Christine and I are still working our way through our recent “difficult but clear” decision to send our beloved dog Ruby off on her final passage which you may have read about in my last update I posted here. We both want to say thanks to all of you who sent such kind thoughts in your comments, text messages, Emails and calls. All much appreciated and we are most grateful for bringing us even more memories of all our adventures and travels with Ruby the Wonderdog.
As the randomness of life would have it, it turns out this was just the warmup for us as we now find ourselves confronted with an even more “difficult but clear” decision to make which I will explain as best I can below.
I won’t bore you with too many of the details, but I have recently received confirmation that I have a rare condition called Ménière’s Disease that affects my inner ear and balance. In my case, the primary symptoms are sudden onset Vertigo which makes me dizzy and disoriented without any warning when I am moving around and increased tinnitus that has been ringing in my ears for many years. Currently, there is no cure or treatment for Ménière’s disease, and the symptoms are predicted to increase in frequency and severity over the coming years. We will just have to wait and see.
Right now, these random bouts of vertigo are not too frequent and only occur when I am moving around. The bigger problem is when I am unable to grab onto something, and I lose my balance and fall. In several instances over the past months while we have been underway on Möbius, I’ve hit my head badly and worse, I’ve aggravated the four cracked disks in my back from a serious motorcycle accident I survived many years ago. This has triggered severely painful spasms that incapacitate me for several days. I’m no stranger to pain and can deal with that, but as you might imagine, with this all happening on a moving boat while underway, it has been very stressful for poor Christine. She has often reminded me that her worst fear is waking up for her night watch and finding herself alone on the boat. With this news, and her first-hand observation of a fall or two, she tells me her anxiety level has skyrocketed.
After much discussion of our options and processing through stages of denial, anger and frustration we have both come to accept the painful but clear conclusion that it is no longer safe or sensible for us to continue our nomadic adventures exploring the world by sea aboard the good ship Möbius. After investing and immersing ourselves so completely for the past five years to bring our Goldilocks “just right, just for us” dreams to the reality that is Möbius, ending our voyages just as we were getting started is sad and disappointing to say the least. Yet for us, this does not diminish in the least the incredible experiences we’ve had joining forces with SO many eXtremely talented people to collaboratively design and build this boat of our dreams. We remain eternally grateful to each one of you. In the short time since setting off to eXplore the world on her, we have already had so many truly awemazing adventures together visiting places we had never seen before and making the transition from sail to power. Mirroring our recent experience with losing Ruby, it will be painful to let Möbius go, but it is equally clear to us that this is the smart and right thing to do. She is an amazing boat, and we adore her, but she deserves and needs owners who can take her on the ocean-crossing voyages she has proven to be so capable of and is currently tugging at her dock lines to continue.
I’m not sure that it has fully sunk in for either of us yet, but we are going to be “swallowing the anchor” as the saying goes. However, we have accepted the eXciting new challenge of dreaming up a whole new home for us and new way of equally eXtreme eXploration of the world by land. At this point in time, we have no idea just what that will look like, but we’ll figure that out over the next few months and are anxious to get started on this as soon as possible. We love these kinds of challenges, and we think we have been quite successful so far. Why would we change now?! Heck, we made the transition from voyaging by sail to power and transformed our aquatic Goldilocks dreams into reality by designing and building Möbius, and we have just covered over 8200 nautical smiles since leaving Turkey at the end of October. How hard can the next transition from sea to land be? Maybe we’ll end up following that natural progression with age I’ve heard some mention: Sailboat –> Powerboat –> RV –> Hearse. hehehe
So, what’s next for us? Our immediate plans are to stay living aboard Möbius safely docked here at Tidewater Marina in Norfolk VA where we recently enjoyed having our son Skyler here for a week long visit and our two Granddaughters and their parents aboard for the July 4th week. Now that we have been able to spend time with our thee children and grandchildren and discuss our big decision with them, our top priorities are to get our personal gear down to the bare minimum on Möbius and get her spick and span and shipshape as we seek out her new owners. As most of you know, Möbius is our full-time home and everything we own is onboard so it will take a good bit of time and work to transfer all our personal gear from the boat to shore.
