Airfare is purchased

I was finally able to purchase my airline tickets today. I made the booking last week but it took them until today to process the ticketing confirmation. I used Vayama.com to purchase the tickets. They're a new website that's still in beta and launched April 2007 and given my experience with launching new websites, I'll cut them some slack. I originally found Orbitz.com to be the cheapest, but Vayama.com came in $400 cheaper for the same flight. Except for the aforementioned delay, this is a pretty decent service at the best price and their customer service was very patient with my once-a-day phone calls.



Hugh and John have been working hard prepping the boat. This is a picture of it supported by slings connected to a travel lift to move it out of dry dock and back into the water! (For a sense of the scale, that's Hugh in the picture!)

The Sell-Off is Complete! Almost...

Woo hoo! I've officially sold anything that could be of interest to anyone else. All except for this damn couch. I thought for sure this thing would instantly sell. Maybe I'm the only one that's interested in it.


Here it is on craigslist.

The Sell-Off Continued...

This is going well. Surprisingly well. I'm ahead of schedule, I've made a little cash, and have met some very interesting people. Meeting all these interesting buyers through this selling process has been exciting. I haven't even left Portland and my eyes are already opening. I can't help but think of all the interesting people I've yet to meet. Who will I meet in Mauritius or Durban? Who's waiting for me in Namibia? It's only 41 days until I leave to find out.


I've also learned a lot about marketing and gender demographics. I guarantee if you're trying to sell a cell phone, the majority of your inquiries will be from foreign males. If you're selling furniture, expect to hear from white females. Not kidding.


The car has sold. Oh my phucking god the car has sold. This is a HUGE stress lifted off my shoulders. Shawna, if you're reading this, thanks, and enjoy it.







This is the best couch ever. I bought it because it reminded me of a couch my grandma had in her house, then she gave it to my parents and we had it in our house for a while. Not really sure what happened to that old one, but this one is readily available on craigslist.





Next is my bike. Her and I have had some wild rides together. I can't say anymore else I fear I'll get teary eyed. Yes, the helmet, lock, and lights are included. I'm such a salesman. Also available on craigslist.









A folding chair. Great for camping! $10



















Here's an awesome set of TV dinner trays. TV optional. $40













Here's a nice, clean, two slot toaster. $5













Here's a neat little desk lamp. $5













Dan, you'll remember this old sewing table! Good times. $20

















Here's a trusty computer printer. $20

















Vintage JVC RX-8V Computer Controlled Stereo Receiver - $50. It's the one on top in the pic. DVD player already spoken for.

















Speaker Set - 100 watt 5.1 Surround & Kenwood JL-940W 150 watt towers - $50

The Sell-Off Begins

Last week I got my finances in order, this week I'm beginning to sell all my stuff. I feel like a walking salesman. I'm constantly tuned in, seeking out a possible sale. Need a desk? I have it, yes, it has plenty of room for a computer screen. A car? I have a nice blue one you'd look great in.


I'm going to leverage this space and this posting to list some of the more exciting items I have for sale. Boy, this sure is exhausting.





The car...I just bought it December, '06. It's in excellent shape. Here it is on craigslist. So sad, I love that car. You'd look great in it.







This is the best couch ever. I bought it because it reminded me of a couch my grandma had in her house, then she gave it to my parents and we had it in our house for a while. Not really sure what happened to that old one, but this one is readily available on craigslist.





Next is my bike. Her and I have had some wild rides together. I can't say anymore else I fear I'll get teary eyed. Yes, the helmet, lock, and lights are included. I'm such a salesman. Also available on craigslist.




Everything else after this seems too lame to post here. I'll just provide links to the listings on craigslist as I post them.


My TV. I sure am going to miss watching The Simpsons.


Here's a really neat cell phone that I bought and never used. Golly.


More items to come.

It's Happening

A sailing trip for the next two years of my life.

It's been 6 days since I made the decision to embark on this adventure. This week has mostly been number crunching and putting my finances on paper. Even though it's been about a week, today is the first day I "felt" what I am about to be doing. Understanding it is a long ways away.

Today I created a map of the currently known route. I'll be referring to this map in this blog and adding new locations as we go.

I've also begun the process of selling everything I own that is unnecessary for a successful voyage. It's so strange knowing that soon I'll no longer need a couch, chair, my bed. These things have been in my life for years, now all I really need is food, health, water, and wind.