Doors are Magnificant

What a busy few months. What an UNDERSTATEMENT.  

Since we've parked the RV Airabess we have (collectively):  bought 2 vehicles, sold a house, bought a house, begun a serious overhaul of said house, joined a swim team, performed in a theatre production following a 6 week theater camp, worked an ungodly amount of hours in the dog days of summer, gotten a promotion, began a new phase of teaching (yoga), lost some LB's, made new friends, connected with old friends, had our first house guest, completed the 3rd grade, took a dive trip, played tourist (officially as locals) and still found time for lots of love. 

Oh, and we have doors now. They close. It's magnificent. (At some point I'm going to write about 'comfort stations' aka public/community showers and bathrooms.  Every bona fide traveler knows that struggle... All are not created equal.)

I miss the down time. And, while I still don't think it's always a healthy thing, I'm embracing the glorification of busy. For now. While we reconnect to life in one place it's what is right for us. 

Having a permanent address means life is going to have a predictability to it. It allows for busy in a completely different way than travel did. It is just as beautiful. The trick is not getting caught in the hamster wheel. 

It's such a wonderful feeling to come home.  To create a space that is ours, from scratch, with our hard work. It's super rewarding. It's freaking hard.  But it's amazing. 

We had a blank canvas when we got here. We are painting our dreams and vision. We are creating the life we want. The days are full of struggle. They are full of moments of joy.  We are, I hope, finding the balance between the two. 

The Redwoods

When I asked Hubs to describe the drive he responded with "Wet and sporty".  Which took me immediately to a conversation we had with our friends from Shambala.  "Wet and Sporty" really means, "I know today sucked, but look at what we are doing!" There are so many things that translate so easily from boat to RV.  You would be amazed!

The sporty drive took us through the Avenue of the Giants.  Again super challenging for Hubs to fully appreciate as he was driving, though the idea of me behind the wheel would have proved a lot more frustrating I'm sure.

We camped amongst the Redwoods, tasted sorrels from the forest floor, took a ranger guided tour (where we learned about burls and burl poaching) and Coco earned another* Junior Ranger badge.  She also wrote a poem :)

Redwoods

 Tall and majestic.

Growing to the sky 

and big over the years.

Falling,

burning

and living.

Inspiring us and awe-inspiring us.  

Magnificent trees.

 


*She has too many to count.  She has worked her way across the country earning badges.  So proud.  I love homeschooling!

Redrock Canyon State Park

Another long drive, but gorgeous.  Mountains surrounding us most of the way.  We saw the famous Joshua tree while driving, and then again sprinkled around the Canyon.  

Another dry camp in the desert.. the last for awhile.  The temperature

was so nice.  Not too hot or cold.  

We explored the canyon around our site.  All of us agreed the walls looked like the drippy castles we use to make at the beach back home.  

Our first night we had a fire... the first one since Louisiana.  It was an amazing night~ sitting by the fire under the stars.  

After school the next day we hiked to the rim of the canyon.  I am still so amazed at the flowers in bloom here as well as the variety of rocks and minerals in the area.  

Pretty stoked that I was able to get my mat out as well.  Practice on the mat has been more challanging than I thought it would be on this trip.  Yoga as of late has been hiking and reflection and breath work.  But the weather is so nice now, and I can almost always find a semi-level spot.   Live is good. 

 

New Mexico

I had written an entire post about our stay in New Mexico. Unfortunately, it got lost in cyberspace when I went to publish it. 

Following is an abbreviated version:

Rock Hound State Park was our home for 2 solid weeks. That's the longest we have stayed put on this adventure. The reason for it was really simple... It was snowing everywhere else. 

The town of Demming, NM is situated in the corner southwestern pocket of the state and was the warmest place we could find at the time. 

So, we hiked and biked.  We played games and did a bit of extra school. We collected our own rock samples (one of the only parks in the country that encourages taking a keepsake). We also went a little stir crazy. But, we made the most of it. 

And oh my goodness, the sunsets!  Not only are they magnificent, they are also never ending. You have to commit to watching them to fruition. 

