Cruisers that gave it up?

[ssullivan]

Originally Posted by Ex-Calif

However, if you have to, I think it's OK to live on land and work on your boat.

But wouldn't it be nice to live on your boat and not work?

Sure would. I have PayPal if anybody wants to make that dream come true... lol

I should add... we really do enjoy every bit of life aboard. Sure you have your complaints, your ups and downs, but we enjoy:

*cranking up a manual windlass
*making a game of how long we can go without a fuel/water dock
*a clean, presentable boat in good repair
*jugging water
*being just a little tougher than your average landlubber
*sailing instead of motoring - yes... I actually flew my spinnaker singlehanded with no autohelm INSIDE the ICW... ha ha You should have see the looks from all the motoring sailboats.

We like the "hardship" because life is too comfortable on land anyway. It's downright boring on land. Philosophically, we think humans were meant to be free and wild. We're as close to that as we can get while still playing the role of Johnny Punchclock to try and get a cruising kitty built up.

Also, MarkJ: The reason those old buggers can do all that is because they have been doing all of that. The body works amazingly well if you only use it. Office types waste away. Those who live a physically hard life (without injury) remain in good shape until the time comes to check out of the world. I'm trying to fit into that second group.

I look at cutting, splitting and hauling firewood for our only source of heat - a wood stove - not as something negative and hard, but as something that keeps me in shape and keeps me strong. Same with pulling up the 45lbs anchor and 3/8" all chain rode with a manual windlass or sometimes by hand if I want it up quickly. Lugging groceries to the boat on your back is great too. All of that keeps you from requring a gym membership.

Lastly, I am looking into rowing/sailing dinghies to see if they are possible while living aboard. Very anxious to see if I can make the switch or trade my Caribe and 2005 8HP Yamaha outboard for one.

[Canibul]

"Grandpa" Steve Tyler, of Aerosmith, was once asked what his secret was, why he was able to do those shows every night. His answer was something on the order of "you just gotta keep moving".

At 57, I have started to notice that while it takes about two months to get "in shape", it only takes two weeks to get out of shape. Hey, what's up with THAT?!?!?

[Joli]

We have no plans are are sticking to them.

[David M]

Originally Posted by ssullivan

*cranking up a manual windlass
*making a game of how long we can go without a fuel/water dock
*a clean, presentable boat in good repair
*jugging water
*being just a little tougher than your average landlubber
*sailing instead of motoring - yes... I actually flew my spinnaker singlehanded with no autohelm INSIDE the ICW... ha ha You should have see the looks from all the motoring sailboats.

Thats quite a mental image I got of you cruising the ICW, flying the spinnaker from inside the cabin, glancing up once in a while from the computer, while on the internet writing something to this forum.

Good for you Sean

[ssullivan]

Originally Posted by David M

Thats quite a mental image I got of you cruising the ICW, flying the spinnaker from inside the cabin, glancing up once in a while from the computer, while on the internet writing something to this forum.

Good for you Sean

ha ha ha!!

No, it wasn't that easy. I wasn't able to look at the computer for anything other than navigation (which is why it's at the helm).

I only post when bored out of my mind motoring, or while waiting for a part for a saildrive...

[Tropic Cat]

Originally Posted by Canibul

At 57, I have started to notice that while it takes about two months to get "in shape", it only takes two weeks to get out of shape. Hey, what's up with THAT?!?!?

Two full weeks? Hmmm.. I wonder what am I doin wrong? I'm the same age and out shape in 3 days. Maybe it will help if I started dating 25 year olds?

(official disclaimer just in case the admiral reads this)

I didn't mean it hon ... honest.

[David M]

Rick,
They may get you in shape , ...but they will break your heart. I would stick to the 30+ ones.

David

[Alan Wheeler]

Maybe it will help if I started dating 25 year olds?

I would say it'll be the wife that would be keeping you in shape if your tried that one on. She'd beat you into shape.

What I can't quite work out is how Mark at his age, scored a looker like Nichol at her age. I hope you didn't spike her drink Mark ;-) :-)

[Tropic Cat]

Originally Posted by Alan Wheeler

I would say it'll be the wife that would be keeping you in shape if your tried that one on. She'd beat you into shape.:-)

Truer words were never spoken

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Alan Wheeler

What I can't quite work out is how Mark at his age, scored a looker like Nichol at her age. I hope you didn't spike her drink Mark ;-) :-)

I dunno, she doesnt drink so I couldnt get her drunk. I think she is just an idiott. Mind you, I think I am pretty good looking. Actually, both: I'm pretty and good looking. Handsom, I'd say. Devilishly superbly great looking, really. Actually I think I am so good looking that its probably quite natural for her to fall at my feet. Maybe she's just an idiott!?

Mark

[dana-tenacity]

I've been out twice and come back twice. First time 8 years, then a 7 year break where I lived ashore and tried to make money. After 7 years I flipped and went again, this time for nearly 10 years. got back 4 years ago.

Why come back, money is definitely the biggie. Plus after about 7 years I seem to get restless and want to try something else. Although we've only been back 4 years and we are both getting sick of being dirt dwellers.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Joli

We have no plans are are sticking to them.

Thanks for a new (and humorous) twist on the cruiser's mantra.
Made my morning a little less bleak.

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

I dunno, she doesnt drink so I couldnt get her drunk. I think she is just an idiott. Mind you, I think I am pretty good looking. Actually, both: I'm pretty and good looking. Handsom, I'd say. Devilishly superbly great looking, really. Actually I think I am so good looking that its probably quite natural for her to fall at my feet. Maybe she's just an idiott!?

Mark

I think you may have forgotten "Modest" in your list of attributes

[Ex-Calif]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Thanks for a new (and humorous) twist on the cruiser's mantra.
Made my morning a little less bleak.

Yeah - I laughed at that one too.

My buddy also uses this one a lot.

If you enjoy wasting your time then you aren't wasting your time.

[dacust]

Originally Posted by Joli

We have no plans are are sticking to them.

Yep, I like it. That's a good way to state our attitude in a clear motto.

When I have people come to the boat, they always want to know what the schedule is. So I tell them we have a very strict schedule.

We leave for breakfast and someone says "Darn, I left my sunglasses on the boat. I'll be right back!". And I say "Oh, sorry, I forgot, but here it is right here on the schedule. You are supposed to remember your sunglasses at 8:14 and go back to get them. Cool, we are right on schedule."

This becomes a game, and in no time at all people don't worry about schedules.