We’ve faced plenty of challenges over the last seven years of living aboard, but one thing we’ve rarely had to do is spend time apart.
As a family, we’re together almost all the time. We sail together, work together, explore together and, for better or worse, navigate life’s ups and downs together too.
So standing beneath Holly Blue and saying goodbye to Ross wasn’t easy.
The original plan was always for us all to travel together, but as the logistics of moving our entire lives across countries became clearer, it has made far more sense for Ross to drive with the cats and as many of our belongings as we could fit into the car, whilst the boys and I flew ahead.
It was the practical decision.
It was also the harder one.
Watching him pull away from the boatyard with Ronnie and Mali onboard felt strangely emotional. Not because we were going our separate ways, but because it marked the end of a huge chapter of our lives and the beginning of another.
The boys took it particularly hard. After all, when you’ve spent seven years living in a floating home with someone, even a short separation can feel like a long one.
Thankfully, this goodbye isn’t forever.
At the end of Ross’s epic road trip, we’ll all be reunited again, ready to take on whatever comes next as a family.
Sometimes keeping a dream alive requires sacrifices. Sometimes the most sensible path isn’t the easiest one emotionally.
But if the last seven years have taught us anything, it’s that the best adventures rarely happen inside our comfort zones.
For now, Captain has two furry co-pilots riding shotgun, a car full of memories, and a very long road ahead of him.
We’ll see you at the other end, Cap. ❤️
Laura, Josh & Noah x