by Ray Jason
PART TWO
The first essay in this series, which you can find here, was re-posted at many websites. The “comments” sections at those blogs generated some very lively discussions. So much so, that it makes sense for me to clarify my mission.
I am NOT trying to convince large numbers of people to abandon their lives ashore and adopt the full-time cruising lifestyle. Instead, my goal is to inspire those who are already living aboard their sailboats. My hope is that I can encourage them to band together with other like-minded sailors who believe that society-wrecking catastrophes might lie just below tomorrow’s horizon.
Groups of 5 to 8 boats, when properly prepared and equipped, have an excellent chance of surviving – and even flourishing – despite any emergency. There are 100s of anchorages scattered all around the world filled with self-reliant sea gypsies.
If a serious Collapse occurs, these sea-folk could be vital to humanity’s future. Their remarkable little ships combine 19th century wind propulsion with 21st century off-the-grid systems.
These include solar panels, wind generators, solar ovens, water-makers, freeze-dried foods and HAM radios. These old and new technologies, combined with the life skills and ingenuity of these sea gypsies, will allow them to withstand even the most extreme catastrophes.
In this, Part 2 of my Sea Gypsy Tribe Encyclopedia, I will discuss 3 more disasters that could bring tomorrows filled with sorrows. My firm belief is that well-prepared bands of ocean-folk can successfully sail on through to the other side.
*******
N NUCLEAR WASTELAND
Why not start with the worst of all worst case scenarios – nuclear insanity disguised as nuclear war? Obviously, this lunacy would transform huge chunks of continents into ashtrays. Here are the reasons why I am convinced that Sea Gypsy Tribes probably have the best chance of surviving if the missiles fly.
There are no targets in the oceans. Should geo-political tensions intensify, my Tribe would stealthily head for our pre-arranged deep water rendezvous point. If an attack comes we will have an excellent chance of surviving what I consider the 4 phases of a nuclear attack.
This position would be far enough from land to allow us to escape the first danger, which is the shock wave – also known as the Blast Energy. The next extreme hazard is the heat and fire, which is called the Thermal Energy. Being 50 miles from land will shield us from these two threats, which account for about 85% of the destruction.
These initial 2 horrific impacts will be felt in the first few minutes after the detonation. If they are survived, then the last 2 dangers are Fallout and Societal Mayhem.
Deadly fallout results from the nuclear explosion blasting highly-radioactive dust from Ground Zero up into the mushroom cloud and the atmosphere. This will then gradually descend onto the people who survived the initial blast and the fires.
Sailboats are an ideal defense against this type of contamination. About 2/3rds of the hull is below the water and won’t be effected. So, the crew shelters down in the cabin for a few days as the toxicity of the radiation diminishes.
Fortunately, it does so quite rapidly. Wearing easily affordable protective clothing, it can now be swept off the decks and into the sea. My personal decontamination gear is a disposable paper cover-all that painters use, an N95 mask and gloves, junk shoes and goggles. After usage, these would be bagged, weighted down and sunk.
Now my Tribe only has to survive the 4th danger, which is human pandemonium. On land, all the normal daily support systems will be vaporized. No grocery stores, no ATMs, no police protection, no TV or Internet. This will swiftly lead to marauders and to survival of the most vicious.
*******
On the other hand, such emergency possibilities are exactly why Sea Gypsy Tribes banded together. We have many months of non-perishable foods onboard. We always keep our water, diesel and propane tanks topped up. Our boats will be in sight of each other and we have short-range and long-range radios. Some HAM radios should survive on land, and that will be our link to the conditions onshore.
Our likely strategy, after the initial destruction and follow-on violence has eased, would be to go to a remote island or shoreline and set up a secure anchorage and a base camp onshore. We would then combine the best of both worlds – a safe haven ashore and our ships ready to flee rapidly should conditions warrant it.
*******
C CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCIES
The powers that should not be, who I affectionately call our Malignant Overlords, are practically orgasmic when it comes to forcing Central Bank Digital Currencies upon us. They fully realize that this is the lynch-pin to their Great Reset, which should be more accurately deemed our Neo-Enslavement.
Eliminating physical cash and switching to only digital electronic money would give them more power than an Egyptian pharaoh cloned with Chairman Mao. It would allow them to monitor every purchase, how much it was and what it was spent on. Plus, it would provide GPS tracking allowing them to easily know your location.
CBDCs could also come with restrictions on what you can purchase. So, if Chairman Klaus wants you to eat zee bugz and not zee beef, your “money” can be restricted to acceptable purchases. It is also likely, that they will add an “expiration date” to your digital currency. If you don’t spend it by its due date, it will simply disappear. And so regular folk will never have a chance to save some money and get ahead.
Of course, if you are a political dissident who does not play well with authorities, they will have the power to simply “delete” your pseudo-money any time they wish to do so.
As I am writing this in early April of 2023 there are already 114 countries working on CBDCs. They account for 95% of the planetary GDP, so please don’t claim that this is just the fevered delusion of a conspiracy theorist. Instead, it is the desperate plea of an attentive realist who can see the shackles even though most cannot.
*******
The Sea Gypsy Tribes are well positioned for the institution of CBDCs. Most of our boats are already paid off (since they cost a fraction of a home onshore.) We are not “workin’ for The Man” and we conduct a lot of our personal trade through … TRADING. I’ll fix your outboard engine if you will sew this rip in my sun awning.
Plus, most of us are cruising in the Third World. Cash will continue to be used out here long after they have slapped the digital money shackles on the First World inmates.
However, our greatest advantage is that fact that we can go “full castaway” if we have to, but in a rather luxurious fashion. We can fish the waters, forage the shorelines and catch the sky-water. Yet, after our fishing and gathering, in the evening we can settle in and watch a movie compliments of our solar panels or wind generators.
*******
A ANTI-WHITE HYSTERIA
The disparity between how Whites and Non-whites are treated in America and much of the West these days, has become almost unbelievable. Scream Black Lives Matter and you will be praised. Post a flyer saying All Lives Matter and the Sheriff will come looking for you.
Study your stern off trying to get into a prestigious university, and your effort will be a waste of time and caffeine, if there is a Black/Queer/Anarchist applicant available.
