So how does it feel? I don't know yet. It will take a bit of time to gain perspective. Even this morning I heard my subconscious go through its daily routine with the reminders, suggestions and concerns related to Pelican. But this time my conscious mind shouted, "No, no more, it is no longer my responsibility!"
I will take a break from blogging. For now, the lurkers wondering what I am up to will have to email me! I also wanted to say thank you for the many emails I have received from readers over the course of my trip. For those of whom that this blog and my trip have inspired, hearing from them and knowing this has inspired me.
I have my life back, but what will I do now? There is the dread of ending up like so many - moving sideways in a functioning but mediocre existence wondering if this is really all there is or if maybe there should be more to one's life.
If I think now of the biggest achievement as a result of the time I spent with Pelican, it is that after nearly seven years and over 50,000 miles, the dream is still intact. The cynicism hasn't won. At times it had been pretty close. I'd been brought to the point a few times where I thought it wasn't worth it anymore but I always found the drive to keep going. I know too, that you cannot fake this. It has only been two days and already a new part of my subconscious is forming. What sort of boat do I get next?
We will see you out there.
Had to indulge in a bit of sentimentality. Forgive me! Music by William Tyler. "Cadillac Desert"
9 comments:
Hey Jonas, this is Jennifer on Oahu. Congrats on the sale. I loved the video compilation, so many places. Well you truly are my inspiration. Somehow someway, one day I will cast off the lines & free myself from life's monotony, even if it's just sailing around these islands. In the meantime, maybe watching all these disaster at sea movies will change my mind;) But somehow I don't think so. All the best in your next adventure, be it on land or sea.
Awesome video, and I will miss your blog and adventures. But changing it up might be a better adventure in itself. Best of luck in next chapter, and I'll check in on you here and there by email.
Jonas, congratulations from Chicago. Your bittersweet blog post is an example why I enjoy your blog so much - introspective, and not propagating the 'ah, it's all so wonderful' myth. Per aspera ad astra, I suppose, and even then you might find the stars rather less worth the trouble than you hoped. Good luck Jonas, and tell us what's next when you know.
Stephan
I have never seen a more negative view of world cruising destinations than in this blog. I can only suppose you are at heart a somewhat pessimistic person. Judging by the photo of your vessel when posted for sale, you did not take much pride in her appearance, either. And since you often mentioned your budget constraints, I can only assume that you set out on your journey with insufficient funding, so it's no wonder you had so few positive comments on the people and places you encountered.
Wow, I can't believe you sold her! I know how hard it had to be. I sold my girl, S/V Nisus almost 4 years ago and became a cliffdweller once again after living aboard for 8 years.
Good luck in the future. Treasure this time of transition. And just remember, none of use knows what the future holds.
Jonas,
Steve here from the high seas (okay, high plains) of Denver, Colorado, USA.
May thanks for the honest review of the lifestyle. I will continue to be in touch via E-Mail, but your blog has helped my wife and I see our future in sailing more realistically.
I do hope you find the wherewithall to write the book -- its success may not be measured in volume, but rather in the quality effect it will have on future sailors in that potentially critical pre-sailing timeframe.
Pelican turned out to be exactly what you said she would be. Not a flashy girl, but a reliable one. The inexperienced often want a pretty boat; I have been privileged to see many a true salt measure beauty differently.
Time alone will tell what kind of sailor I turn out to be. :-)
I would wish you well on the next chapter of your adventure, but I suspect there is no need. You seem to be one of those who makes their own luck, and success is largely a function of addressing the challenges that present themselves to you.
I definitely look forward to our continued conversation, as time and life circumstance permit.
Fair winds and following seas to you, sir. You've earned it.
I've followed your blog for a long time and have enjoyed your insights. I'm retired and don't have the money to sustain myself and a boat but belong to a sailing club in San Diego which is just my speed these days and is more therapy than anything else. Did a lot of traveling, (vagabonding), in the 70's which changed my goals quite a bit. A wise man once said, "Life is what happens while you're making other plans". As you get older you just deal with it. I've lived vicariously through your writing...thanks for the memories!
Hello,
Still receiving messages if people post here?
Did you buy another boat yet?
I just crossed solo from USA to Ireland, direct. Made me think of you and Pelican back in Colombia and Panama where my girlfriend Conny and I met you.
Anyway, send a reply and I should have it forwarded to my email address.
Have a great one!
//Kai Weeks
Hey Kai, I left you a link to my new blog on your old blog. I am still out here. Glad to hear you are too.
J.
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