4 Years Ago Today

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Four years ago today was when we moved onto the Rum Runner... Wow! It sure has been an adventure, living on a boat and traveling around the world. We have gone up the coast, down island, and offshore. We have crossed the Gulf Stream and the Mona Passage. We have sailed thousands of miles. And along the way, we have learned some important lessons. Here are just a few:

-The wind might be free, but everything else on the boat costs 10 times more than you think.
-You can’t just pull the boat over and stop when something breaks; you got to think on your feet and improvise... quickly!
-Salt and Sun are very very corrosive, unbelievably so. Rust happens!
-When approaching the dock, go only as fast as you are willing to hit it.
-If you can't tie a knot, tie a lot.
-Conch are slimy, difficult to get out of the shell, but oh so tasty.
-If a shark wants your fish, give it to him. No negotiations.
-Customs and Immigration are a test of your patience, find your inner zen master.
-According to the boat boys, you can never have enough bananas.
-If you don't know the language, smile and nod a lot.
-Dogs are the best security system you can have on a boat, even if he is just a poodle.
-Simple things in life, like running water and electricity, are not always that simple.
-When the dinghy is your car, watch out for WBS or "Wet Butt Syndrome”.
-Be wary of chicken harbors and buddy boats.
-There is such a thing as cabin fever, dominoes helps.
-A sailor bar is a great place to make friends.
-Always check the weather, and if it is blowing more than 20 knots, stay put.
-Schedules are dangerous, and if you have one then you will inevitably put your boat and crew in harms way.
-Never take your boat to Bermuda in February!
-Bob Marley just sounds better down here.
-Never miss a sunset; it is the best part of the day. And don’t blink, you might miss the green flash!

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Photos

Rum Runner
Living aboard our yacht, the Rum Runner, for the last 4 years.

Jen Sailing Offshore
We have sailed over 8,000 miles- holy cow!

Nice Catch
We landed this tuna without a sharkbite.

Dinghy Dog
Our fierce guard dog, Kona.

Are You Bannanas?
Another boat boy... where do they get all these bannanas?

Sunset
The best part of the day.

Comments

[margie]

Congrats!
HI, Of course I cannot believe you began your journey 4 Years ago!You gave some good advice but I am sure you could wrote a book with more to say.Happy Sailing - Home, Margie

[anonymous]

I was about to send you guy's a mail. I was not getting any update on the blog for about 4 months. I am glad you are doing good Grosse bises JM

[Nancy Rodger]

Best EVER!
You guys are the BEST EVER ADVENTURERS in my book. I won't keep it a secret that I am SO GLAD you have picked a land spot and I have missed you every day that I haven't seen you since 4EVER.

[heather Johnson]

Kona!
Kona is not just a poodle!

[Keith and Pete]

thanks
we have enjoyed "sailing" with you the past two years that we have been following your blog!

[Silver Back Cuda]

Congratulations!
Love all of your entries and pix; but this is special! Thanks! We have been traveling in a "land yacht" about as long as you have! Wish we had your taste for adventure and tolerance for risk! Happy travels.

[Mom]

How Clever!
It's hard to believe that it's been four fabulous years. Congratulations!! Love you, Mom

[Lou and Val]

Good Luck
It was great to met you both at Christmas Cove. Good luck with your future adventures! - Bermuda High

[Anne]

Thanks so much for 4 years of blogging your adventures and letting me live vicariously through you!

[Spencer]

Nice log
And I might add "with Kona around - they do not call it a poop deck for nothing"