Praise any of the Founding Fathers, who established the first nation truly based on the Rule of Law and the Will of the People, and you will be called a racist pig.
When POCs complain that “Hockey is too White” and you respond by saying the NBA is too black, you have just unwittingly joined the KKK.
*******
Fortunately, the Sea Gypsy Tribes have sailed away from all of that. Out here in the cruising world, we care about a person’s skill with his vessel and his crew and his decency towards his neighbors.
It is an exceedingly white sub-culture, but more accurately it is one of the last bastions of true meritocracy. You don’t cross oceans on EBT cards. You have to learn the skills and you have to handle the fears and stresses. Any non-white who does that is completely embraced by our deep water fraternity. But they have to earn it. The Sea does not recognize Affirmative Action.
One final note on this topic. As a straight white male, I have tremendous empathy for the young white men in my home country. The way that they are disadvantaged and scorned is despicable.
Here is some advice for them. Get yourselves down to a seaport, learn a trade (electrical, sail-making, diesel mechanics, welding) and learn to sail. Marinas and harbors are full of boat-owners who will lend a helping hand to a young man with initiative and a little moxie.
And then, as a wise cartoonist recently advised, “Get the hell out – while you still can!”
For more of Ray Jason’s work, please visit THE SEA GYPSY PHILOSOPHER.
WHAT??? You would litter the ocean with a garbage bag full of nuclear waste? Holy Greta would not approve.
(Splendid article, as always. I went to the town Easter Egg Hunt the other day. Approximately 200 children, parents and grandparents. About 195 white with a few token Asians thrown in. I guess it might be a good place to live, all things considered.
I grabbed a book from a roadside little library recently: “Our country begins” by Furlong, Ganey, Downing, a history book targeted probably at middle school, written in 1939. I like these old books, hoping to avoid the woke bent of today’s writers)
Hi SL,
I watched AMERICAN GRAFFITI a few nights ago. What a friggin difference. The angst that those teens were playfully grappling with compared to nowadays whether or not to slice off one’s equipment, was astounding.
Mondo Cane – world gone to the dogs…
The Movie American Graffiti was about what life was like for a group of kids that were graduating HS in 1962. 62 was the year I graduated HS and I can tell you that movie nailed it, I even had a 32 Ford five window coupe but not in the condition as the one in the movie, mine needed a lot of work and I never got it running before I had to sell it. Also a friend of mine had a white 58 Impala every bit as nice as the one in the movie. So yeah that’s what life was like at that time.
I grew up in a small town in the valley and “knew” all those characters. We cruised the strip every Friday and Saturday. Even the hoods where mostly just like those in the movies -a little scary but not really bad. Some of them stepped in to save my friends from getting beat up by some drunk cowboys. Different world now.
I’ll never be a sea gypnsy but it sure would be fun to go out on a sailboat for a while.
I’m gently trying to encourage my grandson who is graduating from high school in June to avoid college and take up a trade. It’s not working.
Hey MC,
If you are ever near the shore where they have sunset cruises on sailing boats, make sure you take one. It is a nice tiny taste of this exquisite little sub-culture.
I have been to Florida, both east and west coast, and the gulf many times. I can never convince anyone to go out on a boat. Too expensive they always say.🙄
If your grandson really insists on going to college, at least steer him towards a profession that really requires a degree – engineering, medicine/biological sciences, dentistry, accounting/CPA etc. I.e., something marketable.
There are people that build things and understand how they work and there are people who use those products without a clue. Encourage him to be in the first group.
The commie colleges will just ruin him. Trades the way to go.
As a semi-retired master electrician, I would wholeheartedly recommend the trades. Especially electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. A six figure+ income is easy to achieve. The trades provide a perfect segue to get into real estate. (renovations, flipping, rental properties) I, as well as many of my friends have profited as much or more with that than with our trades. Almost guaranteed job security since demand far exceeds supply. (It seems the younger folk just don’t like hard work. Go figure.) He will have NO student loans since most employers will pay most or all of the schooling for their employees. (I always did) Even if he has to pay for it himself, it’s cheap ! Under $2000/year in NH where I am. Keep working on him !
CHS has a great article on that subject up now. Huge lack of skilled tradespeople.
That’s what everyone around here says. OTOH most folks around here are pretty self-reliant, which might be why the tradesmen didn’t stick around. But some jobs you need an expert.
Amazing. Always wondered about Shop Life.
Far be it from me to school such an obvious Master-of-All Trades, But if you would fold up the attic access ladder?
BIG savings on the heating bill.
Hahahahahaha! Loved the pic.
I operate an office tower in Houston and tradespeople are it…..
Definitely work by college edumacated. Probably PhD
Well said. I worked construction in my 20’s, and I almost never have to hire anyone to work on my home. This lead me to an early retirement at 55. The benefits of learning some construction skills is endless.
If I may:
My pops was a man of few words, but he managed to impart some wisdom my way. I seldom listened, but this time I did.
The first son of Italian immigrants, he wanted a better life as an adult. Right out of high school, he joined an electrical apprenticeship program – a union program, no less. This was 1958. After his four years, he zeroed in on electrical control work as a specialty. By the time he was 27 in 1967, he was already making over 50,000 year. In my later high school years, his advice for my future wasn’t college, it was simply, “get a trade, you’ll never starve”. My two older brothers are electricians. By the time it was my turn, the Carter economy had sucked the life out of new construction, so no apprenticeship classes were offered for two years in the early eighties. I went into automotive, and have never starved as a result. In fact, I have done quite well, and have built many high-end hot rods over the years, and made a bag of money. Sage advice from the old man.
My pop used to tell me that he never really wanted to do electrical work, but it was an avenue to sustain life while he worked his plan. He ended up building a very successful contracting business, and retiring at the ripe old age of 39. He continued to work with young guys starting their own businesses, always paying it forward, as it were.
I tell any young people that will listen – especially in this deranged college climate – get a trade, make your own way and you’ll be much happier in the long run. I’ve never met anyone in a trade that wasn’t multi-talented and for the most part, always performed their own home repairs, worked on their own cars, and became a resource for friends and family.
