Welcome fellow sailors, travelers, dreamers, creators, and citizens of the world! I invite you to circumnavigate the globe with me virtually.
It is all about following dreams, meeting amazing people, visiting incredible places, and manifesting new realities.
So first, a bit of background…
I’ve always been drawn to water, from my youth growing up on Lake Michigan to my travels along the shores of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Although I started taking sailing lessons in my early adulthood, something ‘more important’ always diverted my attention away from sailing (e.g. work, more work, relationships, shiny silver things, etc).
It wasn’t until the last dream I was living (moving to New York City and establishing a career) had long since become a reality and had left me feeling stuck, that I began craving a new adventure. I seriously began considering the possibility of a global circumnavigation in 2008.
I had been chartering sailboats with a childhood friend, Mary Davenport Cook, who was ‘living her bucket list’ after being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. Mary taught me to enjoy the moments and pursue a dream while I was able.
I enjoyed traveling and taking in the great outdoors in the comfort of my temporary ‘sailing home’. I welcomed the simplicity of sailing, needing only to take along the essentials, leaving everything superfluous behind. I felt a meditative sense of calm and connectedness while on passage. Time would stop. Life was clarified. Everything seemed to make sense. I wanted more of this experience and thus my new dream was formed.
At first, I was too fearful to follow my dream. I thought that I would jeopardize the career that I loved and had taken so long to build and that I could not afford to undertake such an adventure. I thought that my friends, colleagues, and family would find me crazy and irresponsible and that I would fall flat on my face. It was only when the fear of not following my dream became greater than all of my other fears that I decided to ‘lift anchor’. None of my fears materialized. Quite the opposite occurred.
In 2011, I resigned from my position (and was subsequently offered an 8-month leave of absence) to earn my RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certification and cross the Atlantic Ocean as Watch Lead in the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers).
I returned to work in 2012 to successfully deliver the biggest project of my career while simultaneously undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
That health scare encouraged me to complete my sailing dream sooner rather than later. In 2013, I started my second ‘sailbatical’ to cross the Pacific Ocean with my partner aboard SY Amandla. During the first year, we sailed from Isla Mujeres, Mexico to Hawaii via Florida, The Bahamas, Jamaica, Panama, The Galapagos, and French Polynesia (Gambier, Marquesas, Tuamotus and Society Islands), over 11,000 nautical miles in ten months.
2014 delivered more adventure as we sailed Amandla nearly 6000 nautical miles to New Zealand from Hawaii via The Society Islands, Cook Islands, Western Samoa, Tonga, and Minerva reef.
The crew of SY Amandla completed a Pacific Ocean transit in 2015, sailing an additional 3800 miles from New Zealand to Australia via New Caledonia and beautiful Fiji, where we drank kava with tribal chiefs and enjoyed a rich underwater world.
We dipped our toes/keel into the Indian Ocean in 2016, sailing 5200 nm from Australia to Singapore via the Torres Strait and Indonesia. Along our way, we met the King of Boti, mingled with orangutans and Komodo Dragons, and photographed a Kecak Dance on the beaches of Bali.
2017 found us sailing the waters of Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, undertaking extensive boat enhancements to prepare for an Indian Ocean transit. We also enjoyed an extended land tour of Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. When The Captain returned to Italy in August to promote his book “Amandla: La Amandla: La vita, la quasi morte e i miracoli del Capitano“, I continued onward solo for a motorcycle tour of North Vietnam and then returned to Thailand to travel with family.
In October 2018, the crew of Amandla completed an Indian Ocean transit, sailing 7600 miles from Thailand to South Africa, calling in at Sri Lanka, The Maldives, Chagos, Madagascar, and Mozambique on our way to Durban. We sailed an additional 849 miles in December 2018 along the infamous South African coastline, rounding Cape Agulhas and the Cape of Good, returning to the Atlantic for the first time in five and a half years.
We spent our last days in Southern Africa on safari in Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia, setting sail for the Caribbean in early 2019. Along our way, I completed my first full-circle at 4° 53′ E and we celebrated our return to the Western Hemisphere swimming with whale sharks in charming St. Helena.
After a 6000 nm trans-Atlantic crossing including stops in Brazil and French Guiana, we relaxed for a few months exploring the Caribbean under sail. In August, we commenced a three-month overland road trip in Colombia before sailing onward to Panama where I crossed my outbound line.
I am amazed by how everything came together once I decided to go for it. Even apparent glitches (failed relationships, health issues) along the way turned out to be blessings in disguise and supported me on the journey.
Living my dream is not always unicorns and rainbows – sometimes it can be a real nightmare. However, even at its worst, it is much better than sitting around wishing I was living my dream.
I started this decade with the loss of my childhood friend Mary, the inspiration for this journey, and ended it with the completion of my first sailing circumnavigation; I feel that Mary was along with me for every nautical mile.
**Last updated 19 Nov 2019 **
Alan Risberg February 9, 2014
Lisa, at least I think you are the Lisa from McCormick Hotel? If so ….say HELLO….(if you remember me)?
Alan
Lisa Dorenfest February 10, 2014 — Post Author
Aloha Alan! I am that Lisa.
Saloni February 15, 2014
Love the fact that you are living your dream ! Miss you but so happy for you!
Saloni – from your previous ‘career’ !! Xxx
Lisa Dorenfest February 16, 2014 — Post Author
Come join us Saloni! You and Raj are always welcome!
beth March 10, 2014
Lisa! You are an inspiration!!! ENJOY & can’t wait to follow you around the world! 🙂
b
Lisa Dorenfest March 10, 2014 — Post Author
Thank you Beth. Lovely to ⛵️with you virtually! Looking forward to many adventures to come.
Janice April 16, 2014
You go, girl!
Lisa Dorenfest April 17, 2014 — Post Author
Thank you Janice for your support and for being an inspiration!
suzan snook May 3, 2014
Lisa,
You are amazing. I had the opportunity to sail around the world at 35 but let it go due to my son and a few other glitches. Fear was certainly a big piece of it. Been sailing myself for 40 years but gave it up about 5 years ago.
I hope you write a book. I can’t get beyond the thrill of what you’re doing but you were an adventurer.
What kind of boat are you sailing and are there only the two of you on the 47 footer.
I’ll be following your journey.
Suzan
Lisa Dorenfest May 15, 2014 — Post Author
Ia Orana Suzan! So lovely to hear from you!!!!!! I had no idea that you were a sailor! If you ever want to ‘ungive’ it up, we would love to have you visit. It was only the two of us doing the passage making on a 47 footer for the first 11.300 miles, but this last passage, we had a friend of the Captain’s (Steve) join us and it made things so much easier. We are probably going to bring on one experienced crew for our trip to New Zealand in the fall. Thanks for your nice comments and its great to have you on-board virtually!
Sascha May 8, 2014
Lisa – you are the best !
