2/14/14
Woke this morning to a lovely bouquet of roses from my most amazing husband. I can't believe how lucky I am. I was thinking what magical bouquet he will be able to put together for us on the boat?? Probably lots of greens.
We have now seen a few more boats and are narrowing down our choices. We just got back from san diego meeting with the most loveliest of couples that just ended a 3 year circumnavigation. It is priceless when people will take their time to share their wisdom with you. So appreciated!
I loved Sea Level… I wish we could make her work. What an amazing vessel. Unfortunately for all of us the boat wouldn't quite fit us as comfortable as we are hoping for… and then you wonder is there really a boat that will do that…. or do we have to abandon that thought and just know that it will be a drastic adjustment going from a 2800 square foot house to a 400 square foot boat… for 2 years. I love opportunities to become a closer family and we have the dinghy for time outs….
We will be headed to Costa Rica to see a Lagoon 470 and are hoping that this is the boat. It seems like it is almost perfect for us… but we really don't know until we are there imagining the space, storage, accommodation set up, rigging, sails, engines, etc….. so much to think about and put together.
If this doesn't work out then…caribbean here we come… also the a road trip to florida and some exploring of the east coast for tristan's 8th grade American Revolution studies…
Family Circus
Wild Oaks Family Farm, Shenandoah Valley, Plymouth, CA
Friday, February 14, 2014
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Homeschooling
2/1/14
I have been round and round about how to make a decision on what is best for our family and the kids education. At first I was thinking I could homeschool the kids easy and it would be so fun. Believe me I am not discounting the teachers and from all of the research I have been doing in trying to put a program together for all the kids and the grades they will miss I have a new profound appreciation for what the teachers do. I have now met or talked with the principle at Burton Valley, each of the kids teachers, the Calvert school academic counselor, the american correspondence curriculum counselor, the Lafayette Curriculum director and the Head of Counseling at Campolindo High school. So in meeting and talking with all of the above professionals I have come to realize how big my undertaking really is. To make sure that the kids will maintain if not excel in their curricular activities for the next two years, it is definitely more than I anticipated. I feel really overwhelmed at the task a head of me and keeping the kids challenged and on track while we are on the boat will be a life challange. With limited internet and with weight restrictions we are really trying to make the best of our world aboard.
We have decided that the best thing for us to do is to purchase curriculum for Alina and Amaia that is at a grade level beyond where they would be starting next year. The programs are expensive and we feel that we can fill in the gaps or take it slow if necessary. We would like to keep them challenged. We are focusing on reading, comprehension, grammar, math and journaling. For science we will use the programs that come along with the Calvert System and also use the the Nature Journaling system. In regards to the kids going into middle school and high school.. this is where I really became nervous and decided it was best to do an accredited program. In order for Tristan to enter into high school at the level his friends will be and to graduate with them, we need to have the credits applied. In theory I would like to expand on the Calvert Curriculum with the Common Core Standards that will be the new academic program for Ca .. I am anticipating that there will be a lot of time for family discussions and journaling in order for the kids to really get the practice of deep thinking about the content of what they are studying. If I just keep reminding them that "Life is an adventure, check your Attitude" then hopefully it will be the happiest boat afloat!
I have been round and round about how to make a decision on what is best for our family and the kids education. At first I was thinking I could homeschool the kids easy and it would be so fun. Believe me I am not discounting the teachers and from all of the research I have been doing in trying to put a program together for all the kids and the grades they will miss I have a new profound appreciation for what the teachers do. I have now met or talked with the principle at Burton Valley, each of the kids teachers, the Calvert school academic counselor, the american correspondence curriculum counselor, the Lafayette Curriculum director and the Head of Counseling at Campolindo High school. So in meeting and talking with all of the above professionals I have come to realize how big my undertaking really is. To make sure that the kids will maintain if not excel in their curricular activities for the next two years, it is definitely more than I anticipated. I feel really overwhelmed at the task a head of me and keeping the kids challenged and on track while we are on the boat will be a life challange. With limited internet and with weight restrictions we are really trying to make the best of our world aboard.
We have decided that the best thing for us to do is to purchase curriculum for Alina and Amaia that is at a grade level beyond where they would be starting next year. The programs are expensive and we feel that we can fill in the gaps or take it slow if necessary. We would like to keep them challenged. We are focusing on reading, comprehension, grammar, math and journaling. For science we will use the programs that come along with the Calvert System and also use the the Nature Journaling system. In regards to the kids going into middle school and high school.. this is where I really became nervous and decided it was best to do an accredited program. In order for Tristan to enter into high school at the level his friends will be and to graduate with them, we need to have the credits applied. In theory I would like to expand on the Calvert Curriculum with the Common Core Standards that will be the new academic program for Ca .. I am anticipating that there will be a lot of time for family discussions and journaling in order for the kids to really get the practice of deep thinking about the content of what they are studying. If I just keep reminding them that "Life is an adventure, check your Attitude" then hopefully it will be the happiest boat afloat!
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
The New Year and the Planning Begins
January 7, 2014
Okay, we are now in the new year and at a 9 month countdown stage….A little over whelming right now with everything we are trying to wrap our heads around. The kids are starting to ask a lot more questions and are getting excited in looking and dreaming about our new home on the water.