So yeah, skip the overpriced indoctrination classes, find a good trade school, and start earning.
Just my two cents.
A word of caution: “Good”.
Spent an inordinate amount of my youth trying to get in the i.b.e.w.
Locally, @ least, NOT enough syllables in my last name.
No need to bore Ya with the intervening details. Relative to my current
Racketvocation?Have an album on my phone. Name? NEC Code violations; UNION ‘electricians’.
“They’re the Same. Picture.”?
From ‘doctors’ to ‘ditch diggers’…
“Whoa baby, Whoa!”
“My Mommy Works Here!”Almost veered off on a tangent ’bout the money i made as kid hand-digging underground services, because the homeowner did Not want even small tractors/excavators despoiling theirputting greenlawn. WBIA, (Way Before Illegal Aliens) were a problem, Here too. Coulda qualified to work on Archeological digs as well, NOT damaging the roots of prized trees. 🤣 made more $$$ digging than ‘wiring’ in those days. i Was the……of Ditches, precision hand cut and recycled sod ta boot. Feed sacks cut open to act as drop cloths/containment for the soil.
Now where was i?
Oh yeah.
Clearly. A job tittle is just that. Across the board, spectrum, profession, ‘Career-Track’, whateva. The %’s (competent/exemplary – could NOT get a job in the navy as an anchor if made of concrete) are really fucked.
“Shoulders of Giants”? A very REAL Thing.
They are called Books. Too many over time? NOT enough. i can coast ’til come what may.
Most recently? The BANE of Videos. ESPECIALLY if one has Little/No Idea what one is ‘looking’ @. Almost a given that SOMEONE(s) followed the…
…As valid advice from a ‘Professional’.
5-6 months ago? Started watching Various trade-related videos, NOT too many ‘Readers’ these days, apparently. AND, “Those books are too expensive!” Looking for ones to recommend to those ‘coming up’, offered by ‘Reputable’ (NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL Name Recognition) affiliated ‘Organizations/Associations/Publications’.
Of course, the requisite price being FREE!
Thought i found a few ‘Gold Mines’, replete with Explanation/Commentary by S.M.E.’s. (Subject Matter Experts)
A question/comment option for Users/Viewers.
Un-fucking-believable. A few posted ‘observations’. (Extremely ‘polite’, not quite sycophantic,) by me and POOF!
No More ‘questions’ possible. For/By anyone.
Too long already.
Irony/Coincidence, a lifelong struggle. Among other things, ‘Current events’ REALLY got me into The Bible.
imho? ’bout the ONLY thing that makes sense. But a Question of WHEN.
Happy Easter. No Need ta look. You’ll hear a shout*.
1 Thessalonians 4:16
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”
King James Version (KJV)
* mention of ‘trump’ is Ironic. Or Coincidental. Free Will. Make up Your own mind. About everything. But 1 (One) unpardonable Sin. Far as i can read.
The REAL ‘Fun’ has not yet begun.
He’s been brainwashed already, sorry.
Tell him to go party and do whatever as long as he doesn’t take out loans.
The idea is to become resilient- anti-fragile- so that whatever comes along, however you choose to live, you are capable, skilled and fearless. Learning a trade, for example, or two or three, provides you with a marketable skillset that will always have value no matter what happens. Being adaptable to any environment, sea, land or in between allows you far more freedom than those who find themselves locked in.
Keep telling these stories, they’re inspirational.
Hey HF,
You’d be pleased by the number of DIYs – do-it-yourselfers – out here in the fleet. Since we all know that someday far from land we might need to make a repair, we tend to enjoy acquiring more skills.
Working with one’s hands is a perfect antidote to a world over run with Youtube Influencers.
I obviously love how you expand your resiliency. One if by Land, two if by Sea.
There are probably a few farmers among the group here, not taking anything away from HSF, and the lifestyle def is one of resilience and McGyver’n your way. Unless you are a corporate farmer pr have tons of money… lol a farmer with tons of money.
What most landlocked people lack is bush craft. Like the sea, there are no targets when there is a few hundred miles of forest in any direction. Forests absorb blast and slow dispersion of dust, and filter a lot of dust from the air before it hits the ground. In a forest you can be concealed from view in feet or miles, in a heartbeat. It provides you with concealment on the ground and from the air. Its a great provider of shelter and food and bonus points is open year round and stocked.
Another bonus is that if any marauders come looking for your camps and supplies, They’ll likely die trying. They’ll be hopelessly lost and die of exposure before starving.
For us landlocked people. Learn a trade, more than one trade. Start learning bush craft, it could be your life boat and start tribing up. OMI, seafaring and bushcraft are more similar than different, having the farming knowledge will be a must when the ashes cool.
Hey Moos,
Good counsel.
Great thread Ray!
In my 11th year building a small working farm/compound to live out my life come what may.
My Irish Father had all the tradesmen genes that seem to have skipped me…but every time I bend my elbow my mouth opens…I guess you can pick your friends and your nose …but you can’t pick your genes.
One tactic I have been doing is building up a massive hard copy craftsman, prepper, farmer, survivalist library…and stashed many future needs.
Example: I found three rabbit cages (two for free), all the needed water bottles etc. and detailed information on raising them. No Rabbits yet…but when I decide to start all I will need is the rabbits, and I located that seller as well.
Here is a great source of information I have been collecting for about a decade.
https://www.subscriptioncore.com/product/new-pioneer?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=New%20Pioneer&utm_term=new%20pioneer%20magazine%20subscription&utm_content=New%20Pioneer%20Subscribe
Like HF and anon a moos I am a pasture, pond, animal, garden, FORREST dweller.
With 14 acres and 7 of them forest this book is amazing in identifying edible wild plants all around me.
mark, check out mullein if it grows in your area. There is an explosion of this stuff here this spring. It’s purpose is said to help with respiratory ailments and can be applied to skin wounds. I have no respiratory issues but thought since I’ve identified the plant I’m drying and storing for use as a tea like I do Goldenrod which blooms later in the summer. BTW, Goldenrod is not Rag Weed folks are allergic too. It never fails when speaking with someone about allergies they point out all the Rag Weed they see yet most often it’s Goldenrod they are looking at. Rag Weed will grow in the same area as Goldenrod but Rag Weed has no yellow-golden flowers. Identification is easy between the two. Old myths about Goldenrod that still persist. A person has to spend some time researching the many wild plants that have provided beneficial medicinal and nutritional qualities for many years.
