Hello Amanda. I’m a retired Peace Officer and I do crave my own solitude. I am able to easily enjoy my own company. When I was on the job here in Northern Alberta I purchased a motor vessel on the Sunshine Coast. I dearly miss “Midnight Sun” it was a stress reliever for me and I was able to slow my life down for a period , renergize and then return to work. Thankyou for reminding me that life is very short and that opportunities should be taken not missed. Thankyou for your wonderful videos.
Hi John, there is nothing better, for people like us, than solitude :). It is super important to slow your life down, even if it's just once in awhile. I hope you are finding alternative ways to do that in Alberta :) (i am sure you are!)
As a recent subscriber, I was going backwards from most recent, but thought I would start at the beginning going forward. I totally can relate to being introverted, seeking solace and freedom. Sometimes, I wish I had what you have but also realize there are aspects of my personality that require me to be around people, cafes, and the urban environment. Alas, to each their own, and glad you are living the life that makes you happiest!
I'm almost 50, wish I had thought of this living aboard lifestyle sooner. I'm so going to savor the solitude. Great video. I'm sold... just have to figure out the online work thing.
love the simplicity of this channel. i haven't sailed an inch in my life but i follow about half a dozen sailing channels and this one has really piqued my interest. great music, easy content. i think this is the 3rd episode of yours i've watched. so far it's been a great experience. so....thnx a lot.
Thank you for your videos. I really like the beginning of some of these channels. The content is somewhat pure, and not as polished as I guess some people prefer maybe it’s like the new musician that you listen to! I agree with good comments that have been made! Good health to you, success in your art of life as you see it!
Hi Amanda , I just recently found your wonderful program , as a landlocked old man ,I love the peace and music you share with us , rock on ladie . Thankyou
@@AmandaOffGrid Hi Amanda , I also am always alone , never lonely .Please keep your program coming , I’ve found peace and beauty in your story . Thankyou .
Love your list! Lived aboard for many years, but at a dock, not at anchor. So many wonderful things about the lifestyle to truly enjoy! Really enjoying your channel!
Hi Amanda! Thank you for sharing another fantastic video and the pros & cons of live aboard life. There’s nothing more than I would love right now then to be able to just slow things right down. I’m so happy you found the perfect way to do that for yourself 💛⛵️
ha... i feel like the adventure has decreased quite a lot since coming to live on land, but it's what Buttercup needs in her old age :)! thanks again, Carol for watching :)!
thanks so much for this video! we're seriously considering selling up and diving in to the liveaboard lifestyle ... even though we know nothing about boats! so it'll be an older >50ft trawler/similar and, at least to start, it'll be at a marina on the island. the idea of being debt-free as we get more "snow on the roof" is compelling. (just discovered your channel a few days ago, am working my way through your videos from the start so haven't seen any recent ones yet... have you considered starlink for your internet?)
good for you!! before you buy find your liveaboard moorage for the size of boat you want. it’s can be tough to find! StarLink only just recently came out with their RV version that you can use on a boat. i’m on land in the Broughtons for the next wee bit, but when i get back on the boat that’s my plan 😊.
Hi Amanda, I just watched this video, again I love it andI love your lifestyle. I live in Cambridge UK, and it could not be further from the serenity of how you live. BC looks so beautiful compared to dreary UK.
Awesome and informative video, well done Amanda! Having been a liveaboard for 7 years I wholeheartedly agree with your points although I have to admit we are in a marina with full facilities so don’t suffer from a couple of the drawbacks. Have you considered a water maker? There are several videos on how to make your own for significant savings.
I am glad you enjoyed the video. Funny, I was looking at water makers online today :)! It's definitely on my list of things to get - even if it's just so I can shower!
Amanda, can you video the removal of your tank and adding your new compost and how it works also any other upgrades and repairs to your sailboat. Thanks John
hi John… unfortunately that tank was removed already. it was a messy smelly job. the person that helped me do it didn’t want to be filmed. i still haven’t gotten a composting toilet, but when i do i’ll film that 😊.
