Happy New Year!

Hey everyone!  Sorry for my absence online for the past month.  With holiday parties, super cold weather, and a raging case of bronchitis, I've been out of touch for a few weeks.  I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season!

2013 is set to be a fairly busy and amazing year filled with changes, challenges, and learning experiences.  How can I be so certain you might ask?  Well actually, I'm not certain ... but hopeful!  I know that it will be full of changes for sure ...

...because Aramis, my lovely lovely Newport 27 and home for the past year is up for sale.  You may be asking yourself, "Why, Adam?!  Why sell Aramis after you've put so much work into her and have had only a year to enjoy her!?"  Trust me, I've asked myself the same question quiet a few times.  The answer is simple ... the situation calls for it.

Aramis was always a step towards my goal ... but she wasn't my goal.  With Aramis I tested if I could, in fact, be happy living aboard a small sailboat.  This past year I have answered that question with an emphatic YES!  However, my goal of long term cruising and self discovery cannot be accomplished on Aramis.  She was always a stop-gap, the boat that was available to me here and now.  Eventually, I would find a more suitable vessel.

I just didn't expect one to find me within a year.

Have you guessed what is coming next yet?  That's right.  I have a new boat!  (But more on that later).

Aramis is a very special boat for me.  She was the boat that I truly started living my dream on.  She has been a learning experience that has had huge ups and downs, frustrations, bloody fingers, oil covered clothes, and "what do I do now" moments.  She has been an amazing teacher, companion, and has brought the biggest smiles to my face I have every known.  When I look at her peacefully secured to the dock with her gleaming blue hull, I still get filled with a sense of pride and wonder.  She really is a wonderful boat.  Which is why I'm going to make sure her next owner continues where I left off.  She sat in a back yard wasting away for over a decade.  I brought her back, let her hull kiss the water again, and have breathed new life into her just as she has to me.  She still has some minor projects here and there that I'm hoping the next owner will tackle with as much joy as I have.

Sailboats are magical creatures.  Feeling the sails catch the wind and the sudden movement of the boat as she heels over and cuts through the water never fails to make me smile.  It's hard to describe just what exactly makes sailboats so mystical ... but talk to any sailor and they'll tell you the same thing.  There is nothing quiet like sailing on a sailboat.

Unlike unicorns though, sailboats are real... And if you haven't been on one before, then you need to find a sailor and head on out.

But, you might want to wait for warmer weather.  It's COLD outside!

When I have the time I'll tell you all about the "new" boat :)  She's quiet the project ... but she's beautiful.

Until Next Time
~Adam

S/V ???

"Live Simple.  Live Green."

Summer Sailing Video!

Look outside.  See the gray?

Depressing, right?

Well, that's just called winter here in the Pacific Northwest.  Lots of gray, rainy, not-so-fun weather for about 7 months (or more) straight.  While it's not the solid rain that most people envision when they think of this part of the country, the constant gray mixed with drizzle can really start to play havoc on one's sense of sanity.

So, I decided to take a moment in this dreary winter week to remind everyone of how sweet the summer is!  I put together a quick video highlighting some of the sailing aboard my Newport 27 Aramis this past summer.  Most of the footage comes from an overnight guitar/sailing trip that my dad and I took in September, with a few other clips scattered in.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights of summer brought to you from the warm cockpit of a sailboat :)



A little more info on the sailing guitar trip can be found here.  It really was a beautiful little sail up to the island (using only the headsail) and then a rocket ride back the next day.  A perfect introduction to sailing for my dad.

I'm hoping to get more videos up soon ... and stay tuned this next week for some very exciting news.

(Here's a hint ... Aramis will be up for sale soon...)

Until Next Time
~Adam

S/V ???

"Live Simple.  Live Green."

Happy (Late) Thanksgiving!

I think one of the reasons I am so captivated by the sailing life is the same reason so many poets, authors, artists, great thinkers, and figures throughout history have been -- the sea is a metaphor for life.  No matter how much you try to predict it, you never really know what will happen next week or the week after.  However much you prepare yourself for what may come, there are always challenges in your way and storms to ride out.

But the sea is not simply a harbinger of strife.  Mother ocean has also been the source of life. The creator of beautiful vistas and amazing sunsets. A source of food, trade, discovery and transportation.  For all the hardships we can possibly endure while out on her waters, we still feel drawn -- and excited -- to endure.

November has been one of those months for me.  I have had incredible highs like sailing on a reach in a 15 knot breeze on a crystal clear day.  I've also had some tremendous lows ... a sailor who doesn't know when the storm will end.  When all is said and done ... November has been one hell of a month.

