Here We Go!

So with the 'force' with us, we were staring straight into the eyes of boating season. First step, we ponied up the small pound of flesh for the purchase of the boat. As I sat in the boat, writing the final check, a surreal feeling overcame me. I was sitting in what will become our living room. Are we really doing this? Or should I say "we are really doing this!". All my life, I've talked about buying a 'grown up sail boat'. I've talked about selling t-shirts on the beach, when I grow up. But now I was sitting in the boat, making it real! What's better, is we have a plan that COULD work!

I handed over the check, and made plans to come back to finish the bottom, and get the boat launched. On the ride home, I finalised details for boat insurance, while also working on getting a motorcycle on the road and insured... another long sought item on my 'one day' list.

Everything was falling in place, almost as though life had a plan tailor made for us. That was until I got 'the email'!

Back in November 2012 I got a new boss at the company I was working for. My time there had already been tumultuous, with reorganising being a regular way of life there. There was reorganising of divisions, reorganising of responsibilities, and reorganising of compensation plans. That reorganisation cost me a LARGE sum of money that I felt was owed, but that's for another day.

The latest reorganisation meant I was no longer reporting to the person who hired me. In fact I was now reporting to a new hire, and reporting into a new division. The new boss came in at the VP level, from a much lower position at a competitor. For reasons I didn't understand, I never really seemed to mesh with this new VP. The fact I had won back to back Chairman's Club awards earned me nothing more than the comment "It's the successful ones you have to look out for". When I won a third consecutive Chairman's Club award I got kudos from most executives, but not this gentleman.

Fast forward to April 4, and things got interesting. I had long resigned myself to simply doing my job to the best of my ability, hopefully winning a 4th award, and getting into 'the plan' shortly after. Suddenly, I get an email enema, blasting me for trying to hire a rep group, against this gentleman's authorisation. Long story short, I discussed this move with him, he gave the go ahead, and I proceeded. Once he got questioned by his superiors, he either forgot the conversation, or found it easier to pass off the blame. Either way, once I apologised for misunderstanding, and explained that I thought I had clearance, it got ugly. It was later explained to me that I was dealing with a man who never admits he is wrong. Unfortunately, I am a man who believes in standing up for myself, even when tangling with VP's. I knew I was not guilty of what he was accusing me of, and wasn't about to let 3 years of great success be diminished by the accusations of a man of low morals. Long story short, a new job offer came before the dust settled on this mess, and I walked away on my terms, with a few weeks holidays, extra money for a Cuban vacation, and the satisfaction of knowing I took the high road against a tyrant.

With time off, and Cuba more than a week away, I made plans to finish the 'immediate to do list of boating season', and get the bike on the road, due to the unseasonably good weather. Unfortunately, when I went to get insurance, I was informed that due to a major speeding ticket in my past, I was unable to get insurance. Luckily, the 3 year window expired April 15, allowing one day of riding before we  hopped on a Air Transat flight for Cuba. Have I mentioned it's funny how things work out sometimes?

We arrived in Cuba around 10, and by the time we got to the resort, the beer was cold! Even better, the weather was warm. All that we could ask for. In typical resort style, we waited in the lobby for minutes, for a bell boy to show us to our room. We were warned that it was "too far to walk" from where we were. Once straggling arrivals boarded a shuttle ahead of us for the third time, we took matters into our own hands, and ventured off alone, to find our room. Due to my clever use of the flashlight I brought along, we managed to quickly find the distant room, that was located within view of the lobby. We quickly ditched the bags, broke the air conditioning, and made our way to the 24 hour snack bar, for a bad ham sandwich, and cold beer courtesy of the tyrant!

After a good sleep, we were up early to discover everything that we stumbled over in the dark, the night previously. The beach was typical of Cuba... beautiful! The turquoise water play out in numerous shades, giving way to dark patches where coral lined the bottom. The pool was simple, with a hint of datedness. This was much to be expected of a 4 star Cuban resort. Perhaps most noticeable was the many fountains around the resort, which were dry, or nearly dry. Our first impression was that the resort was left to neglect. Later in the week, we had about two hours of rain, spread out over two days, which left the fountains and ponds properly filled, and much nicer.