Hallelujah sister I live on my boat too and believe me I get my judgment too I had five homes of course I rented all of them out but I don't have no more All I have is my little boat and I love my life
Hi Amada , Im an introvert ,so I relate to solitude. ... Im envious of your lifestyle , just kidding. But boy oh boy do I wish I had been brave enough to live a life of boating. At 69 its too late, but I do spent time in "The Thousand Island region" at Alexandia Bay Ny. / Canada for the past 17 summers and last winter (On Shore ) ..... Thinking of you kiddo stay well.
Great Amanda Yeah!! Solitude,nature you can relate to feel at home with. A room full of people all talking over each other you feel isolated !!!! Its true. Where are your fishing rods Great halibut,salmon,crab,shrimp lol
Perfect! I just love you and Buttercup. Our Newfoundland, Kya, looks exactly like her, they are twins. Don't you just love the breed? They are so awesome -- kind, gentle, soulful and such great friends. I'm glad you have each other Amanda. We want to cruise with her but aren't sure how that would go and we are watching your channel CLOSELY. Very interested in life aboard with a giant breed. Take care!
Hi! Kya is 3 But she’s never been sailing yet. We are members of the sailing club and sale a Beneto 35 but we are not allowed to take animals on board so we can’t try it out yet. Thinking about sailing for retirement and have been wondering about the pros and cons of sailing with a Newfoundland and we found your channel! We will certainly be following and just love the fact that you are cruising with Buttercup. We would love to see a boat tour of your boat someday and the accommodations you have for her. I think you are lucky you get to go to land quite a bit with her.
Well, with Butter there aren't really any cons. She is good on the boat and she loves it. I think the key would be to get Kya used to it :). If I had to give you a con it would be Newfie hair in the bilge. I have to clean that out regularly as I wouldn't want that to get clogged. You would definitely need a boat with a walk-through transom and stairs that aren't too steep from the cockpit to the cabin. I do plan on doing a boat tour, but that will likely be this summer and I also plan on doing a "Liveaboard life with a big dog" video as well :). With 2 humans and a Newf you'd probably need a bigger boat than I have - ha!
Told you I wasn't very youtube savvy 🙄 Anyway, here ya go... I spend my evenings watching UA-cam videos (like yours) and researching various boat related things. If you ever want to chat with someone who has common interests I'd be thrilled to do that, just let me know. Kind regards, Doug
Thanks for your video and sharing your best and worse live aboard choices. Helpful to hear from someone living this lifestyle. I appreciate your openness and honesty. I am not sure if I could live aboard full time but I sure like to be on a boat. Have you ever considered the pump shower option? I have seen these used by boaters and vanlifers.
Hi Mary! Thank you for watching the video. I do have a rechargeable shower head/pump kinda thing that I bought off Amazon. It's easily charged using my solar power. It's great and I really I love it (I'll pop the link in the description). I use it mostly to wash my hair in the sink. The challenge with showers is really more about access to water than anything. Many places in BC limit how much water you can take, especially in the summer time. In the Gulf Islands and the islands up north here fuel barges/marinas often won't allow you to fill your tanks b/c of summer water shortages - they save everything for the locals. If they do allow you to put some water in your tanks they will give you a time limit to get as much water as you can. It usually doesn't exceed 10 minutes.
Amanda, that was a nice summary of the pros and cons of live-aboard life. One question - What was the piece of music you selected to accompany your video? It was a perfect choice.
Great videos Amanda! When do you head out into the open waters? Do you know where you are going yet? I bet there are thousands of neat places to visit along the BC coast. Cheers!
Hello Amanda Just watched two of your Videos and your Living the Life of NO STRESS and HAPPINESS. .. Thats Amazing and more people should do the same... Question : Do you have a Portfolio of your Websites. Want to create a few... Suggestion : If you haven't made a video already. Telling everyone about your Web Design business. It cannot hurt. (If you have one please send me link) Yasoo Peter the Greek
Hi Peter, I do not have a portfolio per se as everything I get is word of mouth. One of my most recent projects is fknbeer.ca - branding, logo, website (shameless plug!). Thank you for watching a couple of my videos :)!
