I've been getting several emails and PMs from members asking general questions about our Pearson365.com website. I use the term "our website" because I don't look at it as something I "own", but more like something that I have the privilege to play a small part in the operation. First some basics, the site costs $95/yr to operate which if I remember correctly includes the yearly registration fee for the domain name and hosting on the http://www.lunarpages.com (http://www.lunarpages.com) web server. So we are not talking about high yearly costs that will cut into our small cruising kitty when we cast off on October 27th. Yes, our monthly budget will be small and yes it's true, that on October 27th we will be heading South from San Diego and Lord willing, stay out Cruising for 4-5yrs. During that time, I'm sure I'll have plenty of web access to check up on the site for some standard Administration type stuff: backing up the database, activating new members, deleting spam, etc, but when I leave Garner (SailingSeaDragon) has graciously agreed to have the account activation emails sent to his address and I will give him the "secrete code" that unlocks the maze of Administration functions, many of which I have NO Idea how to operate or what they do. Honestly, the site pretty much runs itself.
So don't panic, http://www.pearson365.com (http://www.pearson365.com) won't vanish when we cast off and as I've said before, even if the unthinkable day comes and we sell our Pearson 356 for....oh....maybe a larger boat....a Pearson 424 maybe... the site will be passed on for the enjoyment of the active members.
On just a little personal note, I want to thank you guys for all the great advice and help you have given me as I have been undergoing the refit on THIRD DAY. I've enjoyed the great community of knowledgeable people here with the desire to share their information with people that don't have a clue....like me. THIRD DAY is almost as ready as she can be for the trip although the Admiral still wants a quarter berth for our family of 4, but that's not going to happen....every boat is a compromise...right.
Some might already be aware that we are planning on producing a series of Cruising DVD's while we are out. Our first will be of the Baja Ha ha Cruisers Rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas. We then plan to focus on all aspects of Cruising with a family, from boat selection and preparation to what it is really like as we cruise down Mexico and Central America dealing with boat repair and maintenance, provisioning and interacting with the locals. We have many reasons for being excited about Third Day Productions. First it will give us the opportunity to raise some money not only for our cruising kitty, but for the missionary and aid work we are planning on doing with the locals. From the first day I dreamed about cruising and shared the though with my wife Lori, we knew that we had to somehow do it in a way that would give us the opportunity to talk about and take action on what we consider the most important thing in our lives....our relationship with Jesus Christ. Our boat name THIRD DAY was dreamed up by Lori one night, as a way to remember the day the Oceans were created in the Biblical account of Creation, on the "Third Day". The film project will also be a great activity for our two kids to get evolved with and create a great memory for them. Most of the camera and gear has been bought and tested.....yet another expense that has blown our budget right out of the water....and we can't wait to start the project.
I've rambled on long enough, now back to my to-do-list....move aboard on July 4th and cast off on Oct 27th....they will be here before we know it!
God Bless
Thank you for all that you have done for fellow 365 owners and to be owners. May God Bless and keep you and your family as you start and share a very special portion of you lives.
Lon
s/v Sanctuary
Take care Rich and God bless you an your mission.