What interesting times we live in! We were traveling Europe by van #vanlife when this pandemic exploded while we were in Austria. Borders are closed and we have no way of getting back to our home in the water located in southern Spain!
We are well and healthy and we hope that you stay healthy as well.

While in Spain, trapped in a marina by the rough Mediterranean winter, we decided to rent a van for 2 months and tour Europe! The best part is driving an American sized vehicle around streets designed for little European cars.

When people dream about cruising, they often forget about the mundane and the chores. The dreams are all focused on days spent at sea, cutting through waves on a perfect reach! Even in paradise, laundry has to get done.
On laundry day, every surface that can hold clothes will hold clothes. We string up dedicated laundry lines through the rigging, and if the boom is available, it will be employed as well!

We spent a month back in Maryland visiting friends and family. We had a great time but we are ready to get back to the boat so that our adventure can continue!

Cruisers are all unique people. We chose to abandon the prescribed life that is the norm and instead opted to live a life rich in adventure! We all gather together from time to time and share stories of past voyages, anchorages, and sights.
We have been cruising for two years with only a vague “destination” in mind. Along the way, we run into other cruisers who give us suggestions and recommendations for everywhere in between.
This BBQ was very German, and it was delicious! Three boats were German and one was French, then there was us from far away America (Since this party was in a marina in Portugal).
We learned of the most delicious sausages, sauerkraut recipes, and good friendships that evening!
Having such open plans let’s us wander around on our way to the next destination and see everything recommended to us along the way!

Porto is a very progressive town that really wants to be ahead of other cities in the Arts. Artists are invited to paint buildings, street corners, and even build art into the walls of the streets.
​Here, tires are set into the wall creating a wonderful and interesting effect around this lamp. The wall looks like stones, but somehow the tires are set into the structure, almost like it the wall we’re made out of cement!

The open ocean may seem the the vast expanse between destinations. This void of endless waves where storms and sea monsters reside!
To me, the open ocean is one of my favorite destinations. You are completely clear of everything and everyone, no one can reach you. Blue waves are all your eyes can see in all directions and the sunsets turn the blue sky into an inferno.
To me, the ocean is the destination and land is merely the wait before I get to be back out in the open sea.

We have made it all the way across the ocean! We sailed coast to coast (Florida to Portugal) and are exploring this wonderful and ancient land. In the states, an old building might be a few hundred years old, but in Europe, that was yesterday! We have been visiting towns and cities along the coast where the buildings are dated by which century they are from instead of which year.

While visiting really old cities is fun, something a bit more interesting is experiencing their liquor. Portugal is famous for Port Wine which comes from Porto (they got really creative with names at that time) and why not sample some of these gems while we are in town?

We went on a wine tour and met a bunch of wonderful people from all over the world who have been attracted to this ancient city on the river by the sea.

It’s been three years!

Three years ago, we got married and then went cruising. Our first year of marriage was spent preparing the boat for the voyage, while the last two years have been spent passage making.
Being at sea with her is wonderful. There are no distractions, no social pressures, nothing. You are out in the middle of the ocean with only the one you love!

People always assume that those who live on boats are modern day pirates. Save the wooden limbs, and most of us don’t have pet parrots, we do live the life we want. Boats let you sail to places you want to see and experience life the way you want.

Get out there and have your adventure!