My turn

So since Michelle got most of her fears down I thought it only fair that I attempt to flush out mine. All in all pretty difficult and I’m not exactly sure why. Perhaps it’s because I’m so infected by the sailing bug or maybe it’s because I take a little more practical (or is it logical) approach to the whole thing. I’m not really “afraid” of anything about this. Being an engineer and leaning frequently to the scientific and technical side of things it’s easy for me to simply explain away uncertainty with logic so that it doesn’t have the ability to fester in my mind and become fear. Having said that one of my biggest concerns or “fears” is incorrect or incapable technology or mechanics on the boat.

1) I’m afraid of incorrect or incomplete charts. Either electronic or paper. Especially in the very remote areas of the South Pacific.
2) Running aground because of #1.
3) The cost involved with recovering from #2.
4) Shipping containers. This is clearly a fear I share with a many sailors out there.
5) Being so far away in the event of a family emergency. Not being able to get home in time to help or “be there”.
6) This whole experience being  unacceptable to any of the remaining five of us. I have no doubt that I will be in nirvana being on the boat but the rest of them I worry about this not being “their” dream.

I could go on and on about what I’m looking forward to and what I hope to gain out of this. That list would take up more space than this blog can provide. One thing that I continue to think about is that it would be the experience of a lifetime for the kids. I am so grateful for the time that I was able to spend living in a foreign country. The exposure to a culture that was so different from my own has helped mold me into the person that I am today. Someone who is, in my opinion, far more tolerant, understanding and respectful of  people from other countries, cultures and religions than the typical American. I want the kids to be able to have those experiences as well.

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