Toadhall
Veteran Member
Many of you, especially those that came over to the dark side from sail, may know of Lin and Larry Pardey. The pardey’s have written many books over the years about their sailing adventures and I have read every one.
From the early 80’s on, I have spent hundreds of hours with them. I have been part of their adventures and have traveled the world with them. All through their books.
One of my fondest boating memories is when our paths crossed one day and we dropped anchor next to each other. We spent several hours over dinner just talking and dreaming the evening away. It was…… delightful.
I was at the Port Townsend Wooded Boat Festival this last weekend and Lin was manning a booth there. We talked for a few minutes and then I asked “So where’s Larry?.”
There was an awkward pause……then she said “Larry is in a nursing home, he has many health issues.”
I cannot even begin to describe the effect this had on me. For Larry, maybe bittersweet is the right word. Here is a man that lived a life that most only dream of. And like all things, it appears that this awesome life may be winding down. But wow! What a life!!
I am not a world cruiser, but I have been lucky enough to take several yearlong coastal trips and many more month-long trips. Of the 37 years my wife and I have been married, the first 10 and the last 2, we were (and still are) full time live aboards. We have been truly blessed. BUT….When the words “nursing home” sunk in……well you start thinking. Like, I’m 60, just how many more years do I have.HOW MANY MORE SUMMERS DO I HAVE!!? 10? 15? None?
So what’s the point of all this? Don’t know.
But today, here in Pacific Northwest, the sky is blue, the sun is hot, the breeze is a little cool and feels like Fall is not far away, and on our slip finger, Sebastian James (Sebastian James is the seal that has been hanging out since he was a pup) is sunning himself.
I love waking up on a boat. Life is sweet, I will worry about the bitter part later.
See you guys out there.
From the early 80’s on, I have spent hundreds of hours with them. I have been part of their adventures and have traveled the world with them. All through their books.
One of my fondest boating memories is when our paths crossed one day and we dropped anchor next to each other. We spent several hours over dinner just talking and dreaming the evening away. It was…… delightful.
I was at the Port Townsend Wooded Boat Festival this last weekend and Lin was manning a booth there. We talked for a few minutes and then I asked “So where’s Larry?.”
There was an awkward pause……then she said “Larry is in a nursing home, he has many health issues.”
I cannot even begin to describe the effect this had on me. For Larry, maybe bittersweet is the right word. Here is a man that lived a life that most only dream of. And like all things, it appears that this awesome life may be winding down. But wow! What a life!!
I am not a world cruiser, but I have been lucky enough to take several yearlong coastal trips and many more month-long trips. Of the 37 years my wife and I have been married, the first 10 and the last 2, we were (and still are) full time live aboards. We have been truly blessed. BUT….When the words “nursing home” sunk in……well you start thinking. Like, I’m 60, just how many more years do I have.HOW MANY MORE SUMMERS DO I HAVE!!? 10? 15? None?
So what’s the point of all this? Don’t know.
But today, here in Pacific Northwest, the sky is blue, the sun is hot, the breeze is a little cool and feels like Fall is not far away, and on our slip finger, Sebastian James (Sebastian James is the seal that has been hanging out since he was a pup) is sunning himself.
I love waking up on a boat. Life is sweet, I will worry about the bitter part later.
See you guys out there.
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