We reached the end of the road – literally and figuratively
Yesterday was a tough day for us and it had nothing to do with the difficulty of the riding. In fact, our trip from our friend Maureen’s beautiful house to Paquera was physically quite easy. After we said our early-morning goodbye’s to our friend, we had a nice ride on some quiet back roads to Cóbano and from there, we followed a relatively-quiet paved road right to the ferry dock. Not too demanding and actually quite fast. When we reached the ferry dock, I posted an image on Instagram and Facebook saying that we had reached the end of the road. The tough part was that I meant that both literally and figuratively!
Everyone you meet is fighting a battle that you know nothing about.
I have seen the above quote reproduced in various forms and the truth of it hits home to me. Most longtime readers of this blog know the general story about how our latest boat was sold to us with undisclosed defects and that we initiated a lawsuit because of that. The lawsuit, which we were led to believe would be quick and easy (yes, I know, we were naive to believe that), has now been ongoing for almost two years. What no one knows is the extent to which that has impacted us financially. As much as it pains us to do so — in ways you can only imagine — we concluded yesterday that we’re at the point where we need to pull the plug on our journey, at least temporarily, as we’re unable to financially sustain it.
Waiting for the ferry at Paquera.
What now?
Where will we go and what will we do? Both great questions. The truth is that we have limited options, or at least that’s how it appears to us at this time. I expect that we’ll end up doing as many people do when they run into hard times, rely on the generosity of family and friends until we get back on our feet. I am not good at asking for help but if anyone has any suggestions, we are all ears. Also, if you have some influence on the Martinique court system, a good word there would be appreciated as well!
Yesterday, it was the sounds of Howler Monkeys that woke us up. Today, it was chickens.
I hope that this is simply a temporary stop to fill the accounts and continue back on your journey. Are you in a position yet to detail what was found on frost to cause this issue? Is it something that those of us looking to purchase a sailboat should look closer at in our purchase? As we move closer to making our purchase I’m getting nervous regarding what I don’t know about sailboats. It has been fun so far following you guys since 2013. The binge reading to get up to date was really fun.
Am I in a position to share details? No, I don’t think so. Sorry.
Is it something that boat purchasers should be aware of? Most definitely!!!
I am so sorry to hear this. I hope that fortune smiles upon you and perhaps drops a charter gig in your lap. We’ll keep our eyes and ears open as we head into the Caribbean ourselves this season.
Thanks, Sean.
Oh no! That’s terrible. I wish I had a way to help — really help. I can’t believe that lawsuit is STILL going on. Is there any light at the end of the tunnel?
I wish we knew. The greatest frustration of the lawsuit is that it is all being conducted in French and we have no way of communicating directly with our non-English-speaking lawyer.
Hey team, keeping you both in my positive thoughts every day for a resolution. Wear sunscreen! 😉
Gracias, Amigo. Sunscreen: check!
So sorry for your troubles. Sometimes it seems as if justice is a myth. Best wishes and good luck with resolution.
Thank you! If there is any justice in the world, it will work out in our favor. Someday.
Very sorry to hear this. Not something we ever expected. Going forward I hope the lawsuit comes out in your favour. Will you contiue the blog at all? Keep us up to date and all I can say is that I wish you both the best going forward. Mark
Re blog: yes. I write now because I enjoy writing. I’m not so sure that there are very many people reading it these days anyway. 🙂
Can you two pick up jobs where you currently are at? Or perhaps get a paying gig crewing for someone? You have plenty of experience. Theres always people looking for crew, crewfinder. Or on a charter boat? Or side jobs where you are and want to go?
Thanks for the suggestions, Nicole. All things we have considered. Working in a foreign country is a challenge though.
I was looking for maybe a donation link on here..didn’t see it? Have you set up a fund account yet? Another thought is an ebook on your latest adventures? Tips, how to? Other ideas already expressed ….my thought is coming back to the States for a while to fill coffers …? Then embark on further adventures? Depends kinda on what you want- to stay or come back and head in a different direction ? You guys are resilient and amazing- I have no doubt you will be blogging about fantastic things soon!!!
Thank you, Shauna. All good suggestions.
Although it was not the intent of the post, to receive money, there is a donate button. It is near the top of the right-hand sidebar. A couple of other readers already sent us a bit of “support” earlier today. 🙂
Dear Rebecca and Mike
Decisions have to be made, even if they are difficult! But you are healthy and you still have energy! You will find a solution and after some time / years you will find out that the decision was right – and you will travel again. It was nice to meet you – maybe next time in Switzerland.