We are showing them more about where our ideal journey will take us and also emphasize that this is only an idea and depending on our journey it will change readily and many times. We have been gathering as much information as we can about all the places we will be going and trying to make sure we are prepared as much as we can… Also relying on the information and experiences from all the boating community that is out there..
Here is our plan for our journey and time line… Again this is just a dream and a direction, it may change several times depending on where we buy the boat, weather patterns, and sailing experiences with the family…
If we buy the boat on the west coast (ideal departure location):
Start with the Baja Ha Ha from San Diego the last weekend in October and end in La Paz. Then there are 2 known circuits the cruisers follow the Tropical Circuit or the Pacific Circuit. In choosing one of these our factors will be our experiences in crossing the big blue. So either one we choose we will start with joining the Puddle Jumpers sailing group and start our journey to the South Pacific. This group ends in Taihti the Last weekend in June for the Puddle Jumper Rally Party.
The Tropical Circuit:
Start: October 26, 2014 US - Mexico
February: Mexico to Galapagos
April: Galapagos to Marquesas
May/June: Marquesas to Tahiti
July: Tahiti to Tonga
August/September: Tonga to Figi
October: Figi - Vanuatu
November/December: Vanuatu to Papua New Guinea
January/February: PPNG to Micronesia
March: Micronesia - Kiribati (Line Islands)
April/May: Kiribati to Hawaii
June/July: Hawaii to US West Coast
END: August in San Francisco or sell boat on North America West Coast
Start: November Year 1
Return: June to August Year 2
Distance: 14,000 - 17,000 miles
Duration: 18 - 20 Months
The Polynesian Circuit: The Most Favored because of favorable seasonal weather and locations
Start: October 26, 2014 US - Mexico
February: Mexico to Galapagos
March: Galapagos to Marquesas
May/June: Marquesas to Tahiti
July: Tahiti to Tonga
August/September: Tonga to Figi
October/April: Figi - New Zealand (for 6 Months)
April: New Zealand to Australs
May: Australs to Tahiti
May/June: Tahiti to Line Islands
June: Line Islands to Hawaii
July: Hawaii to US West Coast
Start: October Year 1
Return: August to September year 2
Distance: 14,000 - 17,000 Miles
Duration 22 - 23 Months
If we end up purchasing a boat in the Caribbean then we will begin sailing from Florida in November/December and make our way down the Caribbean chain then over to the ABC Islands and then through the Panama Canal Picking up one of the above circuits to be in the Galapagos by March…
To list just a few items on our list of things to do:
Gathering Homeschooling information for 8 grade levels
Purchasing Electronics for the boat and setting up all music and movies
Preparing our boat for resale
Land Home:
Inventory list of what to pack and what to sell
To do list of all the repairs and updates we need to get the house ready for renting
Medical
Registering for Emergency Medical Classes
Preparing a Primary Medical Kit and then one for each crew member
Getting all of our Base Line Medical Files
Gathering and getting all Travel Immunizations
Taking care of all surgeries that have been put off, and dental issues...
Registering for Sailing classes: advanced storm prep and weather classes for chris and another basic class for me.
Finding our New Floating Home and trying to find a perfect balance for comfort and speed
Space, solar, battery bank, water maker, refrigeration, speed versus comfort, I would like to have my cake and eat it to!
Anyway, we are all so excited and it is very difficult to not think about next year and what it will hold.. It really came to a reality as we were putting away our christmas things and deciding what to put away to take with us on the boat.
I have some anxiety melt downs when it comes to the thought of leaving my friends and family for that long. I know that the time will go by so fast but this is going to be so hard and I am already missing them…
Okay, we are now in the new year and at a 9 month countdown stage….A little over whelming right now with everything we are trying to wrap our heads around. The kids are starting to ask a lot more questions and are getting excited in looking and dreaming about our new home on the water.
We are showing them more about where our ideal journey will take us and also emphasize that this is only an idea and depending on our journey it will change readily and many times. We have been gathering as much information as we can about all the places we will be going and trying to make sure we are prepared as much as we can… Also relying on the information and experiences from all the boating community that is out there..
Here is our plan for our journey and time line… Again this is just a dream and a direction, it may change several times depending on where we buy the boat, weather patterns, and sailing experiences with the family…
If we buy the boat on the west coast (ideal departure location):
Start with the Baja Ha Ha from San Diego the last weekend in October and end in La Paz. Then there are 2 known circuits the cruisers follow the Tropical Circuit or the Pacific Circuit. In choosing one of these our factors will be our experiences in crossing the big blue. So either one we choose we will start with joining the Puddle Jumpers sailing group and start our journey to the South Pacific. This group ends in Taihti the Last weekend in June for the Puddle Jumper Rally Party.
