Perspective - a great read

[northshore]

Nice to see someone put into words what most of us think. Just a great read.

I did the San Juan's and the whale watching thing back about 10 years ago leaving out of Port Townsend (if anyone lives near Port Townsend PM me!) long before I ever owned a boat.
Also did a booze cruise down at San Juan Puerto Rico a few years later. Both times on the water, the feeling came over me, "You need to float - you need to be there more than on land"

God being on the water in any form is great. It just grabs ya.

Thanks to your brother for putting it to words!

-Mike

 

[thegotoguyr]

I agree, great read, thanks. I grew up boating and then spent a buch of years away from it, my kids were terrified when they were young. About 4 years ago got my hands on an old starcraft that "needs nothing", 4k later my new girlfriend says " Ive never really done the whole boating thing, I don't know if I'll like it" I said " just try it " A year later she writes the cheque for the Sea Ray and is the one asking, " can we go boating this weekend? "
I always give the same answer as I do when Im asked why I ride a 35 year old motorcycle,
If I have to explain it, you wouldnt understand.

 

[Nehalennia]

Truly a great read! It really spoke to me, almost got me a little choked up if I'm being honest. Grew up on Lake Michigan boating with my dad and, although I'm only in my mid 30's, I've been a boat owner most of my life, buying my first of many at 15. As most of you know, I'm currently boatless for the first time in a long time. And even though it's only been about 3-4 months, and even though I know it's the right thing for right now, and even though I KNOW it's very temporary, I have been a different person the last few months. I lose my temper quicker, complain more and suddenly see the glass as half empty instead of half full.

For a while, I knew I was cranky but didn't really understand why. I then realized that my "perspective" had changed and I lost my thing that got me from Monday through Thursday every week. I lost my outlet and stress receiver. I've lost my identity. I knew I loved boating and being on the water, but never realized how important it really was to me until now. As the old saying goes, you never truly appreciate what you have, until it's gone. Boating is a terrible financial decision, but it's the best waste of money in the world and I'm counting down the days until I can start pissing my money away again and stop being so cranky all the time! Thanks for the great read; it sure spoke to me!

Been there. I sold the original Nehalennia in late fall of '08 to buy a house. I spent all of '99 without a boat. Man, we did a bunch of things I've never done, without the boating outlet, but it was awful. Keep breathing and work towards getting back into it. The fun I did have was researching for Nehalennia II.