There are variations of mullein in the flowers , but the leaves appear the same. For a long time people have mentioned mullein leaves while in the outdoors as emergency toilet paper.
Incidentally I’ve no interest in smoking mullein although it’s use that way is mentioned. Seems to be controversy about the seeds that can vary from site to site. Here mullein is flowering but yet to seed. I’m harvesting leaves and flowers now. Even if it has gone to seed the leaves are still only leaves and perfectly usable. My only complaint with mullein is it does not dry as fast as Goldenrod. Goldenrod dries very fast.
https://www.foragingtexas.com/2006/12/mullien.html
Thanks for, and from the link:
“Avoid consuming the seeds as they contain Rotenone, a poisonous material that is particularly bad for fish and other plants.”
Seems like i’ve heard that word somewhere?
Rotenone used to be sold as a pesticide, can’t say if it still is. We used the powder to spray the vineyard for leaf roller mainly. A little goes a long way and like with many such things, poisonous can be beneficial when used in the right amounts.
My wife transplants every spider she finds in the house to the garden. Between the spiders and ant lions the gardens stay pest free. This is good for small gardens but for acres, not so much, hence the need to spray at times.
Eureka! Thanks ta You!
https://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/antlions.shtml
Will have to check out their distribution/range time permitting, BUT about the only thing that makes sense @ 1st blush.
“No direct rain”, from the link. Old horse barn, covered area in front of the stalls. Hundreds of
heretofore ‘inexplicable’mystery holesMuch appreciated!
Should have put in there ladybug larvae too. They are voracious eaters, we never get aphid infestations. Plenty of beneficial insects which pesticides kill.
The ant lions feed on, ants. Ants where I’m at, cultivate aphids. So between the ant lions and ladybug larvae we get rid of ants and aphids, and no poisons needed.
Huh.
Just bein’ a tard, enough hijacking, gotta run for a bit anywho.
Doodle bugs aka antlions…maybe. Don’t spray a bunch of chemical crap on them. Evidently they eat ants that can be a nuisance. People seem to want to spray chemicals on every dang thing that crawls not that you do.
Courtesy Al Gore’s Internet.
Rotenone was and may still be used to kill fish in ponds etc. in preparation for restocking. My grandfather used it once. After a couple hours as I recall all the black bass and other sunfish were floating. The substance depleted oxygen in the water so they suffocate, my understanding. Next morning all the catfish were floating. I’ve read varied opinion about mullIen seed. Some say the seed is harmful to humans some don’t but most opinion is the seed can kill fish. Seems it would have to be a lot of seed. My grandfather used the powder.
An old 1930s hand crank phone does the same. Drop the wire into the pond, turn the crank, and Voila! Dead fish.
LOL, “illegal” on public waters here but who cares? A deceased uncle use to do that and probably continued even though he did get busted. I’ve never tried. It would be my “luck ” I’d electrocute myself. I’m uncertain the phone method is “illegal” here on private property since fishing license are not required on private waters.
The Local State DNR does a Variant of that on the Ohio River semi-regularly to ‘sample’ various Fish populations. Supposedly just stuns ’em.
When I went to the co-op this morning to be disappointed again, they had a trough with bunnies in it.
That issue looks worth a read. I have The Forager’s Harvest.
How do you store or generate any wealth while playing around on the water? The answer is—- YOU DON’T.
I guess a man with deep pockets can buy a boat and go play around the world spending old money but you can not get there from your place here in reality.
I guess it is a slight possibility for one in a million people to make it happen. I’m not sure how the hell you top off your diesel tank or buy some new solar panels unless you can call daddy.
You learn to juggle things. That’s how.
July 18 1981 Ray Jason day, wow!!!!!!
Am fairly proud of that one since my goal was never to be a star but to become a local folk hero. I believe that only 2 street performers ever received that honor. The other was Robert Shields – a spectacularly good mime. I know … I know … but he was!
The 3 Different (hatchet, sickle, machete) weights/flip rates very difficult. Never progressed to fire. On-the-back? never even thought of that ‘variant’.
45+ yrs! ago, summer camp. afore i go off on yet another tangent…
Old Age.
Secluded cove/high ground/base-camp(s) established here-n-there, or is it strictly ‘Water World’ until the inevitable? No need ta answer, if
disinclinedya don’t wanna. imho, the level of commitment to achieve ANY Skill to the level You exhibited?You’ll be fine. Inconceivable that You are NOT a role model to those with You.
Enjoy reading Your contributions
Hi O S,
Those were real hardware store blades and not juggling “props.” I’d cut myself pretty seriously every couple of years.
Yes, a combo of a defensible shoreside base camp and the ability to head out to sea swiftly if necessary. Would depend on what emergency we were responding to.
Believe it or not, I actually juggle torches now better than in those earlier days. I’ll post a vid for the Burning Platformm gang sometime soon.
Thanks for the Response, looking forward to the video.
🤣 Enough about You.
2 week camp. 2 legged diversions. Got to golfball, softball, soccer ball. ‘Talent’ show final night. 2 tennis balls and an Apple. Ate it down to the core one chomp @ a time. Generally no problem avoiding my fingers. Smelled funny. And the balls bounced quite a bit. And the Tennis balls still did. Too.
Juggle things my ass. Old money is what these people juggle.
They juggle their welfare checks and their food stamps. They get sick and they go to the hospital ER and pay nothing.
They go for the drugs. Everyone from corporate to the janitor is AOK with it. EVERYBODY in the chain gets paid.
And the Doper gets dope. ‘Private practice ‘doctors’ write scripts galore, in cahoots with ALL the pharmacies. Everywhere.
https://www.salon.com/2012/04/11/americas_pill_popping_capital/
Tons of related, the BEST one telling ALL ’bout the SUCKler Family?