Our week in Cuba was to be simple. Mostly relaxing, and little money to be spent. Largely, we obliged. However, day three saw us catch a cab into Varedero. We shopped around town for a few souvenirs, and some pints. We came across a horse and buggy, and decided to take a tour. After a brief negotiation, we settled on 20 pesos. Later, we discovered it was 20 pesos per person.

We made arrangements to meet our cab driver at a set spot, for a ride back, and went there at 12:30, only to be left stranded. Shortly after, an old convertible pulled up, asking if we needed a ride. We quickly forgot who we were waiting for, and hopped in. It was an extra 5 pesos, but the ride in Cuba, in a convertible was well worth it!

Back at the resort  we pulled up to the swim up bar, and took in the entertainment. Perhaps the star of the week was a 20 something girl, who thought the world of herself. On this day she sat at the bar, bragging to anyone who would listen about how men just want to get into... well you get the picture. In fact, she went so far as to say the young man beside her, only wanted that, but went onto say it was ok, because he was nice. She struck me as a little self absorbed, and a lot full of herself. It was quite interesting when a couple days later, she showed up looking like a snake who was half way through the shedding process! It was even more interesting when the gentleman following her, found someone else he rathered to follow!

The next day was our trip to Havana. Many told us it was a must to do the Havana tour. Being a history buff, I knew it was something I would enjoy. As for my wife, the fact she failed history 3 times, left me with doubts. Before we even reached the city limits, I could see I had nothing to fear. Cuba is a land lost in time. The old cars, the old buildings, and the simplicity of the people, give you the impression that time stopped in 1959. The tour bus took us to the heart of old Havana, where this feeling is even more amplified. In standing in the middle of the square, you can almost picture the bustling times of pre-revolution, and the uncertainty of post revolution. It's hard to find a street that's not filled with the sounds of music, or a flash of the past. Some would be turned off by children, or elderly begging for money. It's undeniable that Cuba is a land of less wealthy. But it's important to remember that wealth is measured in many ways... monetary wealth is considered by many, to be far less important than other types of wealth.

After lunch, we walked through the streets, to the Capitol building, where they have almost duplicated the Capitol building found in Washington DC. Humorously, they ensured their Capitol building was a whole 5" taller. From there we loaded into a bus, and toured around the embassy district, and onto the Presidential Palace. The faces of Che, and other heroes of the revolution line the sides of buildings. As a history buff, I found myself questioning the history as told by our tour guide, but didn't feel it was the time or place to question his version. It made me realise how isolated the citizens of Cuba are.

The rest of the week was spent enjoying the warm weather, the beach, and the pools. One day we decided to take a walk along the beach, and we were advised of a resort down the beach, that used the same colour wrist bracelets. We decided to wander around the resort, in the interest of future visit, along with the fact the service at our resort was terrible! Before we could even get onto this resort, a member of their activities team approached us. Busted? Nope, he wanted to take a video of us for the presentation later that evening, "Faces of Iberostar"! We carried on, proceeding to their swim up bar. It was an incredible oasis of activity and luxury. The service was prompt, and the drinks were better. They even had a poolside ice cream bar!! We enjoyed a little more of that resort!

Soon it was time to head back to reality, and back to my new job. Our flight arrived at Pearson at 1:45 am, and I was scheduled to start my new job the new day at 8:30. We planned on staying at the airport Marriott that evening, close to the new office. Unfortunately, the desk clerk failed to recognise that Marriott's Gold Members are supposed to enjoy late checkouts, so I had to take Leanne home. After 3 hours sleep, it was a tough first day. The good news is the start of boating season is almost upon us. We'll save that for the next chapter!

Want to apoligize to any followers for not posting in a while, but I've been having computer problems. Posting from my IPhone presents a challenge!

However, exciting things are happening rapidly! I will provide a full update as soon as possible!

Beware of the Force

Have you ever had that feeling? The one that leaves you convinced that there's a force greater than anything earthly. A force that's got a plan for you, and it's going keep you ON the plan no matter what?

I'm reminded of the movie Truman as a great example. It's a story of a young boy adopted by a Hollywood production company. The story of Truman's life is set out in soap opera fashion, for the world to see. But Truman is none the wiser that he is part of a reality series, and every detail of his life is planned by the producers, and captured in a studio.