I've seen my fare share of spectacular sunsets, most while living aboard S/V Airabess.  I have to say though that the ones over the mountains and desert are my favorite. 

Painted Rock Petroglyph Site

Our first dry camp in awhile. 

After a gorgeous drive to the middle of nowhere... Aka The Painted Petroglyph Site. We had to skip petroglyphs earlier in our trip because of weather, so we made it a point to head there. 

First, it was really stinkin hot. I think we are finally acclimating to the cooler temperatures and so once we finally did have warmer (hot, dry) weather we didn't remember how to deal with it. 

Did I mention it was dry? I know, I know the desert.  But we are from Florida where humidity is king. 

The rocks and site itself were pretty cool. Unfortunately not everyone respects them as  12,000 year old artifacts. There was some that were obviously not originals. And a few that were. While we were there we saw a couple walking up into the site... where it clearly says to stay off. Makes me sad to think that a generation from now might not get to see such amazing history because of a handful of thoughtless people. 

We are still glad we saw them though. We've seen a few more petroglyphs and pictographs since then and it's nice to have a comparison. And it's definitely not something Coco wouldn't get in a classroom. 

Texas Part 3.... because it is a HUGE State, and a tiny slice of New Mexico

The drive to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park was dusty, windy and rough.  RV Airabess was blowing all over the place and Hubs was white knuckling it the whole way.  
Oil rigs as far as the eye could see.  
Big semis pulling out huge containers.  
Dust storms.  
But, seeing the mountain range come into view after going through so much flat land was amazing.  It was Coco's first time seeing something so large looming on the horizon... needless to say, she was impressed. 

The park has a fantastic visitor center with interactive exhibits and wildlife displays.  Coco made Junior Ranger and started working on her Junior Paleontologist badge. 
***Home school science has been a cake walk lately.  We have been immersed in so many different habitats and terrains.  It has been hard to take all of it in. ***

The Guadalupe Mountains National Park was our first "destination".  Every other place has been part of the journey for sure, picked because it was part of the path.  This was the first place we marked as 'must see'.  It's also where we picked up our National Park Pass and had our first real dry camp (i.e. boondocking). 

We arrived at the park pretty early, set up (made sure everything was secure as the wind was gusting at 60 mph) and toured the visitor center.  

The next day we got up early (for this crew), put on our hiking gear and hit the trail.  The long, steep, rocky trail.  It was four hours up and fourish hours down.

Coco was absolutely impressive.  I am in awe of her 'charge ahead' attitude. She went for it, didn't complain, and took the lead at times.  My girl is going to do great things.  She will change the world. 
I was slightly terrified in some places.  Apparently I have some serious anxiety and fear of sheer (and not so sheer) drop-offs and ledges.  There were real tears and freak outs and I was going to quit several times.  But then there was my Hubs.  
Sherpa Hubs.  He held my hand.  He guided Coco and myself over some of the sketchy parts.  He was the coach and captain.  The ONLY reason I made it to the top is because he motivated me and supported me (he did give me an out at the very bottom, middle and almost top of the peak~ but I am stubborn). He was perfection.  
I know I am waxing poetic about Hubs, but there are times in a marriage and a life when real change can happen.  When we grow together or apart.  This whole trip has been about togetherness.  But I felt very apart.  Not because I couldn't physically do it.  Because mentally it was a mindf@!k.  And we are better and stronger and more together than ever before.  It totally snuck up on me and we as a partnership and family learned and loved.   
This particular adventure was Team Airabess all the way.   

Coco was so stoked (albeit extremely tired and went to bed earlier than she ever has EVER) and talked Hubs into getting up with her early the next morning (I stayed back with Ms Willow) to hike another pretty intense trail.  They left before the sun was up (and it was raining) and made it back before 10 (because the weather was getting worse they couldn't finish). They were dripping wet, cold, but smiling.  My people.  I love them so much and in moments like that I feel like my heart might explode.  