Scrubbed.
NOT gonna bother (no time) to check various other links in a DIFFERENT Text-Edit file…
One or the other of the BABY FORMULA owners?
(hard ta trace)
https://www.okaybliss.com/enfamil-shifting-ownership/
Some kinda ‘relationship to:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reckitt-benckiser-pharmaceuticals-inc-announces-plans-to-rebrand-under-indivior-plc-following-demerger-245324987.html
Shit has been goin’ on since some Yuuuge % of the ‘mommies’, and consequently their CHILDREN (a ‘Sleep’ helper, doncha know) were on laudanum, etc.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/inside-story-americas-19th-century-opiate-addiction-180967673/
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/89268/lure-laudanum-victorians-favorite-drug
Thanks ta the magnanimity of algore? U2 can find out…a ‘Hole’ lot. IF Ya hurry.
Burning Books? Soooo Yesteryear.
Scrubbing the ‘Net? Goin’ on RIGHT NOW.
MAY wanna start with the “Opium Wars”? AND waaaay before that.
Just like some landlubbers , eh?
“Juggle things my ass.”
“There was a businessman who was getting ready to go on a long business trip. He knew his wife was a flirtatious sort, so he thought he’d try to get her something to keep her occupied while he was gone, because he didn’t much like the idea of her screwing someone else.
So he went to a store that sold sex toys and started looking around. He thought about a life-sized sex doll, but that was too close to another man for him. He was browsing through the dildos, looking for something special to please his wife, and started talking to the old man behind the counter. He explained his situation, to the old man.
“Well, I don’t really know of anything that will do the trick. We have vibrating dildos, special attachments, and so on, but I don’t know of anything that will keep her occupied for weeks, except …” said the old man, and then he stopped.
“Except what?” asked the businessman.
“Nothing, nothing,” said the old man.
“C’mon, tell me! I need something!” protested the businessman.
“Well, sir, I don’t usually mention this, but there is the ‘voodoo dick,'” the old man said.
“So what’s up with this voodoo dick?” the businessman asked.
The old man reached under the counter, and pulled out an old wooden box carved with strange symbols. He opened it, and there lay a very ordinary-looking dildo. The businessman laughed, and said, “Big fucking deal. It looks like every other dildo in this shop!”
The old man said, “But you haven’t seen what it’ll do yet.”
He pointed to a door and said “Voodoo dick, the door.”
The voodoo dick rose out of its box, darted over to the door, and started screwing the keyhole. The whole door shook with the vibrations, and a crack developed down the middle. Before the door could split, the old man said, “Voodoo dick, get back in your box!”
The voodoo dick stopped, floated back to the box and lay there, quiescent once more.
The businessman said, “I’ll take it!”
The old man resisted and said it wasn’t for sale, but he finally surrendered to $700 in cash. The guy took it home to his wife, told her it was a special dildo and that to use it, all she had to do was say, “Voodoo dick, my pussy.”
He left for his trip satisfied things would be fine while he was gone.
After he’d been gone a few days, the wife was unbearably horny. She thought of several people who would willingly satisfy her, but then she remembered the voodoo dick. She got it out, and said “Voodoo dick, my pussy!” The voodoo dick shot to her crotch and started pumping. It was great, like nothing she’d ever experienced before.
After three orgasms, she decided she’d had enough, and tried to pull it out, but it was stuck in her, still thrusting. She tried and tried to get it out, but nothing worked. Her husband had forgot to tell her how to shut it off. So she decided to go to the hospital to see if they could help. She put her clothes on, got in the car and started to drive to the hospital, quivering with every thrust of the dildo. On the way, another orgasm nearly made her swerve off the road, and she was pulled over by a policeman. He asked for her license, and then asked how much she’d had to drink. Gasping and twitching, she explained that she hadn’t been drinking, but that a voodoo dick was stuck in her pussy, and wouldn’t stop screwing.
The officer looked at her for a second, and then said, “Yea, right. Voodoo dick, my ass!”
Voodoo Dick
Ebaum Published 03/06/2007
Hahahaha!
I get it
Many of the sailors surrounding me have modest pensions or receive Social Security benefits. But the younger cruisers cannot qualify for that. Instead, they use their REAL skills to survive comfortably. Right now within 100 yards of me are young men and women who make their living by repairing canvas, working on engines, sharpening knives, filling propane tanks with gravity rigs, woodworking, welding, painting, etc.
There are no rich yachtsmen in the Sea Gypsy Tribes. The folks on those mega-yachts are the same folks with million dollar bunkers. They are the enemy in most cases.
Well said. What I refer to as “tea sippers” or otherwise those that may egotistically walk around with noses high. People like…nm.
They pay the taxes so the free shit army can play on their boats and pretend to be self-sufficient. What does a sea gypsy do when they get sick or have a problem? Who pays the bill when they call for help?
Really? Put the crack pipe down.
Go down to the harbor and smell the weed Tex. This crowd is not self sufficient in any stretch of the imagination. They all have Daddy or welfare. FACT
People who put “FACT” as though it settles things are truly fucking morons.
Is that a FACT? Go suck a dick. FACT
It’s too long a drive to any harbor. Someday perhaps I’ll go Red Snapper fishing again at Port Aransas but I don’t know that counts?
Most “sea Gypsies” are on welfare. FACT!
Lets see the evidence.
Most desirable harbors in the U.S. have some deadbeats living aboard crappy piece of junk boats. These are not Sea Gypsies. These are free-loaders. True Sea Gypsies have ocean-capable boats and the self-reliant skills to maximize them.
Arguing with a cnn/msnbc fact checker is pointless. Their minds are already made up and you’ll only confuse them and cause all manner of angst if you tell them otherwise. umm, which can be fun to, but tedious after a while.
Surprised that it comes across as arguing, since I have only responded twice to his numerous insulting remarks. And both of those responses have been calm and explanatory.
I see genuine merit in my Sea Gypsy Tribe concept and do not want to see it maligned without defending it. Of course, I realize that this anonymous individual will never be convinced. My responses are for the wider TBP readers.
I should have stated ‘engaging’ instead or arguing.
