The beginning

Neophyte sails to New Zealand
My computer dictionary defines “neophyte” as “a person who is new to a subject or skill”. I chose that name for my blog because I am both new to blogging and new to sailing - the subject of this blog.
This adventure started on land about five years ago when I began to realize for the first time that I was not going to live forever. What a concept!
My second realization was that most of my generation had it wrong. We were supposed to work until retirement and then have fun - and for most it was too late by then. The current “X” ers, or whatever the twenty and thirty somethings are called, have it right. Enjoy life as it goes when you are still young and healthy enough to get the most out of it. So I decided to join the X generation.
It’s not that I have had a boring life. I have had a very fulfilling business career that allowed me to travel the world; but there were still a few places I wanted to go and I wanted to live some of the adventures I had read about for years in National Geographic.
made a list and in the past four years, I hiked in Alaska, climbed the Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu and hiked in Patagonia. All wonderful and exciting venues. That left only three essential things on my list: China, New Zealand and South Dakota.
Thanks to Tim, in a week or so, I will be headed for New Zealand aboard the Southern Star, a comfortable and safe 45’ Island Packet owned and captained by Mark who is a careful and accomplished sailor. I have prepared myself with sailing lessons and a ham radio license. My only fear is the sun and I have UV block clothing, lotions and hats so if I don’t do anything foolish, I should be all set.
So, let the games begin and let’s get on with the adventure.