21st June 2018
As many of you will be aware, I haven’t posted anything on this site for some months.
The reasons are many and varied. Hopefully I’ll get an opportunity to explain at a later date.
I started this blog in 2007. Eleven years is a long time, change is constant.
This year so far the changes have mainly been unexpected and unwelcome.
I’ve learnt from sailing that when the wind blows constantly against you it’s necessary to change course.
Those adverse winds have been blowing strongly for months now.
So here’s where we’re at.
Gail and I have decided to move back ashore. We’re not yet ready (or able) to stay in one place, so we’re buying a 5th wheel caravan and pickup.
We’ll still be gypsies.
‘Gleda’ will have to be sold.
I’ve posted details on the Wharram Builders Forum HERE
I’ll be talking to Scott Brown brokerage shortly.
The sails have been trimmed, we’ve changed tack, now we’ll have to see how we get on.
Right now it’s difficult to be excited. I knew I’d have to do it someday but only a few weeks ago the thought hadn’t crossed my mind it’d be so soon.
But that’s life. We can only control what we can control and I’m taking as much control as I can.
For now I’ll say goodbye and thank you. It’s been a privilege sharing this chapter of my life with you.
Perhaps we’ll be able to share some different adventures down the track.
Best wishes to you.
Neil
Dear Neil, I am sorry to hear you are going to sell your lovely boat Glenda! You worked so hard on her. I hope that you will still be happy on land!
Trevor and I wish you you both all the best and I will miss reading your blogs! Even though I normally read them late! It is just getting the time to sit and enjoy them!
It turns out that my intuition was right: I thought that the recent long silence on the blog seemed ominous. What a decision, Neil.
As a long-term reader of your blog, and a fan of your books, I salute you for the inspiration that you have given me and many others.
Very best wishes at what must be a difficult time.
Please continue to write. You have that skill, among many others. Fair winds, my friend. I hope we meet one day. I owe you many a cold beer!
Hi Cornelia and Chris. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Don’t worry. Gail and I are fine. We’re all in the same boat aren’t we? It’s called life. It throws different challenges at us all in so many unexpected and sometimes unwelcome ways. I know you’ve had to face your own.
I’ll be back blowing and writing soon. The sun may be setting on my ‘Gleda’ project, but I’m not done yet. I’ll be staying foolish!
Thanks again and look after yourselves.
Neil- It has been exciting to see Gleda grow from wood frame in a barn in London to living boat in Spain. I hope you will continue writing and keep your online friends up to date on your’s and Gail’s adventures- on land or at sea. Best of luck with whatever is currently changing your direction and thank you for sharing so much here.
Hi Neil, I have only just discovered you and your project, fantastic achievements including your foolish but amazing adventure ..
I’m a few years older than you but can relate to do many of your experiences. I wish you well on the next leg of your journey, I would like you to know that you have been inspiring..
Kind Regards, Pete
No, No, No!!!!!!! You can’t sell Gleda – there must be another option. You’re dream has to succeed – or the rest of us will stop believing it can happen. A selfish thought I know, but you can’t let it happen. Can’t you charter her? Or offer holidays to would be gypsies (like me). Have just finishing reading your 2 book on the kindle, dreaming of what can happen, so please let the next chapter be a happy one.
Hi Neil, just got the news of you selling off Gleda. Marie and i are shocked to hear of this decision as we put you down to long long time sailors and were looking forward to catching up with you guys somewhere down the line. Good luck with your new adventure .
Sure would like to be the one to take over your adventure!