So Much Planning To Do!

It is freezing cold here in Michigan. I mean zero degrees with a -15 degree windchill! I don't think I will be running any errands today! So that means it is a great day to dig into some of the many books we have for planning our around-the-world cruise. (Thankfully, it is too cold to work in the attic.)

Get this at Amazon:
http://amzn.to/W0akay

One of my biggest challenges is planning for provisioning of food and menus to keep a happy crew. I also have to consider the amount of stock to store for the various lengths of passages. We understand that once we reach Australia, they will take most of our food off the boat! So I want to have enough to get there, but not too much that I would lose. It is a roll of the dice: how much will we all eat in the number of days from place to place. And who wants to spend time provisioning at each stop when I could be enjoying the sights and people on the islands.

The Boat Galley just arrived from Amazon yesterday and I found myself reading until midnight. Even though it is a cookbook, it is full of helpful information on planning, provisioning, stowing food and galley equipment. I also have Amanda Swan Neal's The Essential Galley Companion and have used it on board in the past. Actually, I would love to talk with her as she has the sister boat to ours and I can't figure out where she stores everything she lists as having on board!

Also at Amazon:
http://amzn.to/Tm0sZy

I have looked through Cruising Cuisine, but I don't think it is for me: too many kitchen items to stow. The recipes also appear to use a lot of ingredients that we won't have access to offshore and the recipes call for long cooking times which consumes too much propane. It is probably a great one for large yachts with more power and bigger galleies.  I think I will return it.


See at Amazon:
http://amzn.to/YnqlcU

I have debated with myself as whether or not to get a pressure cooker. They use less fuel to cook items that need longer times in an oven; and because they have a secure lid, it can be safer.They do take up a lot of storage space so I would have to give up a thing or two. I have been told that the modern pressure cookers are much safer than the one I recall from childhood. I have always been afraid of them because I got burned by the steam - or something. I don't remember the details - just that it was an awful experience! I have also been told you need to practice with them before you get on board. So I will have to make that decision soon so I can cook up a storm at home!

In the meantime, I have a lot of good reading in front of the fire. And I can cook to my heart's content in a full kitchen while trying to picture myself in a tiny boat galley. Oh, ya! I will also have to practice doing it at a 15 degree angle and pretend that I am being thrown around! So I am off with my books, a blanket, a cup of hot chocolate and a biscotti ...

Too Much Stuff!

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain

I am busy trying to simplify life. That really means getting rid of much of what we (especially ME) have accumulated over the past 20 years. Actually, I came into this partnership of marriage with a lot of stuff. The Captain's favorite song is called "Too Much Stuff" and he plays it every now and then just to remind me of how much STUFF with which I need to deal to get ready for the next great sailing adventure! He often references the "hoarder's show" as if to suggest ... I am not that bad! But I do have a lot of "treasures" from parents, grandparents and kids. Just why do we save all of that stuff?

My lovely garden

Being a person of many interests and some talents, I have more than dabbled in a number of hobbies and businesses: Fiber Arts, Jewelry, Water Color Painting, Knitting, Sewing, Cooking, Gardening, Entertaining, Internet Marketing, Executive Coaching, Leadership Development, Writing and Editing, and  a variety of sports, just to name a few! As a result, I have acquired a lot of stuff!

I have come to terms with (and am actually excited about) selling our home to move on board S/V Trillium for a few years! It took my a while to let go as our home is a wonderful place. Many of my friends think I am nuts! But I am actually excited. I am looking forward to a simplified life style - that is not the same as saying stress-free! But my biggest issue at hand is the STUFF! And that is causing me stress.

In front of a Leadership Development session

I have a full library of business and human resource materials that I use in my coaching and training business. (By the way, I am not retiring - just reducing my resources! Although the "R" word is feeling more comfortable with each passing month!) I have a full fiber arts studio that I haven't been able to find time to use in the most recent years. And I have a house full of beautiful things for decorating and entertaining. While I will retain things I can use and do in the future and don't require much storage space, I will have to let a lot of it go. That is the challenge: sorting it all out.


