Tuesday, September 24, 2013

The Art of Knowing Nothing

As departure approaches we have many interested parties asking questions about our impending adventure. As much as I love that so many people are interested in our story I'm starting to feel like I'm failing some sort of test.

When will you be leaving? "Well, I don't know. Sometime in October. Maybe the first week? I guess, when we have the last few things done?"

How much does it cost to cruise? "Well, I don't know. I guess it depends on how many luxuries you're interested in."

What do your parents think? Are you scared? How many days will it take to reach San Diego? Are you ready to go thru customs? "Seriously, I don't know."

It's a funny thing about getting ready to take a course in life that many people think about, but few actually do. There is a natural curiosity and I can appreciate the questions, but it has made me think, "What you are you doing, you crazy girl? Do you know NOTHING about what you're about to do?!?"

Well, as a matter of fact....  I know what the entirety of my standing rigging looks like and I can tell you what is located at the very top of my mast. I know how to re-plumb my head, re-wire my lights and re-pack my stuffing box. I can tell you exactly how my bimini and sail cover are constructed, how all of my emergency equipment works and how to live without refrigeration.

I know exactly what it's like to feel the bubbling excitement of all the unknowns that lay before us and overwhelming anxiety of all the unknowns that lay before us. My heart is heavy with good-byes and light with the anticipation of completing a goal we committed ourselves to just one year ago.

Right now, each day is a struggle to keep all of the things I know, all of the positives, in the forefront of my mind and be okay with the fact that there are so many things that we'll just have to wait and see.

We have come to the edge. The good byes, the provisioning and the casting off. When will we see these shores again? I don't know.

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