We left the same day about an hour later and headed up the road into New Mexico to Carlsbad Caverns National Park.  The cavern entrance is at the top of the one of the mountains.  So we made it a quick trip through the park... totally worth it by the way.  Coco's eyes were as big as saucers as we took it all in.  We tried to take pictures, but they just don't capture the vastness of the caverns.  It's enough to have the mental memories.  

It's a good thing we made it a short excursion because when we came out of the caverns it was snowing and sleet was a definite possibility.  Not so much fun driving the good ole RV Airabess down and around an ice covered road.  

For tonight and tomorrow we are tucked into Whites City, New Mexico.  Staying warm and recovering from one of the most incredible family weekends we have had so far... and that's saying something.  

***

Next up?  We haven't decided yet.  We had a plan for the next few weeks, but the weather isn't exactly conducive to the route we had planned.  We were going to go to Roswell, because, well... how fun, right?  Don't think that is going to happen now with this weather pattern and we don't really want to stay here.  So maybe back to Texas for a bit, or maybe not.  

We did get a little taste of it (Roswell) though when we checked into Whites City.  They really own the whole thing down here.  From stuffed everything to Native American (not so authentic) souvenirs.  There are bats (an homage to the Caverns) and pueblo style architecture.... all in the smallest town I have ever seen. 

Crossing the Gulf Stream

Rolling mountains of water. In the dark. The longest 45 minutes ever, waiting on the moon rise. Followed by the longest 10 hours pushing our way through from peak to valley to peak again. 

At the time it felt like it would never end. 

I've read so many things about night passages. But nothing really prepares you for that first time out at sea with only the stars (and possibly moon) to guide you. 

Mellow drama aside... We did it. We crossed the Gulf Stream.  It was just as intimidating as we expected, but people have been doing it for ages. 

The plan was to anchor off Angel Creek for the night and shove off around 4 in the morning. Hubs decided to call an audible. The wind was light. The sea relatively calm. So we went for it. 

I think the abruptness of the call, coupled with strong coffee and anxiety made it even more uncomfortable. 

But we are here. Currently tied up in Bimini, but leaving in the morning to cross the banks. A long stretch for the next few days. Then... Then we will be able to take it one island at a time. 

Yesterday, after knocking out some school work,  Coco and I walked around North Bimini while Hubs worked on a few things aboard Airabess.  

P.S.  So far, I'm not one of those authors who enjoys night passages. I'm sure a lot of it has to do with the fact that I can't see at all to begin with. It's even more a problem under the cover of darkness. I may change my mind. You, and I will just have to wait and see. 

  

Riding this Wave

The north east wind is still blowing. So we are still moored up in Marathon. 

We are fully provisioned. The laundry is all done. Everything is pretty much stowed. 

Insert thumb twiddling. 

Yeah... So we are just hanging out. But not really doing anything other than homeschool and checking the wind forecast. 

There are 2 last minute things we need to do before we leave the U.S.A.  Unfortunately, we can't do them until we know for sure when we are setting out~ Ms Willow to the vet (there is a 48 hourish window allowed from departure to arrival in the Bahamas), and turning off our phone. 

Insert more thumb twiddling...

This is part of boat life.  We are going with it.  We are making the best of it. 

We would be playing at the beach here, but it's just a little to low on the thermometer. Instead, we have other distractions.  

I'm not complaining. I'm just so ready to start this adventure. It's been a long time coming. 

Zero-Car Family

I guess it's really official now. The last thing on land that was keeping us in one place is gone. We sold our car. 

The timing was perfect. I finished my last day at work on Saturday. We did a last heavy provisioning run on Sunday and Monday. We exchanged the keys for cash on Tuesday. 

Now we wait. 

Waiting~ a common theme for us, and cruisers alike.  It's different this time though. This time we are ready (as ready as we will ever be) to go. We have accumulated the necessary supplies, we have outfitted Airabess, we have sent in the proper paperwork (I.e. vet documents for Ms Willow, homeschool documentation, etc...). We are prepared. 