Inspired by you I built a daysailer for a TransPacuficPollutionSurvey. First ever continent to continent non-stop – Matt Rutherford and Nicole Trenholm are doing all sorts of science along the way.
OceanResearchProject.org
Lisa Dorenfest May 12, 2014 — Post Author
I am thrilled by WD Schock’s sponsorship of the TransPacPollution Survey. The Harbor 29 that you donated is absolutely gorgeous. I am very impressed by what the crew of Sakura (Matt and Nicole) are undertaking on this journey and plan to follow them throughout. I have added their blog to my list of sailing links so that others can follow. I am sending the news to my Twitter network as soon as I have stable enough WiFi here in Huahine
Rebecca Blanton May 16, 2014
Miss you, Lisa!
your baby cousin,
Rebecca
Lisa Dorenfest May 19, 2014 — Post Author
Miss you too Rebecca! I understand you are going to do Birthright! So excited. Can’t wait to hear your stories and see your pictures.
Dirk May 30, 2014
Hey roomie!
Great to see that you make your dreams come true. I remember discussing a circumnavigation while we were sailing Milanto across the Atlantic. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that your jouney continues the way you were imagining it.
Dirk
Lisa Dorenfest May 31, 2014 — Post Author
Great to hear from you Dirk! Thanks for the good wishes. And thanks to you and the other boys of Team Milanto for being part of the dream (my first ocean crossing)! If you fancy a sail, give me a shout. We love guests.
Brian June 22, 2014
So amazing to see you are living your dream. You are an inspiration and I hope to follow in your footsteps shortly. Manifesting it and going for it is the first, and scary, step. Look forward to following your blog to see what adventures you are tackling. All the best and keep on sailing!!!
Xoxoxo
Lisa Dorenfest June 23, 2014 — Post Author
Thank you Brian! I hope to see you living your dream soon!
Robin July 7, 2014
I am glad to see that you are safe and sound. Big hugs from us all
Lisa Dorenfest July 8, 2014 — Post Author
Big hugs back to you and the girls! I think of you often and look forward to seeing you again…although I would prefer to see you in French Polynesia as opposed to Jersey. Come visit!
Gege July 10, 2014
Hey Lisa can’t believe I just stumbled upon your blog only now; cool reading up on your adventures and so happy you’re living your dreams at sea and finally relaxed ;). Miss you! Gege
Lisa Dorenfest July 10, 2014 — Post Author
I miss you too Gege and think about your often! Thank you so much for sailing with me virtually. I look forward to seeing you again someday – hopefully before the kids are in college :-). Come for a visit! Don’t work too hard.
Megan Patel July 15, 2014
Hi Lisa
Miss you – and living vicariously through your journey . I am sure you are seeing amazing places and meeting people and building experiences that i am so so jealous of
love ya
take care
Megan
Lisa Dorenfest July 15, 2014 — Post Author
Thank you so much for reading my blog Megan! Great to be sailing with you virtually! When I do come home, it will be wonderful to return to friends like you! Come visit! Lots of love
mamta August 11, 2014
Wow !! Best of luck for your sailing dream.Very few have the courage to do what they dream of, most are held back by fear and self doubt, I’m no exception…I’ll revisit your blog along with my son when he comes back from school today. It’s just not in books and novels, people do follow their dreams in real…
Lisa Dorenfest August 11, 2014 — Post Author
Thank you so much for reading my blog and for your lovely compliments. I am happy to report that dreams do come true 🙂
mmm September 13, 2014
Stumbled upon this via Art Larson FB Post. Had a flashback to the old LB neighborhood days. This is just FABULOUS! What an inspiration you are for all to just put the fear aside and follow your dreams.
Mary
Lisa Dorenfest September 13, 2014 — Post Author
Thank you Mary for having a read and for your lovely compliment. I am a very lucky girl!
Todd Burgener September 14, 2014
Marjorie Moeling shared your site on FB. What an awesome and inspiring journey you’ve undertaken. Living your dream is one thing. Documenting it and sharing it like this is a real gift. Sensational.
Todd B
Lisa Dorenfest September 14, 2014 — Post Author
Great to hear from you Todd! Thank you so much for such lovely feedback. An extra, unanticipated benefit of living (and documenting) the dream is reconnecting with old friends from Lake Bluff. I hope that you are loving life!
fehia fahy December 30, 2014
hi lisa how r u ? thanks for the advertising for us its was are great time we meet at niuatoputapu we in ireland now we cum to save more money than we go back to niuatoputapu to do ur business thanks u
Lisa Dorenfest December 30, 2014 — Post Author
Great to hear from you Fehia and nice to know you are safe in Ireland. I hope that you and Chris are having a wonderful time and that you earn lots of money quickly so you can return to Niuatoputapu and take good care of the visiting sailors!
Penny F September 17, 2014
Hi Lisa, in an attempt to find old college classmates on Google, I came upon your article re: Mary Davenport and was very sad to learn she passed away four years ago! Mary was my roommate during our sophomore year at Trinity College, in the Oxford Program. Your words about her brought back so many memories of her – what a terrible loss for her friends and family. She was a remarkable person- great tribute and great website….
Lisa Dorenfest September 17, 2014 — Post Author
Thank you for your very kind words Penny. I couldn’t agree with you more. Mary was such a remarkable person and her passing was such a terrible loss for all of us. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about her and miss her.
She loved her time at Oxford and I am glad that you were a part of that!
Sue Richards September 18, 2014
Hi Lisa, great blog. I read your report on Suwarrow with interest and was wondering if we can link to it from our Suwarrow pages as it provides a useful insight into how to deal with bad weather there, plus you have some great images that other cruisers would undoubtedly enjoy.
Perhaps we could also add your blog to our “Cruisers Websites” page? – found out about you via SY Totem.
Best,
Sue
Lisa Dorenfest September 19, 2014 — Post Author
Sue – yes to both! I am glad that you found the post interesting and useful for other cruisers. Please share it on your Suwarrow page. And I would be thrilled to share the blog with your users via your Cruiser Website page http://www.noonsite.com/General/CruisersWebsites
Ellen November 21, 2014
Hi Lisa, thanks for taking us along virtually on your sailing tours! I’m so inspired by your following your dream. I love sailing and traveling and don’t know how I’m going to make it happen, your blog is giving me hope and insight!
Lisa Dorenfest November 22, 2014 — Post Author
Ellen!
Thank you so much for reading my ‘about’ page and for such incredibly lovely comments. I LOVE your amazing photography and am so glad to have come to know your blob, http://projecteasier.com/ through Photography 101.
I can see why you are attracted to a sailing life given your personal mission to simplify your life, make it more fulfilling and help others to do the same.
Glad to answer any questions that you might have as you manifest your own dreams. And I know you will!
Lisa
Estelea November 25, 2014
Waou, you are definitely inspiring 🙂 Keep it up!
