Hmmmm….where did summer go?
As I slide face first into the final day of Labor Day Weekend, I have come to the realization that I spent the summer experiencing rather than documenting. After re-reading my last post (gasp – that was in early July), I have a lot of holes to fill in. Rather than bore you with a long list of awesome stuff we did in Vanuatu and Australia, feel free to visit the Gallery for pictures and movies. (Still working on that)
We had a fantastic month long road trip down the Australian Coast prior to flying back to the States. Two great weeks of family reunions (wedding in CT and farm hang in Buckingham, VA) proceeded our road trip migration across America to Idaho. We had planned on renting a place for this school year, just to get a feel for the area and make sure it was going to be a good fit for our fam. As per our modus operandi, we managed to put in a contract on a house within 48 hours of arriving in Teton Valley, once again demonstrating the fluidity of the MoFAP. I still love the ocean and cruising culture, but am really excited to also live and raise our boys in one of the greatest powder town/western/mountain communities. Best of both worlds.
I have had many, several, lots(?) of folks pull me aside asking the $25,000 Question: Why did you really stop sailing in Australia? Was there a bad passage? Something with the boat? Are you pregnant??? (OK, maybe no one who knows me asked that last question, but perhaps it was in the back of someone’s mind.) – For the record, I am definitely not preggo.
There is no single reason. Rather, as Ahab likes to say, “When things begin to all point in the same direction, you gotta listen.” Ultimately, we felt that we had accomplished our primary goal of spending time together as a family on an incredible adventure. We made it from Florida to the Caribbean, across the Atlantic to the Baltic Sea, back across the Atlantic, through the Panama Canal, across the Pacific Ocean through French Polynesia, Fiji, Vanuatu, and finally Australia. With over 25,000 nautical miles in under two years, we are so proud of all we have accomplished. The boys are literally growing out of their shoes, eating us out of food, and ready to share their experiences with other kids in a more traditional school setting. We are happy the report that the boat has been a Rock Star, handling difficult lengthy passages without incident. The responsibility of taking your whole world out to sea and keeping them safe becomes a heavy weight day after day. Ahab is still catching up on sleep.
I just looked up the Ole MoFAP and found this little gem:
“Our reaching goal is to design our life with maximizing adventure, experiences, and time with our family, parents, and siblings’ families in mind!”
So even though we altered the sailing plan, our MoFAP is still on track. By coming back to the States we have been able to spend precious time with our parents (BTW Sheesh is still kicking butt and taking names – Go Mom!!!), attend my sister’s wedding (we heart KK & Tom), and hang with all our siblings, nieces, and nephews. The boys just finished their first week back in “regular” school, and are loving it: Lockers, sports practice, even homework.
WIDAGO is all snuggled up on the hard in Mackay Australia for the school year. We will head back to Australia next summer to cruise the GBR and Whit Sunday Islands. The plan is to get WIDAGO back to the States, but those details are still in development (through the Med? Via CapeTown?). Ahab will sail the long passages while I have the kids in school. Our plan is to keep moving the boat around the globe, eventually bringing her back to the US East Coast for more cruising and fun.
We hope all our fellow sailing mates, friends, and cruisers are doing well. Y’all enjoy the rest of the year 🙂
Sure have enjoyed following you guys. Thanks for letting us tag along
Ali Grace, how I just love, love you !!!!! Your spirit is fantastic and what an adventure you all have had! And so it continues, ou are such pros .. it should continue! Your boys are rock stars, they’ve learned so much in the last two years and the beat goes on. Kudos to Idaho, I have close friends in Boise and love the state and the people. I know you’ll be happy there! How special it is to be able to look forward to next summer and more sailing. You all remind me so much of Chris and Monica, they have the same spirit except that they don’t want to be home owners anymore. It’s all good .. enjoy the moments, your boys are fabulous!!!!! And so are their parents … kisses, Gretchen.
Happy you are home and your next adventures will be on the slopes at least for the school year.
You guys are an inspiration for all of us who only dare to dream.
Godspeed in your new adventure in the Wild West. Keep those reports & photos coming. And be at the Reef every holiday!??
Write the book. We’ll buy it
The Meredith-Pickett Maniac girls are and were SO VERY HAPPY to see you guys and especially to see the growth and bonding of your family and boys!!!
So glad you are Stateside but also enjoyed reading about your awesome adventures!
Keep on keeping on and rocking that Moseley family!!! 🙂
Hi Ali and Guy, I was just wondering where y’all wound up!! This is Jacqui from world ARC crew on Zoom. I would love to pick your brain about cruising the world and your pros cons of your leopard. We are just beginning to seriously look into obtaining a catamaran and I was very impressed with your boat. If you do get this write me back. We are in seattle Washington living on Bainbridge’ island if you re ever out this way please look us up!! I love your way of writing. You re hilarious!! Jeremy and I are in awe of what you guys have done with your boys and love your MoFAP philosophy!!
If you have time in your new “relaxing ” schedule please write!!