Trust me when I say that I know this is a LOT to take in and process! We are feeling more than a bit overwhelmed by this sudden and complete change in plans, but we both wanted to deliver this news to you as directly and transparently as possible as we work our way through it all. It won’t be fast or easy to find the new owners for Möbius, but now that we have made the decision we are highly motivated to find them so she will be the deal of a lifetime for someone out there such that we and they can both begin our new adventures right away.
And of course, if YOU have been dreaming about exploring the world by sea sooner than later on a boat that has proven herself an eXtremely capable exploration passagemaker, here is your chance to fulfill those dreams NOWl! So, if this boat is calling your name or you know anyone else who might like to become the new owner of Möbius, please email us at wayne.christine@mobius.world. It will take us a few weeks at least to get Möbius decluttered and ready to put on the market and we will create a “Möbius for Sale” blog post with videos, photos and details of all her equipment and systems and publish that as soon as we can.
I realize that this is likely as unexpected and surprising to you as it has been to us, and I apologize for veering off onto this personal tangent on the Mobius.World blog. Having each of you choose to join us on this grand “Project Goldilocks” adventure has been a huge part of what has made the journey so far so special and meaningful for both me and Christine, and we are grateful for your encouragement and companionship throughout. Therefore, it seemed only appropriate to share this unexpected new development with you directly today.
That’s more than enough from me for now. Please don’t fret or worry, as this is NOT a life-threatening condition, just a lifestyle-threatening one. I’m still very appreciative and grateful for everything I am so fortunate to have in life. At 70 years young, I still lead a very charmed, adventurous and eXciting life. Despite this new wrinkle, I’m otherwise very fit, healthy, and energetic. I have the best partner in life and love, my Captain Christine at my side. And I have more love and care from more family and friends like you than I deserve. So, could I be any more fortunate? Methinks not!
I appreciate that you may be feeling the urge to respond to this update, and I thank you for that, but no response is needed nor expected. For us it is onward and upward, as we close out one set of adventures and begin the next.
So don’t worry, we’re not done yet! We’ll keep you posted here on our next steps as we continue our newest round of awemazing adventures in life.
-Wayne
I am SO SO sorry to hear that. I have followed you two for a long time and have always been so impressed with your abilities and experience. Wayne…you tore-down Mr. Gee over and over…like it was no big deal. So MANY impressive, interesting chapters. I’m sure that you will continue to find other new and fulfilling paths. Good luck to you both.
Thanks for your more than generous comments JZ and we will keep you and others posted as we work our way through this latest challenge and make the big transition from sea to land.
Wayne
Life does throw us hurdles this is true, but you can only admire your spirit and determination Wayne. You will of course turn this life changing decision into an adventure and perhaps you were just not meant to be doing more sea going adventures without the beloved Ruby the Wonder Dog. It would just not be the same without her salty little face pointed to the wind on those trips. Good luck to you and Christine we look forward to following your next chapter and perhaps we will venture across to see you both again soon. Love Lisa and Garry and of course our eponym Ruby (still here at 14 yrs old)!
Thanks Lisa and Gary. Your note brings with it a flood of additional memories of all the times we shared with you and Ruby.
Please do keep us in mind whenever you might find yourselves near to wherever we are as we would jump at the chance to see you both and create some more memories.
Wayne
Oh dear!
I’m really very sad to read this news.
I’ve really enjoyed cheering from the bleachers as you’ve only just started your adventures on that wonderful boat – Mobius.
You show a great deal of good spirit in the face of this sudden misfortune.
