A cruising state of mind.

By Mike Jastrzebski

It's been 15 years since Mary and I bought Roughdraft. Before we moved aboard, we immersed ourselves in books about cruising. I read just about everything I could find on the subject and these books and articles made me feel like I couldn't wait to take off on this great adventure.

The reading was the easy part. Next came years of learning how to sail and refurbishing the boat. When we finally decided that it was time to leave, we had spent three years sailing the boat and five years preparing it for our journey. I can still remember the excitement of moving aboard, and the apprehension of leaving the dock in Minnesota for the final time. It was the end of October and the Marina had been closed for a week before we left. There would be no turning back. It was onward to warmer climates and out seven week journey was an unforgettable trip.

We always knew we'd have to go back to work. Our plan was to work for seven years and then we would take off for more exotic places. Well, those seven years has come and gone and we're now preparing to take off for two or three or more years. The problem is I'm having a little trouble reacquiring that cruising state of mind.

Maybe it's because I'm older, seven years will do that to anyone. Maybe it's because we've been living on the boat for seven years and we've become aware of the realities of two people living in small place. Maybe it's just because the reality that we're really leaving hasn't quite set in. Whatever the reason, I need a little help. If you have any ideas on how to get back into that cruising state of mind, let me know in the comments section.