It’s hard to believe that 6 years ago we brought Blue Turtle home and moved aboard. I mentioned to Randy the other day that this is the longest I have lived anywhere in my adult life since moving out of my parent’s home in my 20’s. I feel like Blue Turtle is part of us as much as we are part of her. We’ve poured so much work and love into this old boat and she has served us very well. We’ve made so many great memories since moving aboard and are looking forward to many more in the future.
In our 1 year and 2 year living aboard anniversary posts we recounted all the projects, upgrades and maintenance that was performed on Blue Turtle initially. Our third year living aboard recap celebrated our first trip to the Dry Tortugas and we enjoyed having both sets of parents living aboard their boats with us as well. After 4 years living aboard, Randy asked me to marry him during our second trip to the Dry Tortugas and we completed some long awaited boat projects such as painting the exterior of Blue Turtle. When we celebrated 5 years living aboard, I reflected back on how the living aboard lifestyle has enriched our lives from the wonderful folks we have met, to the amazing trips and memories we’ve experienced that made us a closer family.
With our sixth year living aboard I can say that it just keeps getting better! I couldn’t really imagine going back to land life now. Sure, there are times that living on a boat can be hard, especially summers here in Florida, but overall I feel we live a more fulfilling life. With a teenage boy and his active calendar, we haven’t been able to get off the dock as much as we would like but we know that when we do, it will be memorable. Every trip aboard Blue Turtle is another amazing memory for our family.
Our sixth year living aboard was full of great experiences. It marked our second TrawlerFest as presenters and my first published article in PassageMaker Magazine. We got to meet a couple of sailing bloggers who passed through Salty Sam’s—Nick & Kelly of Satori and Kirk & Lauren of Soulianias—both of whom we now follow along on their journeys. With Blue Turtle hauled out and in the barn for Hurricane Irma, we headed to Louisville for a long overdue visit with good friends. We also got to take our first trip from the East coast of Florida across the Okeechobee to home while helping our friends Will & Tiff (a.k.a. TeamWiff) bring home their 48′ Sea Ray.
Randy and I both agree, these past 6 years have been the best years of our lives. We’ve come closer as a family and team and have had many experiences we never would have had if we still lived in our old house. It has taught us the value of living positive and thinking outside the norm. We value things less and experiences more. We are looking forward to what the future holds for us and know that whatever it may be, it will be on the water.
Here are a few highlights from our sixth year living aboard:
