Sailing…
It’s not far down to paradise
At least it’s not for me
And if the wind is right you can sail away
And find tranquility
The canvas can do miracles
Just you wait and see
Believe me
Christopher Cross was right. He realized that living on the west coast offers amazingly-vast expanses of deep blue seas directly to our west. Dawn or dusk, it’s a mammoth space of silky colors and textures.
Perched atop Mt. Whitney’s 14,495’ Eastern High Sierra summit, gazing down at the Owens Valley and Death Valley in the disappearing distance, offers another big sky western view.
Whether I’ve got the surf’s sand in my toes, or perched two miles up in the High Sierra, California offers as idyllic a perspective on life as one can find, and there’s a reason why: it’s a land of contrasts.
Growing up in Mammoth Lakes, CA – home of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area,
my connection with nature runs fathoms deep. You can take the boy out
of the mountains, but then he’ll just go sailing.
There’s a reason millions of people from around the globe have made California home. Most of us are looking for the same things. We value place – the beauty and tranquility of it.
In today’s hi-dense world, dwelling designers are challenged with
designing cities that are more crowded then ever. One answer is living
in smaller, more efficient, spaces. Others have chosen to escape land
altogether to live in floating spaces. In many ways, living aboard a
boat offers advantages that landlubber-living can’t match. So, prime
your bilge pump, here are my top 12 reasons why boat life works:
1) Water lapping against the hull – A mantra of white noise courtesy of Mother Earth.
2) Nature connected – The ocean holds more species than land by far. Make friends.
3) Room with a view – Sunrises and sunsets. Need I say more?
4) Un-wine’d anytime – You can’t beat a glass of great port in an any port.
5) Camaraderie of neighbors – Friendships made aboard make boat-life a Cheers bar.
6) Wander-lustful – Catalina Island today? Cabo next month. Go anywhere whenever.
7) Econ-friendly – A friend of mine lives on a boat down in the harbor for less than $800/month.
8) Downsize-able – Focus on the essentials, but never sacrifice comforts.
9) Age-less – Sea-living isn’t just for retirees, anymore. It works at every age.
10) Minimal clothing required – While aboard: shorts, a T-shirt, and a windbreaker – and you’re good. A suit for the downtown gala.
11) Smog-less – Clear air sanitized by 4000+ miles of crystal clear Pacific Ocean.
12) Stor-over-the-edge – Get ruthless with what you don’t need and you’ll find more joy than you ever imagined.
Small efficient housing comes in many forms – Take a minute to tell me and our readers about yours!
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Does living in a boat on a river count? Great post Matt, you inspire me to live simply, even in my 900 sf home. Perhaps I’ll build a treehouse in the yard to relate to the life of living tiny. (Not a 5 story one, though.
Came across your twitter account from following Tumbleweed. I have always wanted an Airstream. You did a great renovation. Now I see you have it up for sale. How much if don’t mind me asking? I also like all the cargo container renovations people are doing. Got any plans for a container home?
Yes, currently looking into various container type living projects. Will keep you updated!