02 December 2016

Let's Go Exploring

“It’s a magical world, Hobbes, ol’ buddy… Let’s go exploring!” — Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes

So, what's next? What's next?

That is the question our friends and family ask us. What's next?

Helena and I have different approaches to this decision. She is very much the sailor at heart: "Let's see where the wind blows... Don't worry too much about it."

I've always thought of myself as goal-oriented. I want to plan everything. Choose the perfect destination. Choose the perfect boat to get us to the perfect destination.

Helena has another word for it: control freak.

I suspect the correct answer is somewhere in the middle. In sailing, we get to pick our wind. To wait for the right slant that will carry us where we want to go. Or to trick the wind -- judo-like -- to take us there. But where is 'there'?

At the moment, because of my mom's recent illness, we are self-marooned on Florida's Gold Coast. Not a bad place to be stuck in winter, but...

We will probably stick to the east coast of the US for at least a year. That will give us time to tend to my mom, to find a boat, to make any needed repairs or changes, and -- with any luck -- to take a long shake-down cruise in the spring.

After that, we shall see which way the wind is blowing.

With that loose, hopefully sailor-like goal in mind, we are currently looking for a ship that will allow us to follow the wind wherever it blows. Or I should say, I am looking. Obsessively.

"Don't worry too much about it," says Helena. "We'll know her when we find her."

Some things never change.


Next Up: Strength vs. Strength



1 comment:

  1. Hey John,
    Sounds exciting. That planning and anticipating vibe is so cool. I have been self-marooned for sick mum for way too long. I hope you mum heals well and soon. Now I'm feeling guilty over being selfish... growing up is a pain.

    ReplyDelete

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