It's the people!
20 November 2011 | Oriental, North Carolina
Kevin / 75 degrees today!
When we decided we wanted to go cruising, it was with the thought of warm tropical breezes, deserted white sand beaches, and watching a million stars from the cockpit of the boat. And while I'm still very much looking forward to all of the above, one thing has become very obvious. Cruising isn't as much about the destination, as it is about the people you meet on the way. Tonight we had drinks with John from the Bristol Channel Cutter "Trinka" and Wayne from the Allied Yachts "Ocean Strider" You could write a book on either one of these guys. I don't have near the time to do these guys justice. But spending a couple of hours listening to their life stories, gives me perspective on where I've been, and am going. The couple in the slip next to us, just sold everything, flew to the U.S. from Denmark, bought a boat and are now cruising indefinitely. The boating community of cruisers is a strong one. We've met people who are sailing in boats that cost $1500., and ones that cost close to a million. Very different backgrounds, but out here it seems to be less about how much you're worth in the Stock Market, and more about why you're here. Every one's story is different, yet they all have that common thread: A desire to get away from the rat race, get back to basics, reevaluate. After two weeks "on the road", I see now that this is going to be a much different experience then I ever expected.