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We’re Always Too Busy to Take Time Off 

If you’ve been following us for a while, you know that Jeffrey and I are dedicated to our business, our clients, and of course, the David B. And this means is that we are always coming up with excuses as to why we are too busy to take a break or to go on a vacation. Each day we wake up and hit the ground running. I’m sometimes amazed by just how much coffee we drink in the “off-season.” Our to-do lists are long and grow like weeds on a warm spring day. When we entertain the idea of going and doing something fun, we usually look at the calendar, count the days until the season begins, and then decline the chance to go ski, or maybe even sit on a beach and stare at the water with warm sand between our toes. This is not a good way to be. 

For the last couple of years, we have been trying to remember that taking a break, experiencing something new, or visiting a favorite place or good friends is really the right thing to do. That it’s ok not to work all the time. That it’s ok to let the to-do list simmer for a bit. So, this winter we made it a point to set down our to-do lists, pack up the car and go visit some friends in the Tahoe area, as well as finally commit to a vacation with my sister and her husband to visit good friends in Juneau. Additionally, both visits also held the promise of getting to spend time hitting the slopes. 

Our first trip was a road trip to Tahoe. It was scheduled somewhat at the last minute, and we really questioned ourselves whether we had the time to go. We knew it would be a dash to get there and back. However, we’ve learned that like writing a story, or drawing a picture, sometimes it’s better to step away for a break and come back to our tasks with a freshness that you don’t get by just powering through.  

It was so much fun! Our friends Bill and Andi opened their home to us, introduced us to their friends, and we got to ski at a couple of fantastic resorts. Interestingly, it was the chairlift rides with our friends that were the best. We caught up on all the things we’ve been doing, and talked about how much we looked forward to seeing them on the boat this summer. We also got a chance to ski with one of their friends who will be coming on the David B for the first time. We also got to meet their new dog Chloe who won our hearts with her determination and focus as she asked us to play fetch again and again. 

Our second trip we’d been planning for a longer time. It included a business meeting to put some logistics in place for the summer, but it was also at the end of February and beginning of March. March first is the deadline for starting any new projects on the boat and is also the beginning of the biggest push to finish up all the winter projects in progress, not to mention that as soon as we got home, we would take the David B to the boatyard for its annual haulout.  

As we packed for the trip, yes, there were a million tasks to complete so it was hard to let the to-do list simmer. However, several days of skiing, making meals, enjoying the company of family, friends and their dogs confirmed this trip was the right thing to do. Now I’m so thankful that we didn’t talk ourselves out of either of these trips.  

While we wait for our return flight out of Juneau, I find myself scrolling through all the pictures of the last two weeks on my phone. I’m filled with happy feelings as I relive the moments of joy, laughter, shared meals, and unique experiences. I feel renewed, reconnected to people I love and eager to get back to work. I’m ready to put on my work clothes and start prepping the David B for the summer.  

I can’t tell you how excited I am for this upcoming season. I look forward to welcoming everyone on the boat, sharing meals and experiences and making memories that will last a lifetime. Sometimes you need to renew yourself so you can be a part of an experience that renews others.  
 
If you haven’t already booked your trip, don’t delay. Now is always the best time to renew yourself aboard the David B.  

Sincerely,

Christine
First Mate, Head Chef and Naturalist

PS
If you would like to renew yourself on the David B, now’s the time to contact Sarah in Reservations. She’s happy to help you find the perfect trip. You can see our 2024 and 2025 trips at our Schedule and Rates Page.