Liveaboard Life in Alaska - Views from the boat

[ksanders]

This is Liveaboard life in Seward Alaska.

A cup of good coffee sitting in the pilothouse on a Saturday morning in October.

The sun is just peeking over the top of the mountains to the southeast and it looks to be the makings for a pretty nice day.
The temperature is a brisk 36F and with the sun I am hoping to get into the high 40's this afternoon. As you can see from the photos winter is almost here.

This is my last Alaskan winter, and although I love Alaska, I yearn to wear shorts and flip flops.

[Pcpete]

Looks like tough duty to me.

[builderdude]

And I thought it was cold here in the Puget sound.
🥶

[Kwood]

Very nice.

Are those power cats used as ferries?

[talman]

Kev, I have an amazing view from my boat, as well. During Covid, it has saved my life, mentally at least. I'm not sure I can surrender that view to my impending retirement.
I do get to wear shorts and boat shoes more months of the year than not. I am months from making my choice, and I can appreciate your meanderings.
As I tell my kids, "make a good decision and don't fuck it up"

[ksanders]

Very nice.

Are those power cats used as ferries?

They are glacier tour boats. You can go out and see something over 20 glaciers on a 4 hour tour.

[ksanders]

Kev, I have an amazing view from my boat, as well. During Covid, it has saved my life, mentally at least. I'm not sure I can surrender that view to my impending retirement.
I do get to wear shorts and boat shoes more months of the year than not. I am months from making my choice, and I can appreciate your meanderings.
As I tell my kids, "make a good decision and don't fuck it up"

Retirement is something we all look forward to, each with our own goals. My dream has always been to travel. To see things I never had the chance to see while working. Thats why I bought my current boat.

I am hoping reading your post that you are not considering a retirement without your boat. If that is the case I understand just how difficult a decision that is. Myself I would go insane, but alas we are all different, with different wants and needs during our golden years.

Alaska is a wonderful place, except for the 6 months of winter. Some rejoice in it, I am not one of those people. Where some enjoy the crackling fire and watching snowflakes fall, I enjoy the warmth of sun on my face. Myself I cannot imagine spending my retirement trapped in the house from November through April.

I'm going to keep my slip in Seward at least for the first year or two. Chances are my boat will make it back to Alaska after I satiate the wanderlust within.

[Pcpete]

Tally and Kevin, the process of retiring was one of the most emotionally disturbing events in my life. The financial looked good, and still does, the activity plan has been steady except since C-19 made a mess of things, the loss of work identity and knowledge sharing is one of the most difficult parts. One thing for sure is having a central hobby, like boating and doing the maintenance, is a real leg up. I once had a lead man, I was a toolmaker at the time, who had a habit of saying “the only thing stopping you is fear”. This was usually after a discussion about a complicated setup or sequence and his way of concurring with my plan.
Make the good plan, make the decision, stay with the spirit of the plan; they always have to be adjusted, but only make minor adjustments.

[Metrodriver]

Kevin, you probably were sleeping, but this was my view at 0700 crossing from Russia into Alaska. Aurora meets sunrise.

[ksanders]

Kevin, you probably were sleeping, but this was my view at 0700 crossing from Russia into Alaska. Aurora meets sunrise.

How cool is that!!!

[talman]

Here is my daily view after work. Summer is better.

[ksanders]

Here is my daily view after work. Summer is better.

Very nice!

What marina/harbor are you at if I can ask?

[talman]

Squalicum Harbor, Bellingham. The sailboat is tied up to the visitors dock. Come by on your way south