What Are You, Crazy?

How do you explain to your family and friends you are pulling up stakes from a good job and a nice house; the safety and security of hearth and home? How do you explain that to yourself?

We are feeling pretty time strapped right about now. Still so much to do and the clock is moving at fast forward. This morning my daughter said, what are you so stressed about, you are leaving for a long vacation . . .

VACATION?? VACATION!! Let's see, I will be "camping out" on the water. No TV, occasional access to the internet, no dishwasher, stocked corner store, refrigeration, minimal electrical access. I'll be cooking in an area with the the footprint of an ice chest, washing clothes by hand in a bucket, water measured by cups, not gallons, weather determining everything you do. Probably will be to hot, too cold, too wet, too tired; a lot.

Your home is subject to being tossed, turned, dragged, rammed and sunk. To go anywhere you must take the dinghy to shore and walk or take a sketchy bus and carry groceries in a backpack. Oh yeah, and the people speak a different language and it takes some doing to figure out where you want to go.

I'm selling, giving away or throwing away all but my most treasured possessions, and going to live in a 32 by 10 ft boat far from the people I love.

We don't have a source of income, and very limited savings, so we will be working as we go. The goal is to live on less than $1000 per month. Mexico is an economical place to be sure, but that is not a lot when you consider food, fuel, water, an occasional night in a marina, and transportation home.

Yes there will be lots of sleepy little lagoons, fascinating people and priceless experiences, but I'm not sure I would classify it as a vacation. Don't mind me, I'm having a paper bag day.

New Bottom Job!

Paper Bag Days

Every so often it becomes a little hared to breath, my mind starts racing in circles and I don't know if I can do this. Where will we put these clothes, food, tools, spares? CAN I DO THIS? I'm not 22 anymore, this is crazy, storms, dragging anchors, days at sea . . . MY FAMILY! I'LL MISS MY FAMILY!
Deep breath, step onto Quiet Moon. It seems when I am near my beautiful boat, there is a peace, a happiness. I know it is a little idealistic, and we will have tough days, but she inspires calmness and confidence in me. Another option is to go back in my mind to sitting in the cockpit of Western Grace sailing along off the coast of California. AHHHH my own form of meditation!