Hi Dakota :). On a whim in my 20's I took a few sailing lessons with a friend, but to be honest by the time I started sailing I didn't remember any of what I learned - ha! Many years after that a friend was selling his half of a 27' sailboat and I decided to buy it. I didn't live on that boat, but I realized more and more I didn't want to be away from it, so I was at the marina, on the boat, all the time! I had a few friends that would take me out for the first little bit and showed me the basics of operating it (not sailing). The first time I took it out by myself I almost vomited with fear (not joking). It took me 3 hours to leave the dock. I would start to go and would chicken out. Eventually I found the nerve and left the dock - it was leaving the dock and docking that scared me the most. Every time I went out it got easier and easier :). I eventually sold my first boat and bought the one I have now, moved onto it full time and the rest is history :).
@@AmandaOffGrid wow that’s very inspiring thanks for sharing! I know nothing about boats or sailing but what an adventure you live! I listened in another video you said you had cancer years ago. I’m sorry about my that my mom had breast cancer. It would be interesting to hear more of your story in a separate video. Have a blessed day!
Did you have a lot of experience with boats when you started this lifestyle? Was there an emotional transition for you (I'm currently experiencing this in my rvlife and wonder if you experienced it also or if it was not like that for you?)
yes and no. in my 20's i took 3 levels of sailing at the local sailing and yacht clubs, but it was 95% theory more than actually getting out onto the water. i eventually purchased a share in a sailboat and started going out on my own - it was super scary at first, but i gained confidence the more i went out :). honestly, i don't think the 3 course levels were really necessary. i think if i had just bought my share into the boat without those lessons it wouldn't have made a difference in my progress :). it was emotional when i sold my apartment in Vancouver. when i signed the papers i was in tears, but i still knew it was the right decision for me :).
Ok some may find my response a little long winded, which is ok, just move on. Given I’ve spent the last few days cruising our beautiful waters, developing a love hate relationship with the wind I’m going to indulge myself with a long sililoquy on your thoughts. First a clarification for you. Back when BC joined confederation all land, including land covered by water, was titled to the Province, with the exception of major harbours. As major harbours was too ambiguous in the mid 1020’ the Feds and the province identified six major harbours, Vancouver, New Westminster, Victoria, Esquimalt and a couple of others. Those harbours are still owned by the Feds which is why there is that unique agreement for false creek. The province can assign operational authority to a municipality for land, including land covered by water. The municipality can impose regulations over this land through their zoning bylaws, and several have done just that. Yes there are multiple overlapping regulatory authorities between the Feds, the province and municipalities, which have become a nightmare for the courts to unravel. See The Gorge decision for the most comprehensive judgement about anchoring and living aboard. It’s a fascinating read. Bottom line free anchorage for an unlimited term is not a right. There are conditions. Nuff said about that. I agree with your thoughts about living aboard, mostly. I don’t feel stigmatized by being a live aboard. This was something I wanted to do for a very long time. When I retired the opportunity was there. When I sold my house and all of my possessions that wouldn’t fit in my suv I told my friends and family this will either be the dumbest thing I’ve ever done or the beginning of a terrific adventure. So far it’s looking good. I have one friend who would be homeless without his boat. He gained ownership through the receiver for wrecks when he salvaged a Catalina 30 off the beach and eventually turned it into a very capable vessel. I have another friend who just spent a half million on his yacht he will be moving on board very soon. So like you said this is a viable alternative lifestyle for those willing to minimize some of what they have been used too. That said it is getting harder to find places to dock or anchor our homes for the long term. I’m lucky I have a slip in a live aboard friendly marina that I can afford. Don’t ask where cuz they are not taking any more live aboards. Municipal zoning regulation. I like your other points both for and against. I would add one more thing I miss, space. My boat is a 32 and space is a valuable commodity. In order to use one thing I might have to move six others. There is never enough space. Well I’m glad I got that out of my system. Now I’m going to cook dinner and later have a beer on the foredeck while enjoying the sunset. Yeah this is not so bad.
That is one thing I do not miss... space. I love a small space myself. See, everyone is different and will have their own worst/best for sure! I do want to clarify that I currently don't feel stigmatized, but when I first moved onto my boat, living downtown Vancouver, it was tough, as the liveaboard lifestyle is looked down upon both by the City and the people living around False Creek (mostly individuals who are not nor ever have been a part of any type of marine community). Don't worry, I won't ask about dock space :). I lived at a dock for slightly over 6 years, and would not want to go back to the dock life - too many people (ha! ha!). I am 100% content to stay off-grid. Thank you for your comment and enjoy your beer!
