Ready to move on, but waiting
Somewhere back in California, quite likely still in pieces, our bikes are sitting, waiting to be assembled. In another location, in Arizona, our custom bike bags are waiting to be sewn. And while all that is happening, or waiting to happen as the case may be, Rebecca and I continue to quietly make plans.
Our minds are elsewhere
Even though we’re still living on one, it’s hard not to feel as if our cruising-by-boat days are over. Or, if not over completely, at least for the time being – in hibernation like a bear in the winter. We watch our cruising friends come and go, enjoying new experiences, and we feel happy for them. As much as I’m sure we’d enjoy sharing those good times with them, our minds are elsewhere.
Of course, the inability to start our new venture now – the waiting – is causing us a certain degree of stress. It’s actually what was on my mind when I wrote the Greener Pastures post back in February. Fortunately for us, the internet provides an endless supply of motivation, like the video that I’ve included above. For those of us dreaming about cycling adventures, or adventures in general for that matter, it’s hard not to be motivated by stories and videos like that. They help us to maintain our focus.
By the way, I love how Lael describes her feral existence in the video. Rebecca and I used to jokingly refer to some of the local boat children as being feral kids. And that’s OK because, at least for now, it’s something that I aspire to. 🙂
In other news…
In case you missed it, Rebecca put up a great post yesterday: 8 Tips for getting the most out of your workouts on the boat. It’s an excellent follow up to my fitness-oriented post on Thursday.
Mike,
I’ve been a follower for a long time though I don’t often comment. I’m so glad to see that you’ve kept your options open and are not tied to boating but sad that the cruising community will be without you for as long as it takes for you to come back. (if you do!)
Your blog has been a key source of inspiration for me and one of the reasons that my family and I have been out cruising for the last 2 years. We’re currently up at L’Anse d’Artlet with some guests and heading south to St. Anne soon. Hopefully we will be able to find you to say hello and wish you the best on your bike trek. It sounds awesome and challenging…everything one needs to stay tuned in.
Darryl
SV Maple
Hi Darryl. Thanks for the kind words. When you do make it to St. Anne don’t be afraid to give us a shout, either on VHF 68 (I almost always have it on, unless people chatting on 68 drive me crazy enough to turn it off), or on Facebook. Maybe we could have a drink or something.
Oh boy, I think I was one of those feral boat kids! No shirt, no shoes, hair full of tangles from running amuck all day until time to go home to eat. No worries in the world back then…ahhhh!
We never used to term in a derogatory way. If anything, I was envious. 🙂
I think that the bicycle lifestyle will be an amazingly uncomplicated one and I imagine you will both feel the freedom. After all, you can simply park and bike and walk or hike – no weather is really going to affect it. I love boats but I always feel the burden of responsibility when it is in the water and the freedom when it is out.
Weather will still be a factor. In some ways, it may be even more so. That said, I suspect you’re right. Uncomplicated.
Ride – Eat – Sleep – repeat.
Sounds great! 🙂