Treasures

One of the challenges we have had is money, or lack thereof. One year ago I would have never considered leaving without refrigeration. We are, of course, civilized people. It is as if we remain safe, and warm (or cold) as long as ice cubes are intact. But as I realized the complication of living onboard with all the “things” I considered essentials, I began to understand that if I held tight to the stuff of civilization, as I saw it, we would never leave the dock. Either that, or we need to tow the Queen Mary.

We have gone from over 2000 sq. ft. to a 32ft boat. Someone described it as living in the hall of your house. To suggest we are heading for a minimalist lifestyle may be an understatement.

Simplicity leads to freedom, and that is a revelation to me. I who surround myself with stuff and things. I am a clutter-bug by birthright. My Father is a surrounded by things, my Uncle Carl is the keeper of the past. My Grandparents and beyond did not let go easily. I have passed this legacy on to my children; although in some, lucky for them, it has not taken hold.

But, if I give away my treasures, I find joy in that, and freedom. How nice it is not to have to find a place for this and that: to try to find the other thing, to dust this award or that memento. How wonderful to see my crystal proudly displayed at my daughter’s home or to see a casserole arrive at a family event in my beautiful dish.

Money can control us, and dictate our lives; if we let it. I am discovering what is important to ME. Not what TV or society thinks is important, but what do I value. Now that is a treasure.

3 months and 7 days, but who's counting

It is difficult to say exactly when this journey started. Was it when I went sailing in San Diego that summer and met the interesting Aussie crew that was delivering a beautiful yacht to Alaska? Was it the first time I picked up a Latitude 38 and read the stories of tropical coves, fascinating cultures, and sailing adventures? Was it the time Marcus and I laid on the foredeck of our soon to be first sailboat dreaming? Maybe it was the week we spent aboard the Benateau 47 "Caca Fuego", with our new found friends in the BVI? I know we were well on our way when we joined Western Grace with John and Joanne, Harry and Sailor Dave for an amazing trip down the coast of California and Baja.

After much searching and aiming at the moving target of the perfect yacht, we took the plunge (wait, plunge may a poor choice of words). In December 2008 we became the proud, if not a bit nervous owners of Quiet Moon, a 32 ft Fuji ketch. THAT purchase is another story.

So here we are after a slowly evolving journey of research and discovery buying the essentials at a breakneck speed. Our list of "absolute's" are being crossed off rapidly. It seems more things are being crossed off now because of lack of funds than due to purchasing of said items. The criteria now is, what is required for us to sail safely to Mexico.

I have lived and learned so much through the generous sharing of so many other sailor's experiences, I feel it is a responsibility to share our experiences in this process. Hopefully those who are on a similar journey will find vision, encouragment, information or comfort through our adventures.