Some of my watercolor paintings at an art show

Not only is it difficult to part with the things I have enjoyed and appreciate for their beauty, it is overwhelming! Many of the items hold cherished memories of family, friends, holidays and the like. Many items represent much success - and some less successful ventures. A lot of beautiful clothes just won't look right on a boat! And after a few weeks of going barefoot and wearing unstructured clothing, it is really difficult to return to what is in my closet here.

And so, instead of sailing in the islands this winter, I will be slugging it out in the attic, the basement and my office. I think I know why people have moving sales! Charities have been coming once a month to pick up a load, but it is only a small dent. And then what about the antiques and fine things we have. What and where do we store them? So much to handle that it wakes me up regularly. I may need someone to throw me a life ring from time to time so I don't drown in the STUFF!

Oh! How I Miss Being on S/V Trillium!

Trillium coming into dock in West River, Maryland

I am the first to admit that I am amazed that I like being on the boat as much as I do! When Dennis first brought up the idea of retiring on a sailboat and sailing around the world (just six years ago!), I said, "Ya, you and your next wife!" Then I thought about it and decided he might take that statement too seriously! After all, a boat is a man's mistress!

I recall on my birthday in September of 2006, we were invited to sail on Lake St. Clair with friends, Bill and Deborah. I was so terrified of walking on that skinny finger pier that I could hardly get onto the boat. Then I had the death grip on the gunwales every time we heeled a little! At the same time, I was loving the wind in the face and the quiet gliding through the water.

About to pass under the Mackinaaw Bridge!

We continued to sail with our friends and Bill let me take the wheel. It is like being a passenger in a car on a wild ride v.s. being the driver - you are more comfortable when you are in control. The more I took the wheel, the faster I wanted to sail and more I wanted to heel the boat. The following summer, the four of us started the American Sailing Association series of courses.

Dennis and I continued our sailing courses and the next February I completed my ASA 106 sailing test by sailing around Tortola, BVI with the final part sailing Sir Francis Drake Channel at night down to St. John's Francis Bay. It was here we did the nighttime man-over-board drill in high winds. Dennis had taken his test in Lake Erie in cold and wild windy weather the previous fall, We stayed in the BVI's and chartered for a week with Deborah and Bill joining us.

Why does it feel like the mast is going to hit
the bridge no matter how high it really is?

Then we bought S/V Trillium and the rest is history! Most of which is posted in this blog. Our first long trip was when we sailed with Deborah and Bill from Lake St. Clair to Bay Harbor in Petosky, MI up Lake Huron through the Straits of Mackinaw and down to the marina at Bay Harbor. Then we started sailing the various rivers in the Chesapeake Bay area. And finally we took the big step and headed south to Tortola, BVI with the Caribbean 1500 in November 2010! Now that is progress in my book!

As I follow our World Cruising Club Rally communities in the Caribbean 1500 and World ARC, I really miss being on the water and hanging out with other sailors. While I sit here in cold Michigan, I keep up with them on the Fleet Trackers and various blogs. I am envious of the photos of shorts and bathing suits as I am bundled up in fleece and hat and gloves.

At least, we will have a very Merry Christmas with several of our children and grandchildren here and in London, UK this year. Next year we will be down there in the islands, too!

We wish you a Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year!

Not In The C 1500 Fleet- Still On The Hard!

We will miss the beautiful sunrises and sunsets!

For those of you wondering where in the world we are, let me tell you: we are right here on dry land in Michigan! Many of you were concerned about our safety during Hurricane Sandy and how S/V Trillium was handling the storm. She did just fine. Thanks for you caring concern. We appreciate it.

