Particularly introspective

Filming was off to a slow start as I was really due for some down time. We have been out here over a month and I’m just starting to get my strength back for boat & creative projects. I’m finally getting into my creative space. I’ve mostly been focusing on shooting time-lapse video and working on my intro which is turning out to be a powerful introduction to the film. I’m ecstatic with it and Carla’s music (cool electric bass) works really well! The life of this film is blossoming before me and FINALLY starting to take shape.

I’ve always felt I was born a foreigner into my family, my peers, and my country. It was only after I turned to minimalism and nature that I found my space in this world. I must say I feel at home in Kuna Yala. It’s so peaceful here! For the most part the Indians only care to be free, smile, and live simply. However I fear in a few generations this will all be gone.

Our days have been consumed with watching the clouds (contemplating what they would look like if they were moving faster for time lapse), spear fishing, cooking, catching water, and enjoying paradise.

I can assure you Paradise doesn’t exist at the end of a runway or come in a 2 week package. It comes with personal responsibility, dedication, vision, hard work, and sacrifice. Paradise is something we earn and can exist anywhere if we are bold enough to demand freedom. It’s taken me a long time to learn that we can only hold onto it if it’s shared. It can so easily slip through our fingers, especially with the demands of “society”, state, and religion.

I watched “Into the wild” last night for the first time. It’s the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young boy who gave all of his money to a charity, cut up all of his identification and credit cards, and ventured into the wild. Carla and I had a lengthy discussion about this. She thought he was careless with his life and didn’t need to die in the mountains of Alaska. I agree to an extent but sometimes men need to make bold decisions to find their personal freedom, as some men just cant live without it. It makes me think of the New Hampshire license plate, “Live free or Die”. Unfortunately McCandless made a bad decision and had to pay the price, but he was bold enough to actually live his life and I have a lot of respect for him. This has been the story of many sailors.

The peace of nature is the only place I feel free. And I don’t mean “nature” like a state park with rules, camping regulations, and police. The sea is the last frontier where a man can live free from the strangle of government, and I’ve made it my home. With “The Minimalist Sailor” I hope to share my knowledge so men with little financial means have the option to pursue this wonderfully simple and rewarding life-style, regardless of the demands of western society. I’m sure as technology advances all sailors will be regulated as land people one day and freedom will only exist in books, films, and stories of lifetimes passed. Man I’m grateful to be here now!

My only fear is lightning. Carla and I watch the squalls roll by just missing us to the North or South. Last night we took one head on and sat through a few hours of lightning striking all around and overhead, it’s so beautiful to watch. I have to set my fear of losing my electronics aside and just enjoy the show. “Perhaps I meant to live with even less” is the question that rolls through my mind? Carla is a trooper, “we don’t really need the refrigerator, I’ll can food, we’ll be fine”.

A catamaran was hit badly last week causing tens of thousands in electronic damage. However the nighttime thunder storms are so beautiful to watch. I find them hypnotic as I stare at them for hours on end from the hammock. If I had the power I would not ask them to leave as I have faith in my path. I must say, as opposed as I am to government and religion I’m equally as spiritual. When the squalls blow hardest I like to sit on the foredeck letting the rain sting my cold skin. Perhaps I’m a bit off but I feel so alive and close to nature exposed in the middle of a violent squall. Even back in the day I enjoyed driving down the highway in my topless jeep with the windshield down exposed to the rain, wind, and cold. Cars would zoom past shaking their head, “he doesn’t even know well enough to get out of the rain” I LOVE IT! I am a true anarchist at my center! Before you judge that statement, know its meaning.

My life has finally slowed to a pace I can manage one again. I’m in the groove, have my MOJO back if you know what I mean. Once again I am the Zen master of my world!

I know there are a few out there interested in spending a week or so on Splendid. I have time from now through November, and yes there is sunshine too. In November Carla and I are going to Patagonia.

After November I’m planning on either going through the Panama Canal and venturing to the Pacific, or crossing the Atlantic after releasing “The Minimalist Sailor”. I miss the simplicity of the open ocean and adventure of new ports. I know Carla is looking forward to this too. I can easily say I could spend the rest of my life in the San Blas, but I don’t think it’s true. I’m either going to guide Splendid North of the coconut milk run across the pacific, or set my sights on the Gambia river in Africa. I’ve also been thinking of Hawaii, Alaska, the inside passage, and back down to Panama. Splendid’s path will become more clear as time shortens. I forget who said it but, “The best navigators only know their destination once they have arrived”.

Man I love steel cut oatmeal Anyway, my coffee is empty, and it’s time to venture to the cockpit to contemplate my day.

The only difference between a dream and reality is action, make it so!

Peace, Love, and Coconuts.

alex