Out of consideration for privacy, I'll only say that my family is very grateful this month for many answered prayers through many sleepless nights.  It is amazing to me how a seemingly tragic event can bring about untold compassion, love, and pulling together.  It really makes you rethink and re-evaluate life on so many levels.  I am nothing but thankful for the family I have.  None of us can know what the world has in store for us ... all we can do is point our bow towards our destination and pray for good weather.

And when the weather isn't good ... pray louder.

Until Next Time
~Adam

S/V Aramis

"Live Simple.  Live Green."

One Month All Electric Recap

One month ago, I decided to ditch the car and commute solely by electric bike.  I biked in all weather conditions that the Pacific Northwest autumn could throw at me.  The first half of the month was extremely wet.  These last few weeks have been extremely cold.

And I have been extremely happy!

As with everything in this little experiment, I try to put myself into positions that force me to reevaluate and challenge my perception on what is truly important in order to have a high quality of life.  This past month has shown me that, in many ways, over-reliance on cars creates a lot of problems in our society ... and all at the expense of convenience.

While I'm still trying to wrap my own mind around some of the concepts that have spontaneously exploded into my thoughts while riding through the pouring rain, I'd like to share a few of my soggy insights.

The first is a bit deep ... environmental awareness is hugely affected by our reliance on cars.  And not just cars -- but our complete dependance on controlling the environment we are in.  Most people wake up in a nice warm house where keeping it warm takes no more effort than turning the thermostat to their desired temperature.  They then go into their garage where they hop in their car, turn on the heat, and back out into the rain, where the only inconvenience the weather inflicts is the hassle of turning on the windshield wipers.

Upon getting to work, they have a quick walk to the office where they enter another environmentally controlled structure to spend the remainder of their day.  Then, in the evening, they reverse the process traveling back to their weatherproof house in their warm and dry car.

While this sounds great to most people (and is actually why a lot of people think it is crazy to ride your bike in the cold soggy rain), I have realized that it creates a huge disconnect from nature and cheapens our perspective on the affect our planet's weather has on our daily lives.  This false sense of controlling the environment (traveling through the weather without ever actually having to deal with it) I believe is one of the major reasons issues like climate change are pushed more into the political arena instead of a generally accepted concern that affects all of us.

Less than 200 years ago, we humans had to deal with the weather on a daily basis.  If it was cold out, you had to chop more wood and tend a fire.  If it was raining, you still had to get your job done (and dress warmer).  If it was sunny, there was no air conditioned house to retreat to ... you found a tree for shade or a lake to swim in.  And that is how it has been for the vast majority of our human existence ... until the last 200 years or so.

On the bike, I have to constantly be aware of the weather.  I have to check the weather report, look at the doppler radar, dress in multiple layers, and then endure the weather for my trip into work.  What this has created is a much more attuned awareness and connection with what the planet is doing around me on a daily basis.  Considerations that never used to cross my mind are now a part of my daily routine.  All because I have chosen to actively interact with the weather instead of simply trying to find ways to avoid it.  It has been a wonderful eye opener.

The second point my soggy brain has thought of since riding the bike ... and this one is a bit more practical and a little less hippie ... is that humans are meant to move.  With all of the health issues our country faces (obesity being among the top) I can't help but think that more people wouldn't have these issues if they simply used their bodies the way they were intended to be used.  We are an active species that evolved in a world where we were constantly on the move.  Wether hunting, gathering, building, or anything else, it required that we actually use our legs to move ourselves around.

Legs weren't given to us simply to work the gas pedal.

And I know what you're saying ... "But Adam, you're riding an electric bike.  That is SO cheating!"

I completely agree with you.  I actually feel guilty while speeding past other laboring cyclists on a hill while barely spinning the pedals.  My heart goes out to them as I pull up to work not breathing hard.  I feel their pain as I take off my rain gear to find myself dry and not sweat soaked like I'm sure the majority of them will be.

But even an electric bike does take some effort.  In fact, if you wanted to, you could turn off the pedal assist and work much harder than the average cyclist pedaling your 70 pound bike around.  That is the wonderful thing about the electric bike -- you can make it as difficult or as easy as you'd like.  But, no matter what you'll still be moving more and getting more exercise than driving a car.

The third, and most important thing, my month of riding the electric bike has shown me is ... it's easy.  My 7 mile commute into work is ridiculously easy to do on the bike.  After a few days of tweaking my routine around, the awkwardness completely went away.  I don't even bat my eyes at the few extra minutes it takes me to get ready for a rainy ride.  The 10 extra minutes the commute takes is just more time I have to get inside my own mind, enjoy the weather around me, and feel exhilarated.

