Exactly how does one sail around the world? How do we know where to go?

There are thousands of sailors out there everyday, many who are circumnavigating the world. Using information (and experience) of the seas, prevailing winds & currents, weather, and timing, there are primary routes that most cruisers follow. I have uploaded a map (which is sort of small - - sorry!), that shows our routes of choice.

We would like to circumnavigate the world in a minimum of four years. The route we've chosen can be done in 3 years. However, from what I understand, it's not uncommon for many cruisers to stay for an additional year in New Zealand. I hear it's a beautiful place, and we would love to explore it for as long as possible. There is also the possibility of loving the cruising lifestyle so much that we may never want to come back. Sailing takes an open mind for change. In the blink on an eye, your route or timing can change. You meet a lot of interesting people along the way, you might have to sit out for repairs, you may decide you want to stay somewhere longer, or you may get stuck somewhere while you wait on good weather. These are just some few examples.

As I was creating my map for upload, I could picture us in the various parts of the world - - being next to huge ships in the Panama Canal, seeing tons of Galapagos wildlife, exploring the beauty of the South Pacific islands, anchoring in time to see a beautiful, multi-colored sunset, seeing the sunrise just before you get off the night watch, taking the first fresh water shower in days (in the rain), watching dolphins play in the boat's bow wake, snorkeling within a group of barracuda, traveling inland to see ancient ruins, climbing tall mountains only accessible by a narrow, bumpy road, and the visions go on. Looking at my map, the world doesn't seem so big. In the grand scheme of things, what's 15-30 days at sea, traveling to the furthest point away from any other human being? What's 5 days of strong winds & seas taller than your boat? What's 4 years away from the society we know so well? The experience of a lifetime, the world as our classroom, and quality time as a family would be three of my answers.

That's where we're going.

Go!!!

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We have taken a first big step! We have moved out of the Raleigh house, and I feel so liberated. I think Wil must feel the same way too. We are less a house payment, less some utility & insurance bills, and less a bunch of maintenance. Wow! It feels good!

However, getting here was not without some major stress and physical labor. There's something to be said for moving a family of four after 8 years in the same location, especially when you do it yourselves (and with the help of some wonderful friends & neighbors!). I thought I'd gotten rid of a lot - - consignment sales twice a year, yard sales at least once a year, two yard sales at the end, and countless donations. But the stuff kept coming out of the drawers and cabinets! We thought it'd never end. During our last week of moving, we barely had the energy to lift or move another item. By the time we walked out of closing, we were numb. BUT we had the biggest check we'd ever laid eyes on! AND it was our boat money! Wow! It feels good!

For the time being, we've crowded into a single-wide mobile home piled high with all of our boxes and things that didn't make it to the beach house. It was not love at first sight. It's an old trailer with a few additions, and it has all the character of a mobile home that's been sitting vacant on a farm for a long time. At first, it felt like a step backwards for us. Going from a nice house in a great neighborhood to an old trailer. (Our friends have lovingly laughed with us.) But now I kind of like it out here. We have managed to unpack a few things and give it some of our "home" touches. I even like the idea that we don't have a dishwasher. It's amazing how few dishes you need in a kitchen, and it reminds me of what it will be like to live aboard again. The kids love the trailer and being on the farm, as well. The donkey and peacocks are a stone's throw away, and the ponds are stocked with fish. And yes, they've already had a couple of successful evenings fishing. The kids have lots of space to ride the dirt bike & motor scooter, as well as hit a ball as far as possible. I've enjoyed being on "the farm" and in the fresh air (although this week has had some record temperatures of over 100). But wow! It still feels good!

Tomorrow, the kids and I make the move to the beach. That's the most confusing feeling. I've been counting the minutes until I'd be able to live at the beach, have ocean & sound views, take morning walks along the water, catch up on my surfing, and go kayaking. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? However, Wil won't be with us full time. He'll stay in the rental, and continue working in the Triangle area. Fortunately, he'll work Monday through Thursday, and then be with us Thursday nights through Monday mornings. Now that's sacrifice! We're splitting the family up, so we can make the most money and not pay capital gains on the house when it's time to sell. We have to keep reminding ourselves - - it's all for a higher purpose - - to quit working, spend quality time with the family, and travel the world. Wow! Now that's going to feel good!

So for the time being we're back in a holding pattern. Again. But this time we're on the downhill side and sliding into home plate. Two years to go, and it's going to go quickly. There are so many things to do and not enough time. In addition to living a "normal" life, we are going to intensify the boat search. It's time to narrow the choices. Maybe this summer will allow for a trip or two to Florida or other locations where the boats are? I want to work on getting my captain's license which involves a variety of courses, as well as getting in some boating hours (tough to do when you don't have a boat). I want to re-learn celestial navigation and Morse code. I want the kids to gain some sailing experience. We need to get rid of more stuff. The list goes on. There are too many things and not enough time. Isn't that the story of everyone's life? There you go . . . One main reason for selling it all and going sailing! Wow! It will feel so good!

Get Ready . . .

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Our journey has begun . . . even as life is a journey in itself.

We have begun the first major transition that brings us closer to our 10-year goal. It was in 2000 when Wil & I agreed to become "land locked", start a family, save our money, and then return to sea in 2010.

This past February, we began getting the Raleigh house ready for sale. There was enough work to exhaust us both physically and mentally. I know there are lots of people out there who have been through it and can understand. It is also a challenge to do these things and keep up a "normal" family life. But what is "normal"?

After one week of our house being "for sale by owner" and 4 showings, it is currently under contract. We are in a holding pattern, waiting to see if we will go to closing on May 30th.

But what about the emotional side of things? Wow! It was a lot easier when it was just the two of us. We have moved & traveled around a lot. Now we have Justine & Colin with us, and there are so many days that I have to remind myself to slow down, spend quality time with them, and fill them in. It's so important to help them understand what we're getting ready to do, so hopefully they will be better able to cope with and adapt to all of the upcoming changes.

For myself, the good-byes are always difficult. There are so many times that I just want to sneak away without saying anything to anyone. Emotionally, this will be my hardest move yet. We have been here for 8 years, and have gotten to know so many wonderful people. For some reason, my friends of 30 some years are the ones that are easier to part from. (As well as with my friends of 17 years!) We've known each other for so long, we've had several teary good-byes in the past, but we always end up getting to be together again. I have high hopes that the same will ring true for my newest friends who are very dear to my heart.

There are so many topics I want to write about, but currently time is very limited. I am hoping to successfully keep up with this sailing blog and be able to use it as a way to keep in touch with everyone. It is also for those who are interested in following our story as we sail to many new & different places.

My current goal is to cover this transition from house to sailboat, as well as cover details in our search for the sailboat that will take us on our venture. Next time I write, I will also try to talk about the sailboats that appeal to us, so everyone can get an idea of what we're looking at.

So until next time . . .

Get Ready . . .

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