For us, we first began to suspect a greater force at work on our 'plan' during the labour day weekend 2012. We had trekked to Ottawa for business/recreation weekend. I had a new rep to train on the Friday. Then two days taking in the ByWard Market, and all else that Ottawa had to offer. We also planned to see some boats for sale while in the area. While I could share many stories of our weekend in Ottawa, I'll save them for another story.

We left Ottawa early Sunday morning, with plans to see a 33' C&C in Toronto. It was priced higher than our budget, but we had a sense the seller was anxious to move. Turned out the boat was in poor condition for the price, so our interest was minimal. We decided to take in the scenic drive west along Lakeshore Blvd, stopping at Bronte Harbour, to see what boats might be for sale there. Along the way, we ended up in Port Credit, where there were several brokerages. Being late afternoon, Sunday, all the brokerages were closed, or about to close, but there were several listings posted in front of the brokerages. As we did some 'window shopping', a gentlemen rode past us on a mountain bike. He didn't say a word, but I could sense he wanted to. He circled back twice, and on the second approach he stopped. Being Port Credit, the likeliness of getting robbed was minimal, but not impossible! I'd heard that boating can be expensive! Instead, he posed the question "are you looking for a boat"? I puffed out my chest and proudly answered yes! I dreaded the next question, because I knew our budget was out of whack with most of the boats in this yard. It turned out that our new friend Patrick was very down to earth, and willing to help. We discovered that he was a marine mechanic, who worked for one of the brokers. He began to share what he know of each boat, and offered to show us one that was still in the water. While we chatted, we also learnt that Patrick lived aboard his 41' Hunter, and had been to the east coast, and the Bahamas with it. He told us there were several live aboards in the marina, as well as several more who had left to head south. All in all, he gave us our first personal touch on the viability of this lifestyle. Until now, my idea seemed fantastical, but now it seemed on the fringe of realistic... Sort of. A message from above? Perhaps!

We arrived home thinking of the 'Port Credit experience' as more coincidence than devine intervention. Then came the 'Penetang Experience'.

This time, we had decided to shop the Midland, Penetanguishene area for boats. Our first stop was at Midland Marina. We discovered that they had only power boats listed, but the sales rep recognised we had travelled a fair distance, and didn't want to see us leave empty handed. So he asked around for us, and came up with the name Ewan Campbell We were told that Ewan was the region's top broker of sailboats. He also did a quick Internet search on Yacht World, and advised that Ewan had a 27' Catalina berthed in Midland, for sale. We called Ewan and made arrangements to see that listing later in the day.

While we were killing time, we took a drive over to Penetanguishene, to see Hindson Marine, and what they might have to offer. On route, we discovered a dog park, which provided a welcomed opportunity for the 'monsters' to run. Having a dog park so convenient to a marina instantly made Penetang a leading destination for any eventual home for our boat!

Once at Hindson's, we went to see Jack, of Jack Paddy Marine. We informed him of our search details, and asked what he may have available. As we chatted, his assistant popped into the conversation, by informing us that a Hunter 33 had just come onto the market. Until then a Hunter sailboat was not on our radar, and this one was listed for considerably more than we intended to spend. But it was parked in the back of our minds. Once we discovered that it was listed by Ewan we all agreed if there was any interest, we should follow up with him.

At 3pm, we met Ewan at Bayport Yachting Centre, where he showed us the Catalina 27. It was a clean boat, but small, and very impractical for us and the dogs. Disappointed, we asked about the Hunter 33. It turned out that it was in the marina right beside us, and could be viewed immediately. Not being ones to waste an opportunity to see another boat, we headed over. During the 1 minute drive, Leanne and I reminded each other how out of reach the price tag was, and reinforced the fact this was JUST an exercise in comparisons!

We stepped on the boat, and our discussion was quickly forgotten! This was a clean, spacious boat. It slept 7, and appeared to need little work on the interior. It was a boat we could see ourselves living on, with much happiness. By now, many had warned us to buy the boat that will make us happy, and those words rang in our ears. I've always offered to others, "you can find a way, for anything, if you want it bad enough". Now those words were haunting me.

In reflecting back on the chance discovery of a boat we weren't looking for, we started to seriously wonder if some devine force was guiding us.