The Tropical Circuit:
Start: October 26, 2014 US - Mexico
February: Mexico to Galapagos
April: Galapagos to Marquesas
May/June: Marquesas to Tahiti
July: Tahiti to Tonga
August/September: Tonga to Figi
October: Figi - Vanuatu
November/December: Vanuatu to Papua New Guinea
January/February: PPNG to Micronesia
March: Micronesia - Kiribati (Line Islands)
April/May: Kiribati to Hawaii
June/July: Hawaii to US West Coast
END: August in San Francisco or sell boat on North America West Coast
Start: November Year 1
Return: June to August Year 2
Distance: 14,000 - 17,000 miles
Duration: 18 - 20 Months
The Polynesian Circuit: The Most Favored because of favorable seasonal weather and locations
Start: October 26, 2014 US - Mexico
February: Mexico to Galapagos
March: Galapagos to Marquesas
May/June: Marquesas to Tahiti
July: Tahiti to Tonga
August/September: Tonga to Figi
October/April: Figi - New Zealand (for 6 Months)
April: New Zealand to Australs
May: Australs to Tahiti
May/June: Tahiti to Line Islands
June: Line Islands to Hawaii
July: Hawaii to US West Coast
Start: October Year 1
Return: August to September year 2
Distance: 14,000 - 17,000 Miles
Duration 22 - 23 Months
If we end up purchasing a boat in the Caribbean then we will begin sailing from Florida in November/December and make our way down the Caribbean chain then over to the ABC Islands and then through the Panama Canal Picking up one of the above circuits to be in the Galapagos by March…
To list just a few items on our list of things to do:
Gathering Homeschooling information for 8 grade levels
Purchasing Electronics for the boat and setting up all music and movies
Preparing our boat for resale
Land Home:
Inventory list of what to pack and what to sell
To do list of all the repairs and updates we need to get the house ready for renting
Medical
Registering for Emergency Medical Classes
Preparing a Primary Medical Kit and then one for each crew member
Getting all of our Base Line Medical Files
Gathering and getting all Travel Immunizations
Taking care of all surgeries that have been put off, and dental issues...
Registering for Sailing classes: advanced storm prep and weather classes for chris and another basic class for me.
Finding our New Floating Home and trying to find a perfect balance for comfort and speed
Space, solar, battery bank, water maker, refrigeration, speed versus comfort, I would like to have my cake and eat it to!
Anyway, we are all so excited and it is very difficult to not think about next year and what it will hold.. It really came to a reality as we were putting away our christmas things and deciding what to put away to take with us on the boat.
I have some anxiety melt downs when it comes to the thought of leaving my friends and family for that long. I know that the time will go by so fast but this is going to be so hard and I am already missing them…
Sunday, June 30, 2013
We are now starting our countdown and making lists!
It is now the beginning of July and we began this Sunday with a family discussion of the pros and cons of cruising....
The pros far outweighed the cons except for missing family and friends.... That one is very heavily weighted!
Pros: new cultures, travel experiences, sailing with the trade winds, snorkeling, warm weather, vacation, family time, reading, fishing, meeting new people, wildlife, food, swimming, learning, exploring, seeing the kids grow and gain a sense of responsibility, going places few others have gone or will go, creating a sense of adventure in our family, flexibility...
Cons: missing family and friends, sharks, ocean passages, stormy weather, sea sickness, sharks, bugs, orcas, frustrating boat issues, repairs, medical issues, homesick, homeschooling, enough space on boat, to much family time...
I will keep adding as we go, this is the short list that we have all come up with and the biggest concern is missing friends and family..
We are trying to wrap our heads around timing, general direction and months of travel, homeschooling, medical training, financing and oh yes... Sailing!
We are currently selling our boat and have been watching the market for a new one... Preferably we would like to purchase on west coast and leave with the baja haha crowd in October, but are finding a limited selection available so we are looking more at the east coast. We are hoping to purchase a boat in early summer ..
This whole trip is a little overwhelming so we feel that taking small sections at a time, being flexible to change and open to new ideas is the only Way to tackle our new opportunity.
This is just the beginning............ Lets explore, dream and discover!
The pros far outweighed the cons except for missing family and friends.... That one is very heavily weighted!
Pros: new cultures, travel experiences, sailing with the trade winds, snorkeling, warm weather, vacation, family time, reading, fishing, meeting new people, wildlife, food, swimming, learning, exploring, seeing the kids grow and gain a sense of responsibility, going places few others have gone or will go, creating a sense of adventure in our family, flexibility...
Cons: missing family and friends, sharks, ocean passages, stormy weather, sea sickness, sharks, bugs, orcas, frustrating boat issues, repairs, medical issues, homesick, homeschooling, enough space on boat, to much family time...
I will keep adding as we go, this is the short list that we have all come up with and the biggest concern is missing friends and family..
We are trying to wrap our heads around timing, general direction and months of travel, homeschooling, medical training, financing and oh yes... Sailing!
We are currently selling our boat and have been watching the market for a new one... Preferably we would like to purchase on west coast and leave with the baja haha crowd in October, but are finding a limited selection available so we are looking more at the east coast. We are hoping to purchase a boat in early summer ..
This whole trip is a little overwhelming so we feel that taking small sections at a time, being flexible to change and open to new ideas is the only Way to tackle our new opportunity.
This is just the beginning............ Lets explore, dream and discover!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)