My Caribbean Run

In the fall of 1977, 19-year-old Dale "Catman" Ballard gets a call that changes everything. Lured by the promise of adventure, he leaves behind the cold Indiana landscape for the sun-drenched shores of Florida—where an unexpected opportunity draws him into the world of high-stakes smuggling.

"My Caribbean Run" chronicles Dale's real-life journey on The Mirage, a 76-foot yacht sailing toward Colombia on a dangerous mission to transport 13.5 tons of marijuana. What begins as an exciting escape quickly turns into a battle against the elements, seasickness, and mounting tension among the crew. With massive waves threatening to capsize them and unexpected twists at every port, Dale is faced with a challenge far beyond his years.

A vivid tale of danger, camaraderie, and survival, "My Caribbean Run" immerses readers in the gritty, unpredictable world of 1970s smuggling. This gripping memoir will leave you wondering: How far would you go for an adventure?