Three months later, entering the new year, we had all but forgotten our suspicions of a greater power, when we headed off to the boat show, where I mentioned previously, we discovered a book that would alter our plans considerably. For those who missed that story, after spending four hours touring through the show, we had completed the list of things we came to see. We decided to take one last roam through the aisles, in case we missed anything. That's when we came across the Nautical Mind booth. While I roamed through the many titles, Leanne stumbled onto the book A Sail of Two Idiots. Immediately the clerk approached Leanne and advised that it was a MUST read. Truth is it has been the largest single influence in convincing us that we can execute this adventure. Again, the mind began to wonder about the inner workings of the universe!

Fast forward to a few weeks ago. We travelled to Hamilton, to visit a marina. We've considered living aboard the boat, briefly, before departure. There is a marina in Hamilton that allows year round live aboards. After visiting the marina, we decided to get a bite to eat. We headed to a favourite pub, Emma's Back Porch, in Burlington, where we sat overlooking Lake Ontario. As we stared out on the water, we reflected on what our future holds. While the time we will spend sailing is rather clear, we still wonder what we will do when it's time to get back to work. We're clear we don't want to return to the cold. But how to stay in the Caribbean is less clear. Suddenly Leanne overheard our waitress telling some patrons that she just returned from living in Costa Rica. When the waitress came to check on us, we enquired into the details of her travels. She told us that she and her boyfriend saved up, and packed up. She talked about the ease of which she got a visa, and found work there. She also spoke of how cheap the cost of living was, and how affordable property is. Coast Rica is one destination Leanne frequently dreams of going to. It was incredible to hear such a story of how someone at the tender age of 25, was able to experience such an adventure. Again we wondered about the possibility of divine assistance.

As we move forward in this journey I'm certain we will encounter many more curious sets of circumstance.  We will continue to wonder about the powers of the universe, and our role in it. It is often said that when you want something bad enough you create your own luck. But one can't help but think that sometimes life just seems a little too perfect to be explained by luck alone.

Be it luck, be it a plan of the universe, or be it a plan of the foolish... we now have a clear vision of how we see the plan. We welcome any assistance the universe can offer, as we work to execute the plan!

The Why , The Who, The How …



If you have ever sailed a sailboat, you know the incredible satisfaction that comes from harnessing the wind. I’m not talking about the tingle you get from tequila shots, and rum punches, on an excursion catamaran in the Dominican. I’m talking about the sheer exhilaration you experience when you hold the wheel in one hand, and trim the sails with the other.



Imagine,  it’s early morning, and the sun has just  broke the horizon. It’s warm, but dew still drips from the palm leaves. The water ripples, while a soft breeze begins to build. As the sails lift, they luff in the breeze. You turn the bow from nose to the wind, to 45 degrees on a port tack (that’s ‘wind on your left side’ for land lovers). As the sail fills, the boat gains momentum. The sun climbs the bright blue sky, as the boat continues to stretch the  space between you and shore. No sooner do waves start to form fore of your bow, when your bow smashes through them like a knife through butter. You realise the freedom of an open sea, and an endless breeze. You wonder how far you could go, and recognise there are no firm limits! Your spirit, your bravery is all that will set your boundaries!

This freedom is at the core of  our motivation to give it all up. Beyond that, there is also fear. I fear a lot of things in my life. I fear regrets. I fear failure. I fear a life unfulfilled, potential not realised.

I also I fear the unknown. For me,  the biggest unknown on earth is the ocean. The ocean is vast, deep, and mysterious. I can sit beside the ocean for a whole day, staring, dreaming, and meditating. It’s  a day well spent, asking questions to my inner self, and seeking answers from the vastness.  But the thought of being IN the ocean, REALLY IN the ocean? The rumour is true, it terrifies me. I’ve lived a lifetime of facing fears, to a point that perhaps my biggest fear is not facing fears? Or perhaps it’s just the Leafs fan in me, makes me a glutton for punishment!?

Our Tiki Bar

This, in warm weather, the boat, and a perfect sailing day...
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By now, I’m sure the sailors are thinking “when is this guy going to start talking sailing, already??”, so, The Who?!

When I tell anyone about this adventure, first question I get is “do you know how to sail”? The form in which  the question is asked changes, depending  on the experience of the person asking. But I’m sure the point is always a qualification of sanity. I could answer this simply by pointing out that my father-in-law has seen me sail, and he’s not interested in coming on the boat anytime soon!  