I get also that you aren’t responding to this person but the others in the room. My point is there are times, as you know, that the others in the room can clearly see the banality of criticisms and this person, doesn’t really warrant a response.
btw, I also do enjoy your writings, and responses too.
Hey A a Moos,
I got that your intent was cordial.
Truly, I would not engage – but in some cases my expertise is probably somewhat singular. E.g. distinguishing between the lay-about drunks who pollute the Key West waterfront and true Sea Gypsies who are also there, seemed to be worth clarifying.
I may be convinced but first let us know where you get all your money?
Social Security. And because I was in the Underground Economy most of my working life as a street juggler, it is not much. But since my boat is paid off, my expenses are just food, drink and misc.
Almost all of us out here in the fleet live simple and happy lives. BTW medical care in the Third World is quite good and at a fraction of the First World. That is why there is such a thing as Medical Tourism and nowadays even Dental Tourism.
Hope this helps.
The exclamation point makes it true. lol!
Been bitching about the entire scenario for MANY years. No pun toward the gypsy. When I started posting on this site I bitched about free loaders and still do. Someone replied there will always be those types with US. What to do, what to do…
Oh you mean the sea peasants. I got it now. Sorry for the reality check.
So now people with money are the enemy. How many sea gypsies are on food stamps or members of the free shit army? 99% is my guess.
Its a life style, not a job. You want wealth then stay land based, start a business and generate wealth. Want a simple, relaxed lifestyle, then this type of life suits that. Work at the trade you know to generate the cash you need for whatever you’ll need cash for. Simple means some sacrifices are made, no extra cars, no toys sitting in the toy shed, no huge house and pool with the fancy, in debt to the eyebrows attachments.
“To each his own” I suppose. Big houses are too much to maintain. If one has big bucks to hire everything done good for them. Things do not make me happy. A simpler lifestyle with a “million dollar” quietness suits me fine. Very fortunate.
Incidentally, I’m among the minority here that does not own an ATV. I have and old pickup truck and a couple riding mowers and a small trailer. Works for me. When I moved here it was like everybody “wants” an ATV. I’ll just walk to my mailbox , thank you. To each his own. Having to get on an ATV just to check the mailbox is quite the laziness IMO.
Lavish lifestyle compared to mine. No atv, old reliable PU, push mower and no trailer, thats what the PU is for. But yup, each to their own.
I got a trailer because I have an SUV that will pull it and I don’t want to buy a PU.
My trailer is a HUGE 8 foot long, a utility trailer. Riding mowers come in handy when mowing 3 acres. I did have a used tractor but now that the pines are thriving, as I planted each and every sprig by hand, no ask government to do it for me, there’s 10 acres or so that no need mow. The rest is in water. And the pines, me no look at them with dollar bill signs in my eyes. It’s called “privacy”. I use to get by with a push mower in the city. I still have the last $120 push mower, a Craftsman with B&S engine. I do use it within our “yard proper” just for the extra exercise.
BTW, folks I see checking their mailboxes ( this is a rural area) , I cannot say they (even the women) do not weigh close to 300 pounds.
Last sentence equals white trash government cradle to grave toads. Many people are born into it, black , white, whatever. Some never get out.
“BTW, folks I see checking their mailboxes ( this is a rural area) , I cannot say they (even the women) do not weigh close to 300 pounds.”
You do not live in Burleson County, Texas then.
All women here a fat bastards.
No, but I know where that is. I’m surprised the smaller ATVs can handle the weight.
It is 1400 ft to my mailbox, but if I ever get an ATV, that’s not what I will use it for. When we first moved here I would drive the garbage can to the road (we do have economical garbage service here somehow). Now I just use it as an excuse for a short dog walk.
That is close distance to what I “walk down” to the mailbox. However, very much thieving of rural mailboxes here so because of the thieves we have a PO box. That entails driving a vehicle to pick up “important” mail and USPS deliveries 9 miles away yet mostly done on the weekly shopping spree to “town”. Meth heads and who knows what other type thieves be checking others’ rural mailboxes.
You have rattlers don’t you? Put them in your mailbox. Assuming there are no post deliveries to it. Junkies won’t know.
Just how long do you think a rattler would last in a roadside mailbox before it got baked???
A month maybe
I don’t want to kill the regular postal delivery driver that places the junk mail in the mailbox or I might think about it. Fortunately we have had nothing important stolen before signing up for the P.O. box. Others in the area have had stuff stolen and there was a rash of it when the “lockdowns” occurred, perhaps bored school kids.
1,500′ for us. But, we have almost 6 acres to maintain, so bought a 4WD Gator with a hydraulic rear bed. 15+ debris loads/week. Our lovely Palmettos are bulbed weeds.
Makes a nice bonfire.
Tell yourself all the lies you want to believe. I live in the world of truth.
oh, I bet you win ALL the arguments in your head right!?!?
Only took you 2 days, outstanding. sharp as ever
Hello again … and for the final time.
I have lived as a true Sea Gypsy for 31 years. I raced in the Single-handed Transpac Race from San Francisco to Hawaii and back. 50 days alone at sea. I successfully sailed the Northwest Passage which took 86 days. It also took 4 centuries for explorers to finally find their way through. I am no Peter Pan.
I have been polite and patient with you. You might want to do a little self examination and question why you have so much anger directed towards a group of people who have found a way of living that brings them joy and fulfillment and that is not a drain on any government or system.
Just curious, how do you know? Does everything come with little blue checks on it?
See, I think you are wrong. I work to find the truth, but am quite aware that we live in a world of lies.
Am trying to follow this thread and keep things straight. So, I am a Deep Pockets guy who somehow still has to rely on my long dead daddy. I am also an Old Money guy who is also part of the Free Shit Army. And despite 25 years trying to do so professionally, I still can’t juggle. Oops, check that I am not Old Money, I am a Sea Peasant, who lives in a world of lies.
Damn, all I am actually doing is trying to share some helpful ideas with anyone who might find value in them.
I love the idea, personally. Getting my SO on a boat ? To live ? Permanently ? That shall never happen in this lifetime 😉
I also think you are a good sport, to put up with that baiting ass.