@@AmandaOffGrid wow ! I never would have guessed that. I am 66. My husband and I thought you might be in your early 40’s. Living the good life has so many rewards. You are so inspiring. Stay safe.
Hello Amanda. I’m a retired Peace Officer and I do crave my own solitude. I am able to easily enjoy my own company. When I was on the job here in Northern Alberta I purchased a motor vessel on the Sunshine Coast. I dearly miss “Midnight Sun” it was a stress reliever for me and I was able to slow my life down for a period , renergize and then return to work. Thankyou for reminding me that life is very short and that opportunities should be taken not missed. Thankyou for your wonderful videos.
Hi John, there is nothing better, for people like us, than solitude :). It is super important to slow your life down, even if it's just once in awhile. I hope you are finding alternative ways to do that in Alberta :) (i am sure you are!)
As a recent subscriber, I was going backwards from most recent, but thought I would start at the beginning going forward. I totally can relate to being introverted, seeking solace and freedom. Sometimes, I wish I had what you have but also realize there are aspects of my personality that require me to be around people, cafes, and the urban environment. Alas, to each their own, and glad you are living the life that makes you happiest!
I'm almost 50, wish I had thought of this living aboard lifestyle sooner. I'm so going to savor the solitude. Great video. I'm sold... just have to figure out the online work thing.
I like your 5 pro’s and con’s. Freedom being an important aspect with not to many people around. Only a dog or two. ☯
freedom is definitely a very big pro!!
Prayers of peace and comfort ❤️🙏🏻🌈🕊💯
love the simplicity of this channel.
i haven't sailed an inch in my life but i follow about half a dozen sailing channels and this one has really piqued my interest. great music, easy content. i think this is the 3rd episode of yours i've watched. so far it's been a great experience.
so....thnx a lot.
Hi there Amanda and Buttercup .....Simply Wonderful !!!!
Many Thanks !!!!
Thom Mack and Ginger Dog !!!
thank you 😊 😊!!
Freedom!!!! I totally get it. Great life for you and Butter.
yes, freedom is everything to me :)... and i'm sure so many other people :)
Thank you for your videos. I really like the beginning of some of these channels. The content is somewhat pure, and not as polished as I guess some people prefer maybe it’s like the new musician that you listen to!
I agree with good comments that have been made! Good health to you, success in your art of life as you see it!
Hi Amanda , I just recently found your wonderful program , as a landlocked old man ,I love the peace and music you share with us , rock on ladie . Thankyou
Hello again Robert, I am so glad you enjoy the videos :)!
@@AmandaOffGrid Hi Amanda , I also am always alone , never lonely .Please keep your program coming , I’ve found peace and beauty in your story . Thankyou .
Love your list! Lived aboard for many years, but at a dock, not at anchor. So many wonderful things about the lifestyle to truly enjoy! Really enjoying your channel!
i loved living aboard... i'll go back to it someday :)
👍 haha, funny you said it's made you a more calm person. I said that on a comment before I heard this. It shows how peaceful you seem.
a few people commented how relaxed my videos were on the boat - ha 😊
5th best is my favourite! May be some day I will be able to do the same!
Thank you.
Hi Amanda! Thank you for sharing another fantastic video and the pros & cons of live aboard life. There’s nothing more than I would love right now then to be able to just slow things right down. I’m so happy you found the perfect way to do that for yourself 💛⛵️
♡ ♥💕❤
Not too savvy with this UA-cam stuff, did you get my post on your blog?
@@dougsmith5988 hi there, i don't believe i have commenting turned on on my blog... :(
Love you girl. Miss you too. Proud of you, takes a lot of courage to do what you have done. Hugs and love to you and Buttercup. ❤️
♡ ♥💕❤
A great life with great adventures.
You are truly blessed to have found this life for yourself.
ha... i feel like the adventure has decreased quite a lot since coming to live on land, but it's what Buttercup needs in her old age :)! thanks again, Carol for watching :)!
thanks so much for this video! we're seriously considering selling up and diving in to the liveaboard lifestyle ... even though we know nothing about boats! so it'll be an older >50ft trawler/similar and, at least to start, it'll be at a marina on the island. the idea of being debt-free as we get more "snow on the roof" is compelling. (just discovered your channel a few days ago, am working my way through your videos from the start so haven't seen any recent ones yet... have you considered starlink for your internet?)
good for you!! before you buy find your liveaboard moorage for the size of boat you want. it’s can be tough to find! StarLink only just recently came out with their RV version that you can use on a boat. i’m on land in the Broughtons for the next wee bit, but when i get back on the boat that’s my plan 😊.
