[PUP] Reflections on moving aboard

[Scott Bulger]

Tonight is the second night we will spend on Alanui, our Nordhavn 40.  Its
now or home, our transport, our life for at least 2 years, perhaps more.
I'm flooded with thoughts and emotions as we say goodbye to so much we have
known for so long.  For 25 years we had the same phone number.  For 24 years
we had two daughters growing up in our care.  For the last 9 years we lived
in a wonderful home where my wife created a masterpiece of a landscape.
But, a year ago we purchased Alanui and decided to take a precious few years
to ourselves.  The rational?  Numerous people who said "if you have the
chance, GO NOW!".  Well, we took your advice, are have gone and there are no
regrets.  Getting here seemed to take but a moment.  It seems like just
yesterday we met Jeff Merrill in Dana Point and saw Alanui for the first
time.  It seems like yesterday I walked my two daughters down the isle
within 3 months of each other, in fact it was just weeks ago our youngest
was married.  So, here we go.   

We did a lot of things right getting here:  We have the fortunate situation
to have funds to support our retirement, but I will need to return to work
upon return, primarily to secure medical benefits.  We had a lot of equity
in our house that we traded for the boat.  A decision that I feel is timely
given the house no longer met our needs and the markets are in such turmoil
I won't miss being in the housing game.  We chose a quality product with a
loyal owner community that has adopted us with open arms and provided
endless support in answering questions and learning the systems on the boat.
We have met people like Capt. Mike Maurice who is not only a great consult,
but has become a great friend.  We have listened to this list, which planted
a concept in my mind that prevented me from grounding my boat (if you don't
know where you are or are unsure, STOP the Boat).    Made a plan and we
stuck to it.   

We did some things wrong getting here:  I shared my thoughts and emotions
openly and honestly on this list, resulting in a very small group of people
thinking I am a liar with some vendetta against a specific brand of boats.
I failed to sell my Camano to two different buyers because I felt I was
being bent over and over and over, when I probably should have just
swallowed hard and taken the offer, but who knows?  We focused so much on
selling the house that we neglected the boat.  We arrived here yesterday and
were both overwhelmed with the task at hand.  We did make progress today, so
at least there is now a place to sit.  But, we have a long, long way to go
to get the boat ship shape.  When we leave we won't have everything done,
but we will get it done as we travel south.  

In summary, getting here has been a challenge, but manageable.  We didn't
compress the time as some people do, but one thing stands out in my mind as
a critical decision.  When we started this adventure I had visions of
crossing the worlds oceans in my mind.  After 4 months the goal became to
travel to the South Pacific.  It wasn't until we decided on a near coastal
route of the East and West Coasts with a journey into the Bahamas that I
felt the dream was attainable.  Once that decision became clear, almost all
the anxiety of the journey vanished.  I know I can be successful with the
itinerary we are taking on.  Once that is complete, perhaps the other goals
may be attainable.  My hat goes off to people like Eric and Christy Grabb
who did shove off and go to the South Pacific.  I have tremendous respect
and admiration for them.   I couldn't do it and have no regrets.  So, while
the content of this has not had much to do with the voyage, it certainly
captures my sentiment as we prepare for ours.  Thanks!  

Scott and Marian Bulger, Living aboard Alanui, currently moored at Lockhaven
Marina, Seattle WA!

Departing August 30 from Neah Bay WA for the FUBAR rally and beyond.