Actually, we are not sailing this winter. We are getting the boat ready for an "around the world in 3 years" cruise! That's right! The plan is to work through 2013, sell the house, and move on board the boat. I know some of you think I am crazy to go along with this, but I am really happy on the water. In fact, I was the one pushing to set a date and get started. (After all, we aren't getting any younger!)

Sunsets: There are never two the same.

It will take a whole year to get everything ready for this big lifestyle change. I am working on preparing the house for the Spring market. The biggest challenge is all of the "stuff!" I am selling my weaving looms and yarn (share that with anyone who might be interested in buying) and have been going through all of the "keepsakes" that have been accumulating in the attic. (My suggestion to anyone thinking of downsizing or moving: start now! It is an overwhelming job.) It took me a while to get my head around letting go of what seems to be security. And after the "stuff" my mother left for my sister and me to clear out, I want to spare my children most of that experience! (Or ... maybe they should share that experience! NO! and besides there will still be the "good stuff" that hopefully they won't sell in a garage sale!)

But we won't miss the storms and challenges they bring.

As for the 2012 Caribbean 1500, we feel left behind, but will join them next year to get the boat to the islands for the 2014 World ARC. We are following the fleet, most of whom left the Saturday and Sunday after Hurricane Sandy and before the next storm that was approaching their path. They have had some really rough weather as we have had in the past by leaving right after a hurricane. But you have to grab a weather window right after the low pressure system to get a good run out into the ocean. Once across the Gulf Stream, the weather warms up and the real fun sailing begins.

Aaahhhhh! This is the life!

Some of the fleet was stuck in the upper Chesapeake Bay and had to ride out Sandy at the docks. The part of the fleet that arrived in Hampton, VA before the storm had a lot of water with which to deal between the rain and the surge coming in the mouth of the bay from the Atlantic. BUT every Caribbean 1500 has its tales and this is another one to recall over Pain Killers at the Soggy Dollar beach bar in a few more days! Wish we were there!

Winter will be challenging after the last two in the islands. We will be dreaming of sunshine, white sand and breaking waves! I will have to whip up a batch of Pain Killers, Bushwackers or Mango Coladas from time to time while sitting in front of the fireplace watching the snow fall!

So Happy to Be at the Annapolis Boat Show

It's an October sight to behold!

The week-end proceeding Columbus Day is always special for us. It is the Annapolis Sail Boat Show from Thursday through Sunday and it usually coincides closely with our wedding anniversary. We are celebrating 19 years! Where did the time go? It has been a great ride with more to come!

This year we were checking out equipment to prepare for our circumnavigation. This means alternative energy sources, better communication systems (or at least figuring out how to maximize what we have), finding resources and talent to boost our learning curve. Yes, we have been at it for several years now, but there is so much to learn. That should help keep our brain cells functioning!

We are trying not to load the stern like this one!

We priced out new sails, solar panels, water generators, wind generators, pressure cookers, and a whole lot more. We really don't want to "junk up" the boat. The only thing we bought was some polishing agents, anti-mildew products and a winter cover for S/V Trillium. She is going to be sitting on land in the sun, snow and rain for a year, so we thought it best to protect the teak deck and our hatches and portholes. Hopefully we are not inviting a mold and mildew issue, too.



We had lunch with Tom (above) and Stuart,
crew from Atlantic Cup & Caribbean 1500

The best part of the boat show is seeing friends from various sailing groups. Some were getting ready to head to the islands; others are doing what we are: spending the next year getting the boat ready for the "big adventure!" We reunited with several of our former crew members and talked about which legs of the circumnavigation they may want to sail. We had lunches with Stuart from our first Caribbean 1500 Rally and Tom from our 2012 Atlantic Cup Rally. And we saw a lot of friends at the World Cruising Club Ocean Sailing Seminar.

Once again we said our "good-byes" to friends and S/V Trillium. (I always feel like I am leaving a family member behind when we drive away from the marina.) We are going to miss being with everyone in the Caribbean this winter, but we have bigger things to handle here at home.