Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Mike Bernhardt Entry Title: The Tides of War Entry Credit: Mike Bernhardt Judge Comment: 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.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Outside Entry Title: I Spent 82 Hours Alone in a Dark Cave. Things Got Weird. Entry Credit: Tim Neville Judge Comment: Playing off the growing popularity of dark retreats, Tim Neville vividly describes a travel adventure few could imagine: 82 hours without light and the impact it had on his feelings about life. From coping with how to move around a blacked-out room to taking the reader along as he struggles with emotions and visions, he masterfully captures this alternative form of travel.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Smithsonian Magazine Entry Title: Crowns, Choirs and Crypts Entry Credit: Peter Ross, Arik Gabbai, Debra Rosenberg Judge Comment: What’s the best way to reveal the attraction of Westminster Abbey? By weaving the story of an enchanting day spent in this church, burial place, tourist destination and site of coronations. The writers focus on those who care for this national treasure, from the beadle who walks 315 steps each morning to raise a flag to the woman who dusts the tombs. Each employee lends a perspective to a place seen by millions worldwide on TV and reveals their emotional rapport with the building that prompts so many to visit.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Midwest Living Entry Title: I Set Out to Walk 210 Miles Around Chicago. Here's How It Went. Entry Credit: Diane Penningroth Judge Comment: This is an entertaining and informative look at an alternative way to take on a big city as Diane Penningroth walks the 210-mile Chicago Outerbelt. Her descriptive language carries the reader through her discovery and decision to master all that mileage. Breakout pieces about sections of the trail are informative yet concise — with the right mix of the natural beauty, how to get there and places to eat or visit just off the beaten path.