This month I did all of my local commuting by bike.  I rode a total of 457 miles that otherwise would have been done in a car.   That's the equivalent of 5,484 miles per year and 261 gallons of gas ($1044 worth) not used.  All for what ...?  Increased exercise?  A slightly longer commute?  A heightened and more personal awareness of the world we all live in?  That all sounds good to me!

Until Next Time
~Adam

Time To Tarp The Boat

Aramis went sailing a total of 56 times this summer.  That is 56 days of beautiful weather, fun times, sunshine, and glorious sailing.  I spent hours lounging out on deck, BBQ-ing off the stern, and tossing back a cold one with family and friends.  So you'd expect me to be a little disappointed when those not-so-endless summer days went into hibernation with the coming of Fall.

But, I'm finding that just the opposite is happening.  Instead of disappointment, I'm enjoying the change in seasons like I never have before.  Yes, it is colder, wetter, and the sailing days are definitely over.  However, I don't live on a boat simply for the sailing.  I live on a boat because of the closeness it brings me to the natural world around me.  And I don't meant to sound all "hippie" when I say that.  I really do like listening to the rain, feeling the wind push the boat around, and waking up for a middle of the night hail storm.

I took the time this week to raise the "sailing flag of surrender" ... the tarps.  It only took a few times entering the boat during a rain shower for me to break out the bungee cords.  Having a wet stairway and countertops is no fun.  I was really hoping to have a dodger by the time the rains hit, but the Newport 27's unique flush deck create some interesting design issues.  Turns out I'll have to have one custom made.  So, for now a tarp over the boom will do the trick.

The inside of the boat has been through a metamorphosis these last few weeks as well.  During the summer, she was almost always ready to go sailing with everything tucked away and stowed in their spots.  Now it looks like a bomb of coziness went off inside.  Blankets and pillows have turned the v-berth into the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in.  The guitar is constantly out on one of the settee's and the little space heater dries my rain gear at night.  I got a new wick for my little gimbaled oil lamp as well.  All combined, the atmosphere inside the boat is just awesome.

Every winter I try to find a "rainy day" game to play on the computer.  (I know ... total geek alert).  This year it looks like its going to be Guild Wars 2.  Since I can't go sailing and, lets face it, there just isn't much room to move around inside, having a form of distraction is really a great way to kill the cabin fever.  There is nothing more fun than crawling into the v-berth at night, getting all situated with pillows, comforter, and laptop and escaping into complete relaxation while the rain taps down on the hatch over my head.  Top it off with a mug of hot apple cider and I don't think I'll ever want to leave the boat!  We may not be sailing ... but Aramis is just as much a paradise in the winter as she is in the summer.

Until Next Time
~Adam

S/V Aramis

"Live Simple.  Live Green."

Proper Planning Makes A Difference

Mother Nature taught me a lesson last night.  In my last post I talked about planning and how important it was for every trip.  Well, I was reminded of that on my ride home from work and feel a bit ashamed that I was caught unprepared out in the elements.  It is a lesson that, once out on the sea, could save my life.

So here's the story ...

I was just finishing up at work and getting ready for my ride home.  The ride into work that afternoon had been overcast skies and beautiful.  It hadn't rained all day.  I poked my head outside to check on the weather to determine what gear to put on.  Last weekend had been pretty wet - but with my rain gear on my rides were warm, dry, and enjoyable.  The rain gear can be cumbersome and cause overheating though if I wear it when it's not raining.  The sky looked slightly overcast (as it had been all day).  I just threw on my windbreaker (slightly water resistant) and took off, leaving my rain pants and jacket tucked away in my waterproof backpack.

As I started down the street I felt a few drops of rain hit my face.  Just a sprinkle I told myself.  It'll be over in a minute.  I was wearing one of my pairs of jeans and figured they'd be fine in a light sprinkle.  I thought about pulling over and putting on my rain pants and jacket just in case ... but I honestly didn't think it was going to be that bad.

A mile later and the sprinkle had turned into a steady rain.  I wasn't even over the bridges of Portland yet and I could already feel my pants becoming wet.  I decided to stick with the ride though ... still thinking the rain would be over soon.

By the time I was halfway home the rain had my pants completely soaked and I could feel that my little windbreaker was starting to fail against the torrent.  My legs were getting cold and my pants were getting heavier as they became more water logged (wet jeans SUCK).  I started to focus on the positives ... like how my new waterproof shoes were doing a fantastic job keeping my feet and toes warm and dry!  I also started to sing U2 songs in my head.

