I was taking a break from installing the new anchor system today and got the urge to write something. Maybe it's laziness or the Poco song I was listening to. (Follow Your Dreams). I have the attention span of a gnat, LOL

I have to remember to not get too hung op on the preparation of this adventure. It sometimes becomes the primary focus. I DO enjoy working on the boat, but I still have a life someplace out there.

For years I have read of people who planned a great escape only to have life interrupt somewhere along the way because they had to have EVERYTHING perfect. My solution is to set a date and leave no matter what projects I have not completed. So, my date is the last week in October. This puts me at the end of hurricane season and should make for a smooth passage south.

One of the toughest things I have to deal with is leaving family and friends. To be honest, I'm missing them already and I haven't even left!

About 2 years ago I started writing a book of my life experiences. I don't expect it to be made into a movie (well, maybe a comedy) but my intention is to have some kind of record for my kids (and maybe grandchildren)to read long after I've finished my 3 score and ten. I'm hoping the urge to write continues after I leave in October so I can finish it.

A couple of days ago I woke up and found out I was 50. Yesterday I woke up and I was 61. Where does the time go? My best-friend-ever , Marshall, told me a few days before he died that the one thing he wished for was more time. I never forget just how he said that to me. So, my motto…"If not now, when??"

More later………..

In the beginning..........

Ok, so it's finally time to get my ass in gear and start writing my blog. I named it after the 1950's TV show "Adventures in Paradise" starring Gardner McKay. Preston Foster, Adolph Menjou and others played a hand in this madness as well.

Not to mention Travis McGee.

When I was a kid, I was mesmerized by anything about the sea. When I was about 10, my Dad took me to Catalina Island on the last 4 engine commercial seaplane that was in regular service. WW2 vintage I think. The view of the island from the air as we landed was all I needed. I was hooked!!!

Swaying palm trees, sunshine,The Duke of Catalina on the dock, greeting island visitors, the whole experience stays with me even today. There was, back then, a Chris Craft dealer there displaying some 27 foot wooden Constellations for sale. We went aboard for a look and the dreams of Adventures in Paradise took over. Resistance was futile.!!!

Fast forward a half century and here I am, at last. House is leased out, retirement is 16 weeks away, and I'm sitting on my boat almost ready to cast off!!!!

Lest my readers think this is my first rodeo, I have owned a broad variety of boats over the years, and went the Sea of Cortez twice before. So my eyes are open.

The difference this time is TIME!!!, and lots of it!!.

Some of my family think i'm a bit crazy, but they always have. So in the words of Tevye "Why should today be different?"