The central theme of John Donne’s legendary poem “No Man is an Island” is that no one is truly self-sufficient. To some degree, we rely upon one another — especially in this increasingly interconnected world. But once in a while, you find yourself meeting someone who personifies this age-old proverb. This last weekend, I met 89-year-old Milton Parks…on his island. Tangier Island.

On a long trip to Solomons Island, Maryland this weekend, I made a stopover on tiny Tangier Island, a marshy outcropping of crab pots and little white houses that date back to 1686…50 years after Donne’s death. Tangier natives have an Elizabethan Era dialect, which can make conversation a little challenging. Milton has lost most of his hearing and refuses to wear a hearing aid, which makes communication even more difficult. For example, for the few hours I stayed on Tangier Island, he called me George the whole time. My boat is called Tug Life, but he wrote out the slip rental receipt to Chug White.

“You know I don’t hear so good, George. Maybe you should call me on the radio,” said the legendary, longtime owner of Parks Marina upon approach. We were in the middle of a phone conversation where I was trying to book a slip for the night. I made it to the marina just before twilight, which gave me the opportunity to have a super loud conversation with Milton on his very quiet little island. After all, the only restaurant closes at 4:30 p.m. and I had nothing else to do. Neither did Milton. We talked about fishing. We talked about the election. For Milton, apparently, it wasn’t a very good season for either. 

I watched my three bars on Verizon quickly fall with the sunset. 3, 2, 1…and none. I watched the blue waters of the Chesapeake turn purple at dusk, which was way better than watching my Facebook feed. I cobbled together dinner with what I had on board, because the grocery store also closes early. I then drank a tall tumbler of Bowman Brothers Bourbon on the back of the boat (which goes great with BBQ Lays and Philadelphia French Onion Dip, btw). It was a quick trip but I can’t wait to get back for a longer visit. I’ve read much about Tangier Island over the years — about the fierce independence of its people and challenges they face in the future, especially as the wind and waves chip away at their remote piece of paradise.

If the rest of the men and women on that island are half as nice and entertaining and authentic as Mr. Milton Parks, then I may have found my new favorite place to drop anchor. If you decide to visit, I highly recommend it, but go soon. Tangier Island may not be there too much longer. 

Dear Milton,

I enjoyed meeting you and staying at your marina. 

Thanks again, 

“George”