Now is as good a time as any to start documenting my planned 'journey of a lifetime' for others to see. I hope this can and will inspire others to follow my lead just as I have been inspired by so many others.

My Background: It started for me when I was a kid. I read a lot of Hemingway and was intrigued by his depictions of Harry Morgan and David Hudson in "To Have and Have Not" and "Islands in the Stream" sparking my interest in a life on the ocean. I read about his own boat, 'Pilar' and I wanted to one day have my own boat to roam the ocean. I put that thought away when I assumed it would cost too much to do such a thing and merrily went on with my life. Many years later, after a recent change in careers and living arrangements, I find myself living near the ocean and the dream has surfaced again after many years of hibernation. This time around my interest is in sailing and cruising in the Pacific Ocean.

My Current Situation: I have very little sailing experience so far but I have been spending my time learning as much as I can so I will be ready when the time comes to cut loose the dock lines. I have completed the USCG Auxiliary Boating Safety and Beginning & Advanced Coastal Navigation courses. I am learning a lot and soaking up the experience offered to me by the other boaters & sailors I meet.

My Plans: My current plan is to continue to build up my savings to buy a cruising sailboat sometime in the next two years (2008/2009) and take off for at least a year to see if I really like the lifestyle. I hope to still be cruising the Pacific Ocean side of Mexico, Central & South America when I turn 40 (2011).

So there you have it! The plan is in place and I'm slowly working toward making it happen. If you're anything like me, who knows, maybe one day we'll meet in this great big world of ours!