Lisa Dorenfest November 25, 2014 — Post Author
Thank you so much for saying so although i truly believe that the dream you are living (being a mother to your Atillas) is far more inspiring and much more challenging 🙂
Pauline carroll November 27, 2014
G’day Lisa I noticed you’ve been visiting my world, great to meet you, and wow what an inspirational story. Following such an enormous dream is inspirational. I’m looking forward to checking back on your posts and following your upcoming adventures.
Lisa Dorenfest November 27, 2014 — Post Author
Pauline –
I have very much enjoyed my visit to your virtual world (http://pommepal.wordpress.com/) and am just starting to explore your 1st adopted home in New Zealand. Speaking of inspirational stories, you certainly share a great one. Nice to meet you!
– Lisa
janet December 7, 2014
Good for you! We’re planning a trip to New Zealand next year, so I’ll have to read more of your blog.
janet
Lisa Dorenfest December 7, 2014 — Post Author
Glad to have you aboard Janet! I see from your blog that Australia and Fiji are also possibly in your future travel plans. They are in ours too! Maybe we will meet up somewhere along the way.
Kendra December 7, 2014
Hi Lisa! Thanks so much for the blog follow! Yours looks supremely interesting so I look forward to poking around!
Kendra
Lisa Dorenfest December 7, 2014 — Post Author
Thank you Kendra! Welcome aboard!
Sue Slaght December 20, 2014
How fabulous that you are making your dreams a reality! Sail on! 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest December 20, 2014 — Post Author
Thank you Sue! I am a very lucky girl!
Britta December 25, 2014
Hello there!
I just wanted to let you know that your blog is absolutely beautiful and I’ve had such fun looking through your adventures. Glad I stumbled across it today. 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest December 26, 2014 — Post Author
Thank you for stopping by and for your lovely compliment. I look forward to following your journey at http://brittabottle.wordpress.com as you turn your own dreams into reality!
Neelie December 29, 2014
I’m glad you’re living your dreams! Vinay and I were actually in Cancun and thought about you. The kids were learning to sail and that’s when we thought about your sailing trips. Well if you’re ever in this landlocked state of Ohio we would love to see you.
Lisa Dorenfest December 29, 2014 — Post Author
Great to hear from you Neelie and wonderful to know you are getting the kids out sailing! I look forward to seeing you again someday, preferably before Sarthak heads to college!
Neelie December 30, 2014
You only have 2 more years until then! He has turned into a very intelligent, handsome (looks just like his dad), loving young man! He loves his sister and always tells us that was the best present we ever gave him. Would love to see you soon! Take care
Lisa Dorenfest January 1, 2015 — Post Author
He was an adorable, great child so I am not surprised to hear that he has turned into such a fine young man. Still, I can’t believe he is only 2 years away from college. Time flies as they say! Happy New Year.
Cardinal Guzman January 8, 2015
It must be exciting to sail around the world. I wish I had the knowledge and equipment to do it. I think it’s awesome that you’ve visited Gauguin’s grave.
Lisa Dorenfest January 8, 2015 — Post Author
Thanks for having a read of my story! Gauguin’s grave was a top stop for me on this adventure. Would love to see you out on the seas someday. I can think of no better way to see the world than under sail. Even a total landlubber can hitch a ride on someone else’s sail boat. Just walk the docks and find a ride.
y.p. January 14, 2015
well I am glad I found your blog – look forward to peeking in this coming year (2015) and what cool path you have craved out for yourself. and you must be really strong – physically and mentally strong! 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest January 14, 2015 — Post Author
Yvette – Thank you so much for having a read and for your lovely compliments. I am so glad to have found your wonderful blog as well.
It is nice to be thought of as mentally strong. Being a bit crazy also helped to make this dream a reality :-).
Lisa
yprior1 February 13, 2015
🙂
rosemaylily2014 January 17, 2015
An amazing and inspirational story Lisa thanks for sharing! I’m not a good sailor on the open sea (love sailing on calm lakes though) or a great swimmer so I will sail along with you virtually on your adventures! It’s lovely to connect via the blogging world and I wish you the very best for your future travels and adventures wherever they may take you! Very best wishes Rosemary (Le Chic En Rose) 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest January 17, 2015 — Post Author
Great to have you aboard Rosemary. Thank you so much for your kind words.
Looking forward to traveling the world with you virtually here and on Le Chic En Rose
Duncan January 18, 2015
like your site and your wandering spirit. Keep up the good work!
Lisa Dorenfest January 18, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you Duncan. Your comment gave me a much needed boost today 🙂
themofman January 30, 2015
Lisa, thanks for taking a good look at Modes of Flight!
Lisa Dorenfest January 30, 2015 — Post Author
You are welcome Allan. So much good stuff to see there
Artistami.Eva February 6, 2015
I will definitely be living some of my dreams vicariously through you. Fear was always my down fall. Thank you for sharing your stories and adventures. God Bless You!
Eva x
Lisa Dorenfest February 6, 2015 — Post Author
Facing fear is a lifetime challenge for me. I often prefer to run in the opposite direction rather than face fear. But sometimes in life, it is less scary to face fear than to avoid it, and that is when good things happen. Your words reminded me to consider facing a couple of new fears ‘head on’ right now. We shall see 🙂
Michelle Hill February 14, 2015
Hi Lisa. For some reason I don’t get notification of your new posts pop up in my WordPress Reader but I do get notified of all comments made on your blog and also comments you make about others. Has anyone else told you this or is it just me? Maybe I’ve set it up this one by mistake. It’s not a huge issue but it means that I don’t get notiifed when you post something new. Michelle
Lisa Dorenfest February 15, 2015 — Post Author
Hi Michelle,
Thank you so much for alerting me to the situation. You are lovely to care enough to let me know 🙂 I’ve sent a note your way with an idea that I am hoping will work. If not, I will need to do more investigation with WordPress on my end.
Best
NW Frame of Mind February 15, 2015
Hi Lisa, I want to let you know I only receive notifications of your comments received and sent too, never of a new post. I finally found a way back to your blog tonight but thought you might want to know I’m seeing the same issues as Michelle… I don’t want you to think I’m not interested in your lovely blog, it’s just hard to get to your nice posts. 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest February 15, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you so much for letting me know Lisa. And thank you for saying that my blog is lovely 🙂
Having a look into the issue and hope to find a solution soon.
Lisa Dorenfest February 16, 2015 — Post Author
I made an update to my site that I am hopeful will solve the ‘posts not appearing in The Reader’ problem. Fingers crossed!
lisadorenfest February 24, 2015
Well, the update did not work so I escalated to WordPress. They confirmed that the WordPress.com Reader was grabbing my comment feed instead of my Post feed – so their Reader engineers went in and fixed the problem. Hopefully, you should see my posts going forward – fingers crossed.
DCS March 4, 2015
Hey Lisa,
Thanks for connecting through my blog. I’m really inspired by your journeys – both with sailing, and moving through the uncharted waters of life. Keep up the great work and looking forward to your next post.
