To help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the government isn’t just asking but mandating people to remain at a distance from one another. Called social distancing, it appears to be working. Considering the number of people who’ve contracted COVID-19 and those who’ve lost their lives, we all must play by the rules.
Working toward a goal
Back in October of 2019, a man by the name of Bert terHart took off in his 40-foot ocean-faring sailboat. Heading out from Victoria, British Columbia, his goal is to travel non-stop around the globe. And he plans to do it without any electronic navigational equipment whatsoever. That’s quite a feat.
Dreaming big
Ultimately, terHart wants to be the first person in North America to complete a journey of this kind. The only things he’s relying on are an almanac, sextant, paper, pen, and a logbook for navigational purposes.
A unique coincidence
The fact this man is trying to do something like this is incredible on its own. But what makes his journey even more interesting is that right now during the pandemic, he’s the safest person on earth.
He had no clue
You see, terHart had planned this adventure well before the pandemic hit. So, he’s out in the middle of the ocean, enjoying peace, quietness, and no fear of contracting this potentially deadly virus.
Taking longer than expected
Due to the risk of high winds and hurricanes, terHart has had to navigate around rough waters. As a result, a journey he expected to take about six months has been extended. Even so, he remains in great spirits and is optimistic he’ll succeed.
News from afar
On a sailor blog, one of the forums he uses to keep people updated, he wrote that as of April 1, he’d already completed about two-thirds of the journey. But he also discussed some of the challenges he’s faced.
Beyond rough waters
Along with rough seas, terHart has battled extreme temperatures that range from bitterly cold to blistering hot. He’s also had to deal with a few emergency repairs and food that turned moldy. But all in all, he’s doing great.
Oh, the irony
As part of his journey, terHart can’t disembark at any port. That means he had to start with a well-stocked boat. He included food and water, of course, but also various essentials…including toilet paper of all things. Not only is he safe from the coronavirus but he’s probably doing better than most of us in that department.
But he does have a companion
This courageous sailor isn’t traveling around the world alone. He has a companion by the name of Mr. Salty. It’s not a dog or cat but a stuffed seal. Even though his friend isn’t real, somehow, he continues to stir up trouble on the vessel.
His purpose
As Bert explained, taking this journey isn’t so much about doing something that no one else has done. But rather, he hopes to inspire the younger generation to reach for the stars. Instead of being afraid to do what they dream of, make it happen.
Excellent advice
This is what terHart wants to tell others, “Self-isolation is an opportunity to learn more about oneself. It is rare that we have the time to really examine what it is like that we want to become, and hope to leave behind as a legacy.”
He added, “These are fundamental questions and need good answers. Our normal lives generally preclude the time necessary to really examine them in detail. This, for some, might very well be that time.” Considering the world’s current state with COVID-19, he makes a profound point.
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Source: Goodnews Network, Instagram