I have sailed before, but survival depends largely on always knowing there is more that can be learnt. I got my first sailing experience when I was 8. My dad brought home a “Sea Snark” he bought at K-Mart. Yes, I’m THAT old! It was a 12’ Styrofoam  sailboat. Simple, and easy to rig, we enjoyed many years of puttering around small lakes in it.

As a young  adult, I began to wonder if I had outgrown the Sea Snark, when I was out in Georgian Bay, with two buddies. We were in a busy Penetanguishene harbour on a Sunday afternoon, as pleasure cruisers buzzed back to port all around us. Already overloaded with 3, in a 2 seat boat, we got swamped from wakes coming at us from all sides. Luckily, it was Styrofoam, so no real damage was done. Although, I took a break from sailing for a while after that experience.

I hit 30 absent from the sailing experiences of my earlier days, and started to slide to the dark side. The power boat life that my parents enjoyed with their 30’ rebuilt Lepeche started to grow on me. It was nice to fire up the engines, point the boat to where we wanted to go, and be able to cruise straight to a destination, arriving in a predictable amount of time. My sailing roots always came haunting back, however, each time we filled that gas tanks. Shouting over the engine sound, to have a friendly conversation, while we choked on fumes wasn’t all it was made out to be either. This was not a lifestyle that offered the freedom and tranquillity mentioned earlier.

In my early 30’s my parents bought a store, which brought an end to the boat. For them, and for me. I suppose I could have carried on the tradition alone, but there were kids to feed, careers to build… What’s that Harry Chapin son?? So my love for the water had to be put on hold. At 40, mid life crisis started it’s work. I needed a boat, but I was surrounded by boating rookies, so I bought a learner… a 14’ Zuma. For anyone not in the know, a Zuma is a daysailer, the equivalent of a Laser II, but wider, and more stable, for recreation purposes. It would serve as a GREAT learning tool for the family. Unfortunately, only my daughter had the courage to venture out with me! One life change later, my new wife didn’t like venturing out on it much either! It seems that my penchant for sailing as close to the wind as possible, wasn’t so appealing to recreational sailors! Did I mention my father-inlaw’s opinion on that? Boat Sold!

During this same time, I also took an interest in racing. I realised the potential for learning. I would be working with seasoned sailors, who would teach for free! I posted an enquiry on the Bronte Harbour website, and was offered a spot on the crew of Heart Breaker, captained by Mike Judd, and accepted. Shortly after, I got a call from another boat, and was encouraged to rethink. I did, based on “questionable intelligence” and spent Tuesdays and Thursdays on a less competitive boat, with less experienced racers. I learnt just the same, and had fun doing it!

When the wind was good, racing was fun. When the wind wasn’t, it made for a long night. But I got a great insight into the ‘Club’, and it was good! Work, with a LOT of travel, as well as the rigours of being a single dad, forced me to give up the racing. I came away with knowledge, and the understanding that the sailing community was a close knit fraternity, dedicated to promoting a simpler life, a fun life.

So fast forward to today. Now that you know a bit about who I am and what motivates me, I’m sure you’re wondering how I can quit everything, at 47, for a simpler life. To achieve this, many things need be addressed. Financial means, and sailing experience are the two most important things we needed to realise.

First, the Financial

Well, winning the lottery is the BEST option… but probably not so likely. We considered donations , but people are funny when it comes to asking them for money to do what they would rather do themselves! Still not likely. Fortunately, we have two houses, some investments, and a willingness to live simple! So financially, liquidating everything MIGHT give us a few years of freedom, with a decent retirement… someday! The plan is to budget $25 000 per year, with a goal to enjoy at least two years of sailing. Lots of uncertainty, but my office walls is filled with ‘what if, options’! Beyond that, we’re hopeful that somewhere, somehow, along our travels, we can discover a way to seek out a living, and stay in the area.

As for sailing experience, buying the boat a year ahead of our departure date is step one. My past experience, combined with a Canadian Power Squadron course, will get us off the dock. In the book “A Sail of Two Idiots” Renee tells the story of running aground 10 minutes outside Miami. We’re hopeful our entry level qualifications can at least prevent that! The lessons they learnt, shared in her book, will be of GREAT help! We also plan to hire an instructor, for private lessons, and mechanical instruction, as soon as we take possession. Down the road I’ll take an Intermediate course, and Coastal Nav course from Humber Sailing School. When the time nears, to depart, we will evaluate then, whether a captained charter will be needed, to ensure a comfort level with ocean cruising.

