The Camping Conundrum: apoorplayer.blog
@apoorplayer Ah, this post brought back memories. First of all, the decision to give up sailing was difficult for me. I’ve never felt more alive than at the helm of a sailboat in a fresh breeze. But eventually, the effort and toil of doing it well, and all the maintenance, outweighed the moments of joy. We sold the sailboat and bought a trawler (a powerboat that goes about the same speed as a sailboat, but can do so directly into the wind, which is a remarkable advantage). Second, the decision to sell the trawler and come off the water to buy a small RV. And third, most recently, of selling the RV in favor of extended travel.
I used to joke about the old geezers who sell the sailboat to buy a trawler, and then exchange the trawler for the motorhome, before heading to the nursing home and finally the funeral home. I don’t joke about this anymore. And I am resisting these last two steps!
Join the resistance!
@robertbreen I’ve “seen this movie” myself. I am in the extended travel mode too. A few weeks in the UK right now, then home, then back to Scotland, then home, the to Italy.
I’m not ready for those last two steps either. Two new hips in the last 9 months, so I hope to put a little wear and tear on them before that happens!
@robertbreen Thanks Robert. I went back and read your sailing post, and boy did it ring true. I’ve come to the conclusion that there is something about turning 70 that kicks in some kind of primeval signal, and everything conspires against you in the hopes of slowing you down. I’ve spoken to numerous colleagues who seem to experience the same phenomenon. Like you and @McCWanders I am actively working to resist the last two steps until the last two seconds, but I fear it’s an uphill battle. For the moment, a battle worth fighting.
@apoorplayer Whenever I’m feeling long in the tooth or suffer from that “damp, drizzly November in my soul,” I think of this bit from Ulysses by Tennyson:
“Though much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”