Not to question your decision and I’m sure you’ve consulted good doctors; but, as a physician, I have cared for a number of people over the years with a history sudden onset severe disabling vertigo and tinnitus. Although, there is no definitive cure, some people will have periods of very erratic and frequent “spells” and then find that it lessens in frequency and can even go away. Not to play doctor here, but there might be some value in waiting a bit to see if you see a reduction in the frequency and intensity of these vertigo episodes? On the other hand, I can understand how even the threat of another disabling spell could make you both feel more vulnerable…
All the best to you as you grapple with these unwelcome issues.
Still cheering from here.
-Evan
Thanks much for your concerns and suggestions Evan. Truth be told I’ve been experiencing these random bouts of vertigo for quite some time now and initially just brushing them off but with their severity and the resultant falls increasing and the medical testing I’ve had in the past year it seems like something I’m going to have to live with and so we are working to adapt and make the changes needed to continue exploring the world by a safer and less stressful means. I do hold out hope that my symptoms may lessen over time and I continue to look into possible treatments and practices to help with this. Having you and others cheering us on is perhaps the biggest help of all and most appreciative of that so thanks.
Wayne
Your message only underscore the very perfect union you and Christine are together! I will not say sorry to hear this news as I prefer to say congratulations on your next adventure together! You both have achieved and conquered so much more than the average couple! Sending our love❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Kirsten. As your note shows, you know me well and I appreciate your loving wishes. Good news is that we are now more likely to find ourselves closer to you and Jack in the not too distant future so looking forward to that already.
Wayne
Whatever adventures you two decide to embark upon, they will be full of joy and friends. I’m in!
Always a great gift for both of us to have you and Steve by our sides and look forward to our next chance to spend more time with you.
Wayne
Shocking, but it happens to everyone. My heart goes out to you both. I’ve been to Norfolk, and if it takes 6 months to a year, so be it. Norfolk is a very nice area to linger around in, and possibly a good market for Mobius.
Thanks Wade & Diane. We are starting to get to know this area and it certainly is interesting.
Let us know as your travels continue and where you and sv Joana get to.
Wayne
Sebrina and I were shocked and saddened to hear this news Wayne. Our hearts go out to both of you. If it’s any conciliation, 4 years back I fell out of a tree with a heart attack. I’m still here kicking but no longer building houses so maybe one door refuses to open and another one comes in to view. When the dust settles, drop us a line. Chris
Thanks Chris and Sebrina, it has been quite a shock but we are starting to adjust and move forward.
Wishing you the best with the launch of Vanguard and getting started on your new adventures aboard her and will continue to follow along via your blog.
Wayne
Sorry about the forced lifestyle change but great attitude…”onward and upward”
Thanks. The only way we know how to live Ken so onward and upward it is!
It breaks my heart to hear that after all you two have done to find your Goldilocks, only to have to give her up! I am glad to see your positive attitude and I am confident that you will both take full advantage of the potential land adventures!!!
Heartbreaking for us too Lisa but we’re adjusting and adapting and will continue with our adventures. Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
Wayne
What a sad news, I am so sorry for you both.
You have put so much into builder that exceptional boat and so little time to enjoy it.
I can only imagine it will be hard to let go of her but I can assure you from my own experience that she will always be with you someway and the new owners will be constantly in touch with you as nobody will ever know this boat the way you do.
Good luck in you new life.
Hope some day you will stop by see us in Florida, and reminisce on all the good days on the water.
JP MV Domino
Thanks JP and Marie. You two know all about the trials and tribulations of boat building and life aboard with all your amazing adventures on Domino and you’ve very successfully made the transition to life ashore so we’ll do our best to learn from you as we follow. Not sure when we’ll next be in Florida but highly likely in the not too distant future and will let you know if we are headed up your way.
Thanks,
Wayne
Oh yikes! Best laid plans…I am saddened about your news. Life is not over yet, you will both still find enjoyment in the coming years without Mobius. A big adjustment for sure. Take care you two❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Grace, I see you are having your share of challenges with your recent fall but also recovering quickly and we are doing our best to do the same. Hope your recovery continues to go quickly and well and we will look forward to seeing you whenever we next make it out your way.
Wayne
My condolences Wayne and Christine.