Duncan
Lisa Dorenfest March 4, 2015 — Post Author
Well thank you Duncan! Lovely of you to say. Have very much enjoyed your wonderful photography blog
lexklein March 6, 2015
Finally figured out how to follow this! I appreciate your visits to my blog!
Lisa Dorenfest March 6, 2015 — Post Author
Yay! I truly enjoy both of your blogs and appreciate your visits to mine as well.
Paula March 21, 2015
Hello sailor girl 🙂 You have guts and freedom in your veins and you act on it. Well done! Wishing you fair winds and calm seas 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest March 21, 2015 — Post Author
Well thank you Paula! You are lovely to say so!
joanfrankham March 25, 2015
Thank you so much for following my blog, and I am really enjoying reading of your adventures. What a brave choice you made to leave the rat race behind for a while. Enjoy!
Lisa Dorenfest March 25, 2015 — Post Author
You are welcome Joan and thank you so much for your compliment : -).
Marilyn Albright March 26, 2015
Congratulations on your life!
Lisa Dorenfest March 26, 2015 — Post Author
Back at you Marilyn 🙂 We are both lucky girls.
oopsjohn April 10, 2015
I am excited to now be following your blog on your journey through life. Coincidentally, I am reading Sterling Hayden’s The Wanderer. As a leading actor he abandoned Hollywood at the height of his career to sail the world. You might be interested in looking him up if you haven’t already heard of him. Stay safe and enjoy your travels.
Lisa Dorenfest April 10, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you so much! Great to have found your blog! I was not familiar with Sterling Hayden’s story but I just ordered the book because it sounds fascinating.
oopsjohn April 10, 2015
I’m glad his memoir appeals to your curiosity. I’m about 100 pages into it. Let me know how you like it. 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest April 11, 2015 — Post Author
Will do!
Rich Mullen April 16, 2015
WOW Lisa! It’s tough to find the courage to ‘jump’ when you’re standing there on the edge of the cliff. You did it and did it BIG. Well done.
Lisa Dorenfest April 16, 2015 — Post Author
Really a pleasure to hear from you Rich! Thank you so much for such a wonderful response to my story. Made my morning, my day, my week and my month! 🙂
littledogslaughed April 28, 2015
Wow! You are living something that I have always wanted to do-I am very inspired by your journey Lisa! The first step is the hardest I know and when it is right, there is no stopping you-your story is proof of that-I look forward to reading more-
Lisa Dorenfest April 29, 2015 — Post Author
🙂 Well you already have your Captain and crew ready for some island sailing fun so I’d say go for it. No really, thank you for your kind words Meg and for hanging out with me here!
Elissaveta May 5, 2015
What an incredible adventure! I am glad I have stumbled upon it, at least its virtual version. I wish to be like you one day, living my dream and sharing it with the world. I wish you all the best!
Lisa Dorenfest May 6, 2015 — Post Author
It is wonderful to meet you here Ellie and to journey with virtually as a member of your virtual caravan! I look forward to watching you grab the world and take it by storm. You have a wonderful future ahead of you.
Elissaveta May 6, 2015
You’re too kind. So glad to have met you here, it’s crazy what can hide behind a single click! I look forward to seeing you around…
Inspiring Max June 8, 2015
I nominated you for an inspiring blogger award. Please go to http://www.inspiringmax.com/starlight-blogger-award/
Lisa Dorenfest June 8, 2015 — Post Author
To repeat the comment on left on your blog….Wow Michelle! I am delighted to be among the 6 bloggers that you consider to be ‘light emanating from the stars’. Up until now, I thought only my parents and I would use those words to describe me :-). I am honored to accept and will post my response within the next two weeks, internet permitting.
Siteri Nadi June 12, 2015
Bula Lisa! Thank you for visiting my blog and for the follow. Your site and journey is inspirational. All the very best to you and your crew 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest June 12, 2015 — Post Author
Well thank you! I am so glad you think so. Look forward to hanging out with you virtually 🙂
Michele June 16, 2015
Hi Lisa, I found your blog through Terri Webster Schrandts leisure link up. I have spend several hours reading through your website and feel like I have found a kindred spirit. We also use the same Lifestyle theme on our blogs!
I have a long affinity for boats, though i didn’t come from a boating family, and other than a little rubber raft, have never owned a boat. I fell in love with sailing in seventh grade when I read Robin Graham’s Dove. I have canoed and will learn to kayak this summer. Basically, i will go on anyone’s boar who will let me! My husband and I took sailing lessons and fell in love with it. Then we moved away from the lake and life and jobs and children got in the way.
We have taken several week long trips on a Windjammer in Maine. We are smitten. I feel something on a sailboat that I have never felt anywhere else in my life. There is a peace on the water that I can’t find anywhere else. It is hard for me to describe, but I am guessing you know what I am talking about.
I left my job last August to redesign my life and start living my dreams. I am still figuring out what that means, but it feels good to explore. People think I was crazy to give up a successful career as a college professor at the height of my career. I worked long and hard, but am at peace with my decision. We moved back to the lake! I need to be around boats.
I look forward to following your adventures. Though I am just a sailor wannabe at this point, I will figure out how to make it a reality.
Fair winds, Michele
Lisa Dorenfest June 16, 2015 — Post Author
Ahoy Michele!
So pleased to meet you through Terri’s wonderful Leisure Link. I do think we are kindred spirits. So pleased to see that you’ve made the wise choice to start living your dreams. I love what you’ve done with the Lifestyle Theme and even more, I love the content on your blog as I think it will truly help others make the leap as you have.
I totally understand the peace you find on a sailboat or anywhere near water. Typically, I am a pretty ‘wound-up’ person, but being near water relaxes me. I go completely ‘Zen’ when I’m sailing a multi-day passage on the open Ocean. It’s my Nirvana.
Am excited to follow your adventures and see where your dream journey takes you (I’ve signed up via my WordPress Reader).
Capt Jill June 29, 2015
Hi Lisa, I found your post through Terri’s Leisure Link. So glad I did. You’re living my dream, something I would be doing if I could only find the guts to just DO it! I’ve been ‘trying’ to make my escape for years now, not really much further along than when I first started thinking about it. All too many FEARs holding me back. I’ve thought about just saying the hell with it all and getting another sailboat, but then I worry so much about everything. I like your plan better. Crew for someone else.
I’m looking forward to hearing more about how you manage and all your adventures.
Lisa Dorenfest June 29, 2015 — Post Author
There are so many opportunities to crew out here Jill. Especially for someone with your skill set!. The sea is calling you home. Do it!
PS – in reality, it took me some time to work up the guts to ‘throw of the bow lines but I’ve never regretted it. You’ll do it when the time is right!
Capt Jill July 6, 2015
Thanks for the encouragement Lisa. I’ll have to look into crewing with some other boats. Lately I’ve been sailing with the Houston meetup group on weekends. Got into the Icicle Races and hoping to be home in time for the Rum races this summer. Do you have any recommended places to try to find places to crew? Or things to look out for?