I pulled over to get some food for dinner and, while inside, finally pulled out my iPhone to check my doppler app.  Perhaps I could just stay inside until the rain shower passed over.  This is what I saw ...

I had literally begun my ride RIGHT as this weather system began to hit Portland.  It was no little sprinkle, and I was riding right through it.  By this point I was already thoroughly soaked so putting on my rain gear would have been pointless.  I was going to have to finishing out the ride in the pouring rain.  If I had checked the weather BEFORE I had left work, I would have seen this system coming and dressed appropriately.  Instead, I had assumed the weather would be the same as it had been all day long... lesson learned.  Always check the weather.

I arrived home a wet, soggy, cold, and humbled person.  I knew that the ride would have been no big deal if I had been wearing the proper gear.  The rain last weekend was much worse than this little storm.  But without the right planning and the right gear what should have been a routine ride turned into a miserable experience.

I'm glad I learned this lesson while here on dry land.  Assuming what the weather will be like before departing for a coastal cruise could land me in some serious trouble.  No matter if it is a weekend sail to my favorite destination or a simple bike ride home from work, I have decided to live closer to Mother Nature and now know that I must always be aware of what she is planning.

Well played, Mother Nature.  Well played.

Until Next Time
~Adam

S/V Aramis

Live Simple.  Live Green.

One Week All Electric!

Last week I started testing out alternatives to driving a car to work and commuting around town. The electric bike I've been testing out is, in a word, amazing. It has been a little over a week now since I haven't driven the car ANYWHERE. What a fantastic feeling! Getting into a routine took only a few days ... but it's still a work in progress. So far I've gotten to do my 7 mile work commute in various weather, from the sunny days last week to the downpours of the weekend. I've actually enjoyed it quiet a bit!

When I lived downtown in the past, I didn't drive a car either. However, I did ride a motorcycle everywhere all year round. I actually find riding the electric bike is more comfortable than riding the motorcycle in the rain. This is because the act of peddling helps to keep me warm. Too warm, in fact. I have yet to have a ride where I didn't stop halfway through to remove a layer of clothing to keep from arriving at work all sweaty. Even in the cold rain, I have yet to feel uncomfortable during the commute.

I love being on a bike as well. Much like the reasons I love living aboard Aramis, riding the bike makes me feel closer to the world around me. I am much more aware of what the elements and natural world around me are doing. I once again have to slow down my day, plan ahead, and take time. If anything, turning my commute into a biking endeavor has helped me become less rushed! Yes, the commute is longer (but only by about 10 minutes), but I no longer find myself leaving at the last minute to get to work on time. Instead, I'm getting up early, prepping for my ride (and any other trip I intend to take during the day) before setting out with plenty of time to enjoy my ride into town.  The new commute facilitates a more conscious awareness of my time and how I plan on spending the day.  

The more changes I make in my life in an effort to live a more pure human experience (and by that I mean living with the world instead of finding ways to control/avoid it) the more I seem to be enjoying life all around.

Do I get wet on my rainy rides?  Yes.  But we, as humans,  have been rained on for thousands of years.  I actually enjoy the fact that I have to look outside and see what the weather is doing in order to determine what to wear on my ride ... or if I should instead walk to a nearby coffee house until the rain dies down.  Which brings up another point which ties in with my goal of sailing about the world ...

... sometimes, it's ok to wait on the weather.  We get so tied up in our deadlines, schedules, and plans that sometimes we make stupid decisions and take needless risks in order to meet these timelines.  I like the fact that I'm letting the weather help me make my decisions.  And I'll be the same way while sailing.  If the weather isn't cooperating, I won't ever take a risk simply because "I'm supposed to be there in 3 days."  That's how you get yourself killed out there on the blue.

In a way, biking around is very similar.  If the rain is just too much, then I won't ride.  However, I can't just not go into work or meet my other non-personal obligations due to the weather.  So that's where things like the MAX, PDX Streetcar, and Car2Go come in.  (I recently found out the Car2Go has all electric cars too!).  Between these options, and with enough thoughtful planning, I don't think I'll ever be in a bind where my commuting is a concern.

But in the end, it's all about happiness.  I find myself looking forward to my commute, enjoying the bike ride, and having a blast commuting and taking in the world all around me.  The car is simply a convenience.  But I never got excited to drive the car into work ...

Plus, it's just hardcore and exciting to ride a bike year round in the rainy Pacific Northwest ;)

Until Next Time
~Adam

S/V Aramis

"Live Simple.  Live Green."