This is the time of year when we’re usually starting to head south, so I figured it was time for a real-time update on our plans. Chris took a new job back in July – fortunately one that’s still remote so we can continue cruising. The downside is that due to the nature of his work, he’s not able to work outside of the US. So what does that mean for the Windara crew?
Given the timing of his start in late July, we decided to spend another winter on land. Yes, we could have managed to cruise this year, but we would have had to be moving out of the apartment at the same time as Chris was settling into the new job, and we’d have needed to start making our way south shortly after which all seemed like too much self-imposed stress. We do this to have fun, and it seemed like the logistics of making the run this year would make it the opposite of that. Instead, we chose to spend the summer cruising mid-coast Maine and Casco Bay (can’t wait to catch you up on what we’ve been up to – it’s been an awesome summer!). We’ll haul Windara at Front Street in in just a couple of weeks and return to our apartment in Portsmouth.
Over the winter, we’ll take on a few more boat projects and next spring, launch as early as weather permits. We plan to spend a bit more time cruising Maine and then start the run south – exact destination TBD. W’re considering Hilton Head or possibly the Keys (I’d LOVE to be able to make the run out to the Dry Tortugas), but we’ll work that out as the time gets closer. We’re also hoping to get some intel from friends who plan to do the Keys this winter and draw a half a foot more than we do, so that will factor into our plans. Cruising friends, if you’ve stayed Stateside and have a favorite winter spot down south, we’d love to hear about it! We don’t have heat, so we’d like to avoid anywhere where the temps get too cold.
Sure, I’m bummed not to be able to do the Bahamas for now, but at least we’re still able to cruise and it’ll be good to do something different for a while. Plus, taking the next few years to focus on saving up means we’ll be able to retire that much sooner and really take advantage of the cruising life.
2 replies on “Life Update”
Before heading south, don’t miss Newfoundland! Nova Scotia was nice, but Newfoundland was out of this world.
I’d LOVE to get out there! We’re torn between trying to get up to Canada or getting back to some southern New England sailing on our way south. And of course, there’s so much more of Maine we want to see. We’re certainly spoiled for options!