Am I Crazy??

[libellula]

Open the companionway
walk slowly up to the bow of the boat
spread your arms wide
throw your head back
and scream to the top of your lungs
breathe in a deep breath
and smile

[texwards]

yes you are - but you are in the right asylum. I say: if you're not crazy, you're not living ...

[Intentional Drifter]

Yup, you're nuts, all right.

Pissing in the wind, man, you are all done-in.

Might as well just...cash 'em in.

Went and talked to the dolphin.

Whadda it say?

Take a swim.

Keep the grin.

ID

[rebel heart]

Very few people regret doing exciting things with their lives. Exciting = risky, so it goes with the territory. I'd rather be sorry for something I did than something I didn't do.

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by Frost

Someone, please. Tell me that I'm not crazy or going through an early mid-life crisis (at 31)!

31? an old man

I "cast off" at 28 (Secure future, pension plan etc etc) just to see where I would go / what would happen........albeit sans boat .........also with enuf cash to last me 6 months or so......after 6 months I was back home and working. Another six months I was off again......a pattern I happily repeated for many years.

What did I get out of it? A lot of adventures (that covers a multiple of sins ) and many great times with great people.......and I met the woman who many years later became my wife.

The last couple of years I had "settled down" and was happy enuf back at the daily grind (as far as anyone ever is!) with my itch to wander well and truly scratched......for the time being. Albeit now at 41 with plans, half plans, vague ideas and dreams for the future.....and I will admit that most of them did not centre around setting off into the WBY on a boat (heresy to admit this here I know ) Unfortunately the Missus never made it. 37.

I / we are not the first to think "have time" and not the last to find out not always true.........

All things being equal, don't ask "why?", ask "why not!!"

Cheers

David

[GreyRaven]

Go for it, Frost!

There is something quintessentially “Zen-like” about the process of selling your stuff and “letting go” which you describe. Perhaps we all need that flash of Satori, in order to cast off the lines and pursue our respective journeys on the water.

Thank you for reminding me.

Good sailing and fair winds.

[Red Charlotte]

You're going to love this! Perhaps you'll even find a partner to share it with. Not all chicks, or kids = baggage, or the inability to pursue your life dreams.

[Mike Banks]

Hey--Lay off the old farts--it is never too late to go--unless already on the death bed.
If you are realy feeble you might need electric winches--

[GreyRaven]

Originally Posted by Mike Banks

Hey--Lay off the old farts--it is never too late to go--unless already on the death bed.
If you are realy feeble you might need electric winches--

Exactly.

When I was 17 years old I was plying the route between the USVI and Martinique on an old, wooden ship transporting avocados and grapefruits north. We were only four on board but one of the crew was dying of cancer and spending the last days of his life on the ocean, watching the sunsets and the dolphins. He was a really nice man and I admired his courage.

I decided then, that when I become old – so old that it really doesn’t matter any more – that I will not spend those last days in an old-folks-home. When my time comes, I’ll get on my ship for that last, final cruise. I’ll say goodbye to everyone first, of course. But then I will be gone. I don’t want them to see me waste away. I prefer to spend those last moments with a deck under my feet, the wind in what remains of my hair and the taste of salt on my lips.

That is the way I’m going to sign off.

Until that time comes, I’ll be on the water, cruising.

My last thought will not be one of regret, for not having done it.

[Red Charlotte]

Geez Grey, that was beautiful!

Originally Posted by GreyRaven

Exactly.

When I was 17 years old I was plying the route between the USVI and Martinique on an old, wooden ship transporting avocados and grapefruits north. We were only four on board but one of the crew was dying of cancer and spending the last days of his life on the ocean, watching the sunsets and the dolphins. He was a really nice man and I admired his courage.

I decided then, that when I become old – so old that it really doesn’t matter any more – that I will not spend those last days in an old-folks-home. When my time comes, I’ll get on my ship for that last, final cruise. I’ll say goodbye to everyone first, of course. But then I will be gone. I don’t want them to see me waste away. I prefer to spend those last moments with a deck under my feet, the wind in what remains of my hair and the taste of salt on my lips.

That is the way I’m going to sign off.

Until that time comes, I’ll be on the water, cruising.

My last thought will not be one of regret, for not having done it.

[johneri1]

Way to go Frost! Besides, you have nothing to lose if your work opportunity has already evaporated.

[Pblais]

Hey--Lay off the old farts--it is never too late to go--unless already on the death bed. If you are really feeble you might need electric winches--

e had a local ,man complete a solo circumnavigation in 9 year at the final age of 89. I figure he got it about right. The idea is to be the slowest person not the fastest.

Not everything that has been done can be done by you, but you won't know until you try. I would only add that it is supposed to be fun. There is no payoff if you complete the trip and my lesson above says it's best to delay the end of the trip as long as you can.

[kath&john]

So true david..(from page 2)

Just go and enjoy the time you have...now.

Well done Frost...You are brave in heart to go off and try the unknown..

don't think what have I done, think what can I do now...

[badenoch]

Since I'm also 31, have been accused of the "midlife crisis" thing, called crazy, and received various other comments and opinions more than once since I went public about my sailboat purchase plans... I couldn't help but read this thread with a huge grin on my face. I've since been referring naysayers directly to this link as my default response to criticism. Wow has that saved a lot of time!

[markje4]

I'm 55 looking at 2 more years in the workforce before I can do what you are doing. I am sooo envious that you are doing it at your time in life.
For me - after 35 years in the workforce - I have got too much tied up in my superannuation to leave any sooner. I would lose a packet of money and would be severely restricted in my retirement dreams. If only I had embraced a cruising life in my younger days...
Go for it!