As a person who loves to plan, the detail in our plans are thorough. I have notes, maps, charts and lists posted all across my office walls. I am constantly thinking of new ideas to save more, and  to learn more. Fortunately, the sailing community is full of good people, willing to help in anyway they can. We already have encountered dozens of sailors who have graced us with the experience and ideas they have to share. As our journey continues, so will our learning.

That’s the story of The Why, The Who, and The How. We’re getting close to launch date now, so I look forward to sharing the real time experiences, and dramas that lie ahead!

Dreams, Goals, and a Plan

We arrived back in Toronto in the wee hours of December 20. Freezing, and tired, we went back to the grind. Being close to Christmas, it wasn't exactly typical grind, but still a major adjustment from the life we just experienced. Returning to work that following Monday, I was committed to the promise to return to the Caribbean... someday. As the hours passed, that promise became cemented in my brain!

A few days later, another 'Values Check' moment.

A friend who I chummed with in high school, had passed away. Details were sketchy, but it was a shock just the same. This was a friend who was always the life of the party, and always the one who would find a new way to make every experience, one to remember. I reflected on how he would always comment "better to burn out, than to fade away'. It was a shock when I heard that he had been found with a note, including instructions of no funeral or memorial. I had lost contact with this friend, who I'll call him 'Sam', in college. I had tried to reconnect with him through Facebook, and mutual friends. But no one seem to know his whereabouts. When I discovered he lived close by, and then this, it causes you to wonder... "how does the stress in your life compare to the darkness that 'Sam' had in his. Now, more than ever, I was committed to finding a way to make my dream work, before such darkness could ever overcome me.

So now I had a Crazy Dream, another reason for pursuing it, and a family who still hadn't had me committed. Lord knows that the commitment part wouldn't be hard. Anyone who knows me, would vouch for the fact I belong there! But the streets I still roamed, and the idea of a life in the Caribbean still occupied by nearly every lucent thought! So off to the boat show we went!

My first trip to the boat show was with my son, Daeyten. It was an annual rite of passage that we would go there, board the big sail boats, and dream of the day when we would have our own. I always thought when the day came that I had my own, it would be different. It was like I wanted to be a part of the club, and owning my own BIG boat would make me a member. As we boarded the various new, shiny boats, I did notice a difference, but I didn't feel like a member. I felt freedom. It was like I suddenly no longer needed to belong. The club no longer mattered. I could do my own thing, my own way. In a way, I felt let down that standing on such nice boats was no longer the  exhilarating experience it had been in the past.

Onward we went, with a shopping list in hand. Still in the shadow of the sailboat ally, we came across the "Class Afloat" booth. They were promoting their private school, which takes place on a tall ship, while at sea, travelling around the Atlantic. While such an experience would be amazing, in my opinion, I was elated to see how it inspired Daeyten! The boy who, at best, endures school, suddenly was passionate about it. On the drive home, he talked about various ways he could get into this program. Unfortunately, one semester was $35000, making it a little impractical for us. Still, he spoke of fund raising, and various other ideas, to make it work. It was during this process that we began to discuss, in real terms, the idea of going to the Caribbean. Until then, I was unsure if he had the desire to realise such an adventure with us. He was in. Over the next few days he began researching sailing schools, marine careers, and crewing opportunities. It was clear he was taking this seriously, and was excited!

The following weekend I was back to the boat show, with Leanne. We looked at a few sailboats, but even she agreed, the payoff for braving the lineups wasn't there. Instead, we started on our shopping list. The boat purchase agreement listed the major things included in the deal, but was shy on details. So our list was small, since we didn't know how many anchors, or charts would be left with it. So we picked up two dogie life jackets, some foul weather gear, and looked into getting the dingy fixed.

 As we straggled around, killing time, before heading home, we came upon the booth "A Nautical Mind". Being an avid book collector, I was delving through the treasures, when I heard someone tell Leanne, that's a MUST READ book. Saying that to Leanne, normally, is like saying "that's a steak you MUST try", to a vegetarian! But in this moment, someone was giving us the nudge we needed, to stop TALKING about our dream, and start PLANNING!

The book was "A Sail of Two Idiots". If you're a sailor, who dreams of the Caribbean, you must read it, before you start planning. If you're a sailor who is sailing, or has sailed the Caribbean, you must read it, for the chuckle, and the memories. If you're anyone who has ever dreamt big, you too MUST read it!