Now patiently doing what cruisers do... Watching the weather and looking for our window.  

Ms Willow she is just waiting. Coco... Staying on top of her studies. 

Lobster, It's What's For Dinner.

Lately the weather has been blah (rain for weeks). Yours truly has been in beast, I mean work mode and Hubs has been in the project zone (there's a surprise). So, the fun factor has been on hold. 

But today, TODAY,  the planets were aligned. I got out of work early. Hubs was already on hold because Coco had homeschool P.E. at the park- After which we had planned on a quick trip to the beach for a cool down~ but the water was calm and the sun WAS SHINING.  Hubs called an audible and we went (slightly) offshore in the dingy with our snorkels and masks.  

We were handsomely rewarded. Hubs scored some dinner. AND... He cooked it too. 

Here's to bringing back the spontaneity. 

Waiting It Out

I know I've been quiet on the blog front (and Facebook) as of late. 
We are still here.  We are still hot.  We are still just in a holding pattern.  But it's all good.

I decided to use some of the waiting time to get a paying gig for a little while.  It's working out pretty well so far.  Though, it's definitely changed our schedule. 

We had planned on random sailing trips while we are here... but doesn't really work when I am working 5 days a week and my days off aren't consecutive.  Again, no biggie.  Hubs is finishing a few projects around Airabess, installing new systems and tweaking the old ones.  Coco is easing her way back into a school routine (we aren't officially starting until October), and I am bringing home the bacon.  

Also, making new friends and planning rendezvous for when it's time to set sail for real.  

A few more weeks (and if the weather is right) we will be on our way.  

People have asked why we didn't just wait it out back home.  Truthfully~ we just didn't want to.  We were so ready to just go (away).  It really wasn't necessary to acclimate for months.  Nor was it important we sweat our tushes off in the process.  But. We wanted to get going.  Get moving.  Start heading in another direction.   We were ready.  So we went.  And now we are here and waiting. 

It's kind of nice too when you can pull up to the dingy dock and not have to vie for a spot, Or have to wait at the showers (while we have access we use them, no need to use our hard hauled water when we don't have to).

I know it will be time to go before we know it!

School Daze

This year Coco is a student of The Florida Virtual School (and has been since kindergarten). When we were still at home, on land, it was the best fit for her and our family. Flexible, but still traditional. 

Now... Not so much. For several reason:

1- We have to have an Internet connection on a pretty regular basis. This usually isn't a problem, but in the event that it is, it effects what and how Coco gets her info. 

2- Because of #1 we aren't able to move around the way we would like. Every Monday we have to be still and connected. 

3- The curriculum is designed in much the same way as a brick and mortar classroom. For some that works , for us, not really. There have been so many times this school year, especially now living aboard, that actual real life learning opportunities have presented themselves... But we had to log in, or it wouldn't fit into our day because of what was required. 

4- The above requirements don't always really apply.  For example, Coco is an avid reader... More so than most adults. So, when I'm testing her on 2nd grade phonics, we both get a little frustrated. It's a total waste of time. 

Other times~ its not enough. This mostly occurs in Science and Social Studies. The unit is over before it even gets started and its time to move on. 

The curriculum is a one size fits all, but it no longer fits us. 

(Coco doing an online presentation... Monday requirements)

Next year I am going to approach it a lot differently. There are some subjects we will purchase (math) and others we won't (probably science and social studies). There are so many opportunities for real, practical, life-experience learning that is completely applicable with 'school standards'. 

I'm super excited about it too. The possibilities are endless. 

Getting what we need

Not really feeling like going to shore... But we have a little person on board who is desperate after a day or two to be around other kids. I can't say that I blame her. But that means I have to motivate and head to shore with her. 

It's not just hop on the dingy and go. It's get everything we might need in our backpacks (today that includes schoolwork, shower stuff, snacks, and paperwork for me). It means getting the boat organized (I hate leaving things in disarray...which happens quickly in a such a small space). It means being fed and dressed and... Well you get the idea. 