I wish you all the best and many positive thoughts!
Hans-Ueli
Switzerland… that sounds wonderful. I’d love that. Thank you! 🙂
Hey guys, that’s a tough post to read and no doubt, a tough one for you to write. And here I sit anchored, right where we first met. I remember that I was checking anchor lines as you approached by dinghy, I recognised you and starting wildly gesticulating, Come on aboard! Please! Have a beer! Only to find out that you were in the middle of ending a life chapter aboard the charter boat “One Love.”
Another ending, or just a temporary ending? So much has gone by since meeting you guys and becoming friends, only just the other day the loss of your first boat right here in St Thomas. Very sad, as is you having to end your present quest so soon. Maybe a charter job here in VI?
I’m having a very hard time putting these words together.
DANG!
I remember that evening with you well (the good) as well as the events that proceeded it (the ugly). If I was assigning blame, I would have to trace some of this back to that very incident. I try not to think about that though. On on, right?
Yes, On on!
Sad to hear you have hit the reality wall. Been there done that too. While it has been a bummer for us to stop cruising for a while to try and rebuild some funds, we wouldn’t trade the experiences of the last seven years roaming the world under sail for a bank balance . Good luck with the court case. Just a question though, did you get a survey on Frost before you bought her?
Thanks, Rob. We could use some luck. As for the survey, yes.
Hey Kids!
I absolutely loved the experiences you shared along the way with the people you met on your biking adventure. It’s the people who make the difference where ever you go and you articulate that very well.
It’s not all sunshine and coconuts out there living the dream. The struggle is real.
You will always have a place to stay in Grenada. If you need any reference for roommates, I would be happy to give you a 5 star review!!!
Bless up!
In the reference letter, could you include what good cooks we are?
Miss you guys!!!
I have been following the adventure that has been your life from the first post years ago. You have continued to fuel the flame of adventure for me that was originally ignited by the Bumfuzzle. For the last 10 years I have been building a business with the intent of selling the asset and retiring onto a boat. That business is now under contract and we are about to start from where you guys began on page1…sell the house, sell the crap, and let the adventure unfold.
You guys are smart in that there is a point where your body falls apart and you get too old to have an adventure. Do it while you have the physical ability, then get a job at walmart when you are 80 if you have to.
If you are still looking for the next step… when we buy our boat, I’m sure that the insurance people won’t let me sail it with only our week of ASA training without a captain on board. But that’s a couple months out at best and you will have found something by then.
With the thousands of contacts you that you have accumulated over the years, an awesome new opportunity will arise. Just put it out there that you are looking and I’m pretty sure it will surface.
I really don’t think you are at the end of the road. I believe that you have just come to a junction.
Good Luck, Best Wishes, and keep us updated.
Don & Tammy
Hi Don and Tammy
First, thank you very much for your recent donation! We appreciate the support, both financially and by your taking the time to read and comment here.
As for your boat, I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re fine without a Captain. Most people who own boats do not have extensive training. We obtained insurance with only a week’s course so if we can do it, why not you? 😉
Fixing boats is simple enough, or replacing them. People are much trickier. Either way, you have to go down into the worst part of the bilge and see what the problem is before you can fix it. It seems from thsi great distance that you have a great but flawed boat waiting for you in the islands. And at least you know the problem. So maybe there is hope with Frost. I’m sure many capable people would lend you a hand, if you needed help. That might be worth more than the lawsuit. Then again, what do I know? For one thing, I share that dichotomy within myself, love of two wheel and also sails. So I know that restless pull all too well. It’s a wonderful life. Good luck.
I love the metaphor laid out in the first couple of sentences. 🙂
Unfortunately, the lawsuit must run its course. Thank for the good wishes!
I’m very sorry to hear about your troubles. You’ve been an inspiration and I always enjoyed reading about your travels, especially the ZTC and One Love days. Happy to help if there’s something I can do.
Sorry to hear about the end of your adventures and circumstance.
Stupid questions:
1) Couldn’t you sell the Atmel? Is the loss so great as to not be worth it?
2) What about insurance? Could the boat insurance help not remedy the issues?
As for solutions, I’d say go back into chartering, as you both have the skills already to rebuild the cruising kitty.
Cheers!
Hi Steph
Unfortunately, the answers to your questions are No and No.
As for chartering, I explained the challenges to that in this post:
http://www.zerotocruising.com/may-short-cash-definitely-still-rich