Many of you must be wondering what we have been up to since splashing. Well, maybe not, but my delusional mind would like to think that there is someone out there who reads this blog aside from our immediate family….No, we did not fall off the face of the earth; No, we did not untie the dock lines and start our cruising adventure; and No, we were not abducted by aliens. We have simply been internet-less as wifi here on the water is intermittent. Days have been spent getting the sails back on the boat, checking the bilges, getting our storage unit sorted out, tuning the rig, checking the bilges some more, reading, doing canvas work, getting our boat registered, and lately, trying to stay warm cuddled up in bed, and watching movies from our hard drive (Thanks Matt and Jess!).
We have gotten many emails from people wondering what our next step is, and to clarify with you out there, we are not setting sail just yet. We are not quite ready to do that; financially, we are working on rebuilding the kitty; mentally, we are readjusting to life on the water. Everyday, I pinch myself and wonder if I'm going to wake up on the hard. Wondering if our boat splashing was all just a dream. When I open the hatch every morning, I half expect to see rocks 12 feet beneath me. I can finally pee in my own toilet and our boat isn't covered in bottom paint (now just bird poop). When the boat moves and rocks, I have to tell myself to not run around screaming maniacally that we are falling off the stands. I still keep a mental tab when I wash dishes of how much water I've used so as to not overflow our bucket. I still eye empty drink bottles like treasure and am reluctant to toss them lest I have to pee in the middle of the night. Have I become some weird version of a boat-dweller that no longer knows how to adhere to social norms? Yes, but that is irrelevant. The past year and a half has traumatized me a little. I know the painful memories of being on the hard will slowly fade away, just like the pain of childbirth is eventually forgotten by the mother. The mind erases these memories so that you will brave doing it over and over again. A true testament to the resilience of the human animal, I guess. I know that this is not the end of our boat projects, I have come to terms with that, but I also know that this is the beginning of another chapter in our lives. With 2 years of Moitessier kicking our asses and forcing us to toughen our skin, I know we are now a little (I repeat, a little) better equipped for whatever lies ahead.
We have gotten many emails from people wondering what our next step is, and to clarify with you out there, we are not setting sail just yet. We are not quite ready to do that; financially, we are working on rebuilding the kitty; mentally, we are readjusting to life on the water. Everyday, I pinch myself and wonder if I'm going to wake up on the hard. Wondering if our boat splashing was all just a dream. When I open the hatch every morning, I half expect to see rocks 12 feet beneath me. I can finally pee in my own toilet and our boat isn't covered in bottom paint (now just bird poop). When the boat moves and rocks, I have to tell myself to not run around screaming maniacally that we are falling off the stands. I still keep a mental tab when I wash dishes of how much water I've used so as to not overflow our bucket. I still eye empty drink bottles like treasure and am reluctant to toss them lest I have to pee in the middle of the night. Have I become some weird version of a boat-dweller that no longer knows how to adhere to social norms? Yes, but that is irrelevant. The past year and a half has traumatized me a little. I know the painful memories of being on the hard will slowly fade away, just like the pain of childbirth is eventually forgotten by the mother. The mind erases these memories so that you will brave doing it over and over again. A true testament to the resilience of the human animal, I guess. I know that this is not the end of our boat projects, I have come to terms with that, but I also know that this is the beginning of another chapter in our lives. With 2 years of Moitessier kicking our asses and forcing us to toughen our skin, I know we are now a little (I repeat, a little) better equipped for whatever lies ahead.
We have not lived on the hard for more than a couple of weeks (thankfully) but we can relate, as I am sure many can, to what you have endured for several years. That alone shows your resolve to the lifestyle... and to the boat. From the trips to the toilet via the ladder, to the many frustrations as progress moves 3 steps forward - and two steps back.
ReplyDeleteWe have followed along from here on the "wet" coast (BC, Canada) and have really enjoyed the ride though the highs and lows, and the many emotions you have mixed in among the facts of your life on the hard, and now on the water again. I am not sure who was the author of this very well written post but have you ever considered a career as a writer? ~Lance
Hi Lance,
DeleteIt is comments like yours that inspires me to blog about our experiences. We started this blog more for ourselves so that we could chronicle the work that's done on Moitessier, but as time went by, it has sort of taken on its own identity, much like our boat. I'm glad you have come along with us through our highs and lows, and it makes us feel a little less alone in our struggle to achieve our dream. In terms of who is writing, funny enough, A LOT of people ask this. For the most part, I do most of the writing, alongside Frank who does most of the editing. It's truly a combined effort, though more often than not, it is my voice. I have not considered writing as a career, though it is food for thought. So, thank you, that is very flattering.
I'm glad you enjoy the blog. We appreciate yours as well. We're constantly checking and linking others to yours for your extensive list of Hans Christians. A real asset, in my opinion, for Hans Christians lovers like us.
Best,
Yu
I'm glad you guys are getting use out of the hard drive, finally able to kick back and relax a little. Doesn't it feel so good to be in the water after being on the hard for so long? It was pretty life changing for us after just 3 months, I can't believe you endured a year and a half of that. Crazy!!
ReplyDeleteWish we could be there to enjoy a bottle of wine (or two) with you on the water.
Hey Jess,
DeleteYes, it has been an insane year and a half. Cool that you got to see some of it and experience it with us. We miss you!! I follow your blog, and I know you are a little back logged, where are you now? I hope you and Matt are both well and that cruising life is treating you kindly. I wish we could share a bottle or two as well, maybe some oysters too ;) Haha.
Happy New Year! Thanks for the great movies. It's been a real lifesaver during these times of bad internet connection.
Yu
Right now we're in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. We've been here since just before Christmas and we're looking to find a window to get to the Florida Keys. So far there is NOTHING! We'll be going as far north as Ft. Lauderdale before crossing over to the Bahamas, you guys should make the (long) drive down to see us!!, haha.
ReplyDelete