It's a story of two "Idiots" (sorry Renee and Mike) who left Arizona, after selling everything. They had no sailing experience, but BIG dreams. They bought a boat, and headed for sunny skies. Their lack of experience shines through in their first 10 minutes at sea, when they run aground on their way out of harbour! Long story short, it gets better from there, and they end up spending more than 3 years roaming the seas! It was a great book, that suddenly lent legitimacy to our plan! I remember thinking "we can do this". When I was done the book I sought out the author, Renee Petrillo, on line. I sent her an email, with compliments, and a litany of questions. She responded with detailed answers to every question, and at the end, the most important advice I've received throughout this journey. She said "just set a date. You'll never have enough money."

The words seemed simple, and scary. But they were words of truth. In life we worry ourselves to death. We worry if we have enough. We worry if we have too much. We worry if we will screw up. And when we succeed, we worry how we'll better that success. Yet, when the chips are down, none of what we worry about, helps us. Somehow, we always find a way to make it work!

When your daughter informs you that she has a major project, and it's due tomorrow, you find a way to make it happen. When my wife calls to say she's bringing a client home for dinner, be there in ten minutes, I find a way to clean the house, and cook a roast in five! Ok I took it one too far, but the point is made. We have enough to make this plan work, sorta! With a little more planning, while staring a deadline in the face, we will make this work! So August first it is! Ok, since my baby sister turns 40 August 2, August 4 it is!

Next up, explaining the how. That will have to wait for the next chapter...

Cruise Over, Next Chapter Begins

So with the cruise nearing it's conclusion, we took stock of what we had experienced. The Caribbean is an amazing place! We Knew that going in. As someone who finds peace in the sea, I knew there were places there, that could offer the tranquillity we seek. Even still this was an entirely different experience. It exceeded our every expectation. We saw more 'off the beaten path' destinations, and every day people, and loved the memories... we were sold!!

Back on the ship, we took some chiding from our Utah friends for our liberal ways. We hoped they had forgotten. Or had come to realise our attempts to hide were in embarrassment. But she was sure to tell us how we looked great! Surely she was only seeing Leanne! But they were both kind souls, and we wished them safe travels.

We tried to max out our experiences of just about everything. While we would welcome another cruise in a heartbeat, we knew our first choice was to do whatever it takes to make our next cruise, a much smaller boat, captained by moi! As though to emphasise that, the service on the boat was noticeably laxed this last night. Perhaps management didnt' want beer stupored people lazing in bed beyond the 8:00am check out?  Or perhaps the servers saw us on the beach too? AWKWARD!! But no piano bar, no live cigar lounge music, very slow service. It was time to depart.

Next morning, we were out of the room at 8:00am, and got to wait... and wait... and wait. If a cruise is your next trip, and you are offered a way for an early disembarkation? Take it! I can't pretend to understand all the angles to gain that edge, but loyalty programs is one! For us, we waited until 11:00 with no pool, bar service, casino, or entertainment. Add insult to injury, it was raining. Great vacay, but less than exciting end. Fortunately, we had 3 days in Puerto Rico to get over it!





Marriott Beach Resort, Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

When we finally got to the dock we took a cab out to the Isla Verde region, by the airport. We stayed for some R&R. We stayed at the Marriott Courtyard, where I was able to get my needed stays, to top up my status, and earn my maximum free nights. It was relaxing, as we chose to just park our butts chill.



Proof the Winter Dogs can love the beach too!

We walked the beach, and even got down to a local section known for the local food and parties. Other than that, we sunned our behinds. We met a bartender, Terry, who had just completed a trip across from Florida on a 38' Carver. We gained a little insight into the challenges we would face, chasing our dream.  Before we knew it, it was time to head home.




On the route home, we flew through Charlotte, NC, a very cool airport. There are several terminals all connecting, to bring the many corners of the world together, in one central location. We had time during our stop over, to have a drink and we sat by the piano bar, go figure. Still in the beach mode, it was a little different, reflecting on our beach experiences, while we listened to Christmas music.

I guess it's something I could get used to!

Off to seminar, "Aids to Electronic Navigation" at the Rigging Shop. Will post next Blog by tomorrow. Sorry for the delay!