Written by:
3/23/2012 10:20 PM 

When did this lie begin? I’ve heard it my whole life, but I’ve no idea who started it. We all seem to perpetuate it, but why? Was it the invention of the telegraph? Was it the Model-T or the Wright brother’s ascent from terra firma? Why have we deluded ourselves with such a fiction? Do you know the lie of which I write? The world my friend, is not getting smaller. The world is massive. It is only small to those who do not traverse her surface. To those who do not explore the small corners in dark recesses. Who live wired on the grid and follow the well worn paths. No, the world is not getting smaller.

There is more to this world than I will ever get to know or explore. On this journey decisions have been made with sometimes unexpected consequences. Today I sit on a mooring in Langkawi, Malaysia uncertain what to do with the next few months.

The original plan was to leave at the first of March for Sri Lanka. I had it all figured out. The route, the mileage, best dates for passages, it was all down on paper. A years sailing across the Indan Ocean to that southern tip of Africa. That is a common mistake of mine. As soon as I make a plan in writing it is invariably going to get smashed to smithereens. I don’t quit making them though. What wielded the hammer this time? What else, blond hair, blue eyes, a beauty to stop traffic. Actually, I wielded the hammer, she just provided the motivation.

In order that we could spend more time exploring the mysteries of SE Asia together I forwent Sri Lanka, India, and the Chagos Islands. With every course I plot a decision is made to see one part of the world in lieu of another. The Polish muse and I have parted ways, but for all the elephants in Sri Lanka I’d still make the same choice again. No one speaks of the difficulties of finding, building, and holding onto relationships on odysseys around the world. Perhaps that would make another blog in its own right.

Still, here I am on an island in Malaysia wondering what to do next. A few points are fixed. In two days I fly AirAsia to Bali. My good friend Captian “Crazy” Chris Connolly and his good ship Mooneshine have arrived there. We first met back in the early days in Cartagena, Colombia and have covered many miles together since. We expected to anchor up somewhere near one another after leaving New Zealand, but so far it has not happened almost a year later. At the expense of a cheap flight it is time to have some fun with an old friend.

Towards the end of May I’ll be taking the long journey back to the United States for a few weeks. My big brother is expecting his first bouncing baby boy. This critter will be the first of the next generation for my immediate family and it is an event I do not want to miss.

The third and final fixed point is a departure for South Africa. I might not have seen India, but I did buy myself several more months in SE Asia. Back from the USA I’ll let go this mooring and set course for the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. It is over 1000 miles away from here across the dreaded doldrums of the equator. It is nonetheless my most direct route back into the Indian Ocean. Amazingly, I’ll still reach Durban by the end of 2012. The route is different, but the result the same.

Money continues to be a growing concern. However I still have some cushion and am not taking any drastic measures. One long term plan would be to close out this particular adventure, return to the States, and go back to work. The result would be five or six years later when those new funds could purchase a larger boat capable of supporting herself with dive and sailing charters. The first step however is to determine if my personality is suited to caring for guests onboard my boat, also my very small home.

To answer this question I’ve put together a very low end backpackers charter trip. It might make a little bit of money, but more importantly it will be a new experience. An experience that may open new doors, or, at the least, let me know if the idea of chartering is workable in my long term future. Check it out at www.backpackeronaboat.com.

A friend of mine posted a YouTube video today I greatly enjoyed. I’ve recently gotten into the poetry by Rudyard Kipling. This is a prime example of why many a sailor and traveler relate to his work. Enjoy.

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