SOL…D!

It seems I left things hanging. Got caught up in the moment you might say and forgot to actually fill in the space I left people watching at the end of last post.

Done, dusted, hasta la vista!

We’ve added a D to the end of SOL and she’s already off on her next adventure to Australia- Mottl-less, Mauritzio-less and possibly with somewhat less mayhem.

As strange coincidence would have it, we actually watched her sail away from Opua and the marina one morning after school drop off. Our new Monday morning ritual includes a cheeky coffee at the marina café. As we sat down at the bar stools that overlook the boats, with another couple that seem to have a similar routine, a mast appeared and there she was- heading out of the marina and off into the Bay.

I wasn’t sad and I certainly felt no regret. I was happy in the knowledge that I wasn’t on board. If I vomited any time soon it would be because I’d eaten something bad or picked up a stomach bug. I felt strangely comforted by that! Still, I must admit it felt a bit weird to watch our large slice of life sailing off with someone else.

Mike was quiet for a moment- I get that. He put such a huge amount of time, energy, love and frustration into the last two years. It certainly felt symbolic in a way- a definite sense of closure. It was a good moment to share together.

So there you go- buy a boat, use the boat, sell the boat- tick!

My last post was titled, ‘When it all pays off’ and, I can honestly say, it all paid off!

The time and attention, the fastidiousness, the slightly OCD behaviour that was synonymous with life aboard SOL and ok, the love, (at least from one of us) she received, meant that it was less than two weeks from when she was first advertised to having a signed contract in hand. We got our asking price with the slightest attempt to bargain and all parties were happy with the deal that went down.

We’ve been living on land for 11 weeks now. The kids have adapted to school incredibly well. They absolutely love it.

enjoying a meal with our new view

working with Nannie on wearable art

exploring local walks

Happy 11th bday Lil

They are discovering new interests, new perspectives, fun activities and new friends. Seb is teaching himself the piano and has taught himself to ride the unicycle. Lilly participated in a netball competition after never having played before and won the school wearable art award. Their teachers speak so highly of them both and I am so incredibly proud of the people they are becoming. Despite the worry, despite the angst, the hair-pulling out home-school moments and our teaching, their transition, so far has been better than we could have ever hoped for.

Life in some ways is more complicated but right now, at least from my perspective, it’s preferable.

Mike was talking to a cruising friend the other day and I heard him saying “well, it’s back to reality”. Our friends response was, “ No, there’s boat life and land life, they’re both reality when you are living them” and it’s so true.

We walk the kids to school every day, I’m not sure how long that will last as we are shortly due to find a more permanent base, but right now, I treasure each and every step we take together. Even when we’ve asked the kids if they’re totally ready and at the last second, something is remembered, or forgotten or overlooked, but there was time to draw or play the piano or throw paper planes around the living room, even then, walking together is a pleasure and somewhat sacred.

So many lessons have been learnt along this journey. I truly believe there will be a carry over effect for years to come IF we can remain mindful of the insights we’ve been so very privileged to experience. There’s lots to address, lots to sort out, what jobs we’ll do, where exactly we’ll live, where the kids will go to high school etc etc, but it’s reassuring when you set out to do something, maybe slightly off piste, and actually do it, despite resistance and reservation. Surely everything else is a walk in the park…

In the wonderful words of Forrest Gumps mother, “Life is like a box o chocolates, you never know what yo gonna get”

It’s two years to the day since we left Valencia and began this journey. It seemed incredibly appropriate that this should be the last post at least as far as Slice is concerned.

The next adventure is just beginning… I’m sure there is more to share.

Amazing Lego exhibit

in Auckland

We’ll see you again reef

building a pyramid

boating is in my blood!