Final Post of the East Coast Cruise (please disregard highlighted words)
Guess we need to wrap up our cruising adventure with a few reflections and final thoughts. You have been faithful to the blog, we thank you. You have graciously listened to my attempts to describe what so many of you already know about boating and for your patience I am grateful. You have given me the chance to find my writing voice, you have been my audience. Cruising has given flight to my thoughts and words that land never could, and your faithfulness motivated me in my feeble attempts to share our adventure.
As you can tell this has been a dramatic journey for me. In the beginning it was Dennis’ dream to cruise up the east coast and I simply wanted it for him, but it evolved into so much more. The growth through challenges, the ever-amazing beauty of nature, the triumphs, the fears, the terror to tranquility, the history all wrapped up in an unbelievable journey of heart, soul and mind. I must say I tried not to bore you with details, but there were times we would disagreed, even yelled (it takes more than marriage savers to save the day) and know we’re not perfect by any means. Dennis has a wonderful saying though that we both use at the end of the day no matter who’d been right or wrong, it’s simply “I love you……anyway.” Such words diffused our attitudes when the decision-making was difficult, the space seemed too small, there was nowhere else to go and no one else to talk to. No doubt about it, cruising tests your marriage, but working together day after day side by side to keep each other going forward, happy and safe creates a bond of trust, tests the strength of the relationship, and stretches it to a new and deeper dimension. So for those of you who keep politely asking, “Are we still married?” Yes we are, thank you and stronger for it. And for those who are thinking of lengthy cruises, get ready for challenges of the heart.
Reflections on the trip:
Would we do it again? Probably not for four months, and definitely not living aboard. We love being active people here in Florida, and missed our walking, running, biking, golfing, swimming and especially spending time with our Mariner friends, an amazing group both on land and water.
The best thing about the trip? Being one with nature; the vibrant colors of the water, the amazing sea life, sunsets and sunrises, magnificent trees, the power and majesty of the water.
The scariest part? Surviving the storm on July 1, in Atlantic City, and for me being assaulted by the wind storm in Lake Sylvia in Ft. Lauderdale July 22.
Biggest disappointment? Having to use the motor and not being able to sail as much as we hoped.
Our expenses? We figured $50 per travel day for fuel, then marinas a couple of times a week ($.85 to $2 per ft,) plus food and sightseeing/entertainment. We also tried to cook on the boat for most meals, eating out only a couple of times a week. Groceries were a little more expensive than being at home, but we improvised or did without rather than run to the store for what we needed, so we probably spent less than at home. Laundry was about $8 every two weeks.
Statistics for the trip: Days out-108. Miles traveled 3,446. Diesel fuel used, 535 gal. ($3.95 avg. price per gallon)
What did we learn?
1. Wind is the biggest determining factor in planning where, how and when you go in a sailboat. I know that kind of sounds like “no duh,” but there are other factors involved, like current, waves, and tides which we had not really experienced before this trip. Then of course, there’s always the weather. Even considering all the others, wind is still the single most important consideration for a sailboat.
2. Always back down on the anchor to make sure it is set.
3. Even if the wind is favorable never turn your engine off coming in or going out of an inlet.
4. Although Fritz is great company, and a great boat dog, it’s best for everyone if he stays home. Dennis definitely won the hairiest contest, but Fritz won the prize for gaining the most weight, three pounds, on top of the two pounds heavier than the vet liked. Needless to say, his food rations have been cut by half a cup, and to his delight, he is getting extra-long morning and evening walks. He’s already lost 1.5 lbs.
5. No two days are ever the same on the water.
6. Any time is the time for the unexpected.
To any of you who are thinking of cruising we say, “Go for it, no matter what anyone says to discourage you because tomorrow is uncertain, all you have for sure is today, and later never comes.”
Thanks to our children who although were at times scared, worried and weren’t even sure we would make it back, still supported and were excited for us. We love you guys.
To our family, friends and friends of friends who followed with your 5,009 views of the blog we say thanks for your words of support and encouragement. Our next trip is April and May, 2013 to the Bahamas, so expect another blog.
Till then, take care friends, and may God bless with fair winds wherever your heart takes you.