Lisa Dorenfest July 6, 2015 — Post Author
You are welcome Jill 🙂 And I do have recommended places to try to find crew positions. I have a listing of crew sites on my Sailing Links page. Have a look. Your future is waiting 🙂
Capt Jill July 6, 2015
Great! Thanks, I’ll definitely check that out.
Terri Webster Schrandt June 30, 2015
Lisa, I am so excited that two bloggers found your blog and that they resonate with your story! THIS is why we bloggers do what we do–help build connections! I am smiling with joy that Captain Jill and Michele found your blog! And Lisa, your post on the LL was amazing! I had no idea of the back story! What an incredible leap of faith you took! If you are familiar with More Magazine, you should send them this post as part of the monthly “Second Acts” feature. http://www.more.com/reinvention-money Check it out when you have some time. I would love to read your story here! Thank you for being such a faithful follower to my blog and my link-up and sharing! Just reading the comments from the other bloggers is so special!!
Lisa Dorenfest July 6, 2015 — Post Author
What a treat to receive your comment when I regained internet connectivity today Terri. I am delighted to have met Captain Jill and Michele through your Leisure Link and very much enjoy being part of the community you’ve created! I’ll be back! And, I will check out More Magazine’s ‘Second Acts’. Thank you so much for thinking of me.
Faraday's Candle July 24, 2015
Just saying hello & always waiting out for more news on your amazing journey.
Santa August 4, 2015
Hi Lisa!
Your name came up today at work and saw on LInkedIn that you are still “Gone Sailing”. So happy for you! I remember the first time you told me about your sailing idea for the first sabatical, cant believe all the years that have past. Just wanted to say hi after googling your name and finding your blog. So inspirational and exciting to say the least. Good Luck and again so happy for you! Ill be reading your blog now that i found it!
xoxox
Santa
Lisa Dorenfest August 4, 2015 — Post Author
Ahoy there Santa! Pleasure to hear from you. Thank you for thinking of me and for having a look at my blog. I miss our discussions and hope you are doing exceptionally well! If you ever fancy a sail. let me know. You are always welcome.
thirdeyemom August 18, 2015
Wow what an inspiring story Lisa!!! I am so glad I found your blog. Where did you grow up?
Lisa Dorenfest August 18, 2015 — Post Author
Coming from someone who leads by inspiring others your compliment means a great deal to me Nicole. I grew up in Lake Bluff, Illinois, 30 miles north of Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan. It is one of the most magical places on the face of the earth… of course, I never thought I would say that when I was a teenager dying to roam the earth and be anywhere but there…but as I age, and sail further away, I miss it more and more.
thirdeyemom August 24, 2015
My husband used to work at Abbott Labs and lived in Lake Bluff for awhile. We both lived in Chicago and got married there before moving to Minneapolis. I love Chicago! 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest August 24, 2015 — Post Author
It’s my kind of town ?. Small world
holley4734 August 27, 2015
Holy cow! You are one fascinating lady! 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest August 27, 2015 — Post Author
Well thank you. First you made me cry today with your courageous story and then you made me smile with your lovely compliment.
Carmen July 12, 2019
Hi my name is Carmen. I am a friend of Esther Hanselmans how do I registered for your amazing blog!
Lisa Dorenfest July 13, 2019 — Post Author
Ahoy there Carmen. Any friend of Esther’s is a friend of mine! Love her. Delighted that you want to sail along with me virtually. You’ll find the sign-up form in the ‘Journey Updates’ section on the sidebar of my blog.
amommasview August 28, 2015
What an amazing journey!
Lisa Dorenfest August 31, 2015 — Post Author
? you are lovely to say! Sorry for my delay in responding. I’ve been in an Internet free anchorage for a few days ⛵️
amommasview August 31, 2015
No problem at all. Hope you are having a great time
Lisa Dorenfest August 31, 2015 — Post Author
? I am indeed ⛵️
AnnaJ September 5, 2015
Wow! Following your adventures. 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest September 6, 2015 — Post Author
Well thank you very much.
southamptonoldlady September 7, 2015
This is wonderful. You are obviously a good photographer and sailor. I used to sail around the Mediterranean with my husband and it was wonderful. We used to race too. But then we had a late child and I wouldn’t take any risks. We sold our beautiful sloop and bought a caravan instead. It is so important to live your dreams. If you are a Cancer survivor too – you know how important your one life is. I have travelled to different parts of the world, but now we have done roaming and returned to my home City.
Thanks for stopping by my blog – I have posted the Dismaland pics now. Keep up the good work.
Lisa Dorenfest September 7, 2015 — Post Author
Sounds like we have much in common. I am so happy to have met you here ?
southamptonoldlady September 7, 2015
Keep in touch
Lisa Dorenfest September 7, 2015 — Post Author
PS – I had my first lumpectomy at Spire in Southampton while in the midst of my Yachtmaster program in Hamble.
southamptonoldlady September 7, 2015
The Hamble is a good place to learn. I learned here with my school. Let me know if you are ever here again. How are you now and how is your sail mate?
Lisa Dorenfest September 8, 2015 — Post Author
I would love to come back to the Solent again. Sailing there was a highlight of my life.
I am doing well. Cancer free since 2012! My sail mate is also doing well but has full body scans to look forward to in November. Hoping for an all clear.
southamptonoldlady September 8, 2015
Good luck! Stay positive
Lisa Dorenfest September 8, 2015 — Post Author
? The good news is that we are living life fully. ⛵️
tgeriatrix September 9, 2015
I admire you for living your dream!
Lisa Dorenfest September 9, 2015 — Post Author
? Thank you. I am a very lucky girl ⛵️
The WheatandTares October 5, 2015
Incredible adventures. Thank you for sharing. I look forward to reading more. ?
Lisa Dorenfest October 5, 2015 — Post Author
Thanks for reading and for your lovely compliment
pensitivity101 October 14, 2015
Welcome aboard Pensitivity101! Thanks for dropping in and ticking the follow button. Pleased to meet you.
Lisa Dorenfest October 14, 2015 — Post Author
Nice to meet you too! I became aware of your site through Captain Jill )http://captainjillsjourneys.com/). Looking forward to following you!
pensitivity101 October 14, 2015
Thanks to Capt Jill! I’ve been following her for a while.
AndreaVL October 27, 2015
Lisa, thank you so much for following my new blog! I have always found your adventures to be inspiring. You are a courageous lady and I admire that. Keep on exploring and having the time of your life!!