Hi DB,
On my normal essays I don’t engage as much with the readers here at TBP. But with my Sea Gypsy Tribe articles, I really try to defend them since I believe that it is a really valuable approach to emergency planning. My fear is that lots of people will wait until it is too late and then regret not having spent the time, money and effort to get prepared.
Good joke!
Simple life style because the other people in society are doing all the work while these people take a free ride in most cases. Get their girl pregnant and she goes to the same hospital you go to except you pay $20,000 and she pays $0. FACT!!! The free shit Gypsy army has a simple life because they take a free ride in most cases. OH wait, the sea gypsies don’t screw. They don’t get sick, they don’t pay taxes. BLA BLA BLA. They are a figment of your imagination. Peter Pan was one.
Real Sea Gypsies give birth on deck during a storm. Free shit army Gypsies get Medical. Some even get a disability check because they have a bad back. REALITY IS A BITCH!
Yikes! I’m only supposing Ray knows what he is doing and as far as generating wealth, screw the system. I’m doing ok just as I am. Some say one cannot take it (money) with them when they croak and there certainly seems to be those that have that love of money thing going on. And one does not have to be “rich” to fall into that trap.
“How do you store or generate any wealth while playing around on the water? ”
You take out paying passengers you nimrod. Like I do.
https://www.getmyboat.com/trips/QY67kAzK/
So that’s how the Sea Gypsy makes money? I thought that was a charter service where you had to have the permits and the coastguard approval and a taxpayer ID # to file and pay your taxes. I guess I really must be a nimrod. WTF is a nimrod?
Black market, the only form of “true” capitalism.
“WTF is a nimrod?”
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=nim%20rod
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Nimrod/
Also ‘Instrumental’ in:
https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/bible-stories/2/tower-of-babel/
Are you saying that a person’s skill set is MORE important than the color of their skin and gender identity/sexual orientation?? I’ve never heard of such a thing in America! There are words for this, mister.
Would you believe that the majority of people who made up BLM & Antifa in my old stomping grounds were WHITE? I have seen white people on their knees APOLOGIZING for who they are. Pure insanity.
I agree with you about learning a trade and avoiding the college route. I try to explain this whenever I can to young people and their families. Why set yourself up to work for woke companies and institutions who will rip away your income & stability the moment you won’t comply with their experimental jabs or woke BS?? Makes ZERO sense to me. I will never give someone that much control over my life EVER again.
People want what you have, Ray, and that is your ability to live life on YOUR terms. Many can’t do that for whatever reason. You made it happen and I’m sure you have some amazing stories of adventures to tell. What a life well-lived. You should think about writing a book someday of all your adventures. 😉
Oh, beautiful picture of your boat. I notice that there is plenty of room in the cabin to prepare a 5-course meal. Just sayin’.
Love, love, love your articles. Keep them coming as I am bored to tears with all the happenings in the world these days.
Hi Abigail,
Thanks for all of the kind remarks.
AVENTURA is gorgeous on the outside and quite exquisite on the inside as well. Take that as you wish. There is an interior shot of her at my Blog. If you visit, you will also find an email address. Perhaps we could discuss my menu ideas. 🙂
One of my missions is to convince people that this style of highly independent sea roving is way more affordable than almost everyone realizes. Not only are the costs lower but the soul-sapping nuisances are also less. Although the dangers and exhilaration are higher.
Also, at my Blog are links to my first two books which are entitled TALES OF A SEA GYPSY and THE SEA GYPSY PHILOSOPHER. My third, which is called SEA GYPSY MEMORIES is in its final edit.
However, I have been told in the past that hearing my stories told in person adds a certain charm…
Thanks again, A.
So are you an author and a blogger or a Gypsy that lives off the ocean? Because I can be anything a whole lot easier if I have something else to pay the bills with.
I can be a cattle rancher a whole lot easier if I have an oil well on the back forty.
I’m not saying you aren’t a great man or that you personally are on the system but there is a certain spin being put on with the tales of freedom.
Do you pay income taxes? Because if not, the IRS will soon own your boat and sell it at auction.
That’s a joke, right?
I don’t know about the BLM thing though. What I saw in Baton Rouge , LA some years ago was the opposite on the BLM thing.
Operators are standing by… 🙂
if I was younger, I’d become a sea gypsy – sounds fantastic! (I did sail when I was young, but then hubby didn’t like boats for some reason)
While I see a lot of appeal in the “Sea Gypsy”life I have spent me times in the woods/hills and feel am a “Brush Hippy” for life.That said,as with all life still have a lot to learn,hopefully have enough knowledge when things go very bad.
As for the marauders coming to the hills,feel for most part folks who will sit in a tree/stand/stalk for just one good shot hunting will for most part be OK.
As always,build tribe.
I spent 7 months at sea in the Marines. I am land lubber through and through. The oceans are pretty, but I need to see green.
Had a little Sunfish when was about fourteen called The Queen Ann’s Revenge, actually sailed her about a dozen miles from where they recently found the real one out from Beaufort. There is nothing like sailing at night.
Hi Ginger,
Thanks so much for the tunes. I have them all onboard except Come Sail Away, which I will soon add to my stash.
The EMPs from nuclear weapons detonation may negatively affect the electronic devices you think you’ll have. May not. Plan to be without.
Hey Mick,
The Tribes in the Banana Latitudes will probably do alright. Most likely any EMPs will be detonated over the big continental land masses. But it is all research and educated guessing.
Been trying to buy acreage in Nicaragua but real estate agents in rural areas won’t answer emails or site contact messages. Anyone on TBP know of any persons or agents in Nico?
Be careful. Many of these South/Central American ads are scams.
Find an English speaking lawyer and have them do the contact and due diligence.
We were looking at a farm in Costa Rica. The lawyer dug a bit and found out it was a cousin of the owner (with same name) who was trying to commit fraud. He did not own the farm but had access to the paperwork through the family. He was trying to get (steal) a big deposit before sale.
DO NOT try to directly deal with the locals or local realtors. Get a lawyer.
Good advice.
I won’t buy anything unless I look at it first and not about to put a deposit on anything. I figure IF… I can find something I like I’ll make an escrow account there. Actually there are several acreages I do like.
