Thursday, June 17, 2010

The World is Floating

You know that sensation when you try and reach a high shelf? rarely used muscles are stretched, and you become aware that you've pretty much been living at eye-level for the past who-knows-how-long.

I haven't had that sensation in a long time.

When you think about it, the world turns indifferently of whether or not you think about it.

I can't think of anything to write, but I feel like writing. Strike that. I want to write about something else but I can't bring myself to do so--hence, word-vomit.

I'm thinking about making a to-do list. If I were to type it up, it would read as follows.

1. clean my room
2. do my laundry
3. sell all my valuables
4. find some prospect for the next couple of months (cruise to the bahamas, chill.)
5. plan my next move from there.

My thoughts are these: If I am going to do any sort of off-shore sailing any time soon, I'm going to have to jump in with both feet. I could plan and budget for a boat that meets my needs, but I know myself too well... 1 of 2 things could come of that: Either I would become impatient and purchase a boat that doesn't fit my needs, but fits my budget and availability (NOW) requirements; or I will NEVER be able to afford the boat I want because I will always hold out for something a little better, and consequentially a little more expensive. I will be an old man before I ever get to live my dream, and that, my friends, is quite simply a nightmare to me.

I came across (okay, I launched a determined search for..,) a guy who sails from Ft Lauderdale to the Bahamas and the Key Islands about 3 times per season, and takes on a new crew of experienced and unexperienced sailors each time. Each voyage is about 15 days long, and he charges about $700 per trip + food. I'm tempted to sell my meager possessions and go on two of those expeditions. Maybe even just one would do. If I were able to, during the voyage/stay, make connections with someone else doing something similar (or possibly just someone short-handed, willing to take me on) I would be thrilled to do it. Also, at that price I am getting 15 days of actual sailing at sea, as opposed to a 7-day cruise, where I don't really get the feeling that I'm on the water, so much as on a building surrounded by water... :)

Mostly, I am thinking that the likelihood that I will get experience, and eventually a boat, is drastically increased if I'm actually AT sea, surrounded by people who know people and places.

I just have to make my mind up.

:)