Hi Amanda, I just watched this video, again I love it andI love your lifestyle. I live in Cambridge UK, and it could not be further from the serenity of how you live. BC looks so beautiful compared to dreary UK.
You could get yourself a narrow boat :)!!
Awesome and informative video, well done Amanda! Having been a liveaboard for 7 years I wholeheartedly agree with your points although I have to admit we are in a marina with full facilities so don’t suffer from a couple of the drawbacks. Have you considered a water maker? There are several videos on how to make your own for significant savings.
I am glad you enjoyed the video. Funny, I was looking at water makers online today :)! It's definitely on my list of things to get - even if it's just so I can shower!
I just found the photos of you and Buttercup at Telergraph harbour 2016
I was there with the Tollycraft rendezvous
Amanda, can you video the removal of your tank and adding your new compost and how it works also any other upgrades and repairs to your sailboat. Thanks John
hi John… unfortunately that tank was removed already. it was a messy smelly job. the person that helped me do it didn’t want to be filmed. i still haven’t gotten a composting toilet, but when i do i’ll film that 😊.
Man the talk on your freedom makes me want to get a boat and take off! With Hudson and Shelley of course lol
haha!! i bet they would love it 😊😊
Hallelujah sister I live on my boat too and believe me I get my judgment too I had five homes of course I rented all of them out but I don't have no more All I have is my little boat and I love my life
that’s amazing! i am with you on loving this life!
Hi Amada , Im an introvert ,so I relate to solitude. ... Im envious of your lifestyle , just kidding. But boy oh boy do I wish I had been brave enough to live a life of boating. At 69 its too late, but I do spent time in "The Thousand Island region" at Alexandia Bay Ny. / Canada for the past 17 summers and last winter (On Shore ) ..... Thinking of you kiddo stay well.
Nothing wrong with staying on shore :). Boating is fun... definitely good for introverts, but some times it is crazy scary :)!
Great Amanda
Yeah!! Solitude,nature you can relate to feel at home with.
A room full of people all talking over each other you feel isolated !!!! Its true.
Where are your fishing rods
Great halibut,salmon,crab,shrimp lol
Hi Gary. I'm embarrassed to admit I don't fish from my sailboat. Yikes! I really need to start.
@@AmandaOffGrid Yeah!!
You must Amanda its adictive lol
Look forward to seeing you both soon ⚘
Perfect! I just love you and Buttercup. Our Newfoundland, Kya, looks exactly like her, they are twins. Don't you just love the breed? They are so awesome -- kind, gentle, soulful and such great friends. I'm glad you have each other Amanda. We want to cruise with her but aren't sure how that would go and we are watching your channel CLOSELY. Very interested in life aboard with a giant breed. Take care!
I do love Newfies! How old is Kya? Buttercup started sailing when she was 2 years old. I think getting them on the water early makes things easier.
Hi! Kya is 3 But she’s never been sailing yet. We are members of the sailing club and sale a Beneto 35 but we are not allowed to take animals on board so we can’t try it out yet. Thinking about sailing for retirement and have been wondering about the pros and cons of sailing with a Newfoundland and we found your channel! We will certainly be following and just love the fact that you are cruising with Buttercup. We would love to see a boat tour of your boat someday and the accommodations you have for her. I think you are lucky you get to go to land quite a bit with her.
Well, with Butter there aren't really any cons. She is good on the boat and she loves it. I think the key would be to get Kya used to it :). If I had to give you a con it would be Newfie hair in the bilge. I have to clean that out regularly as I wouldn't want that to get clogged. You would definitely need a boat with a walk-through transom and stairs that aren't too steep from the cockpit to the cabin. I do plan on doing a boat tour, but that will likely be this summer and I also plan on doing a "Liveaboard life with a big dog" video as well :). With 2 humans and a Newf you'd probably need a bigger boat than I have - ha!
