12/13/2009

From Mt Ranier/Seattle 12/09

I uploaded a few pictures from our recent getaway to Mt Ranier and Seattle. We'd been wanting to check out Seattle for quite some time now as well as see Mt Rainier. We were able to both hike and XC ski in the park, had perfect weather and barely any people. It was perfect.

Comments [0] | | More

Heather
10/21/2009, Boston, MA

From Summer/Fall 2009

Well I'm thinking it's time to make an update and let all of our cruising buddies and anyone else who's been following our travels know that we'll be busy making money this winter rather than cruising. We'll be making a passage to the marina next door in Boston harbor- should take us about 20 minutes, less if we have a tailwind; then we'll be tucked in for what will certainly feel like a long, cold winter. It may be that we're being too conservative about careers and money or maybe it IS the smartest decision but given that our heads are still set on more cruising in distant oceans, we felt like we'd rather work now and then try again for the big plan once we feel ready. As much as we love the Caribbean, we want to sail to other places. But like Jon says, each time we leave and come back to work again it gets harder and harder to be happy...

I got back in to MGH and am working in internal medicine and Jon is programming at a company in Cambridge- we're both still able to walk to work from the marina which is what we like about living here. Plus we can scoot up to Vermont any time we want. It's been great to catch up with family & friends and we're looking forward to the holidays too. We both felt a little rusty at work to start, but now it feels like we never left! My head is filled with all of our adventures and that's what's keeping me going I think.

It was sort of a crummy summer weather wise but we did get a good amount of camping, running and biking in. We did the half marathon in Portland, ME on Jon's birthday this month, which I love- great course, friendly people. We got all of our stuff for backpacking & camping and just got back from a trip to the Smoky Mtns last week. We had a wonderful time (no bears on the trail) and I can't get backpacking out of my head now. I'd like to do the AT or Pacific Crest trail- the question is just WHEN? I don't know, but it's gotta happen.

It was so great seeing a bunch of our sailing buddies at the Newport boat show but really hard to say goodbye- knowing we won't be in Guatemala this winter. We'll miss all you guys badly! But... we won't miss the food! Or the giardia! Pendragon & Dragonfly are back from sailing and in the area too so we've got company.

We kind of put our major boat projects on hold for the summer since we were capitalizing on the long weekends and trying to have fun. But now things are settling down and we can start focusing on replacing all the broken stuff from the cruise. Still have to buy the windlass too.

Well that about wraps up the news from here. I don't want to wish my life away but I feel a little like it's on hold for the moment. Maybe I should start playing the lottery... but then again, I'm too cheap!

We hope to still stay in touch with everyone and we'll let you know when we shove off again. And for all the boaters... have a fun and safe season! We'll be with you in spirit!

Heather & Jon

Comments [0] | | More

06/29/2009, Boston, MA

From The trip North

We had a fine trip from NYC to Onset, MA except for the usual rain and fog that seems to be the norm up here. This ain't no Caribbean, that's for sure! We ended up getting together with both John & Cindy on Tashmoo who are back here for the summer and also with Mark & Judy on Windbird who are more than halfway though a circumnavigation. They are back for the summer too. It was so nice to hang out together and sort of wrap up this cruising season. We sailed in to Boston on Friday afternoon. It was like coming home with all the people we know here at the marina. It's hard to believe we've been gone for nearly two years.

Mom and dad came and got us on Saturday and brought us to Vermont so we could get our truck out of storage, check on our land and pull out some clothes for work, and then we came back on Sunday so I could start work today! Our lives are as hectic as ever.

I feel like I was here in another life. One day of work down, a "few" more to go..... and hopefully in the end, another chunk of money in the bank to continue our waterbased travels. Maybe the economy will turn around.....

I guess it doesn't make sense to keep everyone apprised of our exciting lives right now so I'll wait to update the blog until we get going again. It's fun to write it and also to hear from those who read it. Much better than a diary, and a great way to stay in touch with everyone. I look forward to resuming it!

Comments [1] | | More