Don't wait too long

[CharlieJ]

Or the dream could pass you by-

http://westerlynomad.blogspot.com/

[AdriftAtSea]

I agree wholeheartedly, and my recent hospital stay is just one more reason for me to get out there. 

[Zen]

True, however I do not think that is the case here.
The dream is still reachable , if he wants it enough!
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2006/August/10/local/stories/03local.htm

-The solo voyage from Japan to California alone would be impressive for someone with all his limbs, said Chad Keane, the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor's operations officer and a sailor for most of his 45 years. For Yonago to do it with just one arm, Keane said, is astounding.-

or:

http://www.blindsailing.org/

or:
-The morning sun glistened on his wheelchair as he readied the boat for the day. Grunting with effort, he made small hops and managed to get out of his wheelchair, off the dock and into the boat.-

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4176/is_20060402/ai_n16141687

[CharlieJ]

AH so- therein lies the real rub. MOST of us don't want it badly enough.

Taking off to go cruising full time involves a real life change, and the letting go of security that MOST folks really aren't prepared to let go of.

For many, it isn't the boat or the money- it's the not being able to drop the house/car/job/perks, etc that cutting the lines entails.

And yeah- I'm in that group, although I've already cut the lines once and took off. But we're planning to do some serious traveling.

But I think we've somewhat decided that the liveaboard life style is something we'll not do. Laura would love it- for a while- but then she'd want to paint, and living on the boat would really cut down her working space. She kinda likes her studio, and I kinda like my shop.

So we'll do cruises, then come home, work awhile, then take off again. I feel we may even have the best of both worlds, if we can do that. If we decide we REALLY like being footloose, the house/studio/woodshop can always go on the market. Even if the market goes soft. We didn't buy with the idea of making a killing on the property, so ANY gain will be great. 

[Zen]

Indeed, there is nothing wrong with having your cake and eating it too. A full 24/7/360
lifestyle is not for everyone. I too have limits on my on-board life style. I like having a studio, a garden, a dog, a full bath, but also being able to sail off on an adventure, explore. I hear of some who make their world trip in segments. Flying home after a bit to handle whatever, work, kids, home,holidays, then flying back to continue to the next part of the world. The only rules are those we make ourselves. The only limits are those we set ourselves.

[Fortis]

A friend sailed as far as New Zealand on his round the world trip with his wife and brother on board. While in NZ they hired some motor scooter to go explore somewhere and he got cleaned up by a car. 8 weeks in hospital and the medicos telling him that he was looking at about two years of chronic pain issues etc. Spinal badness and a spleen that was now sitting in a jar.

He decided to sail anyway. His brother protested so much that he actually left the crew on the theory that this would stop him.
His wife almost did.

He said they would just need to recalibrate the time involved in sailing. On average they would sail for 6-8 hours depending on the comfort level and how much they were bashing around. Then he would heave to and "park". The motion of the boat would ease greatly and he could relax and manage the pain for about four hours or so. Then it was back to sailing and repeat as needed. They made it island hopping across the pacific and through the Panama Canal and are somewhere off Sth America at the moment....still going strong, still heaving to in order to rest and get relief from the pain. His wife is learning to take up more of the slack and his brother's offer to return to the crew has been politely declined.

There are always ways, you just have to figure your priorities.

Alex.

[AdriftAtSea]

I'm glad he had the integrity to refuse his brother's offer to return to crew.  Family should support one in one's dreams and goals...not get in the way, no matter how good their intentions.  The road to heck is paved with good intentions.

[CapnK]

Sad story, I hope he gets to cruise her for at least a little while, if nothing else. I liked his blog.