
Sundown at the end of a rainbow, Deer Harbor, Orcas Island, Wash.
Which day do we choose as an anniversary date? The day we left Fort Collins (Sept. 10)? The day Sundown arrived in Bellingham (Sept. 13)? The day we sailed away from Seaview North’s dock (Oct. 14)?
It really doesn’t matter, because at the end of the day, we’ve been living aboard and doing life different for a year. Wow! The last 12 months went fast. I remember thinking often, “A year from now, I’ll feel so much better and will have so much more experience.” And actually, both are true.
My take aways
So what’s different than a year ago? For me, a lot! For example, I don’t break down in a nervous fit of tears every time we start the engine, put up the sails or when I struggle to tie fenders on with a clove hitch knot. (Really, that did happen.) I now regard the sails as my friends; they stabilize the boat and provide a quiet, peace-filled ride when there’s sufficient wind to only use the sails for propulsion. When there’s not enough wind (see below), the engine and Grateful Dead provide a steady drone I try to block out.
I appreciate wind more than I used to. It’s always been the one element I dislike the most (So how funny is it I now live on a sailboat? Someone has a sense of humor!). Rather than being afraid of forecasted wind speeds above five knots, I now think “good sailing” wind is 15-25 knots. We don’t even hoist the sails unless we have at least eight knots of wind, because Sundown is a big girl! Her 15 tons of solid beauty requires more than a breeze to move her at any reasonable pace.
And finally, Sundown feels like “home” and living in a tiny house that floats suits me. We have everything we need and then some. Life is good.
Clay’s contemplations
One year living on Sundown. It is hard to believe! I remember the day we launched, as I walked over to the water with the boat hanging in the slings and felt so satisfied that all our hard work was going to pay off. I also felt a little nervous when I realized I’d never actually piloted the boat before. But when I took the helm to motor her around to the dock, she operated as expected.
When we left Seaview North’s dock last year on this day (Oct. 14), we motored due to lack of wind to Sucia Island where we’d been before. It was a 21-mile ride, which felt like a long day. We’ve sailed 2,574 miles since then, and some days average 50 miles or more.
It’s been a year of many firsts and a lot of growth. We visited many new places and made a bunch of new friends. And I feel like my relationship with Kim has grown in many ways. It has been amazing to see her become so comfortable with all the aspects of sailing.* We have had great adventures roaming through the islands both on land and at sea.
So as the sun sets on 365 days of living afloat, we’re looking forward to the promise of more adventures to come.
*Editor’s Note: I only could have made it this far with Clay’s help. His calm demeanor when things get exciting and his saintly patience with my ineptitude as I stumble along on the steep learning curve I’ve been climbing has been remarkable. He is so knowledgeable about this whole boat thing and I’m immensely proud of him. Thanks, Honey!
Loved reading your blog, what an experience you are living!
Still awaiting a visit one of these days!
You may have to come visit us! Looks like we’ll be in the Pacfic Northwest for awhile yet. It’s a wonderful place with lots of land and sea to explore.
These two gypsy pioneers just don’t sail around these islands in endless joy. They help people along their way. Actually my husband Bob and I have been greatly blessed by their endless friendship and love. I know many other fellow cruisers and land lubbers who have enjoyed their generosity and unending love. Bless you both in all your future challenges.
Ahhh, thanks Sandy! We love lending a helping hand when and where we can.
Congratulations on your anniversary. It is so good to hear your update. How immensely satisfying it is to capture glimpses of why might be our own capacity to go further, live more fully AND more simply. Thanks again for having us on board for a visit this summer!
Thank you for being our guests! The companionway is always open to you!
So glad you’ve learned new things, had great adventures and have met wonderful people! I admire you both for living your dreams. 🙂