. Along the way, I discovered how a simple grin can cross language barriers, brighten the hardest days, and turn strangers into friends.

This book shares that journey—part travel adventure, part reflection, and a mix of humor, heart, and honesty. You’ll wander through seaside towns, cathedral cities, and (I hope) find reasons to smile in your own everyday life.

Where to Get It

  • Available today, September 16
  • Formats: paperback, hardcover, and e-book
  • Order through Amazon or wherever you get your books.

How You Can Help

  • Grab a copy (or three—books make great gifts!)
  • Leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads—it makes a huge difference.
  • Share this post with friends who love travel, adventure, or just a good story.

I can’t thank you enough for walking alongside me through this journey—from the Appalachian Trail to the Camino de Santiago. Your encouragement, messages, and smiles have carried me farther than my legs ever could.

So here it is: It’s Just sMiles. May it bring you as many smiles as the Camino brought me.

Keep smiling—it makes the road lighter.

Just Pete

It’s Just sMiles launches September 16

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My new book is (almost) here.

After years of planning, walking, writing, and, yes, smiling, I’m excited to announce that my second book, It’s Just sMiles: Just Pete on the Camino de Santiago, will be released on September 16.

In 2019, I laced up my shoes and set out across Spain and Portugal on the Camino de Santiago—more than 800 miles of coastlines, cobblestones, and sunsets. Along the way, I discovered something simple and powerful: a smile can bridge languages, ease tough miles, and open doors you didn’t know were there.

This book isn’t a guidebook; it’s a story—part adventure, part reflection, with a healthy dose of the “Just Pete” humor you’ve come to expect. You’ll meet good folks from every corner of the world, wander through seaside villages and cathedral towns, and (I hope) find a few reasons to smile right where you are.

A few easy ways to support the launch:

  1. Mark September 16 on your calendar.
  2. Share this post with a friend who loves travel stories.
  3. Leave a review once you read it—those make a huge difference.
  4. Follow along on Facebook at Just Pete Adventures for behind-the-scenes bits and Wednesday sMiles—a photo from the Camino, a short “smile” quote, and a tiny excerpt from the book. Mid-week pick-me-ups, no training required.

Thank you for cheering me on through the Appalachian Trail, the Camino, and Sea2Key. Your encouragement, notes, and smiles (digital and in-person) kept me going—mile after mile.

Just Pete

P.S. Book clubs: I’m happy to join your discussion via Zoom—Q&A, stories, and a few smiles guaranteed. Reach out if you’re interested!

Coming This September: It’s Just sMiles

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It’s Just sMiles chronicles my journey along the Camino de Santiago in Spain and Portugal—a trek of of 820 miles that proved walking isn’t just good for your health, but also for your soul.

This isn’t just a travelogue. Along the way, I discovered the quiet power of a simple smile—how it can break language barriers, lift weary spirits, and remind you that kindness is universal, no matter where your hiking boots take you.

Whether you’re planning your own Camino or simply love a good story about getting lost (both literally and figuratively), I hope It’s Just sMiles will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even reach for your own backpack.

Thanks for being part of this wild, wonderful journey. I can’t wait to share the smiles with you all.

Buen Camino… and keep smiling.

Just Pete

Lions

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Someone asked why lions let the jeeps get so close. Fair question—especially if you remember the time one flopped down in the shade of our jeep like it was a poolside cabana. The short answer? They’re used to the jeeps and don’t see them as a threat.

The longer answer? To animals, a jeep isn’t a vehicle full of humans—it’s just one large, weird-smelling, non-threatening blob. As long as you stay seated and keep your limbs inside like you’re on a Disney ride, you’re basically part of the furniture.

Going back through the animal photos I saved, I noticed that lions and elephants made the final cut more than anything else. This was a bit ironic, considering we saw hundreds of elephants… and “only” six lions.

Apparently, I’m a sucker for a dramatic stare and a good mane.

Here are a few of my favorite lion photos, set to the soundtrack of an incredible a cappella group we heard in Victoria Falls. Make sure your sound’s on—you won’t want to miss it.

🦁 Cool Lion Facts

Lions can sleep up to 20 hours a day. Since most of the action happens after dark, they spend their days flat on their backs, perfecting the art of doing absolutely nothing… with style.

A lion’s roar can be heard from up to 5 miles. It’s how lions mark their territory, warn rivals, and let everyone know they’re not in the mood. 

The lionesses do all the hard work, hunting in coordinated groups while the males often hang back and supervise the grass. But come mealtime? The males stroll in and eat first. Kris said, “Kind of like home.” I’m pretty sure that was an insult.

A male lion’s mane gets darker and fuller with age. Females tend to go for the dark-maned guys (tall, dark, and dangerous ?). Bonus: the mane also works like a natural helmet during fights. Functional and fashionable.

Hakuna matata!

Just Pete

#africa #overseasadventuretravel #itsjustwalking #lions