Amanda great video again ❤️ we love your lifestyle and how it makes you feel. So important! Give Buttercup a big hug from us 😁😁🐾
Thank you :)!! Soon you'll be out there!!! Maybe one day you'll sail here. I am pretty sure your boat could handle it :)!
Told you I wasn't very youtube savvy 🙄
Anyway, here ya go...
I spend my evenings watching UA-cam videos (like yours) and researching various boat related things. If you ever want to chat with someone who has common interests I'd be thrilled to do that, just let me know.
Kind regards,
Doug
Thanks for your video and sharing your best and worse live aboard choices. Helpful to hear from someone living this lifestyle. I appreciate your openness and honesty. I am not sure if I could live aboard full time but I sure like to be on a boat. Have you ever considered the pump shower option? I have seen these used by boaters and vanlifers.
Hi Mary! Thank you for watching the video. I do have a rechargeable shower head/pump kinda thing that I bought off Amazon. It's easily charged using my solar power. It's great and I really I love it (I'll pop the link in the description). I use it mostly to wash my hair in the sink. The challenge with showers is really more about access to water than anything. Many places in BC limit how much water you can take, especially in the summer time. In the Gulf Islands and the islands up north here fuel barges/marinas often won't allow you to fill your tanks b/c of summer water shortages - they save everything for the locals. If they do allow you to put some water in your tanks they will give you a time limit to get as much water as you can. It usually doesn't exceed 10 minutes.
Amanda, that was a nice summary of the pros and cons of live-aboard life. One question - What was the piece of music you selected to accompany your video? It was a perfect choice.
Thanks :)! I got that tune from the UA-cam Audio Library. It's called "Wave in the Atmosphere" by Dan Lebowitz
@@AmandaOffGrid Amanda many thanks for your prompt reply! ⚓️
Great videos Amanda! When do you head out into the open waters? Do you know where you are going yet? I bet there are thousands of neat places to visit along the BC coast. Cheers!
Pretty soon... exact date isn't set. I'll be staying north for the summer... I hope to explore a few places I've never been before!
awesome content. Would you consider living in warmer water? If so, where would it be?
i don’t think so. living aboard/ off grid can be tough in the winter, but i love the change of seasons. i think i’d miss it!
Hello Amanda
Just watched two of your Videos and your Living the Life of NO STRESS and HAPPINESS. .. Thats Amazing and more people should do the same...
Question : Do you have a Portfolio of your Websites. Want to create a few...
Suggestion : If you haven't made a video already. Telling everyone about your Web Design business. It cannot hurt.
(If you have one please send me link)
Yasoo
Peter the Greek
Hi Peter, I do not have a portfolio per se as everything I get is word of mouth. One of my most recent projects is fknbeer.ca - branding, logo, website (shameless plug!). Thank you for watching a couple of my videos :)!
That’s great thanks for sharing! How did you start living on a boat? How did you learn how to use and operate it?
Hi Dakota :). On a whim in my 20's I took a few sailing lessons with a friend, but to be honest by the time I started sailing I didn't remember any of what I learned - ha! Many years after that a friend was selling his half of a 27' sailboat and I decided to buy it. I didn't live on that boat, but I realized more and more I didn't want to be away from it, so I was at the marina, on the boat, all the time! I had a few friends that would take me out for the first little bit and showed me the basics of operating it (not sailing). The first time I took it out by myself I almost vomited with fear (not joking). It took me 3 hours to leave the dock. I would start to go and would chicken out. Eventually I found the nerve and left the dock - it was leaving the dock and docking that scared me the most. Every time I went out it got easier and easier :). I eventually sold my first boat and bought the one I have now, moved onto it full time and the rest is history :).
@@AmandaOffGrid wow that’s very inspiring thanks for sharing! I know nothing about boats or sailing but what an adventure you live! I listened in another video you said you had cancer years ago. I’m sorry about my that my mom had breast cancer. It would be interesting to hear more of your story in a separate video. Have a blessed day!
Hi Amanda you are a great person .Keep up the good work that you are doing.Helena's mom Pat.✌🐶😘My dog Daisy. And Ali😎
Hello, nice to sorta meet you - haha! Thank you so so much!!!
That was great! It is a wonderful lifestyle!
Indeed it is :)!