It's not always like that. Today it is. It's been cold and rainy so it seems like everything takes longer. It's definitely not like just leaving the house. 

But, we are here. In the marina common area. Coco's working on schoolwork, and I, now that I've finished my work, am free to peruse the Internet thanks to the convenient wifi. 

These days come and go so quickly. It's easy to forget how hard it was to get here. I wonder what she will remember. Will it be the friends she made? 

The excursions we went on?

  This is the dolphin research center. We went ahead and became members for the year since we plan on being here for awhile... And this girl is obsessed with dolphins. 

Evening rituals? 

I wonder.... 

Sometimes I want to not do anything. I just want to be. But, it's not about just me, or Hubs. It's about giving our girl adventure and experiences. 

So today we went ashore. Oh, and we left Hubs on Airabess. 

Which means I was solo driving the dingy. Not might favorite thing to do... 

Now, that's what I'm talking about!

We got up really early this morning. Too early. Like 5:30 in the morning early.

Yesterday we had to have WiFi (for Coco' school), and we wanted to assess the boat, our stores, and ourselves~ soooo, again we tied up at a marina. This will not be the norm, but as we have such a steep learning curve, we are biting the bullet occasionally in the beginning to make sure we have it together. And actually, our confidence has benefited from it.

The super-stupid early rise was because we had to meet a dock hand at 6:30 to fuel up, pump out and get out before the tide was an issue at 7:30. Most people don't need 2 hours to do this.... we have a dog and a kid. Things take longer. We actually made it on time this time because the kid was still asleep.

Once we were past the inlet the fog cleared and we were able to open the sails.

I have to say~ I love that our sails our not white. They are Tanbark Sails, so they are this beautiful rust color and when they are fully out they are a sight to see.

Once through Haulover Canal we had the most idyllic sail cutting across the Indian River to Titusville.

It was made even more spectacular by the manatee and dolphin sightings all along the way.

Coco and I sat on the bow and watched the world go by. It was magnificent. She was even quiet for about 10 minutes, and if you know my girl THAT is a miracle.

We were going to keep south past Titusville, but remembered there was a rocket launch that evening. So, we got a mooring ball, hopped in the dingy, and went to the grocery store. We made it back for dinner and the launch.

A completely full day that had us in bed by 9. Again, something that never happens to me.

Nice to meet you.

August was upon us, and Coco was starting pre-k.  As a side note, we are now a full on home schooling family.  At the time we were just planning on it.  We decided it would be good for her to attend VPK.  So we did.  But not without reservations.

Any one who knows me, understands that I am a lot crazy when it comes to my kid.  I am overprotective, but I also have super high standards.  I am a little freakish about what she is exposed to and by whom.  There are lots of reasons why.  But it doesn't really matter.  It is what it is. 

So, finding a school with like-minded philosophies was really important to us. 

We had the great luck, good fortune... whatever,  but the perfect place opened up a few miles from our house.

It was the first time I ever took Coco anywhere and just left her.  It was so weird.  She loved it.  She thrived there.  She learned, she grew, and she was becoming such a person.

Pre-school really has nothing to do with Airabess.  But it does.  Because our very (at the beginning of school) shy girl was opening up to herself and others.

It was how we came to know our first boat people.  Coco introduced us.  Which means she was sharing her excitement about our future in the way a 5-year-old knows how.  Talking incessantly about it to everyone. 

FYI- if you don't want anyone to know something... definitely don't tell a 5-year-old.

At pick-up one day,  my now very good friend, told me Coco had told her about our boat.  I wish I could have seen my face.  It wasn't a secret.  But I didn't really know many of the moms at the school, so I hadn't really exchanged any personal details. 

That was about to change.  Because the person that Coco shared with... had been a cruiser and her husband was building a new boat for their family.  Seriously?! 

Now I actually had someone to talk to.  A friend with kids, who knew the ins and outs, someone with real perspective.   Jackpot. 

And that was just the beginning of our kiddo leading the way...

Thanks Coco.

Back to the Present

At the marina, doing the home school thing.