Shoving Off

"It's time to move on; time to get going

What lies ahead I have no way of knowing

But under my feet, baby, grass is growing

It's time to move on; it's time to get going."

-- Tom Petty

What an irony. In the lead up to the beginning of a life away from the hustle of modern existance, Noi and I have had unquestionably among the most stressful few days we've ever experienced. 

Getting a boat ready for going offshore involves a thousand small tasks that must all be done correctly. It is sort of like going into outer space -- food, fuel, spare parts, tools, charts, etc., must go with you. In case of trouble, you might be able to call Mission Control, but the crew aboard will have to deal with the problems at hand and make any necessary fixes.

What I don't suppose I anticipated is that all of these logistics (and just plain hard work) would have to be accomplished in the midst of a cavalcade of well-wishers stopping by to wish us well. All very welcome in a social sense (and thanks to everyone who stopped by!), but very difficult if you're trying to get anything accomplished.

Is everything ready? Hardly. But the big things are crossed off the list and the boat seems packed and seaworthy.

Tomorrow is finally the day we shove off. It was to be Sunday. Then Monday. Now it looks like mid-morning on Tuesday, the 20th. Heading down the Chesapeake to the ICW, then to Moorhead/Beaufort, N.C., where we will wait for weather to go offshore.

Honestly, my feelings are less emotional than I thought. I am exhausted and just ready to get underway. I think Noi feels the same way.