❤️
Did you have a lot of experience with boats when you started this lifestyle? Was there an emotional transition for you (I'm currently experiencing this in my rvlife and wonder if you experienced it also or if it was not like that for you?)
yes and no. in my 20's i took 3 levels of sailing at the local sailing and yacht clubs, but it was 95% theory more than actually getting out onto the water. i eventually purchased a share in a sailboat and started going out on my own - it was super scary at first, but i gained confidence the more i went out :). honestly, i don't think the 3 course levels were really necessary. i think if i had just bought my share into the boat without those lessons it wouldn't have made a difference in my progress :). it was emotional when i sold my apartment in Vancouver. when i signed the papers i was in tears, but i still knew it was the right decision for me :).
Sorry I am forgetting my maners...Happy New Year!!
Do you get charged to mooring up to a buoy Amanda ?
Ok some may find my response a little long winded, which is ok, just move on. Given I’ve spent the last few days cruising our beautiful waters, developing a love hate relationship with the wind I’m going to indulge myself with a long sililoquy on your thoughts.
First a clarification for you. Back when BC joined confederation all land, including land covered by water, was titled to the Province, with the exception of major harbours. As major harbours was too ambiguous in the mid 1020’ the Feds and the province identified six major harbours, Vancouver, New Westminster, Victoria, Esquimalt and a couple of others. Those harbours are still owned by the Feds which is why there is that unique agreement for false creek. The province can assign operational authority to a municipality for land, including land covered by water. The municipality can impose regulations over this land through their zoning bylaws, and several have done just that.
Yes there are multiple overlapping regulatory authorities between the Feds, the province and municipalities, which have become a nightmare for the courts to unravel. See The Gorge decision for the most comprehensive judgement about anchoring and living aboard. It’s a fascinating read. Bottom line free anchorage for an unlimited term is not a right. There are conditions.
Nuff said about that. I agree with your thoughts about living aboard, mostly. I don’t feel stigmatized by being a live aboard. This was something I wanted to do for a very long time. When I retired the opportunity was there. When I sold my house and all of my possessions that wouldn’t fit in my suv I told my friends and family this will either be the dumbest thing I’ve ever done or the beginning of a terrific adventure. So far it’s looking good.
I have one friend who would be homeless without his boat. He gained ownership through the receiver for wrecks when he salvaged a Catalina 30 off the beach and eventually turned it into a very capable vessel. I have another friend who just spent a half million on his yacht he will be moving on board very soon. So like you said this is a viable alternative lifestyle for those willing to minimize some of what they have been used too. That said it is getting harder to find places to dock or anchor our homes for the long term. I’m lucky I have a slip in a live aboard friendly marina that I can afford. Don’t ask where cuz they are not taking any more live aboards. Municipal zoning regulation.
I like your other points both for and against. I would add one more thing I miss, space. My boat is a 32 and space is a valuable commodity. In order to use one thing I might have to move six others. There is never enough space.
Well I’m glad I got that out of my system. Now I’m going to cook dinner and later have a beer on the foredeck while enjoying the sunset. Yeah this is not so bad.
That is one thing I do not miss... space. I love a small space myself. See, everyone is different and will have their own worst/best for sure! I do want to clarify that I currently don't feel stigmatized, but when I first moved onto my boat, living downtown Vancouver, it was tough, as the liveaboard lifestyle is looked down upon both by the City and the people living around False Creek (mostly individuals who are not nor ever have been a part of any type of marine community). Don't worry, I won't ask about dock space :). I lived at a dock for slightly over 6 years, and would not want to go back to the dock life - too many people (ha! ha!). I am 100% content to stay off-grid. Thank you for your comment and enjoy your beer!
@@AmandaOffGrid The beer was good, the sunset was better.
You look so young but have done so much with your life. How old are you?
i am 54 🙂.
@@AmandaOffGrid wow ! I never would have guessed that. I am 66. My husband and I thought you might be in your early 40’s. Living the good life has so many rewards. You are so inspiring. Stay safe.
well in that video i think i had just turned 50 maybe 😊, so i was younger!
One tough woman...
haha!! i don’t know about that!! i really just love being on the ocean... i love every minute of it...
I wish Daddy was there to work with you❤❤❤
This video is so fake. As if Butter would just immediately hop onto the dinghy without five minutes of cajoling.
She loves her dinghy rides almost as much as she loves her car rides :)!
LOL