Been thinking lots more about the alternatives after Australia. Still have two major unknowns: is Tim rejoining, and how does Bob work out as crew. But the aspect under my control is how I feel about traveling at BPO speed versus hurrying back…home(?). I’ve realized that the feeling of “home” is a big factor. Looking at other boats/crews, in most cases there is a married couple (perhaps with additional crew), and in many cases they have sold or at least rented their house ashore. Their boat is their home.

For me the boat has been a vehicle for making a voyage. But at times I can see it differently. Especially with Tim away, and Hallie here, I can perceive the boat as my home. And when I do, I find that I’m in no rush to be moving. If I’m already at home, why be in a rush to be elsewhere? With this state of mind I can imagine being content with the BPO schedule. So I’m “practicing” being home aboard. And it’s working pretty well. The fact that Hallie is here might be a huge temporary assist, but nevertheless it seems like something that can be practiced/intentional. So I’ll keep with it, and we’ll see how I fare after Bora Bora…