Finding a good lawyer too, is an issue. Especially if you don’t live there. Thats for the heads up and confirmations. Still looking for locals in Ecuador and Nico for feedback etc.
No, but the Bushes were said to have purchased land at one time in Paraguay, S. America.
Always love your posts, RayJay…keep’um coming…Thanks….
Gracias nkit,
And I love your contributions with your writing, your Friday Fail and the Sunday Classics.
I think it’s genius you learned how to live on boats in the sea.
Pretty sure you are in company of a very long tradition….maybe you have some Phoenician DNA!
Hi Eud,
I certainly would love to have Phoenician genes. They were some brilliant mariners. AND their primary interest was trade and not conquest, although they had plenty of small colonies along the logical stops on those trading routes. Always nice not having to deal with foreign bureaucrats upon arrival.
A book you might really enjoy is Peter Freuchen’s BOOK OF THE SEVEN SEAS. He was a high latitude guy, and because I did the fabled Northwest Passage successfully in 2017, I love his stuff.
Ray Jason,
Thank you for the book tip.
I found a free pdf (including all the plates) online!
https://oceanofpdf.com/authors/peter-freuchen/pdf-peter-freuchens-book-of-the-seven-seas-download/
Started reading……aaand
Totally up my alley!
It is fascinating to me to see how people thought of things just 70 years ago!
Thanks for the link. That book helped me make it through Vietnam. Don’t know where my copy went. Probably loaned it to a shipmate.
Now they are rare and expensive, so the link will be great.
Looks good, sounds good, till a rock holes yer bote or you run aground in a storm, or heavily armed pirates overrun you and pitch you into the vast deep, where men tell no tales…
Who do you call when you have an accessed tooth that’s driving you crazy with pain?
I have lived aboard the handsome boat pictured with this article full time since 1992. She has not been holed by a rock, run aground and damaged nor have I been chucked overboard by pirates. I am a fine archer and a good marksman. I intend to make any pirates regret their decision to engage me. I have had an abscessed tooth at sea. You use a local anesthetic gel on the gum by the tooth and take antibiotics for 7-10 days.
Self-reliance. It’s both handy and fun.
What’s amazing to see is how unlike what was going on invisibly behind the scenes by powerful people for other “Turnings”, today the Internet has identified the .oo1% that are trying to put 99.999% of humanity in tyranny and many depopulated by the millions or more. Yet not a single one of the 99.999% that know who the major players are do a damn thing. NOTHING. Where the H are the Jihadists when we need them?
Hi Ray
Truly enjoy your stories and appreciate your posting here. Though I grew up in Miami and spent a lot of time in/on the water as a child and teen, have only been sailing a few times. Loved it! Reading your posts–and perusing the pics on your site–brings back ‘that feeling’ of warm breezes, sunshine, salt water, the scents of the docks, fishing, swimming, snorkeling on the reefs. Heading out thru ‘Stiltsville’ at sunrise when the water was still as glass–magical!
If we were young, my better half and I would pursue such a survival plan in a heartbeat. We’ve suggested it as an option to our grandsons–no interest.
We are old now and our lives took a different direction. It took many years to acquire our little cabin in the woods (and we’re still working on it). This is where we’ll ride out ‘the storm’, come what may.
We prepare for what we can but, ultimately, our trust is in the King of Kings. We have peace. Appears you and your tribe do as well.
Happy Sails!
H PA P,
I assume the PA is short for Pennsylvania or Panama or Dad. Whichever, thanks for the kind remarks. Sounds like you have put together a nice scene and survival platform. BTW, if you have room to practice, you might try archery. I call it The Silent Persuader. I also am quite capable with louder persuaders, but the sheer psych out of suddenly getting hit by an arrow, is enormous in my opinion.
Our whole family shoots a mean recurve bow. The children are the best. It will serve them well for the rest of their lives. Was good for Katniss, after all.
Hi S L,
I have a Samick Sage 45 pound take-down recurve. Possibly, the best few hundred I ever spent. Quite vicious if it chooses to be. Two other REALLY SUPERB bowsmen in my own Tribe. I truly do think that the shock of getting hit with an arrow is a force multiplier.
Could You please relate some of the more ‘concerning’ experiences?
From being ‘becalmed’, (think that’s a real Nautical term) to having to don “Bring Me my Brown Pants”?
Any/All that You may have the time/inclination to share would be interesting, to say the least.
Clearly, You survived whateva.
Not that i would want you to relive the most harrowing, but surely there MUST have been a few?
Thank You again for the interesting articles and posts.
Water world.
That’s it a pirate fleet. I’m in!
The concept is very interesting but it depends on what coast your talking about. I’m a west coast sailor, 20+ years as a private yacht captain with a 200 ton ticket and lately a long range delivery captain. Been on the ocean my whole life being from Catalina Island. Heading south as north is not an option, means Hawaii is out, many of the islands south are at this time, covid paranoid freaks and restrictions are many. French Polynesia, Fiji,Tonga, and to a more degree Niue as it has such a small population. Best would be the Gambiers in south east French Polynesia. But critical repairs, food resupply, navigable channels are interesting and butt clinching especially further north in the Tuamotos, which may be the best place for a tribe to hang/hide out. Like Ranigora .
A nuke blast would totally f everything up.
East coast I know squat about but maybe the Azores? East coast of Africa?
I have a plan already in place with a 42′ cat the is fully ready at all times in a port that takes minutes to leave on the west coast. Straight out to about 140 or so and turn left and haul ass. Weather permitting which is whole other topic to deal with. Assuming your tribes boat are capable as well as their crew to handle sudden squalls blowing 60, dodging potential hurricanes of Mexico and the ability to keep their shit together with 60kts and 6 to 10 ‘ seas for a few days.
There is a lot more about the crews that I hope you have taken in account and not all of it is good.
Concept is good as it get folks off their to butt to think about this and other options that may fit their lives.
Oh yea one last thing, most don’t know that the boat can take a helluva lot more than you can and a fraked out crew is a very dangerous thing.
Matthew 8:26 Context
23And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him! 28And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. 29And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?