Ex Apt Dwellers Set out in Search of Real Mermaids

[jamesarthur]

My wife and I (30 & 31), finally cracked the code to life - play by your own rules. Only a rat can win a rat race. And the time to go is now.

Just over 90 days ago we put in the 30 days notice on our over priced apartment, and started looking for a sailboat we could live on while outfitting to eventually travel the world, or as far as our budget first boat will take us.

Armed with $10k after 3 years of trying to save money while living the life of an artist and an entrepreneur in west LA, and committed to pulling the trigger before the end of our 30 day notice period; we found #ellamore, a 35' Ericson mark 2 from 1974 with a dual masthead set up, lots of canvas, a clean and serviceable atomic 4, working pressurized hot water heater, 4 burner stove, refrigerated ice box and lots of grime beguiling a classic coastal cruser ex-racer eager for a bit of love and attention.

Since then we've given away 98% of our apt living "stuff", and liberated ourselves to simple living, aboard an adorable floating treehouse. Everything from snowboards, to boxes of childhood memorabilia had to go. All that's left are beautiful, truly useful items. Making space for new. Making space for life.

It's been difficult at times. Learning by doing. However the still moments are priceless and I know I can speak for the both of us in saying, this is the happiest we've ever been. The sence of freedom, liberation, and adventure is incomparable.

It's a ways to go before we can truly take off. However we're on our way. Already made a couple local trips up the coast checking surf spots along the way. Next goal is Catalina perhaps in time for for Buccaneer days. Then the Channel Islands for a proper surf trip. Hopefully be ready for the Baja Ha Ha by this time next year. Perhaps a Pacific Puddle jump thereafter...

Anyhow I'm VERY happy to finally be posting in CruiserForums after years of watching from the sidelines. I finally got my foot in the door and will soon be crusing too - and we intend to document our search for clean water, bountiful seas, perfect waves, real mermaids, double rainbows, flying unicorns, and freedom to be exactly who we are.

Thank you for the inspiration! Thank you for the practical guidance.

Aloha

Instagram

[Delancey]

Life is short, cheat! Have fun now, slave away when you're older. At least you will have fond memories of the beautiful earth as it was to keep your heart afloat in the dystopian future. Best of luck!

[boatman61]

Hey JA.... Welcome to CF

[captain58sailin]

Welcome to the forum.

[ASIMPLELIFE]

We did the same thing two years ago..it's a good move.. Currently we are in the Dominican Republic enjoying life and $.25 beers. Good luck and see ya out there

[jamesarthur]

Originally Posted by ASIMPLELIFE

We did the same thing two years ago..it's a good move.. Currently we are in the Dominican Republic enjoying life and $.25 beers. Good luck and see ya out there

Yes! That's what I'm taking about! Where did you guys start out from? Is this your first boat too?

[brutb]

Congratulations on the jump. I waited quite a few more years but I am enjoying it with the understanding GF. Small steps=Big dreams.......

[Ocean Girl]

Welcome aboard

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you here and congratulations on the boat.