Lisa Dorenfest October 27, 2015 — Post Author
? Your street photography is MARVELOUS ❤️
AndreaVL October 28, 2015
Oh thank you so much, Lisa….this means a lot 😀
Mabel Kwong December 2, 2015
You are such an inspiration, Lisa. Props to you for standing up and going after your dream. Not even has the privilege to do that, and I am so happy it is working out for you. Living life one day at a time, and taking your chances as they come along – love that spirit you have 🙂 Also, I’ve never heard much of women sailors at all and it is also inspiring to see that women can do anything if they set their mind to it 🙂 Have fun where you are at the moment 😀
Lisa Dorenfest December 3, 2015 — Post Author
I am blessed and lucky Mabel! And I count you among those ‘women that can do anything if they set their mind to it’ ?
Karen / Elizabeth January 2, 2016
hi Lisa,
Jude of HeyJude pointed me to your site, saying we had a lot in common. After reading this intro page, I would agree — though you are the one who actually took the plunge and did it! Good on you.
Lisa Dorenfest January 2, 2016 — Post Author
I am glad that Jude made this virtual introduction Karen! We definitely seem to share a love of travel, sailing, and photography. I loved your recent post on the Sydney to Hobart and look forward to more.
Karen / Elizabeth January 2, 2016
I liked your post on the race start too — right in there among the yachts and sailors. Such a beautiful morning! (I hope this doesn’t appear multiple times. I got a number of “reply failed” notices so came back to your site to try.)
Lisa Dorenfest January 2, 2016 — Post Author
?It was such a sight to behold. The Captain and I are toying with the idea of sailing in the race next year. Who knows what the future holds. Sorry about the ‘reply failed’, The Reader can be a bit fussy with replies to self hosted blogs.
Karen / Elizabeth January 3, 2016
haha, and therein lies a major difference between us — I would never even toy with the idea! Best of luck if you do it. 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest January 3, 2016 — Post Author
? We are cruisers at heart (although I have enjoyed many a ‘beer can’ race). But we’ve had some news at the end of last year that reminded us that ‘you only live once’ and we were so inspired by the start that we thought, health permitting, why not! And there is a ‘cruising class’.
Retired2Travel January 13, 2016
Hi Lisa, first of all, thank you for your follow. Secondly. I admire you for the strength you have to leave people’s opinions aside and follow your dream. I wish you a lifetime of many rainbows and unicorns 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest January 13, 2016 — Post Author
? Thank you for your support and well wishes ?
Faraday's Candle January 20, 2016
Lisa!
I just wanted to say hello!
Your photos on instagram are amazing.
To continuing to follow your dreams.
Lisa Dorenfest January 20, 2016 — Post Author
Thank you! I really needed that today. You have made my day with your wonderful compliment and encouragement.
I have started a ‘Project 365’ on Instagram – plan is to post a photo a day and then recap ‘favorites’ on my blog monthly with the objective to hone my photography skills. Your positive feedback means a great deal to me!
Faraday's Candle January 20, 2016
Wow! Will have to take a closer peek at your Instagram.
The photos truly are spectacular!
Sonal Kapadia February 13, 2016
Hi Lisa …Just stumbled upon this blog. You look so happy living your dream! Enjoy! Come visit me someday in Hong Kong! Miss You
Lisa Dorenfest February 25, 2016 — Post Author
So great to reconnect with you Sonal! I hope to see you again someday in HK, NYC, or some exotic local on my sailing route.
Master of Something Yet March 19, 2016
I fell in love with the idea of sailing after I read the Swallows and Amazons books as a child. And I did learn to sail a dinghy in my early teens. But then other things took over and I haven’t sailed in 30 years. You are living the dream I once had so I am going to very much enjoy tagging along as virtual crew. And any friend of Sue’s…. 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest March 19, 2016 — Post Author
Well now I am going to have to read Swallows and Amazons. I have never heard of that book. I am thrilled to sail together virtually here on my blog and on yours Heather. And I do hope you get out sailing again and rediscover that childhood dream. Maybe we’ll be calling you the “Master of Yachts” one day ?⛵️
Master of Something Yet March 21, 2016
It’s a series of books by Arthur Ransome, published in the 1930s of which the first is called “Swallows and Amazons”. I always wished I’d had friends like Nancy and Peggy. 🙂 (Hm. I think it may be time to go back and revisit….)
Lisa Dorenfest March 22, 2016 — Post Author
Well I’ve just purchased the book and will let you know what I think! Thank you for the recommendation.
Miriam April 17, 2016
Hey Lisa, how wonderful to meet you. Fantastic to read that you’re living your dream. I look forward to getting to know you through your blog. Happy sailing! 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest April 19, 2016 — Post Author
Wonderful to meet you as well Miriam. I think we share a life philosophy! Looking forward to sailing with you virtually.
Tish Farrell April 18, 2016
What’s there to say but Bravo, BRAVO!
Lisa Dorenfest April 19, 2016 — Post Author
? Thank you Tish! You made my day ?
hilarycustancegreen April 19, 2016
The best kind of life adventure!
Lisa Dorenfest April 19, 2016 — Post Author
….like you, I am a very lucky girl
arv! April 20, 2016
lovely blog of an sea adventurer! Keep going!
Lisa Dorenfest April 21, 2016 — Post Author
Thank you for your visit and encouragement! Greatly appreciated.
fromdreamtoplan May 10, 2016
Wow! Your story is wonderful and inspiring! Happy to have found your blog and to have the possibility to follow you! I’m a travel lover too so I am definitely looking forward to reading your posts! 🙂
https://fromdreamtoplan.wordpress.com/
Lisa Dorenfest May 11, 2016 — Post Author
Thank you for your visit. Lovely to meet a fellow traveler. Looking forward to following your adventures and taking you along virtually on mine.
mooremisadventures October 21, 2016
“sailbatical” – I love it! Wonderful blog you have created, too!
Lisa Dorenfest October 25, 2016 — Post Author
Thank you Caitlin. Delighted to see you’ve been bitten by the travel bug. Look forward to seeing where your wanderlust takes you next ?
Joanne Sisco January 21, 2017
Wowzer Lisa!! You have embraced the Go Big Or Go Home mentality of following a dream. I LOVE it!! I particularly liked the ending with the line “even at its worst, it is much better than sitting around wishing I was living my dream”. Things don’t always work out the way we planned – but not trying is so much worse!
Happy travels!! 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest January 22, 2017 — Post Author
Thank you so much for perking up my spirits here and on your pages. You made my weekend.
Joanne Sisco January 22, 2017
🙂 🙂
simple Ula March 13, 2017
Hi :), I really like your website! 🙂 Great job! 🙂
I really want to ask you something, because I’ve found you on the wordpress.org forum and I’m thinking about moving my page http://www.simpleula.com to self hosted (from wordpress.com), I’m only wondering about my followers, will they be able to see my posts, like them and comment and coud I do the same while I have my website on wordpress.org? I would really appreciate your answer! 🙂
Thank you so much in advance and I wish you all success! 🙂
Ula
Lisa Dorenfest March 13, 2017 — Post Author
Thank you for sailing along with me virtually and for your kind compliments. I have always been self hosted so I can not answer your question, but these two bloggers made the leap and am certain they’d have insights for you… Sue at http://traveltalesoflife.com/ and Terri at https://secondwindleisure.com/ Good luck ?
simple Ula March 13, 2017
Thank you so much LIsa!!! 🙂
postcardsedge May 2, 2017
Dear Lisa,
Your photographs are beautiful but even more so is your spirit. One of my closest friends lives in Singapore and I often think of making a trip out there. Thank you for the virtual reminder! I wish you fair weather, and smooth sailing ahead at whichever port of call you drop anchor at.