Fair winds and following seas for you both
Thanks John. Not such a big deal health wise as it is lifestyle wise but we are already getting excited about the new challenges up ahead once we move off of Möbius and start a new set of adventures ashore.
Wayne
Please be seen by a otoneurologist or ENT experienced with the care of endolympatic hydrops. See Jules Friedman, MD of Braintree Hospital MA if he’s still in practice. He maybe able to steer you in the right direction . There are management techniques from which you may benefit. Other choice is Mass Eye and Ear. Their physicians and surgeons are state of the art in my opinion
Really appreciate your recommendations and I will look into these along with the other recommendations and references I’m so gratefully receiving.
50 years ago my FIL had similar issues. Acupuncture helped him a lot.
Thanks Tom. I will look into this and options others have suggested.
Appreciate your thoughts.
Wayne
Al Shepard – first American in space – overcame Ménière’s with surgery, passed every physical NASA could throw at him, and was then the 5th person to walk on the moon. So maybe there is hope.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Shepard#Apollo_program
Always hope right Dave? Thanks for the pointer to this story. I’ve discussed surgery with several doctors but not a viable option for me due to the previous damage to my inner ear in the motorcycle accident years ago.
But I’m coping fine with it all and developing techniques to lessen the consequences when I get these random bouts of vertigo.
Wayne
So shocked and saddened to hear the news.
We have been following Mobius and crew since the early days when the conversations started on the Trawler Forum. I have been catching up with my reading of the Mobius blog since we were overseas on vacation which was also an opportunity to visit boats under construction that we have an interest.
One of our big concerns has always been a health issue ending the idea to get a boat or forcing one to swallow the anchor. The later is going to happen but one hopes it is after many, many years.
We hope you can get some treatment to at least minimize the condition and maybe allow one to keep Mobius.
Thanks for the kind words and thoughts.
As you noted we all need to swallow the anchor eventually, we just don’t know when. Helps remind us of the importance of taking full advantage of the time we do get to live well and healthy and this latest experience has made me appreciate just how glad I’ve done that and how awemazing the experiences have been. There will be more to come in the future, just going to be land based rather than oceans but no less adventurous, exciting and memorable.
Onwards and upwards ………………………
Wayne and Christine, best wishes to you both. Wayne, a number of people have made some excellent suggestions, medical-treatment wise, and I’d like to make one of my own. Of course, I am drawing inferences from what I have read from your writing here, so could be off the mark. Learning how to be deeply relaxed in daily life can have a positive effect on Ménière’s disease, as can loosening all the neck muscles (this can benefit tinnitus, too). Please have a look at this article on our site, and all the audio recordings to help with this goal are free from the same part of our site. Don’t underestimate how profound adopting these practices can be. Have a look here:
https://stretchtherapy.net/relaxation-wiki/
Best wishes once more, Kit
Thanks for this most thoughtful response Kit. I’ve read the article and picked up a few ideas on ways to improve the various ways I’ve been using for relaxation and meditation for many years now and will strive to continue to improve.
Thanks,
Wayne
Wayne,
Somehow, and for some reason, YouTube has been suggesting videos, that when I see them, make me think of your situation. Unfortunately, by the time I see the videos and try to copy the link, it has disappeared. I would suggest searching on YouTube regarding your situation and see what pops up. It might be helpful
Thanks Dan. I’ve been doing ongoing research since the initial onset and learning more all the time. For now I am fortunate enough to have a relatively mild set of symptoms compared to most, pretty much “just” the random bouts of vertigo. No nausea or other symptoms other than a bit of increased tinnitus which I had previously. For me the problem is the risk of falling and hurting myself in the fall, especially when on the boat underway. So Christine and I have just accepted that it is just too dangerous for me and too stressful for her for us to continue our life at sea. However we are also quite excited about the totally new land based adventures that lie ahead for us and the opportunity this presents to dream up a whole now “Project Goldilocks” to create the next mode of transportation for us to continue to explore this awemazing world of ours.
Wayne