Heading South
As I sit down to reflect on the whirlwind of events that have led us to this moment, contemplating the enormity of our decision, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement and trepidation. Just a few days ago, we embarked on a journey that marks the beginning of a new chapter in our lives—one filled with adventure, uncertainty, and boundless possibilities.
Our decision to move to Mexico and live aboard our newly acquired boat, Liahona, was not made lightly. It was a culmination of months of planning, preparation, and soul-searching. Within a few short months, we had relinquished our land-based home, bid farewell to most of our possessions, and embraced retirement, all in pursuit of a dream that was rapidly becoming our reality. In addition, Tyler and I entered new territory as we navigated the joy and challenges of spending nearly every moment together.
In the days leading up to our departure, anticipation and excitement grew, overshadowing any lingering doubts or fears. As we packed our belongings into every available nook and cranny of our 4-Runner topped with a Thule, I was struck by the magnitude of the change we were embarking on.
Finally, on the morning of October 15th, with the sun just beginning to peek over the horizon, we set out on the open road, bound for our new life south of the border. The journey toward Mexico was punctuated by winding mountain roads, dusty desert landscapes, and endless stretches of highway. Yet, with each passing mile, our excitement grew, propelling us ever closer to our destination.
On our way south, we stopped to visit Tyler’s cousin Mark and his wife Jana in Yuma, Arizona. It was a brief but welcome respite, a chance to catch our breath before crossing the border into Mexico. Amidst the laughter and good company, we found solace in the warmth of familial bonds, knowing that no matter where our travels took us, we would always carry a piece of home in our hearts.
Our journey southward was not just about reaching our destination; it was about laying the groundwork for our new life. Along the way, we stopped at a Mexican consulate in Arizona, hoping to secure residency to align with our extended seasonal stay plans. The bureaucratic hurdles were daunting, but we pressed on, fueled by determination and belief that it is ultimately in God’s control. In the end, we were met with success as we scheduled the first of two necessary appointments to secure Mexican residency. We were happy to learn that we qualified for permanent residency.
After days of driving, we finally arrived in Guaymas, where Liahona awaited us in the boatyard. As I stepped aboard for the first time, I was greeted by a layers of fiberglass dust that coated every surface—it never occurred to us that the work we had done over the summer would create such a mess. Saying I was overwhelmed is an understatement. I was brought to tears by the sudden realization that this was my new home and flooded with mixed emotion. The prodomite feeling was that of joy and I quickly went to work cleaning with what little cleaning supplies I had in my possession. The scorching 94-degree heat and bit dust were not going to spoil my joy. We had plans to put Liahona back in the water within the next couple of days, and there was work to be done. Besides, we were staying on the boat in the yard while we prepared her for the water, and a little cleaning was essential to our comfort.
Through all the cleaning and preparation there was an undeniable sense of excitement. As “splash day,” the term used in the boating community to signify the launch of a boat into the water, drew near, so did the anticipation of embracing a new lifestyle brimming with challenges and adventure.
Finally, on October 21st, Splash Day arrived—a momentous occasion marking the culmination of months of planning and anticipation. With the assistance of the dedicated marina staff and fellow cruisers, Liahona was lifted from her resting place and gently lowered into the water, her hull gleaming as she embraced her element once more. Tyler took the helm, navigating our new vessel with a mixture of exhilaration and awe.
As we navigated from the travel lift to the marina slip, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude wash over me. Our new home was everything we had thought it would be and more—well-equipped, spacious, and brimming with possibility. From the custom mattress in the Pullman berth to the well laid out galley, every detail reflected the care and attention of her previous owners. And as we settled into life aboard Liahona, I knew that this was only the beginning of our great adventure.
In the waters of the marina, as the sun cast its golden hues upon our new home on the water, we finally had a chance to take a well deserved rest for the evening. Our journey had only just begun, but already, it was shaping up to be quite the adventure.
In the weeks and months to come, we plan to explore the Sea of Cortez and learn to embrace the cruising lifestyle. And though the road ahead may be fraught with challenges and uncertainties, I am confident that together, we will weather whatever storms may come our way.
For in the end, it is not the destination that matters most, but rather the journey itself—and I, for one, am ready to embrace it wholeheartedly, one day at a time.