Lisa Dorenfest May 5, 2017 — Post Author
Ahoy from Ko Ha Yoi Thailand. We’ve finally made our way from the marina back to sea. I do hope you make your way to Singapore. A wonderful place to explore with a good friend
equinoxio21 November 9, 2017
“Circumstances held you back in Bangkok”? All well I hope?
Lisa Dorenfest November 9, 2017 — Post Author
Thank you for asking Brian. My Mom had a fall while traveling with my sister in Krabi and required airlifting to Bangkok for partial hip replacement surgery. I was on my way home and nearly made it back to the boat before turning around to come back to Bangkok. Mom should be well enough to return home to the US with assistance next Tuesday. She is a real trooper.
equinoxio21 November 9, 2017
OMG. Glad she is getting better. (How old is she?) Isn’t Krabi the airport where one lands on the way to Ko Lanta?
Lisa Dorenfest November 10, 2017 — Post Author
Mom is almost 84 but was in relatively good shape until the fall. She’s doing well in physical therapy but it is going to be a long road. Krabi is indeed the airport for Ko Lanta although I’ve only traveled to that part of Thailand on our ⛵️
equinoxio21 November 10, 2017
84 is a good age to recover. Therapy is… a bit of a pain, but it’s 99% guaranteed. Just hard work and patience. I’ve seen that with my father. And he was much older. Krabi is what I thought. 🙂 We will walk in your steps in December. How’s the boat’s repair going?
Lisa Dorenfest November 11, 2017 — Post Author
Well your insights make me feel more positive on her prospects for recovery given your father’s experience ?. Captain up to his arms in boat repair but it is going well. Plan is to get his scans at the end of Nov in Penang and if they are clear, splash the boat in December and head back to Thailand ??. Hopeful our paths will cross somewhere along the way
equinoxio21 November 12, 2017
Indeed they might. Che sera sera… 😉
Bespoke Traveler December 4, 2017
The safety cocoon of fear is always so much more attractive, but your sailing and overland adventures are a great reminder that “even at its worst, it is much better than sitting around wishing I was living my dream.” Thank you Lisa!
Lisa Dorenfest December 5, 2017 — Post Author
???
Jessica February 3, 2018
Wow! You are an inspiration! I found your blog through Mabel’s. I lived in Taiwan and Hong King for three years in my mid-twenties. Now I’m trying to make travel a reality again – someday… Cheers!
Lisa Dorenfest February 4, 2018 — Post Author
Thank you for your visit and lovely compliments. How lucky are you to have lived for an extended period in two awesome countries. I am certain you will make travel a reality in your life again soon.
healingpilgrim March 13, 2018
Hi Lisa, Wow, what an amazing adventure you’ve been on! So you’ve been to my current neck of the woods – Bali? I see that you’ve been to many of my favorite spots around SE Asia – including Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. I’d so love to do a liveaboard trip around the Indonesian archipelago one of these days, east of Flores, over to Papua, that kind of thing. If you’re ever in this area again, I hope you’ll drop anchor and say hello! Oh, and thanks so much for visiting and following my blog 😉
Lisa Dorenfest March 13, 2018 — Post Author
Thank you so much for your visit here Amit! Lovely to meet you. I learned about your story from Peta Kaplan and look forward to following you. How I would love to come back to Indonesia for a visit on Amandla. We missed Papua this trip …next time around. You are blessed to live in such a beautiful place. I adore Bali and everything Indonesia.
Mahesh Nair April 29, 2018
Such a powerful yet friendly introduction, Lisa. 39 countries, 27 under sail – wow! I’m so glad you could meet people from different cultures and backgrounds. It really helps us grow as individuals too. Here’s wishing you many more travels. Go from 39 to 139 and more. All the best 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest April 30, 2018 — Post Author
Well thank you for such lovely feedback Mahesh. I’ve been fascinated by ‘culture’ since I was a kid and feel blessed that I am directly experiencing such a wide variety in my current travels. Oh how I would love to experience 139 ?
MythRider August 13, 2018
Congratulations on living your dream. I would say I’m jealousy, but I get motion sick. Ha. Even so I do love the water, beaches, mountains, nature. I love the out doors and enjoy exploring someplace I’ve never been.
Lisa Dorenfest August 14, 2018 — Post Author
It is storytellers like you that helped me to dream in the first place. My dreams of adventure started with books on fantasy, adventure, time travel, and space travel long ago. Just downloaded two of yours for my next long passage.
MythRider August 14, 2018
Wow. I’m flattered. Thank you. Let me know what you think.
leggypeggy August 14, 2018
Delighted to have found your blog and look forward to following your adventures. We travel a lot, too, but your times on the high seas make me jealous. Great way to live the dream.
Lisa Dorenfest August 14, 2018 — Post Author
The best thing about the sailing life is that wherever you go, you are home. Only my backyard changes. This lifestyle satisfies both sides of me – the one that abhors change and the one that craves it. So delighted to have found your blog and looking forward to enjoying more of your many adventures to come.
Dave Shinneman November 26, 2018
Hi Lisa, Birgit and I just read through your latest posts and loved all the pictures and stories. Birgit just said she would love to meet you and wow what a change in course my life has taken. You have been a strength for me just to talk to again and being able to share in your journey is great. Keep on following your dreams.
Love Dave and Birgit…
Lisa Dorenfest November 28, 2018 — Post Author
I so look forward to meeting Birgit! She has reawakened your soul and for that I am very grateful! I thank you both for reading about my travels and look forward to joining you, even if only virtually for your upcoming nuptials. Hugs from South Africa. See you somewhere along the road, maybe even in an anchorage ?
Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor January 15, 2019
What an interesting life story you have. Looking forward to following along with your adventures. Love your photos 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest January 15, 2019 — Post Author
? You are lovely to say. And back at you! We are blessed to be able to live this vagabond life. Delighted to have met you in the virtual anchorage and look forward to ‘sailing’ along with you in the future.
Loty Salazar February 22, 2019
Lisa, you’re such an inspiration!!! Your stories are always full of interesting information, fab photos, and charged with energy, resilience, and wanderlust. I continue to follow in your travels and look forward to the next chapter. 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest March 9, 2019 — Post Author
Ahoy from St Helena Loty!!! What a treat to see you here with your very kind comment. I am so sorry for my seriously delayed response due to very limited internet connections here in The South Atlantic. I’ll be by for a Facebook visit as soon as we have access to stable internet.
