My story The Tides of War, which was published in Hidden Compass last year, won first place in the the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards Special-Purpose Travel category! Sponsored by the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation, the Lowell Thomas Awards are probably the most prestigious in the field of travel journalism. I feel truly honored. Here is the comment from the judges:

The discovery of a hand-bound book of preserved seaweed launches this journey through history that connects Mike Bernhardt’s family to “The Tides of War.” A question from his wife — “Why do you care so much about what happened to my relatives?” — resonates throughout the story as he peels back the tragedy of her grandmother’s life and losses. His attention to detail transports the reader through this poignant tale. It is an unexpected and moving travel experience.