Too old? Are you kidding?
Would you believe that we actually see comments from people in their 40s asking if they’re too old to do what we’re doing? Hello… just how old do you think we are? For the record, when it comes to cruising, we’re probably in the middle of the pack age wise, with a good percentage of those out here a fair bit older than we are.
You may have noticed that I mentioned in yesterday’s post that we were heading out to climb nearby Diamond Rock (aka Diamond Island, Kick ‘Em Jenny) again. If you followed the link that I posted which detailed our first trip up that isolated peak, you’d have read that our trip was lead by 72 yr. old Grenadian hiking master Telfor. Now, almost exactly one year later and another year older, Telfor was back with machete in hand to repeat that trek. Inspiring? I’d say so. Too old? Hardly!
And so it begins… a 45 minute ride from the north end of Grenada.
There is no real place to land the boats so getting ashore is a bit sketchy.
That large pole is now affixed at the top of Diamond Rock, complete with Grenadian Flag.
Check it out as you sail past!
Ronde Island, with Grenada in the distance.
Telfor at the top. Happy birthday!
Telfor is an inspiration! Just goes to show you’re only as old as you act, and age is just a number.
Yup!
Young enough for sure AND Rebecca has time to do her nails too. AMAZING
LOL… good eye. The nail polish is from Canadian Thanksgiving!!!
Well, I will be 63 next month. My retirement and departure month is September 2014. Sure, I have a few physical things going on but until I have a foot in the grave ….
PS. Know anyone selling a 38′ Admiral cat, 2003-2006?
Good job. As for the Admiral, no, sorry, can’t help there.
There’s a really nice one in Ft. Lauderdale. We love them but we just couldn’t find one that we could afford.
Deb
S/V Kintala
http://www.theretirementproject.blogspot.com
I hear ya!
The average age of Everest lead climbers is 38. It seems experince, oxygen efficiency, and endurance reach a peak later than folks think. I did my hardest rock climbs in my mid-40s and my hardest ice climbs in my 50s; that is when my skill set + endurance peaked. And so far, cruising just get’s easier every year!
Man, 40 is when you start knowing what you’re doing in life, how to do it, and why it’s worth doing. Age will have to catch me. And when it does, I’ll slow down but not stop.
Rock on!
You’re only as old as you think, right ? Wow, great hike by the looks of it ! how’s the hiking book coming along ?
Would you believe that I am writing it right now? I just stopped to answer this comment.
Now on the opposite end, is there such thing as too young? I’d say so! Maturity plays a big role, from the books I have read, you have to constantly make mature choices. Yes, there are mature 17 year olds who have circumnavigated, and there are immature 20 year olds who have cruised. Now with your experience you can shed more light on this.
Not really, Patrick. I have yet to meet anyone ill equipped to make proper decisions down here, at least not any where age was the reason. Perhaps if there are such people they all got stuck before they crossed the gulf stream?
Wow that’s a relief! I’m 50-something and just bought the boat. I’d hate to think I was now too old to shove off. Still gonna take us a good 12 – 18 months to get the boat squared away and settle our affairs landside but by god we’re going!
As you know, you are far from being too old!
I learned to Scuba Dive for my 60th birthday while in Mexico. Plan on retiring in 2014 at the age of 63. After following several of these blogs I now have sailing on my mind. Sounds like something I would enjoy doing.
I bet you would.
I just love inspirational stories like this… I was blown away by a story I read about the oldest woman to complete a marathon – she was 92 years old. Know when she first picked up running? When she was 86. I thought, man, I want to be that bold when I’m 92. Hell yeah!
Sounds like I have a few years yet to work up to being marathon ready.
My husband and I agree with you! We are both Active Duty Navy and will retire in the next few years. We will be buying a Cat and sailing the world. We have been fortunate enough to see many places around the world and we are excited to start this adventure. We hope to see you out there some day! Until we retire we will live vicariously through you!
Hi Peggy. Thanks for the note. Don’t worry, a few years can go by very quickly.
My parents started playing soccer in their 30s and started rock climbing in their 50s. I think people need role models who are doing fun active stuff at a variety of ages.
I agree. Rebecca’s mother took up snowboarding in her 50s. She was an awesome role model in that respect.