Selina Stambi April 16, 2019
What an amazing dream to be living. Your litany of places you’ve sailed to fascinated me. Lovely to meet you, Lisa. Hello …. 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest April 17, 2019 — Post Author
Thank you for voyaging with me virtually Selina! The tag line on your blog sums it up perfectly ‘Sometimes Your Life Is Defined By A Single Moment. Let It Be Today. Go Boldly In The Direction Of Your Dreams’ #blessed
Michael Scandling May 16, 2019
Okay, Lisa. I’m hooked. Reel me in.
Lisa Dorenfest May 16, 2019 — Post Author
😊🙏 Oh the pictures you would take out here Michael ⛵️
Michael Scandling May 16, 2019
Thank you. I’m sure I would. For the time being I will live vicariously.
Image Earth Travel June 2, 2019
Not sure if you updated this About page recently? I don’t remember reading of all your amazing story! Maybe it’s the ‘age’ forgetfulness silently creeping in…
I’m so glad you took the plunge all those years ago because now you share your beautiful photography and experiences with us…love reading about your sailing adventures.
Lisa Dorenfest June 12, 2019 — Post Author
Thank you for all the love Nilla. I am delighted to share our adventures together virtually and look forward to the day when we may do so in person. Ahoy from Grenada
The Widow Badass June 23, 2019
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for stopping by my blog. What an adventurous soul you are! Your ocean journey sounds amazing. I am always happy to make the acquaintance of people actively living their life and dreams no matter what else is thrown at them. Looking forward to reading more…
Deb
Lisa Dorenfest June 23, 2019 — Post Author
Hi Deb,
Lovely to meet you through your recent adventure with Joanne (how I would love to go hunting icebergs #jealous). Your story adds to my toolbox of inspiration to draw upon when I feel like I can’t rise above the crap life throws my way.
wanderessence1025 July 27, 2019
Wow, you’re so inspirational, Lisa! It’s amazing how you followed your dream and have traveled to some of the most exotic places in the world. I’m so impressed! 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest July 27, 2019 — Post Author
I am a very lucky girl. And speaking of inspiring, your imagery and eloquence are aspirational for me. So glad to have met you here in the blogosphere. Anabel was stunned that our paths have never crossed.
wanderessence1025 July 30, 2019
You are! By the way, I just saw the movie Maiden and was so impressed by the team of women sailors. You must be a very brave soul! I look forward to reading more of your adventures! 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest August 3, 2019 — Post Author
I had no idea of Tracy Edwards tale until you mentioned the movie to me. I am going to have to purchase and download it. Sounds right up my ocean. I don’t feel like a very brave soul. Sailing around the world was one of those things it seemed scarier not to do 🙂
Deborah Gries August 1, 2019
So proud of you, my friend. You are, and have always been, a remarkable person. You are one of the few people who continually manifest your dreams into reality. It takes a lot of courage to make that happen. What an amazing life you have! Your photography is a gift to us all.
Thank you for all the great moments we shared in Chicago, and for the road rash in Bermuda. Hope we can create some new memories when you return to NYC. Love you.
Lisa Dorenfest August 3, 2019 — Post Author
Ahoy you! What a treat to arrive in Colombia to some awesome Deborah L. Gries love on the blog. Thank you for buoying my spirits today and always. I still laugh out loud when I recall our escapades together and look forward to the many new memories to come. Love you back!
gallivance.net August 9, 2019
Absolutely Awesome, Lisa! Your spirit and accomplishments are an inspiration to us all. What an epic journey it’s been for you. Dare I ask, What’s Next? All the best, Terri
Lisa Dorenfest August 9, 2019 — Post Author
I am a very lucky girl, Terri! Loved it so much am trying to figure out the best way to fund a victory lap. The near term plan is to cross The Canal again and sail the boat up to La Paz where we can leave the boat for a year or two if I decide to return home to replenish the cruising kitty. Thank you so much for your visit and kind compliments.
pam@ichoosethis September 16, 2019
I love this soooo hard Lisa!!! I have a lot of reading to do on your blog – I was away from the blogging community through most of your adventures. You are an inspiration and deserve every wonderful adventure life has to offer! Cheers to many more years of cool stuff 😉
Lisa Dorenfest September 17, 2019 — Post Author
Ahoy from Bogota Pam! Thank you for all the love! I am delighted to have met you in the blogosphere and look forward to sharing many travel adventures together virtually.
pam@ichoosethis September 17, 2019
me too!! life is good lady!!
nickymacke February 27, 2020
I’m so sorry to read about the loss of your friend Mary. The loss of a close friend of mine (to a brain tumour at 37) was the catalyst which spurred me to change my life and embark on one of travel too. I’m not a sailor, but whenever I get the chance to, I jump at it. We were lucky enough to be taught the basics whilst staying on the BVI’s a couple of years ago and I grinned from ear to ear the whole time we were on the water. I love reading your tales from the high seas, it’s truly inspirational!
Lisa Dorenfest February 27, 2020 — Post Author
Heartbreaking to know that you also lost a dear friend at such an early age. I would love to hear more of the story if you have or are ever inclined to share it. I think that your friend would be chuffed with the direction that you’ve life’s taken. I hope to see you and Ian get more time on the water, whether chartering a boat or crewing on someone else’s for a time. It has been a wonderful way to navigate the world.
nickymacke March 2, 2020
Lisa you’re too kind, thank you!
Jackie Gately February 27, 2020
Wow, I am so glad I found you and can follow along! I love that you are seizing the day because I agree that life is precious and “even at its worst, it is much better than sitting around wishing I was living my dream.” Those are some inspiring words to live by–and I’m happy you are doing just that! I am in awe.
Lisa Dorenfest February 28, 2020 — Post Author
I am so grateful to have the opportunity to live my dream. Life is precious indeed and every moment a treasure. Lovely to meet you in the blogosphere.
MythRider March 29, 2020
I just reread this. I joined your adventure as you reached Madagascar. While I was healing, you’ve been traveling the world. Though I wasn’t there for the full adventure, thanks for the what I did get to see.
Lisa Dorenfest April 1, 2020 — Post Author
You are so lovely to come back through to my About page. Thank you. I am glad that you were feeling healthy enough to join us virtually from Madagascar and have continued to get stronger with every passing day.
MythRider April 2, 2020
Thanks for the virtual tour. ;0)
Jane Lurie April 12, 2020
HI Lisa, I am so happy to “meet” you and read your enthralling About page. Your adventures are impressive and I am simply in awe. Looking forward to poking around your posts. Thanks.
Lisa Dorenfest April 12, 2020 — Post Author
Thank you so much for coming through to say ‘Hello in There’. I greatly appreciate your visit and am delighted to have rediscovered your gorgeous photography during this period of self-isolation.
Jane Lurie April 13, 2020
Thanks, Lisa. I feel like we “met” a long while ago…:)